We’ve seen the trend for bigger houses over the past years, but right now, the attention of homeowners shifted to smaller living spaces. In fact, many individuals and families are now deciding to build and live in houses less than 500 square feet of space. This trend is more popularly known as the tiny house movement.
This option is primarily created to encourage people to own a home without dealing with mortgages or expensive energy bills and living more sustainably. Compared to living in an average house, a tiny house gives homeowners less space, less maintenance, fewer expenses, less of everything. But for great reasons. Find out what you can expect from tiny living and how this choice can help you live a more sustainable life.
1. Eco-friendly building methods
The tiny house movement is popular for eco-friendly construction methods. Most homeowners opt to build theirs using repurposed, recycled, and salvaged materials. Such structures also require fewer materials, reducing the need for natural resources. For instance, many tiny homeowners opt to use steel for the construction since its durable and can handle fire, pests, mold, and weather elements. Considered the most recycled material, steel also requires less maintenance and can make your house even more secure. By living tiny, you can own an eco-friendly home that can help minimize carbon footprint and impact the environment.
2. Less waste and fewer things
Tiny living essentially requires you to be mindful and efficient in using your space: less impulse buying, purchase of better quality, and less waste from packaging. Efficiency is pleasant, and waste is ugly, as they say. By downsizing, you can have a more pleasant and well-utilized living space without excess stuff, from huge libraries of books, elaborate electronics, and bulging wardrobes. You are only keeping things that can truly enrich your way of living.
3. Energy efficiency
Obviously, a tiny house will require less energy than an average home, regardless if you are using a power line or solar panels. Having a smaller space utilizes less power to cool or heat, and smaller appliances work more efficiently. In case you hook up your house to a power source, the electric bill you will have to pay can be a quarter or less than what you have to pay when living on an average house.
Most tiny houses also use composting toilets that break down waste without the need for a sewage system, which is a green way to outfit the bathroom. Others even have rainwater harvesting systems that offer sustainable water sources for the entire house. So, from your bills for electricity, water, waste disposal, and fuel, everything will be much lower.
4. Easier maintenance
One of the best things about living in a tiny home is that it is easy to take care of. You don’t have to spend hours or days cleaning or decluttering the entire space. It might take you an hour or two to vacuum, dust off, and clean every room in a traditional home. But in a tiny house, you can do all that for less time. The best part is, you also have fewer appliances to repair. With less time spent on such chores, you have more time to bond with the family, work, or do your hobbies.
5. Save money
It’s undeniable that tiny living is good not just for our health and environment but also for our pockets. Just think about how much money you can save from lower build or maintenance costs. This sustainable lifestyle basically helps you cut costs!
Owning a smaller home means you will spend less on decorating. Since you don’t have enough space, you can’t really afford to splurge in buying many or large pieces of furniture. Plus, in case you get bored of your current interior, redecorating will be cheap. Furthermore, repair and installation costs will also be inexpensive. For instance, if you hire a kitchen contractor for a remodeling job, they can finish the work quickly, reducing the money you spend on labor. Or, if you need a replacement for your roof, the surface area is way smaller, saving you money on both labor and material costs.
Opting for a tiny home lifestyle does offer amazing things, from psychological benefits, financial gains, and environmental benefits. So if you are craving for financial freedom or a more rewarding and sustainable life, downsizing may be the perfect choice for you. You’re not only freeing yourself from home loans, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and help take care of the environment. Ready to make the lifestyle shift? Start planning today!
