Believe it or not, these houses are the chosen castles of some intrepid folk. I say this because I look at such a choice as going against the grain in a big way during a time when lifestyles and budgets have increased to accommodate super sized appetites for all things material. Typical size of such a small dwelling: 50 to 750 square feet. Typical price to build: $15,000 - $35,000.

small house 3

In this age of “bigger is better”, there are people who actually prefer living in smaller spaces than larger homes, even though they had a choice in this regard. Those who insist on such terms are usually folks who live on their own or have really small families — maybe counting themselves, and a couple of goldfish.

As a matter of choice, I’d question the practicality of this lifestyle decision if it so happens to involve children, though I have a secret I’ll share with you. We have some relatives who *really* take the life of simplicity ULTRA seriously. They live in the middle of nowhere in New Zealand somewhere, 2 days walk from town through dense forest. They reside in a tiny cottage where the recommended mode of transport is a small plane (due to access conditions). Like the people featured in some of the homes pictured here, they have no running electricity and even water. They rely on a babbling river for all their requirements and they get supplies every so often by flying out to that nearest town. They are true survivalists (and I still don’t know how we could possible be related to them as we are complete wimps at this sort of thing) and the most stunning fact of all — they have two young children they are raising in this mold. So yes, I suppose this type of living can be undertaken by ANYONE.

Living this way can also be due to pure necessity for some apartment dwellers or mobile home owners. No problem, as there have been some keenly creative ways to counteract the shortcomings of such a set up. Not only that, but HGTV shows devoted to small spaces have been the rage.

Regardless of what makes someone choose to live in tighter quarters, there are benefits in doing so. Some people have shared their personal stories as to what makes them go this route. Let’s review the pluses.

The Benefits Of A Smaller Home

small house 1 small house 2

It could actually improve your health.
How so? It forces you to want to leave your place more often and stay more active. The home becomes simply a functional place for rest and temporary relaxation. The lack of amenities or other conveniences will force you to change your lifestyle and perhaps move more than you would otherwise.

-ooOoo-

small house 41

It is mobile.
Many folks with such homes can tow them around at will. Now if they function like an RV, I wonder why such homeowners just don’t own RVs instead?

-ooOoo-

small house 7

You automatically live more simply.
The simple life has become attractive to many people who have decided to eschew the complexities and burdens of a life revolving around material things. This’ll change you, for sure. With less space to work with, you’ll have to live with less, and in so doing, you become less attached to things. There’s a certain freedom that comes with making a commitment to go down this path.

-ooOoo-

Small House Plan

It’s cheaper.
One obvious ramification is that a really tiny house will command a much smaller amount to build. There’s a company that addresses this niche in home building called the “Tumbleweed Tiny House Co.” Costs for such houses can range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on size and amenities provided. And don’t look now but a restroom and functional kitchen are considered amenities in such homes.

-ooOoo-

small house 6

It involves less maintenance and upkeep.
An obvious consequence of less space is less stuff that breaks down, less work to keep things clean and functional and less services needed to keep things going.

-ooOoo-

With all the good news on small homes and simple living, there’s even support for this movement through a community called The Small House Society, “a group that advocates downsizing homes and living in concert with the environment.”

To close, here are a few more points of interest I came across: someone’s Top 10 Reasons Small Spaces Are Bigger Than Big Ones and some cool floor plans for those ready to consider the simpler life by downsizing.

Image Credits and Other Resources:
Some Find Living Small Better Than Living Large
Smallest Coolest Apartments 2006
Living Small
Think Small
Small House Plans
Small houses challenge our notions of need as well as minimum-size standards

Featured Information

Don’t delay check out manufactured homes today! These kinds of homes often get a bad reputation but they have really improved and most people can afford mobile home loans compared to other loan types! Find out more about this exciting housing opportunity!