Micro Homes and Minimalism

What are micro homes?

Simply put, the trend toward micro-homes has become a social movement. People are choosing to downsize the space they live in, simplify, and live with less. People are embracing the tiny life philosophy and the freedom that accompanies the micro-home lifestyle. The micro-home movement is about more than simply living in a small space

How Big is the Average micro home?

The typical American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical micro-home definition is a home with square footage is between 100 and 400 square feet. While of course there aren’t any rules to joining the micro home movement, when people refer to “the tiny life,” their micro home generally falls under the 400 square foot level.

Why Join the micro home Movement?

To those who haven’t minimalist living, it may seem daunting. Why would someone choose to live in a small space? But “bigger is better,” right?

It turns out there are many merits to the micro home movement and philosophy. Of course, people may join the movement for any number of reasons, but the most popular reasons include environmental concerns, financial concerns, and the desire for more time and freedom.

Micro homes provide huge financial advantages and the ability to live a lifestyle filled with adventure.

For most Americans, 1/3 to 1/2 of their income is dedicated to the roof over their heads! That means many people will spend a lot of time figuring out how to afford their homes. Buying a house often translates to at least 15 years of working over your lifetime to pay for it. Because of the high cost of owning a “typical-sized” home, as well as the associated expenses (and culture of “buy now, pay later”), 76% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

We work hard to afford bigger houses than we need. We continue to work, so we can fill our houses with more stuff…items we may not need but buy anyway. Many Americans are overwhelmed by their packed schedules and obligations. They’re tired of running in the rat race.

So, what’s the alternative to this high cost of living? One solution is to live smaller—and it’s that realization that brings many people into the micro home movement. While small homes aren’t for everyone, micro-homes costs are much lower than a full-size building.

I have found that most apartments start out at $1000 per month that is not including utilities, insurance, etc.  The cost of building a micro home is a fraction of that! Even if you’re not ready to take the plunge, there are lessons to learn and apply to escape the cycle of debt in which almost 70% of Americans are trapped.

The cost of buying an average-sized house over 30 years can be much higher! The initial cost of a $290,000 home includes the purchase price, of course, but also includes the interest, taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and improvements. All of this can add up and that is the “true cost” of a home.

Why are micro-homes becoming so popular?

Because the average cost of a micro home is much lower than that of an average house. Market trends show tiny houses cost between $10,000 and $40,000), the cost of upkeep is relatively low. Depending on where you park your tiny house, you may need to pay for land rental and insurance, but in the long run, the savings on a micro home is huge.

The Small Living Movement and The Joy of Living with Less

it’s no wonder many people are overwhelmed by the cost of their homes.

the micro-home movement has helped people learn about another way to live their lives. Simplify, downsize, and learn how to live with less.

Micro homes are the focal point in a broader system to address issues, concerns, and problems of the current day. They offer a path to a smaller environmental footprint, greater financial freedom, and ultimately a self-sufficient life. The tiny home movement enables you to live a life on your own terms.