While tiny living is all about simplicity, deciding what exactly you want can sometimes feel like anything but. There are tons of factors to consider—cost, size, pre-built or DIY, type of dwelling/rig, and so on. The great news is that because there are so many options, you're all the more likely to be able to customize your dream space. Below, we'll briefly cover the types of tiny homes and their pros and cons. You'll find that for some options, the cons can just as easily be pros.
Traditional Tiny Houses
Tiny houses are simplified downsized houses. These can be built on a foundation if you want to stay put or on a trailer, so you have the option of moving your entire home with you. A tiny home is an amazing choice if you want to minimize and downsize while living in a home that resembles a traditional house. They typically range from 100-400 square feet.
Pros
Feels most like a traditional home
Lower utility bills
Easier to maintain
Uses fewer resources
Cons
You have room for a lot less stuff (of course, this is also a pro!)
Design choices require lots of pre-planning—some of your furniture will likely be permanent
If you ever plan on moving your home, it can be expensive
Zoning laws can be tricky depending on where you're located
RVs, Campers, and Travel Trailers
RVs, campers, and travel trailers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They have the added bonus of being pre-built and can be bought used or new. The ease of purchasing something already built and just hitting the road is perfect for many, while some choose to buy something vintage and renovate it to their needs.
Pros of RVs
No building experience required
Comfortable ride
Class A RVs especially, but even many Class C, are great for large groups/families
Wide market for used options
Cons of RVs
New RVs are expensive
Specialized maintenance
Lower MPG
Harder to customize
There may be some size-related restrictions
Pros of Campers & Travel Trailers
Affordable
Provide flexibility- you can leave your trailer at a campsite and use your towing vehicle as a separate mode of transportation
Easier maintenance- you don't need auto parts when something breaks down
Cons of Campers & Travel Trailers
Requires a towing vehicle if you want to be on the move
Hitching/unhitching can be a chore
No passengers within while traveling
Driving with one attached usually has a learning curve
Camper Vans
If you want to move easily from place to place, camper vans are a great option. Camper vans are endlessly customizable—your build can be as simple or complex as you want. Their compact size makes them easy to hit destinations other rigs simply can't. The smaller space is especially important to consider- these usually range from just 50 to 90 square feet.
Pros
Better gas mileage
Can access more locations
Most models fit in regular parking spots
Great for "stealthing" (parking overnight in non-designated campgrounds)
Cons
Smaller living and storage space
Requires patience and skill to build out on your own
Can be difficult to find something already built-out to your liking
Skoolie (School Bus Conversion)
Much like camper vans, skoolies are totally customizable. Decommissioned school and shuttle buses are typically quite affordable and can be the perfect shell for your tiny home on wheels. The added width and height broaden your options when designing the interior. Skoolies provide the ability to be on the move, but their large size can sometimes be prohibitive.
Pros
Tons of space
Large weight capacity
Well built—these are commercial vehicles, after all!
Tons of space
Buying a decommissioned school bus can be very affordable
Cons
Harder to drive and park
Lower MPG
Replacement parts can be expensive or hard to find
Less stealthy for when you want to park overnight in a city
Deciding what's best for you
Deciding what type of tiny space you'd like to live in is a huge decision, but it certainly doesn't stop there. There are tons of choices to make and skills to learn from there.
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