There are actually experts who can coach you through transitioning to tiny living.
By Audrey D. Brashich
Journalist and Author
With home prices high and downsizing on the upswing, a growing number of Americans are pondering what it might be like to live in a tiny house.
And when we say “tiny house,” we mean it! The typical U.S. home measures 2,600 square feet, but these mini abodes clock in at anywhere from 100 to 500 square feet.
While that might seemed cramped, one recent survey found that 56% of Americans would consider living in a tiny home. So why would they do that?
For one, money plays a major role: The average cost of a tiny house runs about $23,000, while the median price for conventional homes is $375,000. As a result, 68% of tiny-house dwellers own their home outright, with no mortgage.
Plus, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University estimated that by downsizing the footprint of a house, overall living costs drop by 36%.
But affordability isn’t the only factor. Many aim to have a more sustainable lifestyle with a smaller carbon footprint, while others simply crave less upkeep around the house.
“Life is so much more peaceful in a tiny home,” says Macy Miller, who downsized from a 2,400-square-foot house to a 232-square-feet abode in Boise, ID, that she now shares with her partner, two young children, and a Great Dane. (Yes, you read that right.) “Instead of cleaning and caretaking, I have time to be present with my family.”
It might sound dreamy, but how can you gauge if seriously scaling back and squishing yourself into a tiny house is right for you? Luckily, it’s a leap of faith you can take in baby steps by trying out a few of these tactics below.