By Dana DeMercurio
When a cable network creates an entire show about tiny houses and their inhabitants, it’s kind of a big deal, right? FYI Network featured the first episode of “Tiny House Nation” back in July 2014, and since then other shows on similar networks have begun to feature families actively house-hunting for an elfin establishment to call home.
But why would a family of three or more voluntarily give up their 1,500+ square foot home with all of its amenities to reside in a space the size of their current family room?
Living paycheck to paycheck is a reality for nearly 76% of Americans, as one-third to one-half of their total monthly income is dedicated to paying for the roof over their heads. Sounds extreme, but it’s the unfortunate reality that many face. This has given rise to the tiny house movement around the globe, with itty-bitty abodes popping up in a neighborhood near you. But does that mean that tiny housing is the right choice for your family?
Let’s weigh the pros and cons, shall we?
Pros
Elimination of Clutter: When Gandhi died, he has less than 10 possessions to his name, and a house wasn’t even one of them. Imagine living with just the basic necessities needed for daily survival and perhaps a few personal effects to make life comfortable? The simple life is what more and more people yearn for, and downsizing with a micro-house is the perfect start. The added bonus: less space to clean!
Environmentally Friendly: Moving into a tiny home is the epitome of “going green.” Less land, less waste and less use of natural resources is an eco-friendly homeowner’s ultimate dream.
Reduced Cost of Living: How high is your heating and air conditioning bill each month? What about your property taxes? Is your mortgage through the roof? – (pardon the pun) If your eyes are rolling just at the thought, imagine how much money you could save buy moving into a tiny home. Are you back in your happy place yet?
Cons
Personal Space: Privacy is a hot commodity in the world today, and one that we as American’s often take for granted. Tiny houses nix the idea entirely, as your family would basically be within a stone’s throw at all times – literally. This is a major factor that would need to be examined, especially if you are a stay-at-home mom or parent who works from home. If you like to go and hide in the corner when life gets a bit overwhelming, good luck finding one in a tiny home.
The Future of Your Family: Say you want to have another child at some point, or you simply don’t want to spend the rest of your life in a 400 square foot living space. Then perhaps this isn’t the option for you. Think into the future and decide if a tiny home works for all the members of your family before buying.
Lack of ‘Luxury’ Amenities: Forget lavish kitchens, spacious family rooms and bathrooms with dual sinks. While most would think these things standard in any home, you can pretty much forget if you move into one of these little living spaces. Depending on the size, there’s a good chance you will be dining within 5 steps of where you use the toilet. That is, of course, if the house has a bathroom indoors. Yeah…sounds like a deal-breaker to us too.
