5 Things to Consider Before You Build or Buy a Tiny Home

Tiny house living can seem like a dream to some people, but if you aren’t careful, might end up looking more like a nightmare. This is because there is so much to consider when making such a big life change!

When you build or buy a tiny home, you’re committing to living minimally. You’re saying you’re going to get rid of all your extra stuff and that you don’t need that large living room or spacious kitchen anymore.

Remember, some things are easier said than done. But, all it takes to make tiny living a success to give it some proper thought before you make the move.

Here are five things to consider if you’re interested in living in a tiny house.

1. Building Permits and Parking Plans

Any kind of building plans requires getting permits, whether you’re expanding your large house or downsizing to try living in a tiny house. In fact, tiny houses often have special permits that you’ll need to fill out and pay for, as opposed to building a regular home on land you’ve bought.

Make sure you check with your state and county regulations and follow all the rules. If you plan to take your tiny house on the road, research where you can and cannot park. Not all RV parks will accept you, let alone parking lots or national parks.

Plan carefully before you get on the road – and don’t forget to account for the changing of seasons or the price of gas!

2. The Art of Purging

Another part of the planning process is purging, otherwise known as getting rid of all the stuff you don’t need. This is not going to be your average garage sale. Purging is a total downsizing of every part of the home.

Get ready to part ways with your endless collection of mugs or the large, expansive wardrobe you have. You won’t have to get rid of such things entirely, but if you want to be comfortable in your tiny house, you’re going to have to make some materialistic sacrifices.

3. Design and Decor for Everyone

It’s one thing to go through all of your belongings and decide what stays and what goes. It’s another to convince your spouse to get rid of what they don’t need or to help your children downsize.

Not to mention, you have to design a space that works for everyone. Find a balance between giving each other enough privacy and making the tiny house feel open and inviting.

Keep in mind you can live in a tiny house with pets too, but it’s something else you’ve got to plan for.

4. Additional, Unexpected Costs

Here’s something to think about: the things you can’t predict. There are going to be bumps along the way. Just as a regular house might have the AC go out or an electrical issue, the same thing can happen in a tiny home.

However, these problems tend to be more uncomfortable – and therefore more time-sensitive – when they happen in a small space. Keep an emergency fund ready at all times to help you with any must-do repairs.

5. The Benefits of Tiny Living

If any of the considerations above sound a little overwhelming, always remember why you want to try tiny living in the first place! There are many benefits of tiny living available.

The first is the ability to hit the road with your home whenever you’d like. Also, tiny homes are usually much more cost-effective once the building process is complete. Plus, in time, your lifestyle will become less materialistic and consumption-oriented and more focused on the things that really matter.

Buy a Tiny Home That’s Perfect for You

Maybe you’re already 100% sure you want to live in a tiny house, but you’re not too sold on the idea of building one. Not to worry – tiny homes are becoming more and more available for purchase.

Just remember to treat the buying process for a small home with the same approach you’d take on a standard real estate purchase. For buying tips and tricks, click here.