Tiny houses have been around for a while, and the trend doesn’t seem to be fading away anytime soon. The minimalist lifestyle is becoming more popular and society is becoming more conscientious about conserving the earth’s resources. The appeal of downsizing and keeping our living spaces simple is growing. The tiny house lifestyle may not work for everyone but it’s worth considering if you are looking to truly simplify your life.
First and foremost, tiny homes force you to be deliberate and diligent with your belongings and organizational habits. Every square inch of these wee houses is optimized for storage, convenience, and efficiency. If something doesn’t fit, it doesn’t come in! Incorporating furnishings and features that serve double and triple-duty is key. It’s common to find drawers in staircases; shelves and cupboards built around kitchen appliances, lofts that serve as bedrooms, offices, studios and storage areas and pull-out wardrobes and pantries.
Lower Utility Costs
Another attractive benefit to living in a tiny home is the tiny operating costs. Fewer square feet equals fewer utility bills—or at least lower ones! Most tiny homes fall within the 250-500 square foot range. This makes electricity, water, and heating bills much lower than those of the average Canadian single-family home, averaging 2,200 square feet! Tiny home contractors will often incorporate energy-efficient systems like solar panels, water filtration, and LED lighting to further reduce expenses. Skylights are used to not only brighten up these little spaces, but to shed light on solar devices and help to grow indoor gardens all year long.
Smaller Mortgages (or none!)
With mortgage rates and rent on the rise, the financial perk of owning a tiny house is certainly appealing. In Canada, according to Tiny House Listings Canada (source: tinyhouselistingscanada.com ), the average cost to purchase a ready-made tiny house is $85,000, and to source materials and build yourself it’s closer to $33,500. With some research and resourcefulness, you can customize the plans to make use of recycled and reclaimed materials, saving you even more in upfront costs.
Think about what it would be like having everything within view and within reach. Imagine spending less time cleaning and organizing, and more time enjoying the outdoors. Consider the financial freedom you could have to explore the world. Society is simplifying, and tiny homes are an economical and resourceful way to encourage a simpler lifestyle, where every item in your home matters—and the moments you enjoy there matter even more.
This way of living wouldn’t likely work for those with many family members, and is certainly not for everyone. Could tiny home living be for you?
Until next time,
Kathy
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