Living in a tiny house can and will be a great adventure for those thinking about taking this step. In some instances, this lifestyle really gives you a sense of freedom. However, there are plenty of aspects you should pay attention to both before and after making the big decision. You should definitely think it through and figure out exactly why you want to move into a tiny house and how it will change your life. Of course, though some things cannot be foreseen and everyone is bound to experience first-hand how the tiny lifestyle works out for them, there are a few more common challenges that come to mind. Here are some of the aspects we think you should consider before buying or building your tiny house to move into:
This is probably the first and most common thing that comes to mind when someone begins to even consider switching to a tiny lifestyle. There is no doubt that you’ll have to learn to fit more stuff into less space, which also means that you’ll have to use all of your smart storage ideas – and you might even need to learn new tricks along the way, but that’s something your fellow tiny house owners can help you with, since there are so many blogs and stories about their experiences so far. Of course, less storage doesn’t only mean you’ll need better organizing, but also more conscious buying habits. Since you can’t store everything in a tiny house, you must pay attention to only buying the objects and food you will definitely use, thus also reducing waste.
Although at first the idea of less personal space may seem a little scary, once you think about it a little more, you’ll realize that this is actually a good thing. The challenge is the transition from always having your own room to spend time in or different rooms for different activities, to sharing the space in your tiny home with your family members, which will actually be a good thing, since you’ll do more things together and therefore you’ll spend more time together. Whether it’s chores you do together or relaxing activities, they will definitely help bring you closer in a tiny home.
This is something that might not cross your mind at first, but we advise you to dive into the laws and regulations regarding tiny houses that apply in your city or county, and make sure you know everything from zoning laws to utilities before you buy your tiny house or start building it.
Many tiny home owners see their living space as an endless DIY project. This might be because living in a tiny house sometimes requires that you come up with rather unconventional solutions. You need to get creative in order to find the solutions that work best for you and make your tiny house a wholesome home for you and your family to live in with joy.
Whether we are talking about built-in, hidden storage spaces, multi-use furniture items, eco-friendly solutions for heating and water-recycling or even tiny gardens installed on a wall of your tiny house, the ideas are infinite and you will have to try and find what works best for you in order to truly feel bliss whenever you’re spending time in your tiny home.
Sorting and decluttering must happen all the time. Even before moving, you start with deciding what goes with you in your tiny home and what doesn’t, and then, every time you decide to redecorate your home or refresh your wardrobe, the same decisions must be made. You won’t have room to pile up unnecessary things, so you’ll have to be really strict whenever time comes to part with some of your possessions. On the bright side, once you get used to this constant sorting, you’ll likely find that it can bring you joy. You’ll always have something fresh and new in your home, and parting with your stuff can be a nice feeling, too, especially if you trade with your friends, sell your things or donate them to a charity. Just because you don’t need those things anymore, it doesn’t mean that they must end up in landfills.
We mean this generally, because it applies to literally every aspect of tiny living. For example, instead of cooking dinner for your family in a fully equipped giant kitchen, you’ll have to do with less utensils in a kitchenette. Instead of taking a hot bubble bath in a tub, you’ll make the most of the relaxing shower you take. Instead of choosing your outfit for the day from your walk-in closet, you’ll dress from a smaller dresser, where you are most likely to see through all of your clothes. All of these might be a little bit difficult to get used to at first, but believe us when we say that they all have a bright side: you will save a lot on your electricity bills with less electronics and kitchen equipment, you’ll save water and tidying up will be easier and faster since you have less stuff. Not to mention, owning less things gives you so much freedom and it helps you focus on living life to the fullest instead of being attached to possessions.
As a conclusion, we must admit that tiny living isn’t without its challenges, but they are far outweighed by the adventures you can embark on.