The fundamentals of the tiny house movement

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Tiny houses may seem like a misnomer to some people – as if defining a specific term was lost in translation or if there was a slip on the keyboard. However, this is not an alien concept, and it is garnering popularity throughout the western world. If you are intrigued to learn more, read further to learn about the fundamentals of the tiny house movement.

What is a tiny house?

In this time of ecological tension when so many people are getting cramped into big cities, the concept of a tiny house appears like a breath of fresh air. Essentially, the houses in question usually have a layout that doesn’t exceed 50 square meters. Not only that, but they are often designed to be portable, so they are a perfect home for modern nomads and people who like to move around a lot.

What is it all about?

The essence of this framework is loose enough so a lot of people can adopt it and define it according to their own life philosophy, but at the core of it, a tiny house is all about freedom and green thinking. It is an environmentally-friendly option that fortunately looks appealing to a lot of youngsters. It is also about minimalism – getting rid of all the extra “baggage” you don’t need and focusing on yourself and your loved ones.

How realistic is this option?

The sheer popularity of the concept made sure it became a realistic option. Companies that design and create tiny houses go out of their way to equip them in a way that renders them “fully liveable”. This means that the tiny house of your choosing, should you wish it, can have all the amenities and features of a fully functional household. All that remains is a matter of design, and these houses come in all shapes and sizes – from charming little traditional houses with a rustic and vintage quality of design, to modern minimalist boxes with broad style and a lot of wall-sized windows.

How secure is it?

This, however, raises the matter of security – houses of this kind, especially in the case they are portable, can appear enticing to the potential burglar. This is why you should probably add an extra layer of security to your windows, like metal bars, and maybe even opt for an alarm system. Furthermore, you can hire a reliable locksmith from Rhodes to equip your front door with a strong lock. 

How did this come about?

The history of the tiny house movement is a bit murky, but we definitely know it originated in the United States. You can trace the roots of it back to the 1970s and Lloyd Khan, the founder and editor-in-chief of Shelter Publications, Inc. However, the tiny house movement didn’t land a concrete footing until 1993, when Escape Homes – the producer of small houses from Wisconsin – was founded.

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 sealed the deal, as the green thinking and the need for flexible and accessible housing that is affordable shattered the real estate glass ceiling. From the very beginning, these beautiful houses were built as trailers to bypass certain laws and regulations, and thus, this feature became a practically inseparable part of the concept.

What are the financial ramifications?

By their very design and conception, tiny houses are not particularly expensive. The bottom line is – if you are in a below average financial situation, you can still pay off your tiny house debt within a few years. Furthermore, you will spend significantly less on your utility bills. The money you save up on a monthly basis can be doubled if you purchase a tiny house with built-in solar panels and batteries. So in the end, you get a downright beautiful house with almost no financial stress. 

Above all else, a tiny house is a statement. It is a practical way to define a lifestyle and synthesize it with your life’s philosophy – that excess is bad for both the environment and the society. Overall, tiny houses are a perfect change of pace for all of you who’d love to live as modern nomads and yet retain some sort of distinctive style on the domestic field. A life in a tiny house can be much bigger than you think. 

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Article written by Diane Smith. Diana is a full-time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to home decor and latest DIY projects. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.