So you’ve decided to buy a tiny home. Many people spend up to half of their income on rent or a mortgage, so it’s no surprise that today’s homes are smaller and more budget-oriented. Whether you’re living solo or with another person, tiny home living can help you gain a better appreciation of the things that matter. With some planning and clever construction, you can live in a space that’s just as functional as any regular-size home out there.
With space at a premium, we’re seeing more and more buyers choosing tiny homes. There are now residential developments dedicated to tiny homes in the suburbs of major cities, and tiny home living offers an alternative option for young professionals and newlyweds looking to start their life. Of course, there are a few downsides.
Unlike most single-family homes, tiny homes have limited room, and you’ll find it more challenging to create a space that fits your needs. The home loan requirements might be different as well. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible task. You need to flex your creative muscle to create a comfortable tiny home. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
1. Keep clutter to a minimum
Stuff takes up space, so you need to resist the urge to go shopping every time there’s a fire sale. You won’t realize it until it’s too late, and the amount of clutter you have can creep up on you until you’re left with zero space for your essentials. Make sure to only buy things you absolutely need. When buying furniture, it might be a smart idea to get measurements beforehand.
If cutting back on shopping is too difficult for you, don’t fret. One quick way to make space for new things is to sell, donate, or throw away stuff you no longer need. It also helps to hire a professional organizer to create a storage system that maximizes your available space.
2. Select your furniture wisely
Since you’re working with limited space, you might be inclined to fill your home with tiny furniture. However, this isn’t a good idea. It might seem counterintuitive, but you need to fill your home with regular-sized furniture.
You want to fill up your space for starters, and tiny pieces can make your home even look smaller. With careful positioning, regular furniture can make your home feel cleaner and more lived-in. You want people to think that this is a real home with real people, and you’re not doing yourself any favors by choosing bite-sized pieces.
3. Pick a focal point
We still need to fill our home with books, art, and other accessories. If everything you have is functional in nature, your home will feel cold and sterile. And we all own something we cannot bear to part with. If you love reading, then you probably have a selection of your favorite books. Some people also enjoy collecting photos of their friends and family. You can still display them in your home, but you need to be creative when it comes to placement.
For starters, choose a focal point for the main room to serve as the home for your collectibles and memorabilia. Bookcases are always a popular option, but feel free to build shelves or something similar. By focusing everything in one area, you can prevent clutter buildup in the rest of your tiny home.
4. Use vertical storage
You might not have enough floor space for cabinets and bookcases, but you forget one area of your home that could be used as storage. I’m talking about the walls. Instead of getting a standalone piece, consider installing vertical storage such as cabinets. This allows you to free up valuable floor space for other furniture.
A final word
These strategies will help you make the most of your limited space. Tiny home living might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a change in pace, it might be for you. Your worth is no longer tied to material possessions, and you can embrace a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.
While space might seem an issue, as long as you plan your layout and find creative ways to maximize your space, you can create a home that will serve you for a lifetime. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort just because you have less floor space.
