These days, more and more people are making the move to tiny home living, an adventure they feel can change life for the better. But before you hitch up your tiny home and hit the road, there are some practical matters to consider.
For example, how much of your stuff can you really part with? What essentials do you need to make a small space functional and livable? How will you organize and store what remains in a way that keeps your new compact digs uncluttered?
Read on for tips and advice to help you work through the challenges of tiny home living so you can simplify your life, save money and gain more freedom. After all, the open road awaits.
Assessing Your Needs for Tiny Home Living
The first thing you’ll want to do is go room by room and evaluate what you need to live comfortably in a tiny house.
Storage
Since space is limited, multipurpose furniture and hidden storage will be key. Look for beds with drawers underneath, tables that fold up against the wall and couches with built-in storage compartments. You’ll also want to use vertical space as much as possible with wall shelves, hanging racks and lofts.
Essentials
Make a list of the things you can’t live without like a place to sleep, cook, bathe and relax. A comfortable bed, small kitchenette, toilet/shower combo and a place to unwind are really all you need. Don’t feel pressure to cram in extras just because you’re used to having them.
Downsize
Go through your closets and get rid of anything you do not love or have not worn within the last year. Keep only multifunctional and compact furniture. Don’t be afraid to donate or throw away knickknacks, decorations and small appliances you do not use. The more you declutter before the move, the easier it will be to settle into your tiny home.
Think about what you really need — for example, do you read physical books or mostly use eReaders? Keep only essential tools and minimal duplicates. Get creative with storage for small spaces. Use lidded baskets, bins and containers to keep items organized and contained.
Photos, mementos and decorative items should be few but meaningful. Display them prominently. Get rid of knickknacks that just create clutter. Keep things minimal and multipurpose.
Pare down your wardrobe to high-quality essentials that mix and match. Choose clothing that folds or hangs compactly. Underbed boxes and wall mounts are great for small closets.
A little minimalism and mindfulness about what you actually need for a simple life can help make the transition to a tiny house a smooth one. Focus on the essentials, use every inch of space, and enjoy the freedom of living with less.
Choosing the Right Tiny House Design and Features
Choosing a tiny house design that suits your needs is key to making the small space work. Consider these factors:
Size
How small are you willing to go? Tiny houses range from 100 to 400 square feet. A smaller size, around 100 to 200 square feet, is ideal for one or two people. Plus, it’s easier to tow and site. Larger tiny homes, 300 square feet and up, sleep up to four people and have more spacious interiors. However, they can be more difficult to move and place.
Layout
Think about how you want to use the space. An open concept with a combined kitchen, living and dining area works well for small spaces. Lofted beds, fold-out furniture, and built-in storage can maximize floor space. For privacy, consider a partition wall or curtains to separate sleeping areas. Smaller spaces may only fit a loft bed, while larger homes could incorporate a main floor bedroom.
Features
Choose features wisely for your needs and available space. A kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink, and two-burner stove is sufficient for a single person. Families will want a full kitchen. A composting toilet uses no water and little space, while a shower stall takes up minimal room. Built-in benches, tables and storage cabinetry serve multiple purposes. Skylights, lots of windows and light, neutral colors make a small space feel more open and airier.
Finding the Perfect Location for Your Tiny Home
When choosing a location for your tiny home, there are a few factors to consider:
Zoning Laws
Check with your local municipality about zoning laws and building codes for tiny homes. Some areas prohibit tiny homes altogether, while others have specific requirements on square footage, foundations and utilities. Look for areas zoned for recreational vehicles, mobile homes or accessory dwelling units.
Community
Seek out tiny home communities in your area. Some offer rentals lots with utilities already set up. Living in a community provides security, amenities and a built-in social network with like-minded people. You may find communities on private land with an open-minded landlord or in RV/mobile home parks open to tiny homes.
Utilities
Make sure any location you consider has access to necessary utilities like electricity, water and sewage. If utilities are not already set up, decide if the area can support installing them for your tiny home. Off-grid options like solar power, composting toilets and rainwater collection systems may be needed in some remote areas.
Natural Surroundings
For many, being close to nature is a big appeal of tiny home living. Look for locations near parks, hiking and biking trails or with nice views of natural scenery. Make sure the climate in that area suits your needs. Tiny homes can be more difficult to heat and cool, so warmer areas may be preferable.
Ultimately, the best advice is to focus on what really matters to you. Get rid of the excess stuff weighing you down. Design a space that feels cozy and makes the most of every square foot. Learn to do more with less. Connect with others on the same journey. And don’t forget, there’s a whole world of discovery outside your tiny front door.
