A recent dwell article interviews ten tiny-house owners, including individuals, couples, and families. Here are their tips for downsizing. The article is worth a read, as the living situations – apartments, trailers, standalone houses, and one converted bus – are every bit as interesting as the advice.
- “Edit your stuff… Small spaces tend to force you to be a little more organized on the fly, and not to procrastinate, but rather to take a few extra seconds to put your things back where they belongs. I’ve heard it said that every object should have a home… and I think that’s great advice.” –Graham Hill
- “Definitely do your research on builders, or how to properly do the work, and come up with the floor plan if you’re doing it yourself.” –Gabriel and Debbie Mayes
- “If you’re living with another person in a small space, you’ll learn a whole new level of patience and tolerance! Expect to be bumping into things for a while, and listening to noises you didn’t even know your significant other made.” –Sheena and Jason Armstrong
- “If it’s a matter of convenience, or it seems ‘easy’ or ‘cute’, you may need to rethink it. Tiny houses aren’t the cheapest, or easiest path to shelter, but they can be an incredible tool to use to position yourself for a lifestyle you want.” –Macy Miller
- “If you’re thinking of a trailer home, think about where will you park. Consider your utility hookups, and how and where you are going to connect your power, water, and sewer.” –Duff Bangs and Ashley Rodgers
Natasha Lawyer and Brett Bashaw’s home.
- “Rent a small place on Airbnb to try out small-space living first… Instead of getting rid of a lot of stuff in one go, put things in storage, then slowly dispose of them a year or two later, when you realize that you don’t really miss, or need them.” –Jack Mama and Nina Tolstrup
- “I think some of the best things that come from living tiny is the time you gain… I don’t think we realize how much time we put into cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a large home.” –Trina and Steve Sholin
- “If you’re thinking of downsizing, it’s important to consider the climate that your home will be in. I think the tiny home really works well in warmer, tropical climates where you can spent a lot of time outdoors, especially if you are a family with kids.” –Jay Nelson
- “You have to choose to live differently in a tiny home. It’s a more intentional, and thoughtful way of life. As you bring in new things you need, you’ll have to let go of old things, or you’ll be buried alive in your possessions.” –Natasha Lawyer and Brett Bashaw
- “Nothing really went the way we planned. It took longer, and cost more money than we thought it would.” –Damian Schmitt and Anna Jacobs
PERCH Engineering 