Moving into a tiny house is a decision that can change your life in huge ways. While it is an exciting journey to embark on, there are some things that are useful to understand before you make the leap. Let’s go over 10 things to know before you make the commitment to downsize.

 

1. Not all municipalities or parks accept all tiny houses.

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that not every municipality or park welcomes tiny houses.

For that reason, it is essential to research residential codes before you decide to downsize and move to a specific area.

To maximize your options for placing your tiny house, we recommend going with one that is classified as a recreational vehicle. Park model homes fall into that category while offering all the comforts of a traditional house. Learn more about Park Model Homes vs. tiny houses.

 

2. You need to be prepared to clean and organize frequently.

When you live in just several hundred square feet, you will be surprised at just how quickly messes can accumulate.

You will probably be doing some basic cleaning chores such as sweeping every day. You also will need to routinely declutter and organize, or untidiness will quickly spiral out of control.

 

3. You’ll need to learn some new skills.

Moving into a tiny house involves a learning curve. You will need to learn how to use any new appliances that come with your home. You also will need to know how to move your tiny house or level it when you arrive at a new site. Chances are good you will have to pick up some maintenance and repair skills too (see below).

 

4. Home maintenance won’t go away—but you may catch problems sooner.

Sometimes people who live in tiny houses or recreational vehicles complain that there is always something that needs fixing.

In reality, a well-made tiny house or park model will need no more maintenance than a full-size home—actually, in many respects, it should be less.

But you may notice issues more quickly than you would in a full-size home. Large houses hide problems.

But that is actually a great benefit of living in a tiny home. Since you will become aware of small issues more rapidly, you can do the necessary maintenance or repairs to fix them before they turn into big problems.

 

5. Mold can be an issue.

Tiny houses and RVs often have issues with condensation and mold. Typically, this is the result of low-quality insulation, problems with floor plans, a lack of ventilation, or issues with the roofing or flooring.

Purchasing your home from an experienced manufacturer that knows how to incorporate high-quality moisture management systems can help you get around this problem.

Even so, it is wise to crack your windows when the weather allows it to let some air through your home.

 

6. You may or may not end up using all of those big windows.

Big, beautiful windows are a popular feature for tiny houses. They offer many benefits, including ventilation, natural light, and views of the outdoors.

But here’s the thing—many people choose to live in parks with other tiny house residents, and do not realize just how little privacy there is in many parks.

If you will be living in such a location, you may end up drawing the curtains or blinds on your ground floor windows much of the time.

But that just makes it even more important to purchase a park model that includes clerestory windows:

Champion Athens Model APH-536 - Living Room to Kitchen

Windows like these can bring in natural light while also ensuring your privacy when you need it.

Of course, this is also a reason to think hard about where you will place your tiny house. If you have your own land, you can keep your blinds or curtains open and enjoy picturesque views every day of the great outdoors.

 

7. You will be surprised by how little space you actually need.

For many people, one of the most daunting things about moving to a tiny house is wondering, “How am I going to cook, clean, or work in such a small space?”

But you will probably adjust quickly. First of all, a well-designed layout can actually give you a huge kitchen:

Secondly, after you get used to living in a smaller space, you probably will find yourself wondering why you thought you needed so much space before!

 

8. How you relate to other members of your household may change.

One thing you might not be prepared for when moving into a tiny house is just how different your relationships with your family members will be.

In fact, you will probably spend a lot more time together, and many quality moments you might have missed in a full-size house.

That said, it can be harder to get time alone when you need it. Think about how much privacy you’ll need, and choose a layout with separate rooms or loft spaces that can meet every family member’s needs.

 

9. Everything you need is always close by.

One awesome convenience of living in a tiny house is that you never have to walk far to grab what you need. That is especially true if you move into a home with a lot of clever storage solutions built right in.

 

10. You will finally have a home that is yours forever.

Finally, perhaps the most exciting thing to know about downsizing to a tiny house is that you can say goodbye to moving boxes forever. You will be investing in a home that you can cherish for the rest of your life. No matter where you move in the future, you can bring your tiny home with you.

Excited to downsize to a park model home? Continue exploring our blog to learn more about tiny living, or check out our current inventory.

 

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