8 Reasons Why Tiny Homes Might Be the Next Big Thing for Retirement
7 minute read
Downsizing after retirement is not a big surprise. People want to cut down on expenses, and they want fewer things to take care of. Retirement is about relaxing after all those years of hard work, so the less stuff you have, the more time there is for you.
What people don’t expect is downsizing to a tiny home, one that measures 166-square feet. This is all the rage, and it’s likely to be the trend for future retirees.
The Move Towards Tiny
Humans, are consumers by nature. We buy too much, and the majority of the time we don’t need any of it. If we buy only the things we need, we can live in smaller houses very comfortably.
Removing clutter has been shown to be beneficial both physically and mentally, and moving to a tiny home forces you to get rid of the stuff you truly do not need. With retirement being about enjoying life, clutter and unnecessary stuff can easily be the first to go.
Houses under 1000 square feet are considered small, but to be considered tiny they have to be between 100 and 400 square feet. There’s a mass movement towards these tiny houses, especially among retirees.
Living small doesn’t mean you have to live alone either. Many people over the age of 50 are buying tiny houses as part of a larger community on the same plot of land. Average costs of these tiny homes are much less than standard homes, and upkeep is easier too. What’s not to love?
Why Go Tiny?
Moving to a tiny house offers homeowners many benefits over traditional houses.
1. Cut Your Expenses
The costs of building a tiny home, running it, and repairing and maintaining it are all less than standard houses. The costs are so low that the majority of tiny homeowners no longer have to worry about mortgages.
2. More Freedom
When you have more flexibility, fewer possessions, and more time and money, the world is yours. You can travel more and visit your friends. You can also become involved in more community activities and events.
3. Clean Out the Clutter
By minimizing your home, you get to clean out the clutter. Keep only the things that matter to you or that are necessary. Other items can be sold, donated, or given away.
Clutter has been found to impact mental health and happiness, so get rid of what you don’t need, and live happily in your tiny clutter-free home.
4. You Can Take It Travelling
Tiny homes are easier to move around. With the right truck and trailer, you can pick up your tiny home and take it on the road with you. Enjoy life while keeping the comforts of home with you.
5. Live a Greener Life
Tiny homes consume fewer resources, they take less energy to heat or cool, and they occupy less space. This means you are helping to reduce the carbon footprint you leave behind. You’ll also save energy, which means power plants will be reducing their toxic emissions.
6. Moving Is Easier
When it comes to moving from traditional homes, you have to worry about selling one and finding another. With your tiny home, all you need to do is find a new location, pack your home up and move it. There’s no stress or hassle with buying and selling, and you get to pick the exact location and neighbors you want.
| Related: Thinking of Moving? Here Are 5 of the Healthiest Places in the World |
7. Decorating Is Easier
Even if you like to make changes often, there is less space to work with, so decorating is easier and less expensive. This means extra money for you to do the things you love in life.
Need a decorating tip? Try decorating with plants. It’s an easy way to add beauty to your home while also cleaning the air.
8. Cleaning Is No Longer a Chore
With less space to worry about, cleaning your tiny home is easier and quicker to do. You won’t need as many cleaning products and gadgets, and you will be done in half the time, so it doesn’t seem like a chore anymore.
Things to Consider Before You Go Tiny
While it is true that buying a tiny home requires less effort and stress than traditional homes, you still need to plan and be prepared ahead of time. There are a few things to keep in mind that will ensure buying your tiny home is effortless.
Time Your Purchase Well
Keep track of weather changes as well as school and life changes. Moving isn’t fun in bad weather or when your life is hectic, so be sure to plan when you have time to move. Even with tiny houses, you want the move to be comfortable.
Get Your Finances Straight
Make sure all debts and current monthly expenses are in order and taken care of. Consolidate debts if necessary, so you have fewer payments to worry about and less stress in your life. Plan ahead and save. Buying a tiny home may be cheaper, but it still helps to save ahead of time.
Zoning Permits
No matter what house you build, you need to make sure zoning permits are in order. There is not a lot of legal information regarding tiny houses, so you will have to do your research. For the most part, states are not sure how to regulate these tiny properties.
Inspect Before You Buy
As with a traditional home, be sure to inspect the tiny home before you buy it. Unless you plan on building your own. Be sure to check that everything is up to code, there are no leaks or damage, plumbing and electric are in good order, and there is adequate insulation.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing a home is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining the latest retirement trend and buying a tiny home is a great way to save money and minimalize your life. The less you have to worry about in retirement, the more time and freedom you have to enjoy life.
You’ve worked hard enough, so now you can sit back and enjoy the finer and tinier qualities of life. Look into buying a tiny home today!
