One of the ways that would be homeowners are finding a way to access the market is by buying a tiny house. Heard of the tiny house movement? Well not only does it make property affordable but it is a movement that is founded on making homes sustainable dwellings. Their greatest feature is their smallest one. It is their light footprint on the planet.

Read on to learn more about all the things you need to consider before you buy a tiny house.

Things to consider before buying a tiny house

Tiny houses can be enticing to anyone striving towards simplicity. With the growing trend in minimalism, it’s no wonder the tiny house movement is gaining more significance nowadays. Some people are choosing to downsize because of the belief, “less is more.” But before starting down the path to living small, you must look at the bigger picture.

Do you have what it takes to dwell in a tiny house? Here are some things you should be aware of before deciding to downsize.

What is a Tiny House?

Tiny houses, usually ranging between 100 to 400 square feet, are small-scale, primary, full-fledged dwelling units. For most people buying a tiny house means a significant down sizing exercise.

The average individual lives in a 1600 square feet home. Imagine living in a house 75 to 95 percent smaller than that. Living in a tiny home is a conscious choice. Most people do so with the desire to live a simple life, with less focus on material possessions while reducing their ecological footprint.

Movable tiny houses

Most tiny relocatable homes are independent structures. Some of them are being purchased or built from a tiny house kit, and others are planned and built by the owner themselves. Tiny homes can be mobile, or they can be set on a foundation.

It is crucial to do good research and learn more about tiny houses – how they are built and what type of lifestyle it entails – before taking the plunge. It also helps to get a clear understanding of the local laws and regulations regarding tiny houses to avoid any potential legal issues.

New homeowner – Property details matter

1. Location, location, location!

A big challenge for most people when buying a tiny house is that you can’t just start building a tiny house wherever you want. Consider the zoning ordinances in your desired area before you get excited about buying a mini home. Get a thorough understanding of the legal restrictions in your place.

Some towns allow accessory dwelling units. Mostly, you are allowed to park your tiny home temporarily in some places but must keep moving every two weeks or so. At this point, it’s best to look for tiny home communities where zoning laws allow. This can make buying a tiny house preferable to building one. 

You might be able to make a cottage as an accessory unit on a lot or in a rural area with more lenient zoning restrictions. Otherwise, you might need to have it on wheels and keep it in an RV park. The key here is figuring out where you can keep it before you make or buy it. 

2. Family Size and Lifestyle 

Tiny homes are best for single people, couples, and retirees. Knowing the dimensions of your tiny home, you won’t have much room inside the house itself. There is enough space to sleep, shower, and prepare food for you and your partner, but you might need to expand to include children in the future.

The outdoors often becomes an extension of the homes of people living in tiny home communities. They may spend most of the time gardening, barbecuing, or working remotely outside. If you’re all for communing with nature or your neighbours, a tiny home could be just perfect for you.

In case you have children or pets, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for them. When your kids get older, you need to consider how they will get privacy in a smaller house.

If you are looking at buying a tiny house you might need to add more rooms or build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to accommodate your growing family. You’ll want to preserve the harmony in your home to make your investment worth it.

3. Try Before You Buy

Tiny home living can be exciting, but before you commit, try spending a few days living in a tiny rental home to get a feel of the experience. There are various vacation rental sites where you can rent a space for a night or two to check how well you do in a smaller living space before investing in a home.

Through a test drive, you can get an idea of your space and storage needs and think about what else your new living situation would require. Camping is also another alternative to determine your essentials and what you really need to get by. This will help you envision the changes you are bound to encounter when you transition to tiny living.

4. Plan Your Utilities

Figure out your utilities before buying a tiny house. If you park in an RV campground, you will likely have access to running water, electricity, and sewage disposal. If you park or decide to build on your own land, how will you access power, water, and sewage disposal?

Many tiny homeowners decide to go green and install solar panels for their energy supply. Some creatively use municipal water and a composting toilet to get by. Many towns have rules about required utilities, so you also need to consider the cost of incorporating them into your home. Others live in communities where everyone taps into similar resources.

If you’re on a budget, you may do some careful planning and get creative with your resources. When you’re cutting down costs on your home, you don’t want to end up paying for utilities that will cost you extra.

5. Prepare to Get Rid of a lot of your Possessions

If you’re transitioning to living in a tiny house, you’ll want to start downsizing your possessions. A tiny house homeowner must manage their space efficiently, in fact super efficiently. You simply won’t have enough room to place everything in your tiny new home so start getting rid of unnecessary items. Whittling down your possessions won’t happen overnight.

This personal and challenging process will take you five times as long as you think it will.

You can start trying now by finding a new home for all those stuff you won’t need. These unnecessary items, if kept, might only take up vital storage space in your new abode. 

A final word on buying a tiny house

These tiny houses might be perfect if you’re looking to cut down on your mortgage costs and other living expenses, but it’s more than just saving money. From zoning considerations to lifestyle changes, purchasing a tiny house is a whole different ballgame.

Note that a simpler, tiny home living calls for certain changes that not everyone may be ready for. So, make sure you are well-equipped with information before investing in your new home. 

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