The tiny house/living movement doesn’t seem to be waning any time soon and that’s very apparent based on a few things happening around the nation. Take for instance college student Nara Williams; she’s borrowed a Tumbleweed tiny house for her senior project, which explores the benefits and realities of living small, and plopped it down on the Hampshire College campus.
[dropshadowbox align=”none” effect=”lifted-both” width=”auto” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]If you’re interested in building your own tiny home, check out the Tiny House Plans book. It has some great building plans.[/dropshadowbox]
Living in the center of campus is of course a novelty since most students live around the campus in dorms, apartments, or houses. Needless to say, curious on-lookers are making privacy a bit problematic. However, the exploration into the tiny house movement has people talking; is it feasible? Is it cheaper? Is is more environmentally friendly?
Nara is a staff writer sharing her experience on Tumbleweed’s blog. In the video below, Nara mentions some benefits and disadvantages to tiny living such as one benefit is not having to pay tax on this type of house (though if you purchase land to place your tiny house on, you pay tax on the land), and a possible disadvantage – if you live in a very cold environment, the house’s heater may not be enough to keep you warm. I noticed that in the video, Nara looked a little chilly.
As an older adult, I think this type of living can be very beneficial for certain people; newly graduated students (save money after you get a job), singles who want less stuff (purge your belongings and start fresh), couples dedicated to environmental causes (live on a small plot of land in the forest, etc.), empty-nesters who want to downsize (living in a house like this would almost guarantee no boomerang kids!) Of course, you’d have to figure out the logistics if you go native – where will you get your electricity from? And, do you need internet access?
Enjoy Nara’s take on living small:
What do you think about the tiny house movement? Could you live in a small cabin? Or at least, use it as a get-away place?
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Be green. 🙂
6 Comments
Although my wife and I could live in less than my 2 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse of 1,850 square feet, I see no benefit. I bought low and will sell high. We occasionally (a few times a year) have house guests which is the benefit of a second bedroom. Most people downsize to my size unit. My utilities are relatively low. Could I live in less space? Probably, if it was all on one level, but not 400 square feet. Just one person’s opinion.
@Krantcents – I think a lot of people would say they couldn’t imagine living in a space so small. However, I think for young, single people this could be an option for living inexpensively and more environmentally friendly. It’s an intriguing option.
When in college.. My living space truly wasn’t much larger than this.. And it served me just fine.. I didn’t need to entertain.. Didn’t have anything that needed storage..
But where I am now in life.. With 3 kids.. I just couldn’t make it work.. We do try to live a minimalist life whenever possible, however.
@Jefferson – I think this kind of small/tiny living arrangement works when you’re young and single, or maybe a couple that doesn’t need much space (but that’s pushing it!)
How Cool! Loving the tiny house! It could definitely work as a get-away place!
@The Norwegian Girl – Little cabins and cottages could definitely work as a get-away place. Tumbleweeds are also super mobile!