A tiny home is defined as one that occupies less than 400 square feet.
Why do the majority of folks seem to be drawn to the idea of smaller living quarters? Among the key attractions is the fact that they are more affordable than bigger houses.
The fact that they are easier to maintain and less harmful to the environment adds to the appeal of compact pads. However, there are several aspects you should consider before jumping into your first tiny home.
1. Understand Your City Codes
Before you build or set up your tiny home, you need to know what the city’s zoning laws say about where you can have your home. Some localities have existing tiny home communities you can buy a property within.
If your tiny home sits on wheels, it will be considered a recreational vehicle (RV) in most localities and will have to be registered as such.
Some cities only allow RVs to park in their designated area for a specific period of time. Removing the wheels of your tiny home can put you in violation of city codes, depending on where you live.
In some places, your home may no longer be considered an RV if you remove its tires, and you may be required to relocate as a result.
If you are building your tiny home, ensure that your structure and its fittings adhere to building codes. Before you begin construction, you will be required to obtain a permit. Your permit may not be issued if your tiny home fails to meet the required minimum square footage.
2. Get Insurance
Insuring your home is always a good idea, regardless of its size. However, there are some special considerations you need to take into account when insuring a tiny home.
If yours is an RV that you’re building from scratch, you will need to provide a Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) certification for insurance companies to give you a policy. Some insurers may want to conduct a site visit and require documentation of the construction process before issuing insurance for tiny homes.
3. Tend to the Tires
Exposure to the elements and the weight of the house can make the tires wear out. You can slow down this process by ensuring the tires are always filled to their optimal pressure level.
Also, be sure to keep the bearings in good condition by servicing them regularly. To avoid potential issues resting a tiny home on tires may bring, some homeowners construct a concrete slab for their home or put it on wood planks.
small home organizationstackable washer/dryer
some small home setup to consider
4. Figure Out Power Supply
Opting for solar power makes sense for a tiny home, especially if it’s an RV as you’ll be moving around. As you weigh this option and shop for solar panels, be sure to consider how you will meet your energy needs on the days when sunshine is not optimal.
Consult an expert to make sure you understand the best way to incorporate solar panels into your tiny home.
5. Consider Your Needs
When building or shopping for your tiny home, take into account both your present and future needs. If you’re living with a partner, pets, or children, will the space limitation be an issue?
Be sure to consider any potential changes in the number of people or pets living in the tiny home down the road.
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The furniture you use in a regular house may eat up too much space in a tiny home. You will need to shop around for furniture more suitable for the limited space or custom-make it.
Foldable furniture can provide that ideal combination of minimalism and comfort. Loft beds will also help you economize on space.
6. Go Tiny
Going tiny means getting rid of a lot of stuff and learning to make do with less. Garage sales and donations can help you clear out the unnecessaries you’ve accumulated over the years. Besides decluttering, you can save space by buying multifunctional appliances.
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7. Enjoy the Ride
Restarting your life in a tiny home after years of conventional living will come with its share of challenges. You will endure some discomfort before becoming like those happy couples showcasing their minimalist lives on social media.
But you can choose to see the challenges as interesting puzzles to solve and learn from as you go along.
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Image credit: first time tiny home buyers by twenty20.com
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