There’s a particular charm to living tiny. It allows you to pull off some awesome surprises. But what if it’s really, really tiny? Some of the smallest houses in the world mean converting a trailer into a house on wheels. There’s also “The Matchbox,” a 13-square-meter home in Washington, DC, that is not only very stylish but also carbon-neutral and self-sustaining. In Slovakia, there’s a plan to build homes in billboards to house homeless people. There are also incredibly tiny houses balancing on a rock, in the middle of a pond or something that you can dismantle and move around.
Do you know about the tiny house movement? It is a social movement that encourages people to downsize the space they live in and live more simply. These tiny houses come in all forms and sizes, and the movement is growing because of environmental and financial concerns. But just how “tiny” are these houses? The ideal size is from nine square meters to 37 square meters, the average size of a one-bedroom condo for rent in the Philippines. Not bad at all.
There are big benefits to tiny living. It allows you to be more financially flexible. It also allows you to be more energy-efficient. It also allows you to declutter your life by just focusing and prioritizing on the important things to live comfortably.
As we take a tour of the smallest houses in the world, get inspired to transform your own space—no matter how big or small.
The need for mobility
People, especially young people, like to be able to move around. And this is why tiny living has been gaining popularity. This way of life satisfies the need for mobility. Small homes can be built and maintained without breaking the bank and they can also be easily sold or rented out should the owner decide to live somewhere else. There’s not much commitment.
In most cases, tiny homes can literally be moved as they are built on a flatbed trailer, legally making them recreational vehicles. Foldable furniture, from tables to beds, is the one common element for houses on wheels,. Some would even create a loft to maximize the vertical space.
For people who can’t stay in one place, mobile tiny living is surely the way to go. It is convenient and keeps you from the hassles of transient, nomadic living.
Keeping it simple
If you have just signed up for a condo for rent, you are probably losing your head over how to fit everything you have in that limited space. A studio condo for rent in the Philippines would normally go anywhere from 15 square meters to 30 square meters. Where does the bed go? How about the dresser? Are you just going to trade the three-seater couch you bought for a monobloc?
The essence of tiny living is living simply. Perhaps it should be how you should live, too. Do you really need that dresser? Does your bed need to fit five people? Keeping things simple means knowing what are important to you. At the same time, it also means knowing what things you can let go of. If you commit to living tiny and simply, you would have to know how to set your priorities and know how to let go. The next time you open a catalogue or visit a home supplies store, you could easily fight the urge to buy everything and just focus on what you actually need. After all, how many of the things you bought for the house last year just ended up in the garage or stock room?
Haven for designers
You could argue that designing for small spaces presents a Herculean challenge. But so does designing for big ones. You would be surprised at how the world’s smallest homes were turned into the coziest, warmest, and chicest houses you have ever seen. Being creative, ingenious, and imaginative are ideal design traits that cannot be limited to space. When it comes to designing a home, size should not matter.
You will be surprised at how these tiny homes look every bit a designer’s dream. Choosing neutral tones can make the place look bigger. Using shelves and drapes that go from the ceiling to the floor is a good way to maximize space. Going vertical is an example of how small condo designs should be mapped out.
Using foldable and multipurpose furniture is also the trick. There’s an ottoman that can double as a center table when entertaining guests. A daybed can be used as an actual bed. Chairs that can be stacked up are perfect for the dining area. A work desk that you can fold up the wall is also a good addition. Invest on storage to keep your small space clutter-free.
Tiny living is green living
One of the reasons why the tiny house movement has mass global appeal is because it could not have happened at a better time. Building a tiny house would require fewer materials, among them is wood. One bulb is all it takes to light every corner. Homeowners can also save on heating and cooling expenses. At the same time, it’s also easier to maintain. Tiny living has such a big impact on the environment, the one thing that we’re all trying to save.
They say the best gifts come from small packages, the same is true for tiny houses. It gives you the gift of comfort, convenience, and sustainability in just a few square feet. Do not be intimidated by the challenges that come with downsizing your homes. For only by living simply can you make the best out of what this world can offer.
