For some, the tiny house movement is a way of making modifications to live a simplified life. For others, it’s a goal to save money on a mortgage, utilities, and other expenses. Whatever the reason or motivation, the tiny house movement is making a big impact on the future of sustainable living.
Size matters!
According to the 2010 US Census, The average American home is about 2,392 square feet, while the tiny house comes in at around 100-500 square feet in size. For those who wish to take the tiny home route, it comes with challenges. The greatest challenge is finding a place that allows tiny house dwellings. Most municipalities set building and zoning ordinances to establish a minimum size for home construction, and in most cases, home requirements start around 1,000 square feet. While many tiny homes are built on trailers and function as RV’s, many communities have covenants banning full-time RVs as a primary dwelling. However, with the tiny home movement capturing so much attention, there are tiny home villages or eco-villages popping up across the nation, which are communities of tiny houses clustered together.
Financial freedom, baby!
For most Americans, 1/3 to 1/2 of monthly income is spent for housing, and mortgage holders dedicate 15-30 years to paying back their debt. The tiny house movement changes the dynamic of buying a home without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a student with school debt, or a retiree looking to downsize, both generations can take a realistic approach to financial freedom with the reduction of: a mortgage payment (or no payment at all), utility costs, and home maintenance. The tiny home is the new face of affordable housing.
Rethink the relationship with stuff.
We’ve been conditioned by society to think more stuff is a sign of success. But in reality, stuff is like an anchor, it ties us down and stresses us out. With a tiny home, owners reduce their possessions significantly, which is scary for some and liberating to others. With less possessions, one spends less time cleaning, storing, and insuring items of no function or value to their day-to-day lives.
Reduce the environmental impact.
A tiny house can reduce the environmental impact by using less energy, storing less possessions, and be a model of social sustainability. The tiny home is portable and can move where the owner needs to go. No need to buy another home if you need to relocate for work, just take yours with you.
Try before you buy!
Don’t rush out and buy a tiny house if you’ve never lived in a small space. Consider the try before your buy concept and actually stay in a tiny home to find out if you are compatible to the simplified lifestyle. Located in western Maryland, the Blue Moon Rising mountain resort hosts an eco-friendly tiny home vacation-village with 13 unique tiny homes. Stay for a night or stay for a week and see if the tiny home concept is right for you. To experience tiny living in harmony with the natural world, call Blue Moon Rising at 240-442-5287 to give it a try!
