Tiny Living

[Coyotl]

Chris Tack made seven trips to Goodwill to get rid of his stuff, before moving into the 140-square-foot home he and his wife Malissa Tack designed and built. Constructed on a trailer bed and parked in Snohomish, Washington, the house is more than enough space for them, the couple says. And one advantage of a home on wheels, the 29-year-olds say, is that you can always move.

[VanillaRhapsody]

1. I did this with an ex husband.

I lived in first a 26 ft and finally a 35 ft travel trailer for 12 yrs. I loved it!

[PDJane]

2. I'm going to point out that this kind of living is fine for the able-bodied.

I need either a walker or a cane all the time; this kind of living is just not going to work for me. It's fine, and it's good for those who can do it, but it's not an option for a number of us!

I wish it were....

[duffyduff]

3. I honestly don't like this

It's being peddled as something people "ought" to do. This is the beginning of the end of the country if you cannot afford to have a decent space in which to live.

This is third world crap being shoved in our faces in the name of "environmental responsibility" instead of what it truly is--be prepared for an ever worsening standard of living.

I have lived in small spaces for years and years. I lived in a rooming house for 14 years with my space a tiny room, then I rented a 500-square-foot apartment which was way too small for almost 12 years. Then, after I was illegally fired I was forced to sleep on a couch at my brother's already small mobile home in another state. I am still doing it. It stinks big time.

It is not a lifestyle "option" unless you are destitute.

[IrishAyes]

4. After living in tiny apartments in big cities, including NYC

for many years, I was happy to have several respites in the boonies where I could have a big house. After retirement I live in a 100-yr-old Queen Anne - it's huge and the town is tiny, quite a difference. And I love it.

But I also love tiny house design, which doesn't have to be portable or dangerous during storms. Or difficult to accommodate disabilities. Of course I have insurance but could never handle premiums to cover total replacement costs, so for peace of mind I've researched alternatives just in case something destroys my big house before I'm through with it.

I found one company that sells kits made in earthquake and hurricane resistant designs based on ancient earth houses. If I ever needed to replace my current house, that's what I'd build. Not my first choice but a great Plan B. After a major disaster you're probably not going to have a lot of stuff left to store anyway, and at my age I've lost the majority of my collection mania. Don't want to embark on another. I'd count myself lucky to have survived the disaster and have a lovely, safe permanent structure in which I could continue aging in place. The kit I favor has around 500 sq ft in an open and attractive design which I'm confident the Amish could erect for me in no time, and my total outlay would likely still leave plenty left over from the insurance money.

And you can bet I'm not fool enough to be posting this in public if I had any intentions of shennanigans! I'm simply comforted by an excellent, viable backup plan. Believe it or not, I used to be a Girl Scout.

[pamela]

5. I live in a motorhome.

I love it. We're parked in a gorgeous state park in Texas today, heading East to visit family. I love tiny living. My husband and I lived in a 750 sq. ft condo before ths and I lived on a bat for five years. The motorhome feels bigger to e than the boat or condo because it's laid out so well. I love that he view from my window is always changing, too.

[snort]

6. I've owned 3 homes

but now I'm living in a 34' RV and I must say I just love it. I go where I want when I want. The quality of the appliances and the build quality of the coach makes it the nicest house I've had. You'd be amazed at the places you can have to yourself if you know where to go and when. Total cost for my mansion on wheels with only 33K miles: $9100 with 6 new tires. Cheapest house I've had as well.