Tiny home living is efficient, cost-effective, and exciting. Before you embark on this lifestyle, you need to think through the design carefully. The idea is to maximize every inch of space, inside and out, while still incorporating your personal touches.
Explore Actual Tiny Homes
Before you sit down at the drawing board, do a little idea shopping by visiting actual tiny homes. If you don’t have access to tiny homes, do some binge watching of TV programs that feature tiny house design and building. You can also visit an RV dealership to get a sense of how compact interiors are laid out for maximum use of space.
Make Connections
It can be invaluable to connect with other tiny home owners for advice based on experience. Thanks to the internet, it is possible to interact with members of the tiny home community without actually having to travel for in-person meetups.
Take Inventory and Downsize
There is no way to transition into small space living without taking stock of what you have and what the essentials are that you can’t live without. Once you know what your absolute must-haves are, it is time to downsize. Have a tag sale, donate some items, or place your items in storage. Try living with less to get used to the idea.
Prioritize Your Wish List
Now it is time to really think about the space you will be living in. A wish list is the best place to start with the design concept. Here are some things to strongly consider:
- Will your home be mobile or stationary?
- Do you want 1 or 2 stories?
- How much storage do you need?
- Will you want a kitchen and bathroom with full size appliances and fixtures?
- Are lots of windows important?
- Is an outdoor deck a must-have?
- What multi-purpose can each element have?
- What size bed do you need?
- Do you need space for guests?
- What finishes and colors do you want?
- What will your power source be?
Find a Place to Set Down Roots
It is necessary to have a place to park your new home. If you are lucky enough to own a piece of land, then you are already one step ahead. If not, consider renting a piece of land from a friend or family member who has plenty to spare. If you are hitting the road with your new house, start doing your homework regarding places, such as RV parks, that will allow you to stay for as long as you need.
Figure Out a Budget
You will need to go over your finances before building and moving forward with living the lifestyle. Be clear with what you can afford and do your best to stay under your budget.
Draw a Plan
A well thought-out plan is the key to success. Perhaps you are able to sketch up your ideas. If not, consider hiring an architect, builder, or draftsman to render the concept. This is going to help your contractor prepare a realistic budget. It will also help him or her to bring your vision to life.