Tiny homes and simple lifestyles

The Zen of Micro-living

Chapter 1 Where to begin.

The tiny house movement has become a way of life, adjusting to a smaller space and

fewer possessions, with a goal of saving money, reducing your carbon

footprint while focusing on relationships and experiences.

Are you “really” ready?Reducing your living space by joining the tiny house movement is a major decision. How can you tell if this

is right for you? This can be experienced by renting vacation cabins of various sizes and designs to see

how you like living in a small space. Camping in a RV camper is another way to determine what you really

need to get by.

Know what is motivating you to considerthis lifestyle. If your only motivation is to reduce living

costs then consider renting a smaller apartmentor house before you commit to this lifestyle.

Know that what you chose is the right decision for the right reasons.

Consider your goals.

Consider your family size.

A rule of thumb is to estimate 100 square feet per person. Also allow space for any pets you have.

Crowding a family of 4 with a dog or cat could lead to problems in the future once the novelty wears off.

Are all members of the family onboard with this and understand the changes in lifestyle?

You will need to consider how you will access electrical, water and sewer needs. How to heat your home and how

you will cook your meals.

Renting a space at a RV park eliminates these needs, but if you build on your own property, this could become an additional

cost.Alternatives could consist of solar power, incinerator toilets and

your own well.

Utilities

Where will you put your home?

This is the biggest obstacle for most people. You might be able to build a cottage as an accessory unit on a lot with a larger

home or in a rural area with a liberal zoning code. Or, you might need to build it on wheels and keep it in an RV park.

Porches, decks and room for you to sit or roam outdoorsIs very important. People need space and they need privacy.

A covered porch, a large deck and some acres of landWill be conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

become more important when your indoor space is limited.

Outdoor space is important.

Building codes exist for a reason, as do the codes for recreational vehicles. Any home you create will need to stand up to hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or the stress (and cost) of towing it on the highway.

Find out what codes are required in your area and build to those.

Planning the construction.

Foundation or Wheels?

If you plan on building your tiny home on a foundation, thenyou will need to meet the standard building codes of your

municipality. One thing you need to do before starting construction is to find out if you can legally building a home this

small. Many municipalities frown on these types of homes because the property tax rate is diminished and they cannot

earn enough money.Fortunately, some municipalities are seeing the light

and allowing tiny homes.

The dream of living tiny is just a dream until you haveeducated yourself to all the changes you will need to make

to live tiny and simply.

It is great to dream but it must be tempered with realistic expectations.

Coming up in Chapter 2

Developing your building plans.Materials needed.Beginning construction.DIY or hire a contractor?How to insure your new tiny home.

My ongoing project.

An introduction.

My background.