The Tiny House Movement
The American Dream revisited. By Sarah Polyakov.
This month is all about new beginnings and so it is that I pose a question to you: if all of us look deeply into our hearts, what is the most important part about the place each of us calls “home”?
For me, home is about the relationships that are facilitated under my roof. Home is my family, my friends, and connection to others. Home is about being understood, accepted, loved and having the opportunity to give love, understanding, and acceptance. In other words, the concept of home is more about strong and loving relationships.
The roof under which all this love and connection is possible is important. But, the roof is not to be confused with the connections themselves. Since it is ultimately those loved ones and friends around us who can make us feel most ‘at home.’
A Delightful Way to Downsize
About four years ago, I came across the tiny house movement and have been a fervent enthusiast ever since. Since I was first introduced to the idea of living large in a small space, several companies that build tiny homes have made a name for themselves.
For example, a company named Tumbleweed Homes manufactures a beautiful home that is only 161 square feet. Contained within 161 square feet buyers will find a bathroom with toilet and shower and a kitchen with refrigerator, stove, and microwave. The home also contains a living room, a small bedroom, and a sleeping loft upstairs. Tumbleweed’s Homes are built with the ability to easily go off the grid. Buyers can fit them with solar panels, rainwater collectors, and composting toilets.
However, I freely admit that most families like mine would have a very difficult time packing their entire lives into 161 square feet. Fortunately, most tiny home companies have much larger options. I have seen some tiny homes that are closer to 1,000 square feet. The key is, these homes are built to maximize every inch of space within them. Surprisingly, when an architect is mindful of using every inch of space and also create many spaces that serve multiple purposes, living in a tiny home makes sense.
But more importantly, these homes are affordable, and they cater to those who do not want to be saddled with a 30-year mortgage. For most of us with young families, the largest expense in our budget is usually the mortgage. Tiny homes provide a viable alternative to over-extending one’s monthly budget. These homes provide an opportunity to own a home free and clear, which has the potential to create more financial security for families. When families feel more secure financially, there are all kinds of positive trickle down effects.
An Idea You Can Bank On
Who purchases tiny homes and what do their lives look like?
· Two out of five tiny home owners are over 50 years of age
· Tiny home owners are twice as likely to have a Master’s degree
· Around 70% of tiny home owners have no mortgage
· 90% of tiny home owners have less credit card debt than the average American
· The average cost to build a tiny home is only $23,000
Living authentically and affordably does not mean that we also must settle for less. While we might need to readjust our expectations in order to make a transition to a tiny home, it can be done. When we live authentically we are not settling for less since it is our relationships that nurture us. As long as family and friends surround us and as long as we are living a life rich in experience and connection to others, we are already living the American dream.
