Adjusting to a Tiny Home

Tuesday, March 13th, 2018

You have probably seen many reality TV shows highlighting the joys and travails of owning a tiny house. You might even have pinned a few pictures that you think would also work for you and your family. But did you know how difficult it could be to adjust to tiny house living? It is definitely a lifestyle that does not suit everyone. So the big question is – are you cut out for it?

Tiny houses are, well, tiny. Since you will be dealing with a small space, you have to choose the stuff that you will bring in. Just imagine each day when you are able to hear the person who is currently taking a bath, or you will be able to smell every bit of food that will be cooked in the small kitchen. Now, are you really ready for that sort of experience?

Without a doubt, our nation has been enamored by the tiny houses. So if you are one of these folks who have really decided to scale down, then you have to learn a few things that can help you better adjust.

It’s a Family Thing

Remember when bad days come that you are in this as a family. Just think of it as a way to removing excess space between family members. Remember those times when the huge spaces or rooms in your home just became the home for clutter?

Now you are left with just enough space to work with so you have to make the most of it. And as a family, it becomes easier to cope with downsizing so get everyone’s cooperation. Just like many transitory phases in life, you should also inform the kids so that you are ascertained that they are also amenable to your plans. They will, after all, live with this decision, too.

As for adults, there will be huge adjustments as well such as learning how to make compost out of the toilet contents, cooking with wood, leveling, towing, and such. All these are new experiences for most people who sign up to live tiny.

Plan

A huge part of living in a tiny house is to differentiate the needs from all your previous wants. You could have four or five rooms in your past home but if you’re bound to move into a home with only a room or two, there’s bound to be major adjustments.

To avoid the shock, at least plan from the outset. Many tiny house homeowners end up having the original design of their homes altered all because they did not plan on bringing extra stuff. So the rule is to plan from the get-go.

Acceptance

You have to accept the fact that a tiny house is not like your traditional home. You won’t be able to put in the same amount of stuff or even your junk, indoors. Also, decide on how you will set up your parking spot. Your tiny home is not an RV it is not going to be moved. Since this is so, plant the house in a spot where you think you will be able to thrive.

Most tiny house owners buy land. There are those who choose to stay mobile instead so they live in an RV and they keep moving about. These are huge decisions that you have to make soon and you better have a clear head as you make your final yeses.

Prepare for Maintenance Tasks

Even a tiny home will have its maintenance jobs. Not long after you get used to climbing ladders or cooking in a much smaller kitchen, the next adjustment would be to keep an eye on your propane levels, be wary of faulty appliances, and winterizing.

Tags: designing a tiny home, designing a tiny house, designing a tiny space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small house, small space, tiny house, tiny house living, tiny space
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