Thinking about the pros and cons of tiny houses? Considering a smaller living space? Tiny homes are getting more popular every year, and there are plenty of options to choose from, like RVs, boats, vans, treehouses, or simply building a small home.
I’ve lived in small spaces for years and feel quite experienced with it. My first rental at 18 was a tiny house without a bedroom and a cramped bathroom. I’ve also lived in a camper van, RV, and sailboat, all much smaller than the average house. The typical new single-family home is about 2,561 square feet, according to the National Association of Home Builders. After living small for so long, that size seems huge to me, even though it’s normal for many people.
When we decided to live small, we considered the pros and cons and chose it because we wanted to travel with our home. This way, we could bring everything with us and explore new places. Some people opt for tiny houses to save money or because they prefer a simpler life with less stuff. Maybe you realize you don’t need much space to be happy.
However, living in a tiny house isn’t always easy. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
**Pro: You might save money**
Living in a tiny house can save you money, especially if you build it yourself. Larger homes often come with higher costs for utilities, insurance, maintenance, and more. Tiny homes usually cost less to build due to their smaller size. However, they aren’t always cheaper. Costs can rise if you spend a lot on monthly stays at RV parks or marinas, buy expensive land, or need to add utilities to your property.
**Con: Things might break more often**
Tiny homes, especially RVs or boats, can have more frequent issues than traditional homes. When something breaks in a regular house, you can usually still live in it. But with a moving home, like an RV or boat, a breakdown can cause significant stress and additional expenses. These homes are often not built as robustly as standard houses, leading to more frequent repairs.
**Pro: You can park your home wherever you want**
If your tiny home is mobile, you can travel with it and park it in various places. This flexibility is one of my favorite aspects of tiny living. You can follow good weather, visit family and friends, and explore new areas. The views from your windows can be stunning, from national parks to mountain ranges and sea life.
**Con: You may have to use less water and electricity**
Living in a tiny home, especially if you’re off-grid, means you might need to adjust to using less water and electricity. Full-time travelers in RVs or boats need to conserve water unless they’re at a campground or marina. Similarly, limited power from batteries means you have to be mindful of electricity use.
**Pro: You may be more environmentally friendly**
Smaller living spaces often mean using fewer resources, like electricity, water, and building materials, making tiny homes a more environmentally friendly option if you choose to live that way.
**Con: You will have less room for your stuff**
Tiny homes naturally have less space for belongings. Downsizing can be challenging, but it can also be liberating. Many people find that having less stuff makes their lives fuller and more mindful.
**Pro: Downsizing can be extremely freeing**
Getting rid of excess belongings can be very freeing. When we moved into our RV, we donated and sold many items. Now, we only have what we need, which helps us save money and waste less.
**Con: Living in tight quarters with your significant other can be hard**
Living in a tiny space with your partner or family can be challenging due to the lack of personal space. It’s important to find ways to spend time apart, like going on solo outings or vacations.
**Pro: You’ll have experiences that last a lifetime**
Living in a tiny house can be stressful when things go wrong, but it also offers unique travel and life experiences that you’ll remember forever.
**Con: Financing a tiny house may be difficult**
Getting a mortgage for a tiny house can be tough because banks view them differently than traditional homes. You may need to save up or sell your current home to afford a tiny house.
**Are tiny houses really worth it?**
For me, the benefits of living in a tiny home outweigh the negatives. I enjoy the simplicity and flexibility it offers. While I might not live tiny forever, I believe there are many positives to this lifestyle. If you’re considering it, make a list of pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you. Would you live in a tiny home? Why or why not? Which pros and cons stand out to you?