There has been a big buzz about tiny houses lately, making them a discussion-worthy trend. Certainly living in a tiny house has its appeal: smaller footprint, minimalist lifestyle, affordability, never being asked to host Thanksgiving dinner… But for some, making the move may not be all gravy. So let’s take a look at what it’s really like to move into a tiny house, examine the benefits and the sacrifices of moving into one, and see some really cool layouts and features of tiny houses done right.
If moving into a tiny house is something you’re seriously considering, then you must first take a look at your family and your lifestyle. Are you a couple with three young kids? Do you have rambunctious indoor dogs? Do you currently own a large home and you’re thinking about downsizing? Are you an apartment dweller whose credit or finances have kept you from your dream of home ownership?
Cramped Quarters.
Captain obvious, right? While this is fine for many single people, it is something to really take into consideration for couples and families. Most tiny houses have open floor plans to make them feel more spacious. Many floor plans do not have bedrooms with doors, or walls for that matter. Most tiny houses only have one small bathroom. This means that you will not have much privacy from your partner or your children, and vice versa. Your teenager won’t be able to stomp off to his bedroom in angst, slam the door, and play loud, horrific noise that is supposed to pass as music.
Speaking of Bathrooms…
Some tiny houses are mobile and on wheels, others are meant to stay where they’re planted, and that can make a difference in plumbing and how your tiny home will handle waste.
Ideally, you can get your home hooked up to city sewage or a septic tank, especially if you plan on making that location your permanent residence. Another option is a composting toilet. Yep, sawdust and bucket type setup. It is pretty much what you imagine, although with the popularity of these houses, there are a variety of manufacturers that make different compost toilet options. A dry flush toilet is a space-age looking contraption with a foil toilet bowl. When you flush, the foil twists and seals your waste like an adult diaper genie. Still, many tiny homes opt for a low-flush toilet with a holding tank that needs to be emptied, similar to an RV.
Some homeowners opt to have no plumbing in their tiny houses, some have holding tanks that need to be refilled, and some opt for a regular plumbing hookup. Decide what your needs are and how much you like to cook and shower.
Saving the Planet
Many tiny homes are solar powered. This means that they do not need to rely on being hooked up to a power grid, and therefore have a low carbon footprint. This also means no electric bill for you!
Additionally, some manufacturers are making tiny homes out of recycled material, which is great for the environment! Many homeowners have taken to growing their own fruits and vegetables to live off-grid, if you will.
Minimalist Lifestyle
If you are a novice chef, make no mistake that you are going to have to give up your gourmet kitchen and all its extravagant amenities. Most tiny houses have galley kitchens, as these types of homes tend to be more narrow than traditional houses.
Many people find themselves downsizing their wardrobe quite a bit. There is not a lot of space for clothes and shoes in a tiny home. Knick knacks and tchotchkes are generally minimal in tiny houses because space is valuable and the last thing you want is for your tiny house to feel cluttered.
Cool Tiny House Features
To make them look more spacious, tiny houses generally have lots of windows and skylights. This makes the living space bright, and gives the feeling that the outside is an extension of the living space.
Your house will generally have to have special appliances. Not only will your appliances need to be energy friendly, they also need to be space-friendly, and therefore smaller than your standard appliances.
Tiny houses have washers, and some even have dryers, that are stacked or placed under beds or bookshelves.
Stairs can be made into drawers and closets can pull out from walls. Every last inch of space must be creatively used to maximize storage and declutter your house.
Affordability
For the cost of a car, you can own your own home. That is an attractive option for renters who are looking to save money, pay down debt, or work on their credit scores. You can pay cash for a house, live on solar energy, and keep your bills to a minimum. It is no exaggeration that people who move into tiny homes save literally thousands of dollars a year, often times tens of thousands.
The more luxurious a small house, generally the heavier it is, and therefore less mobile. Be mindful of where you want to live and how mobile you would like your home to be. Look into tiny home parking restrictions ahead of time to save yourself hassle and money.
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