Article: The Tiny House Movement "Little Pink Houses For You And Me"

What are tiny houses? What is the tiny house movement? Why do people choose tiny homes and what does tiny living mean?

Simply put, the trend toward tiny houses has become a social movement. People are choosing to downsize the space they live in, simplify, and live with less. People are embracing the tiny life philosophy and the freedom that accompanies the tiny house lifestyle. The tiny house movement is about more than simply living in a small space (although, a small house is certainly part of it).

How Big is the Average Tiny House?

What is a tiny house? How big (or small, rather) is a tiny house anyway? Well, the typical American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical small or tiny house definition is a home with square footage is between 100 and 400 square feet. While of course there aren’t any rules to joining the tiny house movement, when people refer to “the tiny life,” their tiny house generally falls under the 400 square foot level.

Tiny homes may be rented or owned. You may choose a mini home on wheels or your small home may set on a foundation. Most tiny houses are independent structures—some are parked on land with other buildings or a larger home. Other tiny houses are parked on their own lot. Some tiny houses are designed and built by the owner themselves, while others are purchased, adapted from trailers, or built from a tiny house kit. Tiny houses come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but they all enable simpler living in a smaller, more efficient space.

Why Join the Tiny House Movement?

To those who haven’t tried tiny house living, it may seem daunting. Why would someone choose to live in a small space? But “bigger is better,” right?

It turns out there are many merits to the tiny home movement and the tiny life philosophy. Of course, people may join the movement for any number of reasons, but the most popular reasons include environmental concerns, financial concerns, and the desire for more time and freedom.

The tiny life provides huge financial advantages and the ability to live a lifestyle filled with adventure. For most Americans, 1/3 to 1/2 of their income is dedicated to the roof over their heads! That means many people will spend a lot of time figuring out how to afford their homes. Buying a house often translates to at least 15 years of working over your lifetime to pay for it. Because of the high cost of owning a “typical-sized” home, as well as the associated expenses (and culture of “buy now, pay later”), 76% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

We work hard to afford bigger houses than we need. We continue to work, so we can fill our houses with more stuff…items we may not need but buy anyway. Many Americans are overwhelmed by their packed schedules and obligations. They’re tired of running in the rat race.

So, what’s the alternative to this high cost of living? One solution is to live smaller—and it’s that realization that brings many people into the tiny house movement. While small homes aren’t for everyone, tiny house costs are much lower than a full-size building.

In my own journey, I started out in an apartment that cost me $1000 per month once you added in utilities, insurance, etc. Once I moved into my tiny house, my bills virtually disappeared, it now costs me $15 (yes you read that right, fifteen dollars!) per month.

The cost of building my own tiny house was recouped in under 2 years’ time, allowing me to bank a lot of savings. Even if you’re not ready to take the plunge, there are lessons to learn and apply to escape the cycle of debt in which almost 70% of Americans are trapped.

The cost of buying an average-sized house over 30 years can be much higher than you think. The initial cost of a $290,000 home includes the purchase price, of course, but also includes the interest, taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and improvements. All of this can add up to a total cost of over a million dollars during the lifetime of your home. This is the “true cost” of a home.

The Small Living Movement and The Joy of Living with Less

As you see, it’s no wonder many people are overwhelmed by the cost of their homes.

The tiny life is a growing movement, for sure! With international attention on CNN, AP, Guardian, Huffington Post, NBC, Oprah, PBS, and so many more (find links at the end of this page), the tiny house movement has helped people learn about another way to live their lives. Every month thousands and thousands of readers come to my site hoping to learn how they too, can simplify, downsize, and learn how to live with less. I know many other tiny house owners who blog about their experience, and they report the same trend toward the small living movement.

My website focuses on tiny house living or living The Tiny Life. It’s where I like to share my journey. Since I began, I’ve been able to experience many adventures, travel to new places, and enjoy my freedom.

Tiny houses are the focal point in a broader system to address issues, concerns, and problems of the current day. They offer a path to a smaller environmental footprint, greater financial freedom, and ultimately a self-sufficient life. The tiny home movement enables you to live a life on your own terms.

So if you wonder who buys tiny houses? Anyone who is concerned about life simplification, environmental consciousness, self-sufficiency and sound fiscal plans. The tiny life allows for you to have more time and freedom to enjoy life adventures.