In Texas, Everything Is... Tinier?

Tiny, small, and micro are not terms people usually use with pride to describe their homes. In the Lone Star state, especially, we're not used to complimenting people on how miniscule their dwellings are. However, the tiny house movement, as it's affectionately known, is gaining momentum in our large-and-in-charge state.

A "tiny house" is usually defined as a home that is under 900 square feet. These dwellings come in all shapes and sizes, from charming Victorian-style cottages, to rustic mini-ranchers, to sleek and modern cube homes. Popular among the DIY set, tiny homes are almost always owner-built and, thus, allow for flexibility and personalization of design.

You may be wondering what kind of person lives in a tiny house. The answer to that question is simple: all kinds. Professionals, tradespeople, eccentrics, travelers, stay-at-home parents, and the regular red, white, and blue-collar worker have all been known to embrace tiny-house living. A variety of different factors come into play when it comes to making the huge leap to a tiny house. Some simply cannot afford a conventional home, while others seek the simplicity of a pared-down lifestyle. Quite a few tiny home-owners want the flexibility of being able to move house at a moment's notice.

The logistics of a tiny house are as simple or as complicated as you can make them. Some residents of tiny homes buy land on which to build a permanent structure, while others build their tiny homes on trailers. This latter option allows owners to move wherever their hearts desire at a moment's notice, without even packing up a single box. A large percentage of tiny house owners own a conventional house on a lot that they rent out, and use their tiny house as their own residence. This helps them pay down debt, pay off the mortgage faster, and sometimes even make a profit.

Tiny home living is not for everyone. It does require the sacrifice of some creature comforts- you may have to give up the jacuzzi, for example. Dinner parties have to be held outdoors, or in another creative way. Because many tiny homes have loft bedrooms, those with limited mobility may have to seek alternative options. But for many people, this trend is starting to become an exciting reality. What do you think about tiny homes? Leave a comment!