Imagine being able to travel with the luxuries of home wherever you go. It is one of the many appealing aspects that the tiny home movement has to offer. All over the Internet, scores of motorhomes in NZ and other places are going viral. These are outfitted with the comforts of a standard home. Places like New Zealand with its lush landscapes are among the pioneers of tiny house living.
Previously, living in a mobile home was seen as less of a luxury and more of a nomadic and sparse way of life. There was no stability, minimal comforts, and hardly any style. Mobile homes were more functional for travel than for settling down.
But in the past decade or so, that all changed. Today, many homeowners are choosing to downsize to tiny homes. Many opt for a motorhome. Some have custom-built caravans, and others refurbish shipping containers.
The Luxury of Going Small
A smaller home is more compact. But that doesn’t need to translate to cramped. Many tiny houses have more than enough room for daily activities. Small house owners even say they feel a broader sense of luxury as they’ve been able to shed away the stress of too many things or too large space. Mobile homes are often sold bare. This feature gives owners the opportunity to build it as they wish. Some want a more minimalistic look; others prefer a shabby chic aesthetic.
Of course, a huge upside to tiny home living is the ability to live away from the hustle of urban areas. While you will still need to secure a permit to stay in specific sites, there are many open parks and acres of land that you can lease for a time. These areas will often provide you with electricity, water supply, and gas.
Going Off the Grid
There are also those, though, who choose to make their tiny homes completely self-sufficient. These homes are often outfitted with solar panels, water-recycling faculties, and a compost pit. Going off the grid is a liberating experience that allows homeowners to live off the land. Many choose to stay in places where they can also plant their own fruit or vegetables.
Just because you’re off the grid, though, doesn’t mean you’re out of reach. Many homes can be fitted with Internet connections that can even be used to power phone lines.
What to Expect
Naturally, living in a tiny home means that many features will be minimized or combined to save space. That doesn’t mean that you’ll need to compromise, though, as many dwellings can ingeniously accommodate essentials.
If you’re thinking of living in a tiny home, make sure you have the right spot and build in mind. There are lots of factors to choosing what kind of structure you should opt for. You can easily find forums, books, sites, companies, and professional builders who can assist you in this process.
You’ve also got to think more consciously of your environmental footprint. Tiny home living is generally more energy efficient. However, if you plan to move about a lot, you need to know how not to leave waste or permanent structures where you go.
If you’re looking to buy your first home and want the freedom of mobility and design, consider purchasing a tiny house. This modest space could be the start of a rich experience not every homeowner is lucky to have.