In today’s age of ever-increasing costs and environmental concerns, a growing number of people are turning to small houses–those that are often no larger than a few hundred square feet–as a way to reduce their footprint and live more sustainably. But why do people want such a tiny house? Does it make their lives easier, or are they just playing a numbers game? Read on as we explore the question of why people want very small houses.
Reasons for Seeking a Small Home
Are you considering downsizing your living space? Well, you are not alone! Many people are seeking a small house, and here are some reasons why:
- Financial flexibility: Downsizing could significantly lower your living expenses by reducing rent, utility bills or mortgage payments. You can even be able to save money while still living comfortably.
- Environmental consciousness: Smaller homes require fewer resources to build, maintain and heat than a larger home. Some people are environmentally conscious, and downsizing is an excellent way to minimize their energy usage and carbon footprint.
- Less clutter: Our homes tend to accumulate stuff over time, and space seems to shrink as things pileup. Living in a small house forces you to declutter and keep only what matters, making it easy to keep everything tidy and organized.
One real-life example is our friend Jen. She loves to travel and spend time exploring- but she found that her large two-bedroom townhouse became a financial burden as most of her salary went towards the mortgage. She realized that she didn’t need a lot of space and decided to sell the house and buy a small home in a quieter neighborhood. Jen now has more time and money to travel, and she can easily lock up and go without worrying about the maintenance of a large property.
Another example is Tom and Sarah, a newly retired couple. They had a big house surrounded by ten acres of land that required constant maintenance. They found the upkeep too physically demanding and costly, and they wanted to travel rather than spend all their time taking care of the property. They decided to sell their house and purchase a small bungalow in a more social community with access to public transportation. Now they have more time to enjoy life and participate in community activities while still having a comfortable living space.
Benefits of Living in a Smaller Space
When it comes to homeownership, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, there are many benefits to living in a smaller space that you might not have considered before. So, before you scoff at the idea of giving up your spacious home, here are a few reasons why downsizing might be worth your while:
- Less maintenance: With a smaller home, you’ll have less to clean, less to maintain, and less to worry about. That means you’ll have more time to spend enjoying your space, rather than constantly fixing it up. Plus, you’ll save money on things like cleaning supplies, HVAC repairs, and lawn care.
- Lower costs: Speaking of saving money, one of the most obvious is that it typically costs less. Not only will your mortgage or rent be lower, but utilities, property taxes, and insurance will likely be cheaper as well. And, if you truly downsize to a tiny house or mobile home, you may be able to pay off your home in full and save even more.
- More flexibility: If you’re someone who values the ability to pick up and go at a moment’s notice, a small home might be perfect for you. Not only will it be easier to sell or rent out, but you can also take it with you if you ever decide to move to a different location. And, if you’re interested in traveling long-term, a small home on wheels could allow you to live your dream without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Of course, there are many other benefits to living in a smaller space, and you’ll likely discover some of your own as you explore this alternative way of life. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the size and cost of your current home, it might be time to consider downsizing. Who knows, you might just find that life is better when you have less to worry about!
Challenges of Miniaturized Living
Living in a very small house may sound like a dream come true for some minimalist enthusiasts, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most obvious difficulties is finding enough space to store all of your belongings. During my visit to a tiny house community in Oregon, one homeowner shared how she had to downsize her shoe collection from over 40 pairs to just three because there was simply no room for them all.
Another challenge of miniaturized living is the lack of privacy. With no separate rooms, every activity you do in the house is visible to everyone else. Even using the bathroom can be a bit awkward if you’re sharing a tiny space with someone else. This is something I experienced firsthand during my stay in a friend’s tiny house. But, despite these challenges, the people who choose to live in very small houses often cite the benefits of a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle as reasons why they choose to continue living in such a limited space.
Examples of Tiny House Living
Living Large in a Tiny House: Real-Life
So, you’re considering making the switch to tiny house living. But you’re wondering, “What is life really like living in a tiny house?” Well, wonder no more, as we explore some real-life examples of people who have ditched the traditional home in favor of a smaller, more minimalist lifestyle.
First up, we have Deb Delman and Kol Peterson, who own a 364 square foot tiny house in the Pacific Northwest. They live with their two pets, and have found that their smaller living space has actually enhanced their quality of life. They spend more time outdoors, are closer to nature, and enjoy a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. Plus, they have the financial freedom to pursue their passions, such as travel and food, without the burden of a large mortgage or upkeep costs.
Next, we have Carrie McQuaid, who downsized from a 1,200 square foot home to a 128 square foot tiny house. Yes, you read that right, 128 square feet! But despite the smaller footprint, Carrie says she feels more at home in her tiny house than she ever did in her larger home. With a custom design and plenty of storage solutions, Carrie’s tiny house feels spacious and personalized. And with the flexibility to move her home anywhere she wants, she has found a new sense of freedom and adventure in her minimalist lifestyle.
Living in a tiny house isn’t for everyone, but it’s clear that those who have made the switch have found a new way of life that brings them joy, simplicity, and financial freedom. Maybe it’s time to consider whether this lifestyle could be right for you! Coming to a conclusion, acquiring a tiny house can be an ideal option for a way to downsize and start a more sustainable, organized and clutter-free lifestyle. With all the affordability, mobility and environment-friendly benefits, it’s no surprise that there’s been a surge in the popularity of tiny homes. There’s seemingly no limit to the possibilities that such a tiny abode can offer.