Low Impact
Tiny Houses — those measuring around 100-400 sq. ft., as opposed to today’s average of around 2,600 — have a significantly lower carbon impact than their full-sized equivalents. With more than 80% of a home’s greenhouse gases over its 70-year life of occupancy coming from electricity and fuel consumption, a smaller-size house makes a serious difference in terms of environmental impact. You’ll be heating and cooling only the spaces you actually use.
Cash Saver
Most tiny houses cost much less than traditional homes. One purveyor, Tumbleweed, makes houses from 50-500 sq. ft. for a cost of $15,000-$40,000. That means it’s much easier to purchase a tiny house outright, or pay it off quickly, getting you out of the cycle of debt that many full-size home purchases initiate throughout their lives. Home maintenance costs are also lowered — from painting to roofing or altering the décor — and you’ll see a big difference in energy costs.
Simple Life
Living in a tiny house means every square foot of space is designed to be used extremely efficiently. That means there’s no room for the “stuff” that clutters up so many of our basements, attics and garages. Being forced to make choices about what items are truly worth keeping can be a liberating process, and also breaks the cycle of consumption. Less stuff means less impact and a significant cash savings. You’ll be amazed at what you don’t miss.
Personal Perks
In addition to helping the environment and your wallet, tiny house living can improve your life in surprising ways. Smaller homes take less time to clean and manage, which frees up hours to spend on hobbies and things you enjoy. Living small also means you can afford to splurge on truly quality perks, like top-notch appliances and luxury furnishings. Your perfectly proportioned space can even be kitted out in a luxurious style you might not manage in a giant-sized home.
