I have been reading a lot lately about people downsizing into smaller homes. Seems to be a trend (we hope) into less is more. I think the more space you have the more stuff you know you can cram into it- so eventually you reach overload….Which we can assume was part of the big picture problem of yesterdays. I know I can downsize, but into what?

People are living in trailers, modular homes and transport containers that have all been converted into solid livable space. Why, I even saw a woman interviewed on the news about the 350 square foot home that a family of three live in. some folks just do not need a lot of space, while others do not know they do not need it. I would rather find out by choice that I can downsize rather than by necessity that I have to.

Just for fun, I did a little research on line and found five nice small home ideas as alternatives to the McMansions we see all over the United States. Here are just a few that I liked:

 

1.    Tiny homes under 1,000 square feet. I found a nice architectural site where you can buy plans to build a house from 65 SF to less than 900 SF. Can’t imagine living a life in under 100 SF, but hey we can surely be comfortable in 1,000. Check out Tumbleweed houses for more ideas and plans.

 

2.     The Airstream and other trailers can be just as luxurious as a Fifth Avenue Penthouse.  The trailer is version of mobile home that originated from the gypsies- yes gypsies. They would carry their family belongings and travel the countryside of Europe moving from place to place. Of course, back then, it was a horse and buggy but today you can get a souped up trailer for hundreds of thousands and either hook up permanently or travel the countryside. Why now even Will Smith wants to park his 53 foot trailer in Soho and McDreamy lives in a modest trailer in the hills of Seattle. I’m sure we can do that too!

 

 

3.    Why not think of a houseboat? I have taken a few barge trips and short term houseboat excursions in my travels. Each time, we claim that we could live just fine here! Actually a houseboat has the look and feel of a small ranch home when you are in it and typically they are too large to rock. A barge is a bit more rugged but can still do the trick. The glitch with this type of housing? You need to be near the water, so don’t relocate to Amsterdam simply to downsize.

4.    The LoftCube is an instant modular structure that can be placed anywhere, including the rooftop of a city apartment building. Known as the instant penthouse, one may purchase a roomy modern structure in the modest $50,000 range and up.  I truly think the German made structure could pop up in many places all over the world. Just think if Trump put a few on his NYC buildings, they would catch on like hotcakes- of course he might skimp on the appliances, but you can always install your own. Check out the website, it is fun to watch the videos and if you want more info, they now have an office in Florida.

5.    The Yurt which is most popular in Mongolia might be a practical housing alternative here in the United States. It is typically a round portable house that has basic wood construction and covered with felt. If the structure is big enough, a second level loft may be constructed for the privacy of teenagers. But perhaps –not.

So you can see from the few I listed here, there are some lovely alternatives to the housing styles Americans have become accustomed too. However, there are a few things to consider when buying or building tiny homes or alternative styles. One is the building codes of the town and country where you choose to live. Some areas will not allow a 200 SF home to be occupied by a family or a trailer to be hooked up on land without a permanent hitch. Financing is another concern. Many banks will not lend to homes unless there is a minimum size, while getting a loan for a houseboat is considered more for personal property. I would also imagine a Yurt loan I nearly impossible based on the fact that heating it in the winter might be a hazard. Although, it does get cold in Mongolia!

Insurance, security, privacy and well the neighbors are all things to think about when considering an alternate home. So think and plan properly, because after all- this is our future.