If I’m being honest, I was nervous.
I wasn’t sure what to expect – what it would actually be like.
The ‘it’ in this case was downsizing from 1,700 square feet to 98 square feet. Moving into a 14-foot cargo trailer my boyfriend converted into our new teeny tiny home. Two adults, an 85-pound wolf-dog and an 11-pound cat with more personality than all of us combined, were somehow going to cram into a space smaller than our kitchen.
Fast forward two months, and I am happy to report that not only is it doable, there are perks to living this way as well.
If you’re new here, we’ve made this lifestyle shift in order to travel. We’re slowly rolling across the USA. Staying off-grid in the most incredible spots. An obvious plus to this way of living is we get to be way out in nature, which is vital to both of our wellbeing and a big reason we chose to do this in the first place.
Here are some additional reasons I’ve fallen in love with living in a tiny space:
1. You’re surrounded by everything important to you
I feel as though I’ve managed to distill my life down to everything I love; there’s no room for “eh…” anymore.
Banjo? Check!
Writing materials? Here!
Art supplies, books, my favorite clothes and accessories…and of course, my boyfriend and pets; all present.
As a result, my days are spent doing what I value. I finally have the time and space to deep-dive into what inspires me: exploring, exercising, writing, playing music, reading, learning…
During the downsizing process I was aghast at everything I’d accumulated. All the silly frivolous impulse purchases; what a burden! A waste of money, the energy it took to earn the money, and the energy it took to house and then finally get rid of all these things. Because at the end of the day, most if it meant nothing to me, and wasn’t getting used.
2. You use less
We’ve got an excellent solar system supplying us with power. In the middle of nowhere – way off the grid – we’ve got lights. My Vitamix blender still pulverizes my smoothie ingredients, and our refrigerator keeps our perishables cool.
We are also much better at eating the food we buy. Our fridge is small, so nothing can hide and rot. We see all. We’ve become much better at not being so wasteful.
We don’t have to pay a rent or mortgage – or any of the other bills associated with a home.
And for what it’s worth, it’s nice to at least feel as though we’re not putting such a strain on the grid. We use less water, less gas (we’re travelling slow and have nixed the daily commute); overall, our consumption has plummeted.
3. It’s easy to clean
…which means the opposite holds true as well. I spend a lot of moments tidying, sweeping, sanitizing. But give me a few square feet to mop any day (as in: go over with a Clorox wipe and paper towel) over laboring over a vast swath of laminate that extends into multiple rooms.
In a tiny space, the job is done in no time.
4. You have more clarity
I’ve come full-circle – from living in a home, attempting to fill said home, to now being unable to. There’s no room.
I don’t want to, either.
The purging process resulted in me becoming fascinated with things, and the roles they play in our lives.
I remember walking Elvis through my mom’s neighborhood, and every now and then I’d be treated to a glimpse of the inside of someone’s garage.
The majority of these two-car garages were stuffed with boxes. Leaning precariously, somewhat caved in, you could see water damage…what was in those boxes? Did they even know? Why were they holding on to them, if they weren’t being used?
All of my things now are a reflection of who I am: what’s important, and what I aspire to. I feel clearer and more focused since whittling away the excess.
5. One room fits all
As far as your physical capabilities go, you can only be in a single room at a time. So why not make that one room a place that inspires you, where you’re surrounded by everything you love. All the essentials that propel you through a joyous life that speaks to who you are, rather than bog yourself down with clutter and confusion.
Of course, there are many benefits to living in a house too… (hi, long hot showers!) this lifestyle isn’t for everyone.
Also, the novelty likely has not worn off. Be sure to check back in in a few months’ time; see what my tune is then.
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Want to see the adventure? Chad’s started chronicling it via video! You can catch us in action HERE.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE 