When you think about buying your first home, you probably think about buying a single-family home, a condo, or an apartment. If you aren’t having any luck finding a home in those categories, it might be time to think outside of the (tiny) box. Did you hear a siren? Let’s explore some first-home options!
- An Apartment From Scratch
- Emergency Living
- Vintage Living
- Ship It!
- 3-D Living
Design Your Small Space to Its Fullest
This tiny apartment in Amsterdam used to be social (public) housing. Back in the day, units shared a public bathroom nearby. (I would rather live in a tent in the woods, thank you very much.) At 527 square feet, the apartment space needed to be used effectively. The owners created a lot of storage space, a bathroom big enough for two, a dining table for 6, and even an office space. Despite the limited space, the apartment also boasts a clothes washer, dishwasher, and oven. This apartment is an excellent example of how you can take a tiny open space and make it homey and highly functional. Would you take on a project like this?
Emergency Living
Remember that siren I thought I heard earlier? You can now convert an ambulance into a tiny home if you’d like. It has most amenities you’d expect in a tiny space, except for a bathroom. The owners are working on an outdoor shower and a compostable toilet. Another factor to consider if you want to live in an ambulance is the ceiling height. In the case of this couple, one owner can stand up in it, but her partner is too tall. Keep in mind that you will need to be handy if you want to convert an ambulance into a tiny home.
Vintage Living
A creative way to carve out an affordable living space is to buy a vintage railroad trailer and remodel it. The owner purchased this 232 sq ft railroad trailer for a mere $350. She renovated the inside with her dad and spent $9,000 total. She did a fantastic job of making it feel like a real home, including the wall finishings and the creative use of furniture. She spends $89/month in lot rent, and you won’t believe the incredible beauty around her. I’d live there!
Ship It!
If you want to practice reuse and recycling, this converted 53-foot-long shipping container is another great option for a small and fantastic home. The builders cut openings in the sides of the shipping container for doors and windows, refinished the original wood floor, and made it into a space that doesn’t resemble its original design. This tiny home looks like a modern home inside and can be used off-grid or hooked up to modern conveniences. This home is one of my favorites!
3-D Living
If you’ve followed Reazo for a while, you’ve seen our articles about tiny homes, but you’ve never seen this fantastic 3-D printed option. This tiny home is made out of recycled plastic and is 30% less expensive than a traditional home (starting at $25,000). Imagine your 3-D home with a living space, bedroom, office, and large windows that open up the tiny space. If you want to save plastic from the landfill, this 3-D printed home may be an ideal dwelling for you. Units range from 180-900 square feet; they are delivered on a flatbed truck and secured to a foundation.
Photo: Azure Printed Homes
You might be wondering, how will I fit all of my belongings into one of these tiny living spaces? You might want to consider decluttering because the small square footage in these tiny homes won’t allow for many belongings. Try these clutter-free habits to help you live with less stuff and less stress. A minimalist lifestyle will also make living in a tiny house easier. You may enjoy life more and take on less debt when you buy a tiny home.