The tiny house movement has taken the world by storm over the past 5 years, with no signs of slowing down. So why are people turning away from big homes and ‘going tiny’ as a new way of living?
A ‘tiny house’ can take many forms and mean different things to different people. For some it may be a micro-studio apartment in the city, for others, a small cabin or house on a trailer, a shipping container, a van, a bus, a house truck, and the list goes on. But ultimately, a Tiny House is a place where you live, where all the space you have is used well and not wasted.
The tiny house movement can be seen as the antithesis of Gordon Gekko’s “greed is good” lifestyle in the materialistic 80’s movie Wall Street. It’s not about money, assets, material possessions, having the best car, or living in the ‘right’ suburbs. It’s about living simply, reducing your environmental footprint, being self-sufficient and for some, fulfilling the dream of a life of adventure.
Globally the movement has been building momentum for some years and although we are often a little slower to come to the party, there is no doubt a shift is happening here Australia.
Owning property is getting further out of reach for the average Australian and rents are reaching record levels. Our household debt is amongst the highest in the world and homelessness rates have increased 13.7% in 5 years. So could the Tiny House movement provide an alternative solution to these social issues? Of course, for such complicated issues it’s not as simple as that, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
For those choosing to ‘go tiny’ (in whatever form that may be) the upside is less debt, less stress, and the very real ability of owning your own home. With that comes the peace of mind of knowing that you have a ‘nest’, a place that is truly yours.
Social media has certainly helped expose the tiny house movement to a wider audience, highlighting our need to downsize, declutter and simplify our lives. Ironically is has also emphasised the importance of disconnecting from the constant noise social media can create in our busy lives.
For Darren Hughes, founder of the Tiny House Festival going tiny “is about collecting ‘moments’, sharing experiences, developing the relationships that you have with those around you, and having both the time and the financial freedom to do more of those things that really matter. It’s taught me that you really don’t need much to live a happy and fulfilled life.”
And that is why the Tiny House Movement is gaining so much attention. But you know what, it’s not really about the house. The house is simply a tool that enables you to design the life and the lifestyle that you really want.
