Know your goals for tiny home living (and when to accept help) for a smooth move!
Whether you've chosen a tiny home to reduce your environmental impact, eliminate debt, or finally live a nomadic lifestyle with your home on wheels, you're ready to move!
Well, almost ready. For a smooth transition, you'll want to know your reasons for downsizing, your goals for your new lifestyle, and how to downsize in a way that leaves you feeling excited and free.
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when downsizing to a tiny home!
Mistake one: Not getting clear on your reasons for choosing a tiny home early on
There are plenty of reasons people opt for a tiny home, and no one reason is better than another. Knowing your "why" before you officially downsize can help you clarify your next steps and your specific needs.
Reason to downsize: Financial freedom
At a time when significant student and personal debt is the norm, living in a smaller home can help you live a more financially comfortable life. Tiny home living is transformational for many people since it takes away pressure around housing scarcity and insecurity.
Contrary to what you might have heard, studies show that Gen Z and millennial generations (ages 18-41) do want to be homeowners. Bankrate's Financial Security survey shows that Americans place a higher value on homeownership than any other indicator of economic stability, including a successful career, owning a car, or earning a college education.
Nearly two-thirds of non-homeowners say affordability is their biggest reason for not buying a house. Student debt hit almost $1.6 trillion in the U.S. by the beginning of 2020, which has made it increasingly difficult for Millennials to compete for buying homes against older generations.
In April 2022, the median listing home price here in Bend was $775K. That's up 16.6% year-over-year. Even rent prices in Bend have risen to an average of $1,767 a month.
This is where tiny homes come in. Our tiny homes start at 120k. That's a sixth of the cost of other houses in our area. Living in a smaller home also means spending less to heat and cool your home and less on maintenance. A smaller home doesn't mean you'll give up the comforts of a full-sized home. You can still have two queen-sized beds, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a shower — at a much more affordable price.
Reason to downsize: Greener living
Smaller homes are more environmentally friendly. They require fewer materials to build, less energy to heat and cool, and they take up less space than traditional single-family homes.
Did you know that most homeowners spend $400 a month on utilities? Research shows that much of this is due to size, since heating and cooling a smaller space with modern windows and proper insulation costs significantly less than a large home.
One 2020 study of tiny homes in Australia found that tiny homes reduce per-person carbon emissions by 70% over their lifespan compared to a traditional home.
Reason to downsize: Exploration with loved ones
Mobile homes have come a long way in the last decade. If the lifestyle of your dreams includes a new stretch of open road and unexplored scenery on the horizon, a tiny house on wheels could be your ticket to happiness.(Try moving a four-bedroom house without breaking a few windows.)
Living in a tiny home also means you and your loved ones will spend more time together. You'll hear about their day and what's on their mind while you cook dinner. You'll spend more time working from home, cuddling in bed, and exploring new places in the outdoors. You might get wrapped up in a game night or stargaze outside in the evening.
Life is short. If spending as much of it as you can with the people you care about, tiny home living is right for you.
Mistake 2: Throwing everything away
Whatever your reason for tiny home living, you've likely been daydreaming about your new lifestyle for a while. Making a major lifestyle change can make it tempting to get rid of everything. While too much physical clutter can cause stress, starting all over from scratch can be expensive and overwhelming.
Downsizing isn't just another word for getting rid of everything you own. So, what should you keep or toss? If you're unsure what to do with an item, consider whether or not it will fit into your new lifestyle. Think about your priorities. If it's exploration, you might want to hold onto that mountain bike! On the other hand, selling your bike might be a wise choice if you're moving to save money.
If you're not sure, hold onto it. You can always change your mind later.
Mistake 3: Saying "no" to help
Moving can feel overwhelming, especially when there's a lifestyle change involved. There's no shame in taking a helping hand to help things go smoothly.
Here are some options you might want to consider.
Home organizing
A home organizer can help you determine which items should go where in your new tiny home. Home organizers can also help you determine which of your "maybe" belongings to donate or keep. A solid organization plan will ensure you make the most of your smaller space. According to Forbes, the average cost of a home organizer in 2022 is $55/hour.
Moving company
Professional movers know the best way to keep your belongings safe and protected. Moving companies also help with heavy living, which minimizes your risk for injuries. They can also help pack your belongings safely so nothing important gets damaged. They'll also save you time that would otherwise be spent on buying boxes, packing boxes, taping boxes, carrying boxes...
Knowing that your possessions are in safe hands can make a big difference in easing your mind on moving day. Forbes lists the average cost of movers at about $1,400. If that's outside your budget, here's a list of low-income moving assistance programs and resources.
Friends and family
You could also go the Beatles route and get by with a little help from your friends. Remember that what you're asking for isn’t a fun or easy weekend activity. While your true friends and family will roll up their sleeves and help you move with a smile, there are a few common courtesies you can offer.
First, figure out what you need help with. Is it packing boxes? Borrowing their pickup? Loading a moving van? Give your friends as much notice as possible — a week or more — so that they can carve out time to help. You'll also want to provide refreshments, whether that's water, beer, pizza, lemonade, or snacks, to keep everyone happy and hydrated.
Ultimately, the best way to show how much their help means is to help them move when the time comes. Who knows, you might even get a free pizza out of it!