Tiny Homes: Big Adventures
10-05-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
The American Dream—for many this includes a couple of kids and a pet or two wrapped up in a home of their own, possibly surrounded by a white picket fence. Unfortunately, since the housing bubble burst driving the financial crisis in 2008, people have been more apprehensive about investing in real estate. This has been an influencing factor that resulted in a growing number of people embracing the tiny house movement.
Generally seen as more economically and ecologically friendly, a small dwelling has most of the benefits of regular home-ownership without a few of the drawbacks. There are many tiny home manufacturers, plus—with a minimal investment, carpentry or handyman skills, and a can-do attitude—you can even build your own.
For the most part, the more square-footage your home is, the more it's going to cost. A larger building requires more acreage and more materials, which increases the cost of the initial investment. Usually, prospective owners obtain a bank loan to cover the expenses, and then spend much of their lives making payments to get out of debt.
Tiny homes cost less initially, as well as over time. Many people are able to save up a little and buy them outright. Others purchase the materials as they can afford to and build them personally. Afterward, the cost for heating and cooling is much less than their larger counterparts, especially if they're decently insulated.
Ecologically Responsible
A smaller house usually means a smaller carbon footprint, as well. It takes less fuel to heat, cool, and illuminate it. Less energy and fewer products are required to keep it clean and maintained, as well. Plus, with smaller rooms, occupants are (forced) enticed to downsize. This means that they likely only keep what they require and sell or giveaway everything else. Overall, this reduces waste.
Minimalist Lifestyle
For a variety of reasons, the "less is more" way of life is gaining traction. Some people embrace it as a matter of necessity. For others, it's about prioritizing experiences over possessions. Whatever the motive, living in a small house assists in this endeavor.
Plus, as full-time RVers know, residing in a smaller-than-average space encourages you to get creative and spend more time outside. Your home doesn't need to be large if you incorporate outdoor cooking or seating areas.
Relocate with Ease
Tiny domiciles are perfect for those who are unsure where they want to live, or enjoy moving around regularly. If your home is on wheels, (after securing anything that may move around in transit) you just hitch it up and pull it to the next location. Although you can't use them in most campgrounds or RV parks, you may be able to hook up at a trailer park or even stay on the property of a friend or family member.
In Conclusion
Making the move to a tiny home is a big step. In order to increase your likelihood of success and overall satisfaction, it's important to assess your current lifestyle, as well as your anticipated needs. Consider renting a small travel trailer to see how well you adapt to smaller quarters before investing in a fulltime residence. With all of the benefits this lifestyle provides, it isn't for everyone. Good luck!
Generally seen as more economically and ecologically friendly, a small dwelling has most of the benefits of regular home-ownership without a few of the drawbacks. There are many tiny home manufacturers, plus—with a minimal investment, carpentry or handyman skills, and a can-do attitude—you can even build your own.
Related Read: 10 Really Cool Homemade RV's
Tiny Homes Cost LessFor the most part, the more square-footage your home is, the more it's going to cost. A larger building requires more acreage and more materials, which increases the cost of the initial investment. Usually, prospective owners obtain a bank loan to cover the expenses, and then spend much of their lives making payments to get out of debt.
Related Read: Can you Finance Your Full-time RVing Lifestyle with Work Camping Alone?
After the house is bought or built, the expense to maintain it is also dependent partially on its size. Owners of large properties often pay quite a bit of property tax. Plus, it costs more to heat and cool the vast areas of even medium-sized homes.Tiny homes cost less initially, as well as over time. Many people are able to save up a little and buy them outright. Others purchase the materials as they can afford to and build them personally. Afterward, the cost for heating and cooling is much less than their larger counterparts, especially if they're decently insulated.
Ecologically Responsible
A smaller house usually means a smaller carbon footprint, as well. It takes less fuel to heat, cool, and illuminate it. Less energy and fewer products are required to keep it clean and maintained, as well. Plus, with smaller rooms, occupants are (forced) enticed to downsize. This means that they likely only keep what they require and sell or giveaway everything else. Overall, this reduces waste.
Minimalist Lifestyle
For a variety of reasons, the "less is more" way of life is gaining traction. Some people embrace it as a matter of necessity. For others, it's about prioritizing experiences over possessions. Whatever the motive, living in a small house assists in this endeavor.
Plus, as full-time RVers know, residing in a smaller-than-average space encourages you to get creative and spend more time outside. Your home doesn't need to be large if you incorporate outdoor cooking or seating areas.
Relocate with Ease
Tiny domiciles are perfect for those who are unsure where they want to live, or enjoy moving around regularly. If your home is on wheels, (after securing anything that may move around in transit) you just hitch it up and pull it to the next location. Although you can't use them in most campgrounds or RV parks, you may be able to hook up at a trailer park or even stay on the property of a friend or family member.
In Conclusion
Making the move to a tiny home is a big step. In order to increase your likelihood of success and overall satisfaction, it's important to assess your current lifestyle, as well as your anticipated needs. Consider renting a small travel trailer to see how well you adapt to smaller quarters before investing in a fulltime residence. With all of the benefits this lifestyle provides, it isn't for everyone. Good luck!
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Author: Carrie Todd
