In 2018, when my marriage of 18 years ended, I moved out of my 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 3,000-square-foot home and started the search for a new home.
The locations I checked out had been out of my finances, so I needed to get artistic. When I noticed a pattern of tiny homes on social media, I realized it may very well be a nice technique to get the luxurious house I all the time wished at an reasonably priced worth.
Today, I live in a 520-square-foot tiny home on wheels that I constructed for $175,000. I pay $725 a month in housing prices, which covers my parking house (in the backyard of somebody’s home), web, water and electrical energy.
Overall, it price me round $175,000 to construct the home, which included the prefabricated shell construction, labor and materials prices.
Photo: Sean Farney for CNBC Make It
At first, my greatest fear was that I’d have to surrender a massive chunk of my belongings, since they would not match in the new house. But that concern shortly light — and it is truly the No. 1 cause I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
Limited house makes me admire what I have already got
After my now ex-husband and I offered our home in April 2019, I needed to begin purging my belongings. I had a walk-in closet full of garments and sneakers, however I shortly realized that I solely wore about 30% of them.
So I went by way of my wardrobe, crammed up eight massive trash luggage, and delivered them to Goodwill. To my shock, I instantly felt a sense of aid. And to at the present time, I could not even let you know what I donated.
Since downsizing, my on-line buying habits have modified. My greatest rule is that I do not buy something until I know precisely the place I’m going to place it.
Photo: Sean Farney for CNBC Make It
When I lived in the greater home, I’d continually purchase issues that I by no means ended up utilizing. I’d dangle on to a few of them for years — simply in case I would possibly want them someday. They took over drawers and spare closets. Our basement regarded like a junk yard.
The soaker tub is one in every of my favourite components of this tiny home.
Photo: Jen Gressett
Now that I have much less house, I not compulsively throw issues in the buying cart. If I know I haven’t got a place to place it, I merely will not purchase it.
This mindset shift has not solely saved me cash, it has helped me really feel extra gratitude and take even higher care of my issues.
We put in pull-out cupboards in the kitchen and added plenty of hidden compartments in the loft stairs.
Photo: Jen Gressett
I changed fixed on-line buying with shopping for native
I’ve turn out to be extra considerate about the place I purchase issues that I do want. I love buying on Amazon, however every little merchandise arrives inside a bundle, which is inside bubble wrap, which is inside a field. All of these items take up house in my home and trash bins.
I used to wheel a dumpster-sized trash can to the curb as soon as a week. Now I have a 13-gallon kitchen trash can and a 13-gallon recycling bin. That’s it.
My kitchen counter extends into a spherical, built-in eating desk, the place I additionally do my work as a freelance designer.
Photo: Jen Gressett
I attempt to purchase small objects regionally, even when they generally price extra, to chop down on packaging. It feels good to assist small companies and remove the wasteful packaging.
If what I want is simply on Amazon, I’ll wait till I have a few objects in my cart earlier than inserting the order.
Making the mattress takes lower than a minute. I simply sit up, straighten the pillows, and fluff up the comforter.
Photo: Jen Gressett
I have house to entertain, and method much less of it to scrub
I liked internet hosting visitors in my 3,000-square-foot home, which had a nice open ground plan. But it additionally meant countless hours of mopping, vacuuming and placing issues again into place.
I love having my children keep over. One of our favourite issues to do is prepare dinner collectively, particularly home made pasta.
Photo: Sean Farney for CNBC Make It
In my tiny home, much less house means much less cleansing and fewer issues to prepare and keep. I designed my kitchen to be the largest a part of the home, so I can nonetheless comfortably entertain as much as 5 visitors at a time. Cleaning is simple and takes not more than an hour.
Your tiny house will be no matter you need it to be. My finest recommendation is to begin by asking your self the place you spend most of your time, and focusing on that first.
Photo: Jen Gressett
When I started my tiny home journey, I struggled with the concept of getting to downsize. But little by little, I turned much less hooked up to materials issues, which in flip gave me a sense of freedom I by no means anticipated.
I’ve realized to really admire the meaningful issues in life: time with my children, house to breathe and meditate, and a home that’s uniquely my very own.
Jen Gressett is a Colorado-based graphic designer, copywriter, picture stylist and content material creator. During her free time, she enjoys path operating, climbing, and coaching for races. Find her on Instagram, the place she shares her tiny house living expertise.
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