Life after the kids move out is bittersweet. You’re happy you raised them to live independently, but the home feels empty. It may be time for a change, and downsizing could be the answer. Here is what to consider when moving to a tiny house.
Practical Details
When thinking of living small, there are some practical details to contemplate. You can find the answers by asking yourself a few key questions.
Will I Build My Tiny House?
Building a tiny home yourself can range from $10,000 to $20,000. However, building a tiny home takes a lot of time and hard work. Leaving it to the professionals can cost between $30,000 to $60,000, but they can get the job done faster.
Do I Want a Stationary or Mobile Tiny Home?
One perk of tiny living is the ability to move your home around the country. This is great if you like to travel, but many people who are interested in downsizing want the stationary option. Your appliances will also be hooked up differently depending on which you choose.
Where Do I Want To Live?
It’s important to research zoning laws to determine if you can have a tiny house in your city. If you choose a mobile tiny home, you’ll have to research regulations in each new location.
Monthly Costs
You will save money on your monthly bills by downsizing to a smaller space. Many folks who live in tiny homes report paying between $500–$1,000 a month, though there are some cases where expenses could go above that. In any case, it’s a lower monthly overhead than living in a standard home.
Most tiny-home owners need to also consider renting land. Even if you own your home, some communities require you to pay for where you put it, especially RV parks.
Utility expenses can still add up, even when living in a small space. For best practice, consider equipping your tiny home with energy-efficient appliances that fit the space.
Making the Most of the Space
When moving to a tiny house, you will have to make every part of the space count. This idea can be challenging, especially if you have many belongings. You may have to spend some time decluttering or putting items into storage before moving.
However, there are great tips for saving space in a tiny house. It often requires getting a little creative, but these solutions add unique decor choices you may not have considered, such as suspended shelving. After decluttering and looking into these storage tricks, you likely won’t have to worry about where to put your stuff.
Vibrant Communities
Some tiny home neighborhoods emphasize community values and dedicate themselves to living simply. These values can be highly appealing to people looking to broaden their social circles after the kids move out.
You can also use this opportunity as an affordable way to join a community you have always dreamed about. Let’s say you enjoy skiing in the mountains on vacation. You could relocate to Fairplay, Colorado and live in the Whispering Aspen Village. This community offers practical amenities, like a laundry facility and a clubhouse, and has luxurious touches like hot tubs and a tennis court.
