Everything You Need to Know Before Moving Into a Tiny House

Considering that the average cost to build a tiny house is about $250,000 less than a traditional house, it’s no surprise that they are becoming increasingly popular.

As an alternative living style, tiny houses are less of a novelty than they once were.

If you travel often, it’s a cheaper and more personal version of the RV or camper. In case you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, tiny houses are quite green.

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. There are some things you need to be aware of before moving into a tiny house.

For example…

Sewage Can Be Problematic

We bet that’s not the first thing you thought of when you were considering moving into a tiny house.

Waste is a fact of life. That’s why the number of bathrooms is a major selling point on regular houses.

Since your mobile tiny home isn’t plugged into the municipal sewer system, you have to get creative.

Some will utilize the same system as an RV. You’d have to go to a camper space and unload your “black water” tank into the sewer line directly.

More popular are compost toilets.

These are kind of like Port-a-Potties, but the basin underneath is filled with dry peat moss. The moss absorbs the waste, and more importantly, the smell.

With a compost toilet, you generally have to empty them out once a month. But that can get gross too.

Hey, no one said moving into a tiny house was going to be glamorous.

Privacy

Are you one of those people who need a little “me time” every day?

Well, we hope you’re moving into a tiny house by yourself.

Since tiny houses are usually between 60 to 400 square feet, space (especially personal space) is at a premium.

How well do you know your living partner? Tiny houses certainly aren’t a “find a roommate on Craigslist” kind of deal.

It’s more like “I am willing to spend every moment of my time within 20 feet of this person.”

Definitely, don’t use a tiny house as a trial-run for your future in living together. Even the most solid relationships can be strained if you don’t get any time and space to yourself.

Oh, and you thought the compost toilet was weird? Well, the walls of that bathroom are less than an inch thick – if there are any at all.

Hope you’re not stall-shy.

Minimalism Is Essential

That wardrobe with a different outfit for every day of the year? Not happening. Try 10 different complete outfits – tops.

And we hope you don’t have a lot of cookbooks because your kitchen options are limited. Most tiny houses can’t fit a food processor, much less an oven.

Going full Thoreau doesn’t have to be a burden, though. Many people find that less stuff is less stressful.

If you’re considering moving into a tiny house, minimalism is certainly in your future.

You’re gonna have to get clever with your space.

You’ll Want to Get Out More

No matter how nice your house is, spending all your time in such a confined area will make it feel like prison.

The limited space also limits your recreation and (guest) entertainment options – unless the only thing you do is watch Netflix.

Cuddling will get old since you’re actually forced to do it 100 percent of the time. Try spicing things up a little with your significant other.

When having guests, you’ll also want to do things out of the house. After all, you’ll only have two or three chairs. Try picnics, movies, or bowling. Impress your friends by doing something really fun and unorthodox like an escape room.

Why would you want to entertain in your own home anyway?

Location, Location, Location

Like regular houses, tiny houses do actually occupy space.

The advantage tiny houses have is that they’re a lot smaller.

Have you thought about where you want to put your tiny home?

Even before that – have you thought about if it will be mobile or not? Many tiny homes are actually built on trailers. Others are built on the ground.

There are pros and cons to each, but many people live in tiny houses because it enables them to travel in comfort.

They often have to stop in RV camps or rest stops. Places with RV hookups are a necessity to refuel water and dump waste.

Other people are less mobile. Their houses reside in other people’s backyards or deep in the woods.

We think the greatest advantage of tiny houses is the freedom to just go. You’re able to be present for any event you want: concerts, rallies, festivals, and more.

Plus, if your tiny house is mobile-ready, you won’t miss all the epic eclipse parties featured on this blog.

With a tiny house, you have all the freedom to travel and see the world.

Moving into a Tiny House Can Mean Big Problems

Frankly, tiny houses have only been around for a few decades – and only popular much more recently. There are few laws regarding their use and regulation.

That doesn’t mean it’s the wild west up in here, though. There are rules about where you can place your tiny house, and for how long.

The problem is that they’re not consistent and can be difficult to find.

If you’re in a mobile tiny house, your best course of action is to act like you’re an RV.

Do you still get permission to park in the back of Wal-Mart parking lots at night?

Mmmmaybe. At least you have plausible deniability.

What about property taxes? How much of a house is a tiny house, really?

That is unclear.

Your best bet is to contact local authorities and ask.

Now You’re Ready to Move

You’ve made it this far: you’ve analyzed your habits, your goals, your needs, and your desires.

If a life outside the box is what you want, and you’re willing to put up with a little uncertainty, you’re ready.

What’s the next step?

Decorating it with style, of course. Try out these fun ideas!