As the tiny home movement continues to gain momentum; it’s becoming increasingly clear that women are the most significant driver (Realtor)— representing over 55 percent of sales. In addition, the majority of tiny home enthusiasts are over 45 years old (American Tiny House Association). Whether looking to reduce expenses, eliminate debt, simplify life, create free time and/or generally find financial security, there are many motivators to check out tiny living.
The homes are cute, mobile, affordable, and increasingly accepted as many jurisdictions across the country are legalizing tiny houses as viable living options for their communities.
While the decision to jettison lots of possessions and live within a small space is a significant hurdle, once cleared, there are several others to consider before starting on the tiny house journey. Though not covered in detail here, these links will aid in your exploration.
Affordability: Living tiny is more affordable but purchasing a tiny home is a big investment. At $50,000 to $100,000 for a ready-made model and $20,000 to $50,000 for a self-built home, coming up with the cash can be a challenge. Here are some financing options if you don’t have that kind of money lying around: Tiny Home Financing
Location: Once a tiny home owner, you’ll need a place to park it. And unless you are willing to go outlaw, that can be a challenge. Fortunately, the list of cities that have legalized tiny living, or are in the process of doing so, is growing. San Luis Obispo, California is the latest (SLO News).
Others can be found here. For more information about placing your tiny home check Realtor zoning and AARP Tiny Home Laws.
Most importantly, let your local authorities know you want to live tiny and encourage them to make tiny living legal.
Comfort: Now that you have decided to purchase a tiny home and you’ve secured a space for it, you’ll need to choose a model you can actually enjoy living in. Tiny homes can be cute and moveable, but “roomy” they are not. Given the highway constraints of 8.5 feet wide, even larger models can feel cramped. To compensate for that, designers are creative in making storage while leaving space to actually move about the home. The results are a mix of tight quarters, dual use furniture, low ceilings, and overhead loft sleeping areas. For the young and nimble, ladders and stairs might be feasible, but for the rest of us climbing steep stairs and ladders is simply not attractive and can be downright dangerous—particularly for a sleepy, middle-of-the-night bathroom visit.
For models that offer sleeping on the main level, the solutions include pull-out sofas, motorized beds that elevate during the day, and murphy beds. To make these solutions work, main level living often becomes increasingly cramped with smaller kitchens and bathrooms.
There is, however, a solution that preserves living space while keeping everything on one 295 square foot level. The Corbett Canyon Model Expandable Tiny Home from Central Coast Tiny Homes. Like the slide outs on RV’s this model transforms from a sleek eight feet wide for transportation to a spacious fifteen feet wide for living. The result is a large airy high-ceiling open-concept living area, kitchen, and sleeping space combined with a roomy senior-friendly bathroom. All of this in a manageable 21.5 by 8 foot trailer. To achieve the same living area on a conventional 8 foot trailer would require a whopping 36 feet in length.