My Tiny Fixation

I admit it—I’m one of the tiny house people. One of those who yearns for simplicity and self-sufficiency. Someone who admires minimalism. A gal who thinks happiness is the absence of “stuff.”

The really nice thing is that I’m not alone. There’s a whole movement of tiny house people who are opting to live in very small spaces (under 200 square feet) in order to spend their time and money pursuing the activities that they really love.

Peer into our Tiny Lives

Just check out this documentary called We The Tiny House People: Small Homes, Tiny Flats & Wee Shelters, which invites us into the tiny homes of people who are creating shelter in caves, converted garages, trailers, tool sheds, river boats and former pigeon coops.

(Honestly, I think the cave dwellings are claustrophobic, but I’m digging the pigeon coop idea!)

Can’t see the video? Click here: We the Tiny House People

Or tune into this new television show called “Tiny House Nation,” which features ingenious small spaces and the inventive people who live in them. The show’s hosts also help new families design and construct their own mini-dream home. (These are slightly larger at 500 square feet.)

A Tiny Lifestyle Choice

For me, a tiny lifestyle enables me to enjoy travel and writing and philanthropy. I say “lifestyle” because tiny living is truly a conscious decision to pare down and let go. It’s an intention to streamline your life to allow maximum flexibility and fluidity.

I’m starting to think my life – all of which fits in 3 suitcases and 3 plastic bins – is still too much to manage. My aim is get rid of at least 1 bin and 1 suitcase. This will be tough, although I’ve already started setting aside items deemed unnecessary.

I’m eyeing a few treasures that I like (a printed skirt from Chang Mai that I don’t really wear, a pair of shoes gifted to me), but that are taking up space. These precious items are on the chopping block to make room for more useful things – like a reading lamp and a new set of paring knifes.

Living Mini, Living Large

I also think that my current place at 700 square feet with a grand lake-side lanai is decadent. I think I would be even happier in a one-room studio with a view of the bay, which is where I’m moving next month. It’s a feeling of letting go of wasted space (a separate bedroom and kitchen – extravagant!).

I’m also on a quest to test-drive tiny houses of all kinds. Since I’m currently renting by the day / weeks / months, why not choose a tree house? Or a trailer? Or a micro-cabin with a mountain view? I think it will be great fun to explore and experiment all the options out there!

Container Fever What I most want to try out is container living – my latest obsession. Know of one I can get my hands on? Just take a gander at these beauties!