10 Signs You’re Ready To Move Into a Tiny Home

Tiny homes are still a difficult concept for many to wrap their heads around. For many, considering a smaller hub to call home has become a popular way to keep more money in their wallet.

But how do you know if you’re ready to downsize your life and move into a tiny home? Can you really live without single-use kitchen appliances or extra counter space? Do you live with someone who can adapt to this lifestyle with you?

Here are 10 signs that indicate you may be ready to move into a tiny home.

Any home space can be difficult to maintain, especially as you age. Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors and cleaning counters and windows can become physically exhausting much sooner than they used to, and keeping up with roof and HVAC maintenance can get expensive.

If these things are causing more stress than they used to — physically or financially — it may be a good time to consider going small.

As is the case everywhere right now, your housing expenses may have gone up over the last few years. Rent, insurance, mortgage payments, utilities, and more have all increased, as have major appliances and home services.

For many, including those on a fixed income, downsizing to a tiny home means those expenses get significantly decreased.

Sometimes, homes are good for a season of life. If you have adult children who have moved out, your home may not serve you as well anymore.

This is especially true with aging adults who may benefit from different mobility options like fewer stairs, ramps, or other amenities that will better serve them.

There are seasons of life when travel becomes more convenient. If you’re craving more experiences abroad or visiting family around the country, then it might be time to condense your items and go all-in on a smaller space.

A smaller home means less expenses and more budget for luxuries like travel.

Simplifying your space can make it easier to streamline your belongings.

Clearing out items you no longer need can feel empowering, and maintaining a lighter, clutter-free environment can have a positive impact on your mental health.

While environmental activism comes in many shapes and sizes, you reduce your footprint and increase sustainability options by moving into a smaller space.

The materials for a new tiny house build are a fraction of what you need for a standard home. There are fewer lightbulbs, electrical attachments, and carbon dioxide.

Living in a large home — or any space as a single person or small family — can make you feel lonely. Having a formal dining room you never use or hosting infrequently can make a big space feel even bigger.

In contrast, a small space will make your home feel full and cozy.

Not finding the right type of community where you currently are? Building or purchasing a tiny home in an organized community — or co-op — can really expand your opportunities to make friends and support others.

Community gardens, classes, and shared storage options can be found in tiny home clusters, whereas you need to find your own resources if you find a plot alone.

You’ve put a lot of time, money, and effort into your home. But if you’re in a rut financially, selling your home for a smaller one with fewer expenses may make the most financial sense.

Many people don’t save enough for retirement, and benefits are a lot less reliable nowadays so it may be nice to have a financial buffer from the sale of your home.

If you’ve already been shedding unneeded items and donating tons of things, transitioning to a tiny home may be easier for you than those with tons of stuff packed into their homes.

While many tiny home communities have shared storage available for their residents, storage is usually very limited.

Planning for retirement or another phase in your life can be wild and scary. Downsizing your home may be a great way to save more money, but it isn’t easy, and going tiny is a big decision. 

Make sure you’re thoughtful about why you think you’re ready and all the details involved before taking the plunge.