30 Times People Made The Best Of What They Had And Created Cozy Little Spaces To Live In

Lizzie and David Menhennetts, who live off-the-grid in a tiny home and share their experience on The Omni Tiny Homes website, tell Bored Panda that they chose to move into their small house in Australia because they wanted to live more simply and sustainably.

"Living in a bustling metropolis like Hong Kong, we craved a connection with nature and a chance to lessen our environmental footprint. Australia, with its wide-open spaces and commitment to eco-living, felt like the perfect place to chase that dream. Building our own tiny house, even with no prior experience, became a symbol of taking control and embracing a DIY adventure!" they fondly share.

On average, tiny homes range from 100 to 400 square feet‌. This is six times smaller than a standard house and cost 87% less to build than a typical home. It’s the main reason why people choose more compact dwellings.

"It's a financial game-changer," agree Lizzie and David. "Building and living in a tiny house significantly reduces living costs, allowing us to focus on experiences and travel."

Laura Lynch, financial planner, podcast host, tiny house enthusiast, and founder of The Tiny House Adviser, says, "Living in a smaller home or tiny home can reduce both the cost of the home along with the carrying costs: insurance, utilities, taxes, and maintenance. Tiny homes cost roughly 1/3 of the average single-family home in the U.S."

Not only is small living lighter on the wallet but it also can be better for our planet. "Living in a smaller home or tiny home reduces usage of energy, carbon footprint and waste in a full home's lifecycle," says Laura.

Tiny homes produce less CO2 emissions than a typical house since they need less energy to heat and cool, making them a more eco-friendly choice. They require fewer materials to build, with many opting for recycled and energy-efficient elements. Additional features like solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and composting toilets further contribute to sustainability.

"Sustainability became a seamless part of our lives," Lizzie and David say from experience. "We're more conscious of our energy consumption and waste production, actively seeking eco-friendly solutions."

Another great benefit of small homes is that they allow owners to focus on more simple and important things. "Living in a smaller home or tiny home allows a person to focus time, energy and money onto what is deeply important rather than required time, energy and money on a larger home," Laura says.

"Tiny living fosters a sense of gratitude for simple things," Lizzie and David add. "We cherish the coziness of our home and the deeper connection it allows us to have with nature."

On top of that, small living can have a positive impact on people’s mental health. A small, minimal, tidy space can feel calming. It acts as a nest in which a person feels cozy and comforted. Owners also don’t have to spend hours cleaning numerous big rooms and work demanding undesirable jobs to maintain a big residence, which in turn makes them happier. Research has even found that minimalism alleviated depression and enhanced flourishing.

Now you’re probably thinking that with so many advantages, there has to be a catch, right? Well, you’d be correct. The main and most obvious downside to small living is the lack of ample space. What Lizzie and David struggled with the most when they started living in a tiny home was storage. However, with some brain-racking, they managed to fix the issue.

"We learned to prioritize multi-functional furniture and clever storage solutions to maximize every inch. Decluttering became a way of life, and we found joy in minimalism," they said.

"Another adjustment was adapting to a more communal living experience—everything is in close quarters! But open communication and respecting each other's space became second nature."

Lizzie and David prove that couples can live in a tiny house, debunking the common misconception that such a living situation isn't suitable for people in relationships.

A few other false beliefs about the tiny homes of others that Laura mentions are that tall people can't live in a tiny home or that only minimalists can pull off small living.

"Tiny home ceiling heights are similar to other residential structures. My tiny house has 9-foot ceilings," she says. "Living in a small or tiny home allows for more functional use of space. If you work from home or have hobbies, a second adjoined or separate functional space, such as a studio, can be added to accommodate other space needs. This is more efficient than multiple unused bedrooms."

The biggest tip that Lizzie and David have for living comfortably in a tiny home is embracing smart design.

"Invest in multifunctional furniture and utilize vertical space for storage. Declutter regularly and be ruthless with possessions you don't truly need. Living with less allows for a sense of calm and freedom," they recommended.

"Another key aspect is creating designated zones for different activities within your tiny space. Lighting also plays a crucial role. Natural light is essential, and strategically placed skylights and windows can create a sense of spaciousness. Finally, embrace the outdoors! Extend your living space by utilizing a porch or deck, and prioritize getting out into nature whenever possible."

Lastly, Laura urges trying it out. "There are so many amazing small stays available on AirBnB or other platforms. Try it out in person to see if it would work for you!"

"Building and living in our tiny house has been an incredibly rewarding adventure. It's not just about the space we live in, it's about a simpler, more intentional way of life. We hope our experience inspires others to explore the possibilities of tiny or alternative living!" conclude Lizzie and David.