There are lots of benefits to a tiny home.
One of the things that is often overlooked when people are looking to live sustainably, or greener, is how big their house is. Having a too big house is one of the ten reasons why you are not rich. The question is, how big is too big?
What Size Home do you Need?
- In 1950 the average household size was 3.37 and the average home size was 1000 square feet
- In 1970 the average household size was 3.14 and the average home size was 1500 square feet
- In 2000 the average household size was 2.62 and the average home size was 2000 square feet
- In 2009 the average household size was 2.60 and the average home size was 2700 square feet
The average size of homes has decreased a bit through the recession, but it is starting to show signs of increasing again. Since our average household size is decreasing and the home size is increasing, the space per person has gone through the roof!
- 300 square feet per person in 1950
- 480 square feet per person in 1970
- 760 square feet per person in 2000
- 1040 square feet per person in 2009
We are a family of 5 and I think a 1500 square foot home would be more than enough space for us, 1300 would be about perfect. It is odd to say and think that because it is not how I felt a few years ago. My husband and I lived in an 1800 square foot house and it felt just fine. Then we moved to Arizona and lived in a 1000 square foot area for a year (with two kids). I thought I would be cramped, but it turned out that I loved it! When we started looking at homes we found our 1200 square foot house. We fell in love and it is perfect, even with our third kiddo. If we build again I might add a small fourth bedroom, making the total square footage around 1300, but that is it.
It is about the space usage… not the size!
Benefits to a Tiny House
Scaling down has some huge benefits!
- CLEANING!! This is my favorite. I never realized how much time I spent cleaning my 1800 square foot house (even though it was just me and my hubby). I spent less than half that time cleaning our 1000 square foot area, even with the two kids running around. Our 1200 square foot house is similar. I can keep up with it and even do “deep cleaning” without ruining entire days.
- CLUTTER!! No space, no reason to buy clutter. Now, we do sometimes, but I just get rid of it again. If you have space to put junk you don't need you will put junk you don't need in that space.
- ENERGY!! Less space, less energy. All of your utility bills are smaller. Big houses could have lights on that you don't even see and more windows and doors to lose precious air conditioned or heated air. Less energy means you will be better able to go off grid, if you want, or at least use an alternative power so you are no longer relying on a power company.
- MONEY!! Bigger houses cost more to buy or build. They cost more to heat, cool, and light up. They have higher taxes. They need more things to fill them up (wasted money on furniture just to fill up another room). They have much higher upkeep and repair bills (on average homeowners spend 2-7% each year on upkeep on a home – every extra $50K you spend on a home means an average additional $2250 in repair bills each year).
If you are just starting looking for or planning your homestead then keep space in mind! It can save a lot of money and time in the long run.
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We have a 880 square foot home for our family of five (soon to be 6). I have no desire for a larger home. We love our small house and we have so much more time, energy, and money for fun stuff instead of spending it on our home and utilities.