With regards to Best Storage Bed, We all use the space under our beds as extra storage. It’s a logical and sensible thing to do.
The problem with this only comes about when you try to find something.
If you regularly find yourself battling with boxes and random items that have been thrown under the bed because you don’t know what else to do with them, then it’s time to consider a storage bed.
A bed with storage space installed underneath is an absolute game-changer.
You will have a beautiful bed that provides extra space for all of your random stuff.
A storage bed will also allow you to better organize your things, giving you space for books, instruments, and other stuff that you want to be kept safe. You will no longer have to fight through Christmas decorations to try and find that sock you swear you only just dropped.
So, to help you find the fit for your home, we’ve put together this list of the best under bed storage available.
Read on for some great ideas, as well as some tips and tricks for the buying process.
Sick of your lack of storage and need that bed ASAP? No problem. Don’t bother browsing, here’s our top pick for the best under bed storage.
BEST STORAGE BED: The sturdy Bali Platform Bed is all made in MDF CARB Certified and has synthetic leather handles. Includes the bed bases. Thinking about your safety, all edges are rounded. Totally...
2 COLORS AND 4 SIZES: Comes in Caramel and White Colors and is Available in King, Queen, Full and Twin sizes. Make a beautiful set with BALI STORAGE HEADBOARD and BALI DESK
THE ASSEMBLY: This bed frame is delivered disassembled. Along with the individual parts of your piece of furniture, you will receive detailed assemble instructions that explains how to put together in...
PLENTY OF STORAGE SPACE: The bed has 6 (six) drawers, 4 (four) shelves, 2 (two) compartments with doors and also 2 (two) pullout shelves, that work well as a nightstand, for your favorite frame,...
HIGH SUPPORT CAPACITY : Super sturdy furniture! Total weight capacity: 880 lb. Largest compartment: 33 lb/each. Smaller compartment: 11 lb/each. Drawers: 11 lb/each. Pullover shelf: 6,5 lb/each....
This storage bed has a really beautiful and unique design. Rather than simply having a couple of drawers or one large storage space like some other options.
This bed has drawers in a range of sizes and even has shelf space.
This design gives you so much freedom. It doesn’t restrict the type of items that you can store. It even allows you to put items out on display.
So you can have your bedding in one drawer, towels in another, and then blankets in a basket out on display.
Some compartments are even disguised as drawers but are actually spaces with a pull-down door.
This is great as the sturdiness of the bed won’t be compromised. The bed frame will still be strong and able to support you.
This bed comes with 6 drawers, 4 shelves, 2 compartments, and 2 pull out shelves. This is an excellent use of space.
The pullout shelves are placed on either side of the bed, just next to where you would lay your head. They act as bedside tables.
This bed is ideal if you have a small home but lots of stuff that needs to be stored away.
You don’t have to compromise on quality just because you have a small space.
As well as being incredibly practical, this bed is also beautiful. It is available in off white or caramel. Both of which have a lovely finish.
The drawers and pull-out compartments have faux leather straps, rather than the standard drawer handles or knobs.
This is a unique feature and makes the bed look very luxurious. It is also, however, quite an expensive option. Overall, it’s safe to say that this is the best bed for extra under bed storage!
best under bed storage
Pros
Unique design with two color options (off-white and caramel)
Multiple sizes available
A great addition to a guest room or master bedroom
Multiple colors available
Unique range of storage options
Storage capacity: six drawers, four shelves, two compartments, and two pull-out shelves
Queen size panel storage bed frame in blue faux velvet fabric with diamond button tufted nailhead trim headboard and 4 storage drawers to conveniently store items such as bed linen, clothes, shoes, or...
Conveniently ships in 3 packages - Solid and sturdy wood frame – Durable faux velvet fabric upholstery
Box spring and mattress required; not included – Assembly required
Overall dimensions with headboard measures 84 by 64 by 52 inches (LxWxH). View product description for additional product dimensions and information
Buy with confidence and worry free, protected by DG Casa 1 year limited warranty. View technical specification for more information
This bed is a great option if your bedroom has a luxurious but neutral aesthetic. It comes in beige, platinum, navy faux velvet, or charcoal.
These colors are a good range that, aside from the beige, are bold. So they won’t suit a bedroom that has bold paint or wallpaper.
The storage style of this bed doesn’t alter much depending on the size of the bed. The drawers are all similar whether you choose a twin, queen, or king-size bed.
The range of bed styles is also useful. It’s a great feature that you can still have a good amount of storage space, even in the twin bed.
Of course, the larger beds do have more under bed storage. But there isn’t a huge difference. The twin bed has one small drawer at the side and one large one at the end.
The queen and king size beds have double this with one small drawer on either side and two larger drawers at the end.
Despite the large size of the available under bed storage space beneath the bed, there isn’t a huge amount of storage.
But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If too much of the bed frame has been turned into the frames of a drawer, then the bed frame itself might not be very sturdy.
The small number of drawers means that the manufacturers have taken this into consideration.
They haven’t compromised the structural integrity of the bed frame in order to provide extra storage space.
Contemporary and chic bed frame with under bed storage and button-tufted diamond detailing along headboard and footboard
Full bed dimensions: 80.5”L x 58.5”W x 38“H | Drawer dimensions: 35”L x 23.5”W x 6.5”H | Bed weight limit: 450 lbs | Drawer weight limit: 40 lbs
Ideal for small space living. Contains four built-in plastic drawers on wheels that can store off-season clothing, bedding and more
Comes with metal side rails, center metal rail and additional metal legs for guaranteed stability, support and durability
Includes wooden slats system that allows air circulation for your mattress as well as the right amount of support. Does not require foundation.
This bed has every available space transformed into storage drawers.
This can sometimes be a concern as the structural integrity of the bed may not be as good due to the moveable base.
But the frame of this bed is made from sturdy metal. So the moving of the drawers underneath will barely bother the bed frame itself.
This bed is available in a range of sizes, all of which have every inch made available for storage.
Even the king-size bed has the entire underneath of the bed available for storage.
This is excellent, especially considering the affordable price. Under bed storage are often much more expensive than more standard bed frames.
This bed is not the cheapest of beds available but it is definitely affordable for under bed storage.
The one downside of this bed is the upholstered material. Faux leather is not the first choice of everyone but it actually works quite well as a neutral.
So this bedroom storage will look good in a room with almost any design.
If you are more concerned about storage space than style, then this is the ideal choice for you.
If you like the leather aesthetic and are in need of lots of storage space, then this bed is perfect for you.
best under bed storage
Pros
Large storage spaces and drawer space
Provides plenty of space for your valuables
A great bed for minimalists
Multiple sizes available
Multiple colors available
Quality construction
One of the best affordable storage beds on the market
MINIMAL EFFORT | No need for heavy lifting, due to gas lift mechanism making it effortless to lift.MODERN DESIGN | Sophisticated headboard and footboard featuring a stylish tuft design
COLORS | Available in both Grey Linen and Black
ADDITIONAL STORAGE SPACE | Practical bedding option with a storage compartment underneath. Perfect space-saving functionality
The storage style of this bed is quite different compared to some of the other options on this list.
This bed, instead of storage drawers, has one large storage space.
This is accessed by lifting up the bed slats and the secretion of the bed frame that they are attached to.
The bed does not lift up very high. And it is designed to be lifted so there won’t be much resistance.
But it still will take some effort to lift. Definitely more effort than pulling open a drawer.
It does, however, have a strap attached to the straps that will make pulling the bed back down easier.
But, this will also require a bit of effort and strength.
best under bed storage
Pros
Available in a range of sizes
Available in a range of colors
Sturdy wood under bed storage bed
Attractive storage bed that complements any interior design
Available in a range of upholstery materials
Provides ample storage for your stuff, sweaters, books, etc.
Modern-looking and comfortable headboard and footboard
【Style and Function】Make the most of a small bedroom with a twin bed designed with under bed drawers for storage and a hideaway trundle bed for sleepovers with friends.
【No Box Spring】 This bed frame is a value conscious choice as it does not require a box spring or foundation. Just place your mattress on top and enjoy!
【Sturdy Construction】This bed features a sturdy high-quality solid wood construction for durability and strength, ensuring longevity. The headboard and footboard creates a charming curve that will...
【Versatility】 The included twin-size trundle bed with 3 functioning drawers can easily be wheeled in and out for maximum storage space. Offered in multiple rich, non-toxic finishes, the Rhomtree...
【Easy Assembly Instruction】 All products come with a clear assembly document that will guide you through all steps. If you have any questions during the assembly do not hesitate to contact us for...
This is a really unique style bed. It has an elegant design with a tall headboard and tailboard.
Although it is only available as a twin bed, there is space for a second mattress underneath.
This doesn’t turn the bed into a double so can’t be used as a normal double bed for a couple.
But this bed is best suited for young children. The pull out bed second is ideal for sleepovers.
The storage section is small but this is to be expected for a twin bed. Especially one with a second bed stored inside.
The storage section is best suited for storing small things, such as toys.
But, as anyone with small children will know, there’s no such thing as too much storage for toys.
Although this bed has quite a lot going on underneath it, there is no concern that it isn’t very strong and sturdy.
The frame is made from a thick wood that will be able to provide enough support, even when both the trundle bed and the storage section are pulled out.
Although part of the bed is a trundle bed when closed this section has the facade of three drawers.
So, when the bed is completely closed up, it looks very neat and tidy. Which is, of course, ideal for a storage bed.
best under bed storage
Pros
Available in multiple colors
Includes trundle bed
Easy to assemble
Sturdy
Compact in size; you can place the bed in a small-space room
A budget-friendly option that still able to provide convenient storage
Cons
Only available in one size
Buyers’ Guide
Storage Styles
When looking for storage solutions, it’s worth noting that there is a surprising range of storage bed styles. Some storage beds have one large storage space beneath the mattress that can be accessed by lifting the mattress and bed slats up.
And when it comes to design, you’ll find a plethora of bed designs that will match any interior—from mid-century looking storage beds to sleek, modern, minimalist beds, you can find them all on the market. Amazon, IKEA, Pottery Barn are great places to look for storage beds in various designs. You can even find DIY storage beds in these stores.
The other most common options have drawers. These are either multiple drawers of different sizes.
Or one or two large drawers that are the length and breadth of the bed and slide out.
None of these options are better than the other. The best option is what suits your needs the best.
All of them will allow you to access your things more easily.
If you’re looking for a storage bed which allows for better organization as well as better access to your things, then a storage bed with multiple drawers is the best option for you.
If you want to have as much space as possible that is easy to access, then a bed within one large storage space is a great option.
It will allow you to just lift up the bed slats and everything you have in storage will be before you.
This is a great time-saving option as you won’t have to go searching through multiple drawers.
But, it does mean that any organization will be entirely up to you.
Otherwise, your things may become tangled and messily stored away again.
And you will have the same problem that you had before, only with better access to the mess.
These beds can also be a little difficult to use.
You won’t be able to access the storage space if anyone is on the bed. (Else they will be sent rolling towards the top of the bed and may become a bit squashed).
Bed Style
Another important thing to consider is the aesthetic of the bed.
If you have a specific kind of storage style in mind, it might be a little tricky to match this up with a bed frame that suits the design of your bedroom.
If you’re more concerned about the storage options available than the look of the bed itself. Then you’re definitely in a good position.
There are lots of different options available. But, usually, beds with under bed storage are upholstered and have a luxurious aesthetic.
If you prefer a metal or wooden bed, then you may have a more difficult time trying to find the right kind of storage.
There are, of course, metal and wooden beds with built-in storage underneath. But they are few and far between.
Wooden beds are more likely to have built-in storage. But metal beds rarely do.
This is mostly due to the nature of the metal and it’s much easier to make wooden drawers.
Some metal beds do have designated space for under bed storage. But they do not usually have drawers or a base to the storage space.
So, if you’re looking for a bed with good storage space but want a metal bed frame, you might have to compromise. Nevertheless, wood or metal, you’d want one with a durable platform bed frame.
Bed Sizes
When it comes to choosing under-bed storage, the bed size will be a factor but it won’t get in your way.
The bed size might change the style of the built-in storage. And it will, of course, change the amount of storage available.
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that the bigger the bed, the more storage space is available.
When it comes to storage beds with drawers, they can only reach so far.
So always make sure to double-check the capacity of the drawers and compare them against the overall size of the bed.
If you are looking for built-in storage that is a single space rather than a drawer, then the size will be a bit more of a consideration.
If the bed is very large, then lifting up the mattress, slats, and bottom frame might be quite difficult.
In fact, this is a consideration for this style of bed no matter the size.
To access the storage space in this style of bed, you will need to be able to lift the entire mattress and part of the bed frame up.
You will then, of course, need to be able to reach up to pull it back down again.
So, make sure to check the weight of your mattress and the weight of the slats.
Due to the style of the bed, it should be relatively easy to open as it is designed to be. But you don’t want to be struggling to close it again.
A storage bed is supposed to make your life easier, not harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are storage beds sturdy?
This is a very valid question. It’s important to consider how exactly the storage space is built into the bed.
If there are multiple large drawers, this may alter the strength and sturdiness of the bed.
But, in general, storage beds are still sturdy. The frame may need to be a little thicker but that is probably the only difference.
A storage bed usually has a thick and chunky frame. It will reach the floor and include a lot more in terms of support than the four legs of a standard bed.
The sturdiness of a bed also relies on the bed slats and their frame. Slats are usually nailed, screwed, or slotted in or onto a wooden or metal frame.
This means that there is an extra level of security and support. So, you don’t have to worry about the bed not being properly supported.
With most under bed storage beds, you likely won’t want to open the drawers when lying in the bed anyway.
Even though there will be empty space below the bed, it is no more than would be beneath a standard bed frame.
In fact, the addition of drawers will mean there will be more walls and supports than on a standard bed. So there will be even more support.
Does bed height affect sleep?
You might be wondering if under bed storage takes up a lot of space.
Beds with under bed storage are generally taller as they make the most of the space available.
But this won’t affect your sleep. It might make getting in and out of bed a little trickier if you’re on the shorter side.
And any new bed can take some getting used to. But you shouldn’t worry.
In fact, you will probably get an even better sleep knowing that your home is tidy and there isn’t a huge stash of mish-mashed junk beneath you.
Tiny houses aren’t just tiny houses. They are following rules and regulations that each state has made.
About 10 years ago, tiny houses became popular. Since then, a lot of people have embraced minimalism through the tiny house lifestyle. Much more than a simpler lifestyle, tiny houses have helped people save money while saving the environment as well.
Due to its increasing popularity, states across nations have developed building codes and zoning regulations specifically for tiny houses. These building codes and zoning regulations have a direct impact on the construction and placement of tiny houses.
Whether you are planning to build a tiny house right on your own property or move into a tiny house community, you must know the tiny house legalities in your area.
Before you finally move into a tiny house, it pays that you carefully review the state and local regulations. Knowing so will help you get the most out of your tiny house right at the moment you step foot on it.
Here is everything that you need to know about tiny houses’ legality.
Building Codes for Tiny Houses
The following standardization for tiny houses are made in compliance with the International Building Code (IBC)
Ceiling Height
The ceiling of a tiny house in common spaces must have a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches. Bathrooms must have a minimum of 6 feet 4 inches while lofts are allowed to be less than 6 feet 8 inches.
Windows
There is no existing law that requires how many windows a tiny house should have. However, the law requires tiny houses to abide by the standard requirement, which is to have at least one window that can be used as an emergency exit. This is important so that you can easily escape in case an emergency happens.
The bottom of the opening of the window shall not be located more than 44 inches above the loft floor.
Plumbing
One separate bathroom is required for each tiny house. This is required for sanitation purposes. It would be unhygienic to place your bathroom right inside your tiny house without a wall to keep it separate from the rest of your tiny house.
There are parts of the tiny houses which follow certain standards as some codes require.
Lofts
The code does not include the loft in the maximum floor area that a tiny house can have. However, the code requires a minimum floor area and dimensions for a tiny house if it will be used for living and sleeping.
According to Section AQ104 of the IBC, lofts shall have a minimum floor area not less than 35 square feet and shall not be less than 5 feet in any horizontal dimension.
However, there are portions of the loft that are not included in the minimum floor area and horizontal dimension that is required. If a portion of a slope is less than 3 feet from the floor to the ceiling, then this is not included in the minimum area required for a loft.
Stairways
Tiny houses are required to have stairs in order to reach loft areas. Stairways above the handrail height shall not be lower than 17 inches while the stairways below the handrail height shall not be less than 20 inches in width.
Risers shall not be less than 12 inches in height and not more than 7 inches in width. To get the accepted riser height of a certain tiny house, the following formula is used:
15 inches – ¾ of the Tread depth = Risers Height
Tread depth, on the other hand, is calculated using this formula:
20 inches – 4/3 of the riser height = Tread Depth
A landing platform shall be built from the top tread and the riser of the stairway accessing the loft area. The landing platform shall have the following measurements
and dimensions:
16 inches to 18 inches in height from the landing platform to the loft floor
18 inches to 22 inches in depth from the nosing of the landing platform to the edge of the loft
The handrails and stair guards of tiny house stairs follow the same dimensions that are required in a full-sized house.
Ladders
The rung of the ladders that are used to access the loft area of a tiny house shall have a width that is not lower than 12 inches. The rungs shall have 20 to 14 inches spaces in between.
It is required that a ladder could support a 200-pound load and shall be installed at a 70 to 80-degree horizontal incline.
When it comes to Alternating Tread Devices or Ship Ladders, the required is 20 inches and above below the handrail height. Loft guards shall be placed on the side of the loft that is open. The minimum height for loft guards is either 36 inches or ½ of the height to the ceiling.
Zoning Regulations
In as much as you can’t build a full-sized house anywhere, tiny houses have restrictions when it comes to where you can build or park them. To find out if it is legal to park or build a tiny house to where you are planning to have one, consult your local zoning department.
There are federal laws and local zoning regulations that a tiny house should comply with. However, you are allowed to build outside of the existing codes by applying through your local planning commission. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how tiny-house friendly a place is.
Variations in Tiny Houses
Generally, there are two types of tiny houses – tiny houses on wheels and tiny houses on a foundation. The rules and regulations that govern each of these types of tiny houses vary drastically. Take a further look at the things that each of these types has to abide:
Tiny House on Wheels
Legally, tiny houses on wheels are called recreational vehicles or RV. This means that you have to find a legal place where you can park your vehicle. RVs are required to be registered with the state’s motor vehicles department.
While there are a lot of campsites in the States, most of the states do not allow an RV to serve as a full-time residency. Not unless the campsite has a designated RV parking area.
In most cases, these rules are not followed not unless you give your neighborhood a reason to complain against you.
Tiny Houses on Foundation
Tiny houses on a foundation are legally referred to as an accessory dwelling units or ADU. This type of tiny house may be site-built, or it may be transported to your lot and permanently attached to the foundation. They often come in the form of cottages or granny flats.
Due to the regulations which prohibit purchasing lands for tiny houses alone, most owners opt to build their tiny house beside an existing residential dwelling.
Codes and Regulations for Tiny Homes in Some States
In the United States of America, laws, and requirements from each state vary.
Whether you own a tiny house or plan to have one, you will surely come across the problem of where you can build or park it. Finding a place where you can legally have a tiny house is not as easy as it sounds.
Finding a place where you can home your tiny house starts with knowing the codes and regulations that each state has. Here are the codes and regulations that each state has when it comes to where you can build or park your tiny house:
Alabama
Tiny House Friendly: 2⁄10
In Alabama, tiny houses are not that accepted. The building codes and zoning requirements drastically differ from one country to another. In fact, some cities in Alabama have their own set of limiting and unique requirements, which makes it hard to make tiny houses.
Thankfully, Alabama has not totally closed its door to tiny houses. Some areas in the state have accepted it. In Jefferson County, ADUs are allowed in certain areas, given they do not exceed 200 square feet.
Alaska
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
Alaska is more open to tiny houses than it is in Alabama. But, there are still considerable differences between counties and towns in the state. In the Anchorage metropolitan area of the state alone, around 40 percent of the state’s population lives there already.
Tiny houses on a foundation are required to secure a conditional use permit and have to meet certain building codes. On the other hand, tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs, which makes them restricted to R – 5 zones. Also, the state requires tiny houses that are built on municipal properties to be connected to sewage and water.
A point to remember is that Anchorage’s suburbs have specific requirements that vary from unincorporated areas. In addition, Anchorage and the communities that surround it do not have official building codes that are specifically made for tiny houses.
Arizona
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
Arizona is more tiny house friendly than other states. Just like any other state, it does not have statewide tiny home building and zoning requirements. Due to this, tiny houses are subjected to city and county regulations and laws.
In Piman City, which is located on the southern border with Mexico, building a tiny house is legal. Pima City is the second most populated county in the state of Arizona. Tucson and its suburbs mostly compromise this county.
In this county, a tiny house on a foundation can be built on any lot allotted for single-family detached houses. On the other hand, a tiny house on wheels is considered as a factory-built home given that it is located on a permanent foundation, and its suspension and axles have been removed.
The county has building codes that are specifically made for tiny houses. Such building codes include the following:
Tiny houses with loft areas should have stairs or ladders as access.
Tiny houses with lofts must follow standardized safety requirements.
Tiny houses must abide by the special electrical circuit requirements.
The building codes in the county do not have any specific requirements when it comes to the number of windows, doors and emergency exits. It does not also require any specific ceiling height.
As of now, the county places second as the most tiny house friendly area in the state, which is followed by Coconino county. Unluckily, other areas in Arizona do not still have tiny house regulations.
Arkansas
Tiny House Friendly: 2⁄10
It is not a secret that the housing cost in California is expensive. This makes it very thrilling to know that somehow, California is open to tiny houses. Tiny houses are considered to be accessory dwelling units or ADUs in most jurisdictions which means that they are allowed yet with certain restrictions.
The destructive fires in Sonoma County have made it possible to build tiny houses without building permits. It also has permitted the fire victims to build tiny houses without compelling zoning.
Tiny homes on wheels are allowed as a secondary dwelling in San Francisco and Fresno as long as there is an existing residential house in the lot.
This means that tiny houses are only allowed in a residential neighborhood and can’t be built as a permanent house.
One thing to keep in mind when planning to have a tiny house in California is that RVs are not allowed to serve as a permanent house. But this isn’t exactly an issue. Besides, California has one of the highest numbers of nomads.
Nomad is the general term used for people who travel trailers or even their car or the ones who live in RVs. They are the ones who do not have a permanent address. It is advised to reach out to local jurisdictions since laws and regulations vary from one suburb to another in California.
Colorado
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
In Colorado, there is no such thing as national laws or regulations specifically for tiny houses. The good thing is many counties have welcomed people who want to live in this lifestyle.
There are already established site-built tiny house codes in Park County. To be more specific, tiny houses in this county must have a private bathroom and a separate closet. The private bathroom must have a lavatory, a water closet, and either a shower or a bathtub.
Moreover, if the tiny house is for one or two occupants, then it should at least be 220 square feet. An additional 100 square feet is required for an additional occupant.
Tiny houses in Park County should also abide by the standard residential building codes for life safety features, mechanical equipment, ventilation, and lighting.
Also, the kitchen counter’s work area should be at least 30 inches long. If a modular or manufactured tiny house is your choice, then it should at least be 600 square feet. It should also follow local Land Use Regulations.
Walsenburg has a specific regulation when it comes to tiny houses. Tiny homes are required to compel to a lot of building code requirements just like residential houses do. However, the city has certain requirements when it comes to exit door width, stairways, and minimum square footage.
Connecticut
Tiny House Friendly: 0/10
Connecticut is considered as one of the strictest cities when it comes to tiny houses, be it an RV or on foundation. Despite the fact that the city needs affordable houses, the topic of tiny houses is not yet unveiled yet. This is because its zoning regulations aren’t compatible with tiny houses.
Delaware
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
There is no specific regulation for tiny houses yet in Delaware, but there are already advocates who are bringing out the topic. Tiny houses on wheels are considered RVs in Delaware. This means that the owner should secure an ownership title 30 days after purchase.
If a tiny house is greater than 400 square feet, then it is qualified as a mobile home. Thus, it has to abide by existing laws and regulations. On the other hand, if a tiny house falls less than 400 square feet, then it is considered as a trailer.
Florida
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
Most parts of Florida have openly welcomed tiny house dwellers. In Florida, there are already existing tiny house hotels and rental communities which allow everyone to experience the lifestyle. This indicates how open the city is when it comes to tiny houses.
Tiny houses on wheels in Florida are required to be properly registered as RV at the Department of Motor Vehicles. On the other hand, laws and regulations on tiny houses on foundation vary from one area to another.
In St. Petersburg, accessory dwelling units or ADUs that are between 375 and 750 square feet are only allowed in specific zones.
While in Orange County, it is required that an accessory dwelling unit should at least have footage of 400 square feet. Lastly, in Sarasota County, if you plan to stay in the same RV park for 45 days or more then you should build it on a foundation.
Georgia
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
Just like Florida, Georgia has widely accepted tiny houses too despite the lack of statewide regulations and requirements. This is because tiny homes are more affordable compared to traditional houses. Most areas in Georgia have not addressed the issue yet between tiny houses on foundations and tiny houses on wheels.
In most cases, tiny house owners are required to abide by the 2012 International Residential Code. Furthermore, accessory dwelling units or ADUs are not legally available for rent.
Particularly, there is no minimum square footage requirement for accessory dwelling units in Decatur since 2014 under the Unified Development Ordinance.
On the other hand, Atlanta has classified accessory dwelling units as a tiny house that has a kitchen stove. Tiny houses with full-time occupancy are also considered as ADUs. Such tiny houses are only allowed in R-5 zoned areas.
Tiny houses without full-time occupancy or gas stove are considered as a guest house. Guesthouses are allowed to stay anywhere from R – 1 to R – 5 zoned areas.
Hawaii
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Unlike other states, regulations, and requirements of tiny houses in Hawaii is statewide. Tiny houses are allowed to be built anywhere in the state. Tiny homeowners wanna-be can freely buy land and build a tiny house. But, tiny houses are not allowed in places that are ruled by restrictive covenants.
Hawaii has a unique requirement when it comes to tiny houses on wheels. This is because tiny houses on wheels are considered as ADUs in the state. This means that they have to abide by all relevant zoning restrictions. They are also considered travel trailers so they must be registered to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Hawaii Tiny House Initiative has greatly contributed to accommodate the affordable housing needs of the state’s agriculture workers. Building a house in Hawaii is expensive due to the booming tourism industry that makes it hard for residents to build a home which makes tiny houses a perfect option for them.
County codes have been changed through the Hawaii Tiny House Initiative. Such codes have allowed tiny houses (less than 220 square feet) to be built as special farm dwellings. These special farm dwellings should have a bathroom and a separate living room and kitchen.
Idaho
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
Different types of tiny homes have different definitions in Idaho, which serve as the basis for regulations going forward. Tiny houses in Idaho must comply with one of the following options:
Modular Tiny House – This is a type of tiny home that has been mostly or entirely prefabricated in another place before it has been transported to its intended location. A modular tiny house must follow everything under the HUD construction and safety standards created for manufactured housing. A modular tiny house should at least have a floor space of 150 square feet.
Site – Built – Site built tiny houses are the ones that are built where they are really intended to be placed.vThey are not meant to be moved or relocated. It should also have a floor space of 150 square feet just like the modular tiny house.
Recreational Vehicle – A recreational vehicle in Idaho is defined as a travel trailer, camping trailer, motor home, or truck camper that is designed for emergency human habitation or for recreation. Their maximum width is 8½ feet.
Illinois
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Most areas in Illinois have not yet accepted tiny houses. Besides, there are areas which really do not accept tiny houses. Chicago and other cities, for example, have not allowed tiny houses to be built in their respective areas at all.
Yet, there are still places that have accepted tiny houses. In these areas, tiny houses are allowed to be built or parked in private properties as well as in mobile home parks and campgrounds.
Whether you can build a tiny house or not on your own land depends on the county-specific rules. If what you own is a tiny house on wheels, then it is classified as a recreational trailer that compels you to register it to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Indiana
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
Building codes for tiny houses in Indiana vary from one place to another. The residential building codes in the state are not applicable to tiny houses that were built for personal use. This is known as The Log Cabin Rule. The Log Cabin Rule is only applicable to tiny houses that are fixed on lands and not on wheels.
You can, however, find tiny home neighborhoods in Indiana. Some residential neighborhoods have also been allowed to build tiny houses near or beside residential homes. Also, the tiny house rules vary in Carmel, Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Bloomington, and others.
Iowa
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
A lot of communities and counties in Iowa can’t build tiny houses because of the set minimum square footage requirements for residential dwellings. This requirement hinders residents from building their own tiny house in their desired area. One particular place with such a rule is Iowa Falls.
In Iowa Falls, the minimum size requirement for residential properties has been adjusted to 500 square feet. So, the city can only allow larger tiny homes as of this time. But actually, the 500 square feet minimum is a downgrade of the 600 square feet requirement before.
Other parts of Iowa greatly discourage tiny homes. In Des Moines, a proposed tiny house development was not approved. This means that people who want to have a tiny house near Des Moines should look for land in rural or outlying areas surrounding the city. These places have less stringent zoning regulations.
Kansas
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
Kansas is more open to tiny houses as long as it is on a foundation and not on wheels. There are county-wide and state-wide regulations in the state when it comes to tiny houses. The minimum square footage for tiny houses on a foundation is 170 square feet.
The 170 square feet floor space should have one room and a second room which can’t be either the bathroom or kitchen. The second room should at least be 50 square feet.
Furthermore, all tiny houses on foundation should be built on a lot with an area of at least 3,000 square feet. RS3 is the smallest zoning district that allows tiny houses.
Accessory dwelling units are not allowed in RS3 or RS5 zoned areas. They can only be built on single dwelling residential zoning areas with the likes of RS40, RS, RS10, and RS7. Composting toilets are banned regardless of where the tiny house is built.
But, propane gas and solar panels are allowed based on IFC regulations. A small wind generation system that does not exceed 35 feet is also permitted.
Tiny houses on wheels are not allowed to park in private lands and parks. They can only be parked on designated campgrounds.
Kentucky
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Most tiny houses in Kentucky are built in Louisville because of how large the city is. There are specific rules in restriction in the city but all in all, tiny houses are allowed in the entire metropolis.
Site-built or permanent tiny homes are allowed only if they are built on a foundation. And, the process of securing building requests for a tiny house on a foundation is the same as acquiring other residential construction requests.
In Louisville, a modular tiny house is considered as a house with components that are made off-site that will be assembled on a fixed foundation later on. In order for a tiny house to be considered as a modular home, special tiny house construction kits should be used.
Louisville is very open to tiny houses but a special review process is necessary before a permit may be granted. The applicant may also be required to submit additional documentation to secure a building permit.
On the other hand, tiny houses on wheels are required for the zoning restrictions of Louisville. Keep in mind that manufactured and assembled off-site tiny houses are considered as pre-manufactured homes in the state. Pre-manufactured homes in Louisville are subject to special state approval.
Louisiana
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
A lot of tiny home designs are not conducive to Louisiana’s building regulations. This is because compliance with the 2012 International Residential Code is mandatory in the state.
The code requires ceilings of tiny houses to be elevated to at least 7 feet. This includes lofts and all other areas of the structure. Stairs are more preferred than ladders in loft areas. A window that serves as an emergency exit is also required.
Furthermore, one of the rooms of the tiny house should at least have a floor area of 120 square feet. Doors, hallways, and staircases must be 3 feet or wider. The city is open to tiny houses but its restrictions make it hard to build a tiny house.
Maine
Tiny House Friendly: 9⁄10
Maine is one of the few states that has approved requirements when it comes to the construction of tiny houses. To begin with, a tiny house should not exceed 400 square feet. Sleeping lofts with ladders as access are allowed. Skylights in loft areas that serve as emergency exits are also allowed.
Tiny houses on foundation must comply with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code requirements. These guidelines for tiny houses are statewide, but cities have the power to deny a construction request.
There are areas in Maine too wherein boat houses are converted into an accessory dwelling unit following the time home’s construction guidelines.
Tiny houses on North Yarmouth are considered as camping if it is in the same exact location for more than 120 days of the year. If it exceeds 120 days, then it must comply with the established building codes for tiny homes already. Tiny homes that were built before the effective date of the ordinance are exempted. The same goes for land areas that are more than 30,000 square feet.
Maryland
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
There is no specific definition of what a tiny house is in Maryland. This means that there are no existing tiny house laws or requirements yet in the state. But generally speaking, they consider tiny houses on wheels as recreational activities or RVs.
Since tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs, they can only be parked on designated RV parks. It is the management of the RV parks too who establishes specific rules for the tiny houses.
Tiny houses on a foundation are allowed in most areas in Maryland. That is, as long as zoning restrictions in urban and suburban areas permit. But since such zoning restrictions do not confirm with tiny houses, most tiny houses then are in rural areas.
Massachusetts
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
Living in a tiny house that meets the requirements for an accessory dwelling unit is an easier option than living in a tiny house on wheels in Massachusetts. Most of the towns in the state allow accessory dwelling units. But, the building requirements vary from one town to another.
They are very open to tiny houses that certain towns allow up to three ADUs with the condition that the third tiny house should not be more than 550 square feet. However, the state has no definite definition yet of what a tiny house is. But certainly, tiny houses do not meet the requirements for accessory dwelling units.
Tiny houses on wheels are allowed for camping purposes in the state as long as they are parked on an RV park. Certain problems may arise for people who want to permanently live on tiny houses on wheels.
Michigan
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
In the entire state of Michigan, zoning restrictions and building requirements are set in order to accommodate tiny houses. There were campaigns before for accessory dwelling units to be allowed in all residential areas as well.
As a matter of fact, Economy Efficiency Dwelling was introduced in Briley Township. An Economy Efficiency Dwelling is a house that has an area between 240 and 500 square feet. The exterior of this dwelling should be between 20 to 30 feet wide and 12 and 20 feet tall.
In addition, it also has to abide by the state’s sanitation and building codes. Economy Efficiency Dwellings is also required to meet all requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy.
They must be built on a permanent foundation. Such houses are only allowed in areas zoned for Residential 2, Agriculture and Forest Rec.
Minnesota
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
For zoning purposes, Minnesota has defined tiny houses in two ways. The first one is, tiny houses on wheels are Recreational Activities or RVs. The second one is, tiny houses on foundations are considered as accessory dwelling units.
This is because ADUs in the state are required to be built on a foundation. Furthermore, ADUs also have to comply with the same building codes for traditional houses.
Finding a place where building or parking a tiny house is legal is very hard in the city. Thankfully, a lot of towns in this state are becoming more open to tiny houses as a more affordable option for seniors and disabled residents.
Mississippi
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
After Mississippi was hit by hurricane Katrina, the state has used tiny homes as emergency shelters. But, the use of tiny houses as a permanent home is not yet allowed in most cities of the state. Generally, Mississippi has not yet officially accepted tiny houses since there are no defined rules and requirements yet.
However, there have been a lot of efforts in order for tiny houses to be fully accepted and be legalized in the state. Tiny houses on permitted places typically measure between 100 square feet and 900 square feet.
Some of the places in Mississippi which have accepted tiny houses include Southaven, Jackson, Vicksburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Gulfport, and Tupelo.
Missouri
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
Tiny houses on wheels are considered travel trailers in most parts of Missouri. This limits the place where tiny houses on wheels can park. Travel trailers are defined in the wheel-mounted portable temporary shelter platform.
Travel trailers are not allowed to be parked on streets and in any public place in the entire state. They are also not allowed to be used inside the boundaries of a city. Tiny houses with a living area that is less than 220 square feet are not required to secure special permits.
The cities Saint Charles, Branson, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield have permitted site-built tiny homes on foundations. However, zoning restrictions and construction guidelines vary between cities.
Montana
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
Montana is in great need for affordable housing solutions but has not yet recognized the existence of tiny houses. This makes it important for tiny house owners wanna-be in the state to do thorough research on laws and permissions which might be needed when building or parking a tiny house.
Tiny houses on a foundation are allowed while tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs or travel trailers. Thus, it must comply with relevant restrictions and regulations.
Nebraska
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
Nebraska has a formal definition of tiny houses. It also has specific building requirements and zoning restrictions when it comes to the different types of houses in the city.
A manufactured or mobile home is an assembled structure based on the regulations of the HUD Federal Manufactured Home. These are the tiny homes that have successfully passed the HUD inspection which qualified them to receive an approval label.
Modular home refers to tiny houses that are constructed under the guidelines and codes of the National Electric Code and the International Residential Code. These tiny houses have received a label that approved their status as a Nebraska Modular Housing Unit.
The last type of tiny house on the list in Nebraska is the tiny house on wheels. Tiny houses on wheels are required to comply with the Park Model Recreational Vehicle Standard, the National Fire Protection Association Code 1192 or the NFPA Standard on Recreational Vehicles.
Tiny houses on wheels in Nebraska are classified as to how travel trailers and motor-homes are classified.
New Jersey
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
Due to how affordable tiny houses are than traditional houses, a lot of residents in New Jersey are getting interested in it. But, there are no zoning regulations and requirements yet when it comes to tiny houses. Besides, there are cities in New Jersey that have totally banned the building of tiny houses.
The Land Use Board did not allow tiny houses in a community that would be used by military veterans. Other areas have passed laws allowing restricted uses of tiny houses. For example, Haverstraw allows you to build a tiny house on a foundation if it will be used by a property caretaker and only if the parcel of land meets acreage requirements.
In Rockland-area communities, a tiny house on wheels that is classified as a recreational vehicle and that is not occupied can be stored on an unincorporated parcel.
North Carolina
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
The legality and acceptance of tiny houses is a hot issue in North Carolina. This is because some netizens think that tiny houses have a negative value on the impact and appeal to their houses.
Others consider tiny houses as an excellent solution to overcrowding in high-density areas and are a good alternative for people who can’t afford a full-sized house.
In the county of Wilmington, a tiny house that is occupied by a single person is to at least have a floor area of 150 square feet. If there will be another occupant, then another floor area which is around 100 square feet should be added.
Tiny houses in North Carolina are subjected to local housing ordinances too. Just like in Winston-Salem wherein accessory dwelling units are allowed to be built on single-family residential lots given that the occupant is the caretaker or a relative.
There are still other restrictions on tiny houses in the entire state so make it a habit to check first before doing something.
North Dakota
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Tiny houses are of increasing popularity in North Dakota. But there are no specific laws in the state yet when it comes to tiny houses. The requirements in each city and county generally vary which requires a thorough understanding of each of them.
In Burleigh County, residential homes are required to at least 965 square feet floor area. This is too large for a tiny home.
Due to this, tiny houses are only allowed on agricultural lots throughout the area. This requires tiny houses to comply with the Burleigh County Ordinance and the North Dakota Century Code.
Tiny houses are also allowed on lots that are more than 40 acres. In the same county, all residential structures are required to meet all local building codes.
Tiny houses are also required to be connected to public utilities for water, electricity, gas, and sewer.
On the other hand, tiny homes on wheels that are meant to stay one place must be mounted to a permanent foundation. Accessory dwelling units are not accepted yet in Burleigh County. Only specialized granny suites that have met the specific requirements are allowed.
Ohio
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
Ohio has no specific classification system for tiny houses yet. This means that there are no laws and regulations for tiny houses yet in the state.
For example, in Cleveland, residential homes, regardless of their size, are required to at least have 950 square feet floor area. There are no local ordinances yet for tiny houses alongside its unique building requirements. But, accessory dwelling units are allowed in the area as long as it will not serve as a primary house.
On the other hand, other areas have grouped tiny houses with other structures known as a variance. The confusion on the residents is the primary reason why tiny houses are not yet fully grown in the state.
Oklahoma
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
The state of Oklahoma has no specific definitions and regulations yet for tiny houses. But this did not become the hindrance to tiny house owners to spread the lifestyle in the entire state. Besides, there are already tiny house communities in the Wheeler District and in the northwestern region of the state as well.
Tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs in the state. This means that they should meet all necessary requirements. Due to the unaddressed specific requirements of tiny houses, a lot of Oklahoma residents prefer to have their tiny houses in a rural area which is not under the strict zoning regulations of the state.
Oregon
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
The state of Oregon already has established laws and requirements for tiny houses. There are already existing housing construction and zoning requirements due to the popularity of the state’s Tiny House Hotel.
Tiny houses on wheels across the state are required to secure required documents from the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, the permits and inspections for tiny homes on wheels are not yet under the control of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.
This means that tiny houses on wheels residents must use a commercial hauler. They should also have a special trip permit whenever they want to transfer to another area.
Pennsylvania
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
Pennsylvania is open to tiny houses. Generally, some cities are more accepting while others are not.
The largest tiny house community in the entire USA is located in Elizabethtown, which is a county in Pennsylvania. On the other hand, there is no minimum house size requirement for tiny houses in Philadelphia. But, they should follow the requirements of the International Residential Code 2009.
The tiny house should also have at least one room with a floor area of 120 square feet and above. In addition, another room with a floor area of 70 square feet and above is also required. Unless it is the kitchen of the tiny house, all rooms should be 7 feet and above in length, width or height.
Rhode Island
Tiny House Friendly: 2⁄10
There are no laws and regulations yet for tiny houses in Rhode Island. However, there are passed laws already for accessory dwelling units. The law allows ADUs to be built if the primary home is used by the owner or if the ADU will be occupied by a family member that is 62 years old and above.
South Dakota
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
South Dakota has gone through a lot for tiny houses. Communities across the state have passed different ordinances for tiny houses. For example, tiny houses on wheels are allowed to stay at a commercial campground for a short time.
While tiny houses on a foundation are required to comply with the local zoning restrictions and building codes. A tiny house that will be occupied by one person only should at least have 187 square feet of living space.
If there will be an additional person, the tiny house should expand by around 50 square feet. The tiny house must have a width ranging from 8.5 feet and 20 feet.
Texas
Tiny House Friendly: 9⁄10
Tiny houses are not yet that popular in Texas but there are established regulations already. These codes and regulations are based and determined by local jurisdictions.
In Breckenridge, tiny houses should be permanently fixed on a foundation. They should at least have a floor area of 320 square feet. While on Spur, there is no required floor area. Tiny houses on wheels are also allowed as long as the wheels have been removed and the home is anchored to the ground.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, the laws which authorize tiny houses vary from one state to another. This makes it a must for you to check the existing laws and regulations in your target location. In as much as possible, avoid areas that are very strict when it comes to tiny houses to avoid any problem from arising.
Related Questions
Do you need council approval for a tiny house?
If your tiny house is registered as a trailer, then you do not need council approval. But if your tiny house is on a foundation, then you will have to secure DA approval.
Do you need planning permission for a tiny house?
Mobile homes that measure around 65 x 22 ft in size can be placed on a property without planning permission as long as members of the household use them as additional living space.
Tiny Home Safety: Top 26 Life-Saving Tips From the Experts
How can one stay safe and secure in such a small abode?
Tiny houses are not entirely dangerous. However, you should never be complacent—authorities have been strict with tiny houses for valid reasons.
Moreover, the critics’ disapproval of tiny houses is not baseless. After all, they are only advocating for the highest safety standards for properties.
Therefore, if you’re really hell-bent on living in a smaller home, then tiny home safety should be your utmost priority at all times.
In this blog post, we shared 26 tested and proven safety tips from experts.
Tiny home safety: Inside your home
Whether you live alone, with an elderly, or with your kids in your tiny home, you should take notes from these tiny home safety tips. Don’t worry, we have something for everybody.
Bathroom
Add more traction to your teeny bathroom’s tile floors to prevent slips and falls.
Did you know that the majority of accidents and injuries happened to people who were in their bathrooms? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 14 percent of those people get hospitalized.
With a bathroom that’s even teenier, how does tiny home safety work? Similar to regular houses, you need to do some few tricks to keep you safe while showering, soaking, etc.
1. Install grab bars.
Falling is one of the top five causes of unintentional home injuries. Every year, slippery bathroom floors cause 80% of falls in the elderly aged 65 years and older. So, it’s no surprise that bathrooms are more sinister than you think.
Therefore, whether you live with an elderly relative or not, you have to add grab bars to ensure tiny home safety. Besides being secure fixtures against falls and slips, these metal bars can serve as towel racks near your bathtub or your shower area.
2. Don’t just dump anything in a composting toilet.
Composting toilets’ prices and installation processes can be expensive. But besides their price, take good care of composting toilets because they’re the most convenient type of toilets for tiny houses on wheels. You don’t even need to frequent dumping places to release their waste.
Prolong your composting toilet’s life by not throwing anything in there, except your waste and absorbent materials like untreated sawdust. Absorbent materials will create an odor barrier, minimizing the bad smell. Avoid throwing trash like baby diapers and tissue paper as well.
Metal grab bars, although effective for tiny home safety, are not enough to prevent slips. You have to make sure your floor and walls are not that slippery when wet. Good thing you rely on affordable but effective anti-slip accessories for bathrooms such as stickers, mats, and tapes.
If you’re still in the process of building your tiny house, you can even install anti-slip, textured tiles. Meanwhile, if you already have tiles, you can apply an anti-slip treatment, which is a solution that adds traction to smooth and shiny tiles. One example is Stone Grip.
4. Add tamper-resistant outlets.
Tamper-resistant outlets are great tiny home safety accessories, especially if you live with kids or pets. Also known as tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR), these outlets have safety shutters that block the access of any foreign object into the receptacle.
With the safety shutters inside, it will only work if you insert a fully functional plug. You can’t insert broken plugs with jagged edges—otherwise, the safety shutters inside won’t open and you can’t use the outlet. We suggest you add these outlets everywhere in your house, especially in the bathroom.
5. Install night lights.
Night lights will increase tiny home safety and cultivate your kids’ independence. These are small lighting fixtures that don’t produce an overwhelming brightness but are still effective in lighting a dark room.
If your kids are scared of going to the bathroom at night, you can teach them to turn on the night lights. Plus, they don’t consume that much power, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary energy loss at night.
It’s better to have the expensive essentials in your kitchen than having multiple pieces of mediocre equipment.
The kitchen is where you prepare your kid’s meals, boil water for your coffee, and wash your dishes, mugs, and plates. That only means you should be steadfast in ensuring this area is contamination-free and accident-proof.
Bathrooms can be dangerous, but your kitchen can be lethal, too. Take note of these tiny home safety tips in the kitchen.
1. Use a cast-iron skillet.
Not only this is life-saving (you can fight zombies with this!), but also space-saving. Cast-iron skillets may be a bit expensive, but they have many qualities that compensate for the price. Cast-iron skillets have an ellent non-stick surface, chemical-free material, and great heat-retaining quality.
Best of all, they are space-saving because they’re versatile—you can cook them on open-fire or on a gas stove. So, if the situation calls for it—like a family barbecue or camping with your buddies, you can rely on cast-iron skillets. You don’t need to bring another type of cooking pan to the trip.
In this blog post, we explained why hooks should be staples in every tiny house. However, hooks should be the most present in your tiny house kitchen. Besides being affordable and durable enough to carry heavy objects, they are also highly versatile, which is ideal for a small kitchen.
You can use hooks to hang caddies for spices and herbs, baking tools, glasses, plates, and mugs. You can mount a single hook to hang a drying towel or use several to dry pots and pans. Need something customizable? Use two durable hooks to put up a pegboard, which you can use for multiple things.
You can use propane stoves to cook meals inside your tiny house, but make sure to prevent gas buildup. To avoid that, make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated, so the toxic fumes to exit your kitchen area. Moreover, when you’re cooking, open your windows or turn on an exhaust fan. Propane stoves generate a lot of heat.
Moreover, don’t forget to turn off your propane stove when not in use. You will also need a carbon monoxide detector in case the gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so you will need a detector to prevent contamination during a leakage.
4. Avoid/eliminate electric stove hazards.
Electric stoves are safer than propane stoves, but they still have fire hazards. Therefore, you need to eliminate those and follow safety measures. First of all, be mindful if they’re turned on or not. Propane stoves are easier to detect when they’re running since they smell. Electric stoves, on the other hand, are silent and odorless.
Another hazard to eliminate is excessive heat generation. Again, it’s not easy to notice right away that an electric stove is turned on. When an electric stove gets too hot, you might accidentally burn your hand if you’re not alert enough to notice that it’s turned on. So, if not necessary, don’t use too much heat.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
And learn how to use it! Knowing how to prevent fires in the kitchen is not enough. You also need to know how to put them out. Since you live in a tiny house, you should keep one under your kitchen sink—before a fire from your burning mac and cheese engulfs your home.
You can buy fire extinguishers best used for houses. Since we’re talking about kitchen fires here, a standard fire extinguisher can already help you. It can put out Class A, B, and C fires, which are ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and gases, and electrical equipment fires.
Get a peaceful sleep by making sure your sheets are clean and your furniture pieces are untippable.
Your bedroom is the space where you rest, dream, and recover. Nothing should go wrong, right? Well, don’t be too relaxed. You still have outlets, wirings, and windows here, right? Therefore, to truly achieve peace of mind, you should also ensure it’s a secure environment. Follow these tiny home safety tips for your bedroom.
1. Prevent bed bug-friendly moisture.
Bed bugs love humid environments. If your bedroom doesn’t have good indoor airflow, they will grow in no time and might trigger adult on-set allergic reactions. Bed bugs might even cause skin irritation, asthma attacks, and anaphylaxis shocks.
Therefore, do your best to prevent bed bug infestation. Air out your mattress frequently. If you can, wash them every week. Choose a high-quality material, too, if you haven’t bought one yet. Most importantly, don’t forget to open your windows every day at certain periods to let the stale air out.
2. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers.
Dust mites also thrive in cramped, humid places, so it’s very likely that you will have them in your bedroom if the air doesn’t circulate properly. Also, did you know they love your skin flakes? Yikes.
To prevent dust mites from growing in your bedroom, use a dust-proof pillow and mattress covers. If you can, avoid putting carpets in your room. Use sheets and rugs with fine threads. You also have to dry your newly washed pillows and mattresses in a hot dryer.
3. Attach your drawers and storage boxes to the wall.
Even if your tiny house is on a foundation, you still have to make sure those heavy boxes will not tip. You’ll never know when earthquakes will strike. Those sharp edges must also be covered and those drawers should be locked, especially if you live with a child who’s in his/her “terrible-twos” stage.
Besides securing your shelves, drawers, organizers, and boxes to the wall, we also don’t suggest putting freestanding items in your bedroom. Apart from occupying your precious floor space, they will also just contribute to the dust-gathering convention in your bedroom.
Tiny home safety: Outside and beyond
Traveling/On-road safety
Before you live that mobile life, make sure your towing vehicle is capable to tow the heavy load behind it.
Do you have a movable tiny house? Tiny houses on wheels are known to be trickier to handle since you have many things to consider such as the weight distribution, load limit, and other road hazards. Plus, you’ll be traveling most of the time, so you will do more upkeep frequently.
With that said, get a load of these tiny home safety steps for when you’re traveling.
1. Follow the required service schedule.
Your towing vehicle has a service schedule, which is indicated on the car’s dashboard’s warning light or its manufacturer’s manual. Now, you should follow this schedule to prevent fluid leaks, on-the-road malfunctions, and engine trouble. Plus you will save yourself from expensive repairs and replacements in the future.
Moreover, by taking care of your towing vehicle, you can preserve its resale value. Many homeowners and critics don’t like tiny houses because they lose resale value quickly. If you keep the car in good condition, then your mobile house’s value won’t dwindle that much.
2. Ensure there’s proper weight distribution.
Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) have the same materials as normal houses, so they are a bit heavier than most RVs and trailers. Therefore, you should be meticulous with keeping stuff inside to avoid surpassing the weight limit and improper weight distribution.
Many states in the U.S. also impose a weight limit on tiny houses on the road, which you should adhere to. Meanwhile, for a smooth-sailing towing, your tiny house should have a proper weight distribution.
The standard ratio is that from the trailer tongue to the center point of the axle, it should weigh 60% of the total weight. The remaining area from that center point to the rear area of the THOW should weigh 40% of the total weight.
3. Make sure your vehicle has a great towing capacity.
There are heavy-duty SUVs but there are also large vehicles exclusively designed for towing. Therefore, choose the latter but with even greater towing capacities. Remember, your tiny house’s weight will increase as you put more stuff in it.
The brands of the best towing trucks for tiny houses are Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Ram. These big boys can pull more than 30,000 pounds. The Ram 3500, particularly, has a towing limit of 31,210. That’s monstrous even for tiny houses.
There are dozens of reasons why some states in the U.S. impose strict standards on tiny houses, two of them being storms and hurricanes.
They can mess up even the bigger houses—can a tiny house withstand them? Yes, they can. Just follow these tips for securing your tiny home against extreme weather and reducing the damage it causes.
1. Elevate your tiny house.
The simplest and most affordable countermeasure to avoid flood damage is to move your tiny house to higher ground. If this isn’t an option because your house is stationary, then you can do a preventative measure like elevating the whole structure.
Meanwhile, do your part and get insurance for your house. Before, it was challenging to insure tiny houses, but it’s definitely better now. Insuring tiny houses can cost $500 to $600 per year.
2. Toughen your roof against strong winds.
The roof, doors, and windows are the parts that usually get damaged over time. So, you need to make them “tougher” against the strong winds, which are especially brought by hurricanes.
For example, the Journal of Light Construction suggests you tighten your roof by applying a high-wind-rated roof covering, re-nailing the roof sheathings, or using wind-rated asphalt shingles.
3. Weatherstrip and caulk your windows, doors, and walls.
As for moisture, leaking, or rust, get ahead of those by weatherstripping your windows and doors and caulking your house. Weatherstripping is done by applying a seal that endures friction and external elements, prolonging the life of the fixture.
The Dept. of Energy particularly suggests vinyl and metal weatherstripping since they are durable and they last years. Vinyl is typically used for weatherstripping garage doors, but it can be a bit pricey.
4. Secure your appliances.
You secured your roofing and your fixtures—how about your appliances and wiring? Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean they are safe.
Therefore, make sure to ground your solar panels to avoid electrocution and fires, even though most models are waterproof. Invest in weatherproof appliances and cords. If you have solar batteries, keep them warm in snowstorms by charging them.
5. Invest in your insulation.
Proper insulation not only keeps you warm during the bad weather but also saves energy. Storm windows and doors, particularly, bring those benefits. They help regulate your tiny house’s temperature, preventing energy loss.
To insulate effectively against storms, you can use fiberglass insulation. It’s an excellent and easy-to-install insulating material, plus it’s not too heavy or expensive. Other good insulation materials are cotton, spray foam, and Rockwool.
Protection against theft
Tiny house theft is becoming more common these days.
Tiny house theft has been rampant, so you can’t be too complacent with your mobile home. It’s small and movable—it’s no wonder it’s red-hot on the criminals’ radar. Therefore, it’s essential for you to invest in security methods and gadgets.
1. Use wheel clamps and claws.
Wheel clamps and claws are anti-theft wheel locks, which prevent your towing car or RV from getting stolen.
Clamps lock the lug nuts, which secure the wheels to your car’s axles. They are pricier but more effective. Claws, on the other hand, help immobilize your wheels—having these will prevent your vehicles from rotating and turning.
2. Purchase heavy chains.
Heavy-duty chains will also make it nearly impossible for a robber to tow your tiny house away. These chains may have clevis grab hooks on both ends, which prevent the chains from slipping.
Heavy-duty chains are being used to tow large vehicles with tons of cargo, so they won’t break easily. It’s better if you tie it to a permanent structure—yes, even if your tiny house is built on a foundation.
3. Get trailer hitch locks.
Simple, cheap, and easy-to-install, a hitch lock will help foil a sneaky robbery attempt. Hitch locks fuse the cargo and the trailer’s hitch, preventing any thief from towing it. A trailer hitch lock can be made of aluminum, which is a tough kind of metal.
If you search for hitch locks, look for ones that design suit your tiny house or RV. Great hitch locks can resist crowbars, saws, and even sledgehammers. If you want our recommendation, then we vouch for Connor Trailer Hitch Lock.
4. Buy an alarm system.
Alarm systems are not just for regular houses. There are actually plenty of fully-functional alarm systems for RVs and small homes.
The prices of alarm systems for tiny houses start at $29 and can go up to $700. Some devices will set off and call the police, fire, and medical dispatches. Others will let you sync it with your phone in an app. They can even have wireless motion sensors.
5. Conceal a tracking device in your tiny house.
Concealing a tracking device inside your tiny house will be your last line of defense. These devices are waterproof and they can recharge from your RV’s battery. They will also send a notification to your phone.
When shopping for a tracking device, check the reviews if its motion sensors are highly sensitive. This is ideal because once the trailer moves, it should send an alarm to your mobile phone ASAP.
Conclusion
Your tiny house is not just your home; it’s your investment. Unfortunately, it’s small and mobile—many confident robbers will try to snatch it in a snap.
Therefore, regardless of its value, you should do everything you can to protect it.
Also, remember that it’s not easy to get a tiny house in most states in the U.S. If you’re lucky enough to live in one, then do your part and invest in safety measures.
Besides, you can’t trust anybody these days even if you live in a tiny house community. Better be safe than sorry!
Can’t get enough of our safety tips? We have more here.
Related Questions
Do tiny houses get stolen?
Yes, surprisingly, tiny houses are getting stolen these days, whether they are on wheels or on a foundation. Yes, even if the house doesn’t have wheels! The criminals are obviously not just interested in the gadgets and jewelry but the house itself, which is interesting because tiny houses lose value quickly.
How do I keep my tiny house from being stolen?
First, spend more time researching—read tiny home safety blog posts and watch YouTube product reviews. After that, start canvassing for heavy chains, hitch locks, and alarm systems. Research is imperative because if those devices are not effective, then your tiny house will still get stolen. You can also hide your wheels in a secure place if you’re parking it in a spot.
How do you disconnect a trailer?
First, park it in a place with a flat surface, so the trailer won’t easily roll down.
Next, turn off the engine and then set the parking brake.
Put a wedge under the trail.
Now, disconnect the wires and unhinge the safety chains.
Loosen the coupler and the handwheel to drop the ball clamp.
Use the tongue’s handle to lift the trailer to release the coupler from the hitch ball.
The trailer will disengage once the hitch ball is released.
Tiny Homes Living: How to Live and Adjust to a Tiny Life
As beautiful as it sounds, adjusting to the tiny house lifestyle could be easy as long as you are well prepared.
In most cases, the decision to move into a tiny house is due to financial reasons. Nowadays, the cost of housing keeps on rising. It has become unaffordable to everyone most especially to those who are earning limited income. But with tiny houses, the cost of living is drastically reduced.
And while money matters keep most things rolling, there will be times that the process of owning a tiny house will become more personal. The focus will drift to the challenges of how you and your family will make it living in a tiny house. How will you start living in a tiny house then?
At first, you will find yourself lost in the middle of nowhere. But eventually, you’ll find the track soon. You might find the transition hard since you’ve been living differently before but in no time, things will get better.
Living in a tiny house will make you scrutinize the things you own and how you spend your time. This means that you have to thoroughly go through the possessions you have collected and the habits you have developed throughout the years.
Here are some things that will help you adjust to your tiny house lifestyle.
Preparation Tips
1. Go Spend Time in a Tiny Space
Obviously, you just can buy or build a tiny house without looking for one that is already built and complete. Ideally, you should not just take a look at it but you should take your time staying in it.
The tiny house lifestyle is not one size fits all. It is not for everyone. So, it is best for you to spend your time living in one to get the vibe and find out if it works for you.
Spending your time in a tiny house first before having your own is much better. This will save you from wasting your time and money into something that is not fitted for you. Also, this will give you a grasp of how living in a tiny house is.
If you are wondering where you can find a tiny house where you can stay for a few days, you can easily find one online. Just make sure that you are booking with a legit owner. Perhaps, this is one of the best ideas to give you a glimpse of how your life will be once you live in a tiny house.
2. Determine What’s Really Important in Life
If you already have decided to live in a tiny house then it’s high time to start figuring out your wants and needs in life. Tiny houses are around 400 to 500 square feet only. This means that your space is very limited.
This also means that you have to let go of some if not most of the stuff that you have. This includes the things that you are not actually using that have been piled up in your cabinet.
You will find yourself choosing between wants and needs. But of course, since you will be living in a tiny house, your needs should be your priority. Having your wants means less space for you.
Which of the things that you have are you willing to let go? Answering this is very hard most especially when you are sentimental. But you have to go through this process when you want to live in a tiny house.
Determine the ones that really matter, the ones that are important, the ones that you really and set aside the things that you don’t actually need. Practice living the minimalist lifestyle because you’ll be living with it as long as you are staying in a tiny house. You have to keep things as minimal as possible for lesser clutter and to make your tiny house look better as well.
Living in a tiny house is a big step that is not easy to take when you are not prepared.
3. Start Getting Rid of Your Stuff
Most probably, decluttering is one of the hardest preparations for living in a tiny house. Letting go of your stuff, even just the ‘junk’, is not as easy as it sounds. But believe us, it feels good to let go of the things that you have accumulated through the years – the ones that you are not using and just displayed there.
Just the mere fact of taking out the clothes you are not using is hard. But this will give you satisfaction. It will make you rejoice for how far you’ve come due to your tiny house living plans.
If you are already living in a tiny house lifestyle, you are already used to being a minimalist. If it is your first time, you’ll have a head time, but don’t worry, you’ll get there.
You might find your closet lacking before but actually, you have more than what is needed when living in a tiny house. All this time, you are living with too much stuff because you believed that you needed them when in reality, you don’t.
You thought that it makes your house look more beautiful, but it just made it look cluttered. You are so used to every single thing that is placed inside your house that letting go of any of them is difficult. But that is how it goes. You have decided to live in a tiny house, so bear with it.
No-fuss. Living in a tiny house could be one of your best decisions ever. Your stuff might mean something to you, but you don’t have to dwell on them forever. Besides, it will just make your tiny house small.
So, go. Pack the things that you need and let go of the things that you don’t need. You won’t regret it, promise. The results will make you thank yourself for doing it.
4. Learn to Ignore the Critics
Critics won’t just go anywhere. They will always be there. They will always have a say on everything you do. So, ignore them.
Most probably, they will have something to say again with your decision to live in a tiny house. They will get every single chance that they have to question your decision to live in a tiny house. Do not let them change your plans. In simpler terms, do not listen to them.
Do not let them decide for you. You, for sure, know what you want. Go for it.
Instead of listening to their nonsense opinion, listen to people who support you with your decision. Be with the people who share the same interest as you. The ones who know how the tiny house lifestyle is.
At this point, negative vibes are not welcome. As always, stay on the positive side. Let’s face it. Deciding to live in a tiny house is scary, but is not as scary as letting others decide for you.
5. Stop Being a Crazed Consumer
Nowadays, living in a big space feels like a must, and owning a lot of stuff is a need. But realistically speaking, living in a big space with a lot of stuff depends on how responsible you are in maintaining them.
The society today is very consumerist. You believed that you have to buy more and more to be happy and satisfied. You believed that you need to own a lot of stuff to be on top.
It is very important that you stop this lifestyle and do not fall for this notion again once you live in a tiny house. Admit it, you are as guilty as us when it comes to us. But it is time to change that lifestyle and start being a minimalist.
Their offer might sound good but that’s how it really is. Marketing is their forte, always remember that. You don’t actually need the latest and most innovative products to keep you living. They are not the air that you breathe or the food that you eat.
Stop being a crazed customer. Start purchasing the ones that are just really needed. You don’t have to live with the hype.
With such limited space, having your own personal space is almost impossible not unless you are creative and resourceful.
6. Define Your Idea of Meaningful Space
In the house where you are living right now, which of the spaces that you have mean so much to you? What part of the house do you spend most of your time? Which space could you not imagine not having?
It’s time to start figuring out the spaces in your house that mean a lot to you. This will help you come up with the best plan for your tiny house and tiny life.
Traditional houses have a lot of spaces which you can’t have in a tiny house. Besides, the spaces that you have in a tiny house is the miniature version of everything. So, which of the spaces are you willing to let go of?
Knowing the space that means a lot to you is your very first step towards planning your tiny house. This is very important in order for you to maximize your tiny house. This will also keep you away from wasting any space.
Remember, every inch of space matters when you are living in a tiny house. It is understandable that you want every single part of a traditional house, but you just can’t. So, start weighing which of the spaces are the heaviest to you.
7. Find Your Tiny House Community
Just like you, there are a lot of people who want to live in a tiny house too. They are everywhere, waiting for you. And, they are very ready to give you all the information that you need to kick start your tiny house life.
With them, you will get the advice that you need in order to begin. How will you find them out?
Start by searching for tiny homes near you. Find groups of tiny house owners on Facebook. Get in touch with bloggers of tiny houses. Ask people you know in case they know someone who owns a tiny house.
There are actually a lot of things that you can do to widen your connection with tiny house owners. This step is very important when preparing to live in a tiny house. Why?
More or less, these people are the ones who know about building codes, zoning, and constructing and living in a tiny house. With them, you can get the information that you need in order to keep you going. It’s time to outsource all the information that you need in order for you to survive the tiny house lifestyle.
Things to Consider when Planning to Live in a Tiny House
There are a lot of things that you have to consider when planning to live in a tiny house for a smoother transition.
1. Toilet
Living in a tiny house isn’t exactly the same as living in a traditional house. This means that you have to deal with problems you are not dealing with before. And that includes problems with a toilet.
Choosing the right toilet for your tiny house is a very important and critical decision that you have to face. Having the right toilet in your tiny house will not just make you feel comfortable but will also save you from any problem soon. If you want to travel from one place to another with your tiny house, then you have to look for a good alternative to the traditional flush toilet.
Keep in mind that you have to keep your toilet at a limited space due to your already limited space. Soundproofing your toilet also matters. Sure enough, you don’t want to be embarrassed with the sounds that you make when using the toilet.
2. Personal Space
If you have tried living in a dorm, you probably know the struggle of not having your own personal space. Having time on your own is very difficult given the tight same that dorm rooms offer. And with the limited space that tiny houses have to offer, you have to be as creative as you can to have your very own personal space.
A good way to have your very own personal space on your tiny house is to divide your house strategically. You can use curtains to have some privacy. You could also make use of wall dividers if you want.
Also, in as much as possible, do not let anyone enter your room. Keep that space for yourself only. You could share the rest of the space with others but at least have something you can call your own.
3. Lights
It can be very easy for small spaces to feel and get dark. This makes it very important to have a light source wherever it is possible. The light source could either be natural or not.
Have big windows in your tiny house where natural light can pass through. Natural lights can do magic. They can easily lift up and set the mood of your tiny house.
When you have a good number of windows, do not cover them up with curtains. It is even better if you don’t put curtains at all. If not, use blinds to cover-up your windows during the night.
To control the amount of light in your tiny house, install recessed lighting that has dimmer switches. You could also put string lights in nooks and lamps in corners. When setting up lights, it would be better to have them hanged to save space and expand the space visually.
4. Maintenance
In maintaining your tiny house, don’t let yourself stay in repair mode. Fix any damage repaired as soon as possible. Do regular maintenance checks as well.
Doing regular maintenance check is very important in order to find out any problem and prevent it from getting more serious. Living in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you are exempted from maintaining it. Besides, you have to be more keen on it most especially when you are on the move.
Some of the things that you have to regularly check include roof leaks, appliance upkeep problems, and plumbing and electrical issues. If what you have is a mobile tiny house, the tires, brakes, and bearings also have to be checked.
When planning or already living in a tiny house, do not forget to maintain it. Maintaining your tiny house plays a pivotal role in how long your tiny house will last. It also has something to do with your safety, so make this your priority.
5. Lifestyle
The tiny house lifestyle isn’t the same as the lifestyle you’re used to. Remember, your tiny house isn’t just a house, it’s a lifestyle. And, you have to adapt to that lifestyle.
If you are into the arts, then make sure that everything will still look clean and organized once you are done doing your stuff. If you can’t live without a dryer, then you should have a bigger space. In such a case, it would even be better to have your tiny house built on a foundation.
Do not forget that you can always customize your tiny house. Do not settle for anything less. Feel free to do whatever you want with your tiny house. Just make sure that you do not overdo anything.
Tips For Adjusting To Life In A Tiny House
IT is not easy to adjust to the tiny house lifestyle, but being prepared will make it easy.
Over the past few years, the tiny house movement has become a very trending topic. It’s growing popularity has invited a lot of people. But, they just see this as a bigger dollhouse, not something that they could see themselves living in.
This is because the idea of transitioning from a big house into an ultra-small one isn’t attractive to others. But then again, tiny houses exist for a reason – the so-called “modern conveniences”. So, how will you adjust to living in a tiny house?
Here are some of the most common questions asked about the concept of tiny house living which will help you prepare and adjust to this lifestyle.
1. How Do You Fit My 3-Bedroom Lifestyle into a Tiny House?
At a maximum, tiny houses only measure 500 square feet. This means that you have to put everything you necessarily need in such a limited space. This could be not your piece of cake.
This means that you and your family should figure out the stuff that you necessarily need in order to live. Regardless of your effort, it would be impossible to put everything you have with such a limited space. So, minimalism is the key.
Bring only the ones that you really need – from clothes, the decorative pieces, and more. It would also be good if you do the one thing in, one thing out practice. This way, your tiny house will not look cramped.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little luxury. Of course, you can. You just have to keep things at a minimum. Remember to focus on the quality over the quantity of the items that you have.
2. Where Do You Put Your Clothes?
Just like everyone else, you probably have a lot of clothes. Some, if not most, of these clothes are still unused yet you just can’t let them go. This is because you thought you could use it one day.
But once you have decided to live in a tiny house, this mindset is not applicable. Living in a tiny house entails reducing the number of clothes that you have. But this does not necessarily mean that you have to eliminate all the clothes you have.
This does not also mean that you should have four outfits only. That’s not how it goes. When loving in a tiny house, it would be better if you go for an interchangeable wardrobe. You could also opt for multipurpose clothes.
This way, you save space and money at the same time. You can also go away from getting frustrated by deciding what you should wear.
3. What about Cooking and Cleaning?
You might be wondering how you will cook in your tiny house. Cooking in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you will cook on your child’s tiny range. There are a lot of compact appliances that you can purchase for your tiny house.
In fact, there are already appliances that are specifically made for tiny houses. These appliances will perfectly fit your tiny house as long as it is designed well. This means that you can still cook the way you do in your big house.
You could also have an outdoor cooking space if you want. An outdoor kitchen is perfect if you want to camp or grill every now and then. You can also custom build your kitchen in a way that will perfectly fit your kitchen appliances.
4. Are the Bathrooms Outside?
Not unless you want to have your bathroom outside, the bathroom of a tiny house is inside. Tiny house bathrooms have been well adapted to tiny houses. Besides, most tiny house builders customize the bathroom in order for it to fit in a tiny house.
Despite their size, tiny houses are still equipped with the smaller version of the necessities of personal hygiene. And throughout the years, tiny house builders have come up with creative ways to incorporate bathroom luxuries into tiny houses. These luxuries come in compact sizes.
The toilet in a tiny house is compact but is not as tiny as you think. You can still use them comfortably. You do not have to worry that you will be getting out of balance. There’s no big difference in using a regular toilet.
5. Am I Supposed to Live Without a Garage?
There is no such tiny house rule which stops you from owning a few properties. You could still have separate space as you want and need. Have a different or adjoining room for spaces such as your office, craft room, garage and so much more.
Living in a tiny house, but this doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing what you love just because you do not have the space to do so. You could always have a separate space for that. Besides, living in a tiny house could save you money which you can use to meet your other needs.
When you have a car that requires you to have a garage, feel free to have one. You could have it adjoined into your tiny house or place it in a different place as long as it is near you.
Conclusion
Deciding to live in a tiny house is one of the bravest things you can do. The start may be hard but you’ll enjoy it as time goes by. Do not let the challenges bring you down, let it be your inspiration to go through.
Related Questions
How long does it take for me to adjust to the tiny house lifestyle?
Adjusting to the tiny house lifestyle could take months or years. It all depends on you. Adjusting could be easy if you have planned to live in a tiny house for so long and if you are very willing to go through the process as well. Just remember that forcing yourself to adapt to the lifestyle won’t help. Let yourself adjust naturally. Adjusting is a step by step process, not a one time process.
Is it better if I live alone first in a tiny house?
Ideally, you should have someone with you in the first few days that you will be living in your tiny house. This will help you adjust faster to the tiny house lifestyle. Living alone right when you moved into your tiny house could make it hard for you to adjust.
Tiny House Living: 8 Clever Ideas to Maximize Your Space
Maximizing the space of a tiny house isn’t as hard as you thought – just be creative.
Living in a tiny house means having limited space. This also means that you have to be very smart and clever to put everything you need in there. But how?
The answer relies on how you will get the most out of the spaces that you have. Yes, space is limited, but your imagination and creativity are unlimited. You just have to be creative and imaginative to come up with amazing ideas on how you can maximize your space.
It might be a little bit challenging, but once you get its rhythm, it will come out easily. Plus, it is fun too especially when you do it with family and friends. So, here are some of the things that you could do to maximize the space in your tiny house.
1. Find Space Storage in Unique Locations
Unlike traditional homes, tiny houses don’t have basements or attics where you can store your stuff. You don’t have all the space you need to accommodate all the luxurious items that you want. Besides, living in a tiny house will require you to look for storage in spaces you never thought are useful.
Thankfully, interior designers and architects have taken the challenge of creating storage space in very small spaces. So, if you can’t handle this problem, the best thing to do is ask for professional help. This way, you can maximize the space that your tiny house has to offer.
But if you do not have the budget, you can do it yourself instead. For example, instead of having a dish cabinet in the counter, you can opt for a hanging dish drying cabinet. This way, you can save counter space. It looks posher as well.
There is actually a lot of space in your tiny house. Some of them are waiting for you to discover them. You just have to figure them out and start using them creatively. Who knows, the space under your table might serve a purpose, right?
2. Go Vertical
In most homes, vertical spaces are of no use. But when it comes to tiny houses, vertical spaces are very useful. These vertical spaces are basically empty canvasses waiting for you to design it the way you wish.
Using vertical spaces for storage purposes is a very practical way to store your stuff. And at times, they save you from spending too much just to fill all your things in your tiny house. Here are some ways on how you can maximize the vertical spaces of your tiny house:
a. Add a vertical garden
Adding a vertical garden in your tiny house is a very practical way to maximize your vertical space. With this, you are saving money and getting the most out of your space at the same time. You will no longer find yourself lacking any of the spices that you need when cooking.
You might not have considered it yet, but your doorway can actually store some of the stuff that you have. When doing so, you have to make it look more open first. This is because you will be placing items at an eye level.
You can simply add a shelf and there you go. You can already display the stuff that you have such as bowls, vases, and other decorative items that you have. Shelving your doorways is a very practical way to redecorate your tiny house.
c. Think thin and tall
If your tiny house offers a lot of vertical space, then ideally, you should incorporate tall pieces rather than the wide ones. Doing so does not just add visual variation but it also makes your tiny house more interesting.
Thankfully, you do not have to splurge your hard-earned cash on expensive furniture just to achieve this look. You can simply stack several pieces of art. You can also add framed family pictures vertically to add height to your vertical space.
There is a lot of vertical space in your closet that is being wasted. So, how will you get the most out of the space in your closet? Shelving is the answer.
Shelving gives you easy storage for your personal items such as shoes, handbags, and the like. High-end closets are obviously expensive. Luckily, there are a lot of low-cost closet organizers that you can easily find in stores.
Too much stuff will make your tiny house bedroom look cluttered. It will also make it look even smaller. If you want to maximize the space in your bedroom, adding bed risers is your best bet.
Bed risers instantly give you space where you can store stuff you do not frequently use. This is more practical rather than buying other furniture where you can place your stuff. Besides, this is a perfect way to hide clutter from your eyesight.
Maximizing the space of a tiny house will require you to think outside the box.
3. Slatwall Shelving
Slatwall panels are a superb way to maximize the space in your tiny house. These are flexible storage spaces that can accommodate different items for you. From books to vases and more, Slatwall shelves are your perfect go-to for your tiny house.
Slatwall is also a good alternative to a nightstand table. You just have to figure it out if it works on the space where you will be installing it.
Aside from giving you more space in your tiny house, Slatwall shelves also make your room more aesthetic. They can make your tiny house look more spacious.
Slatwall shelves are very easy to install. And because they are made of aluminum, they are very lightweight yet extremely durable and versatile.
Ideally, heavier Slatwall systems are better. This is because they allow virtually endless space storage for almost anything. They can be custom designed as well.
Slat walls can be used as anchors for hooks, hanging rods, shelves, and any other thing that you want to display in your tiny house. Best of all, they are more affordable than traditional shelves.
4. Creative Outdoor Storage
Sure enough, you have outdoor stuff that you need to store as well. Bringing these things inside your tiny house is not advised due to the limited space that you have. What will you do then?
In such cases, what you can do is to make the most out of your outdoor space. For example, your outdoor stairs can be used as a shoe store. Or, you can store your gardening tools and supplies there.
This will not just save you indoor space but it also helps you secure your outdoor items. Thus, you do not have to worry so much about them.
Here are some of the things that you can do to maximize the outdoors of your tiny house:
a. Use a hanging organizer to store gardening tools
A hanging organizer is like baking soda—it literally fixes everything. Having a hanging organizer outside your tiny house is very helpful.
You can use it to store your crafts, cleaning supplies, shoes, winter accessories, and so much more. In addition, hanging organizers can also be used to store gardening tools and supplies. This includes twine, gloves, clippers, seed packets, and plant stakes.
In most cases, living in a tiny house will require you to use compact items in order to fit the space.
b. Have an outdoor cooking space
An outdoor cooking space is a good idea if you want to have more space when cooking. It is also more ideal if you love camping. This will make cooking, grilling to be more particular, a lot easier.
Baking is also possible. An outdoor cooking space is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Besides, staying outdoors will help you save electric bills for air conditioners and the smoke system as well.
Check out this very conventional CUISINART CGG-888 Grill. It’s perfect for the outdoors!
c. Have a hammock
Having a hammock outside can make your tiny house look bigger and wider than it actually is. It also gives you extra space to relax during the day or even when the night is still young. It is also a fun way to enjoy the outdoors of your tiny house.
5. Go for a pull out bed
If you want to maximize your floor space in your bedroom, you can use a pull out bed. A pull out bed is easier to manage on a daily basis especially when you want to keep things organized most of the time. Pull out beds can also accommodate more, so, you will not need any additional beds.
You will also have more space during the day and have enough sleeping space for everyone during the night. This is a good option aside from beds with storage under them.
Pull out beds are very versatile. It can convert the living room of your tiny house into a guest room or a compact bedroom. With this, you can enjoy your living room while you can easily sleep at any time of the day.
It is also very ideal if you want to stay up late at night to watch a movie. This is because this allows you to stay in a comfortable position. It is also a perfect choice if you work at home since you can just lie down and take a break in between shifts.
6. Buy furniture that is multifunctional
Having a bed with bookshelf on its headboard and drawers below it is already three furniture pieces combined into one. Using multifunctional furniture in your tiny house is very useful given the limited space that you have. With such furniture, you have more space for other items while saving money.
The more furniture you have, the more clutter there will be. The chance that your tiny house will look disorganized is also higher. These things will make your tiny house even look smaller.
Having multifunctional furniture pieces in your tiny house helps you reduce clutter. This is because the number of furniture pieces in your tiny house is reduced. It also highlights the beauty of your tiny house, making it more inviting and bigger.
In addition, multifunctional furniture is also easier to clean and maintain. You only have a few pieces to clean so, you won’t be rushing just to clean your entire place. Cleaning your tiny house will take you less time, so you can dedicate the rest of your time to other things.
The holy grail to having more space in your tiny house is to keep items off the floor. Of course, you can still put rugs or furniture on the floor. Keeping items off the floor means not using the floor to store your stuff.
Do not use the floor of your tiny house as storage. In no time, your floor will end up as a dumping ground. And, your tiny house will look messy with no space for other things.
The best thing that you can do is to do shelving. This will make your tiny house less cluttered. Doing so also makes cleaning the floor easier.
In as much as possible, keep things off the floor – including your shoes. Learn to put them into organizers or shelves. If that is not possible, at least keep items on the floor as minimal as possible.
8. Declutter
Less is more is very applicable when it comes to tiny houses. Actually, having a small space is the problem. Having too much stuff is the issue.
Letting go of the things you have is very hard. This is because you think that you can use them one day. But, when is that one day coming?
If you want to maximize the space of your tiny house while keeping things peaceful, calm, and uncluttered, learn to declutter. Declutter by figuring out first the things that you actually need and the things that you will not use now or soon.
Start by finding out all the things that you have and separating the items that you necessarily need from the items that are useless to you.
Decluttering might be hard to start but it is very freeing once you are done with it. Remember, your space is very limited. Your tiny house can’t accommodate all your items.
The best way to keep your tiny house look organized is to declutter. This will also help you maximize the space of your tiny house. So, go, purge as much as you can’t.
The space in your tiny house is very limited. You might find it almost impossible to fit all your necessary things in there. But as long as you know how to get the most out of your limited space, fitting them all won’t be as hard as you think.
Related Questions
Is it possible to cook in a tiny house?
Yes, it is very possible to cook in a tiny house. In fact, tiny houses have kitchens which you can use to cook all the food that you want. You can cook in your tiny house whenever you feel like doing so.
If you are into cooking, you can have your tiny house designed with a bigger kitchen. This will give you enough space to move around while doing what you love. Space is the only difference that makes tiny houses different from traditional houses.
What is best: propane or a wood stove?
Propane is more favorable. This is because wood stoves need to be tended from time to time. They also need more clearance to the wall so your space becomes more limited.
Propane, on the other hand, is directly mounted to the wall. Thus, less space is required.
“My favorite journey is looking out the window.” – Edward Gorey
Windows don’t just give us a clear outside view but also warmth, ventilation, and light. Some types of windows can even help reduce energy costs. No wonder why it’s important to consider windows when building or buying a tiny house.
So, how do you choose the right windows for a tiny house?
Several factors come into play when selecting windows, including energy efficiency, design, durability, and cost. And so, you must pick the type of window that ticks all the boxes.
Read further as we help you get a better understanding of how to choose the right window for a tiny house.
Choosing the Right Windows for a Tiny House
Windows play an important role in any homes — big or small. They allow fresh air to fill your room up, give you warmth during cold nights, and even protect you from uninvited visitors, such as bugs, snakes, and culprit.
We can’t stress enough how vital it is that you choose the perfect kind of window for your tiny house that can last long and withstand harsh weather conditions, all the while helping you save energy and giving your home a nice touch.
Without further ado, here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing the right window:
Energy Efficiency
The tiny house concept alone already helps you save energy and go greener. But you can reduce even more power by using energy-efficient windows.
Unlike regular windows, the design of energy-saving windows prevents heat or cold air from escaping from your home. As a result, the insulation increases and, at the same time, reduces your tiny home’s energy usage. And logically, the less energy you use, the lower your utility bill will be.
Not just that, energy-saving windows make your home more comfortable — thanks to their unique structural design and coating.
Standard windows use only a single glass pane. The glass conducts heat in and out of your tiny house. Regular windows also cause heat loss if they are made of conductive material like aluminum or if they are not properly sealed.
On the other hand, energy-efficient windows use multiple panes of glass, which helps minimize heat transfer because of the insulating air spaces between the panes.
Energy-saving windows also have low-emissivity coatings (or Low-E coatings) to control heat transfers. When applied to outside glass panes, the Low-E coatings will keep your tiny home cooler even under intense heat by reflecting sunlight.
In the winter, Low-E coatings installed on interior panes maintain the temperature inside your hose by preventing heat from escaping.
A window with Energy Star label hs met federal requirements for energy efficiency.
According to Energy Star, a typical household spends $2,000 a year on energy bills. By using energy-saving household items, you can save $30 on your energy bill and avoid over 5,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s not difficult to look for energy-saving windows. You’d know if the window is energy efficient if there is an Energy Star symbol in it.
Durability
You want a long-lasting window that can endure changing weather conditions and adapt to various environments. However, the durability of a window does not have a guarantee. But there are things you can do to ensure you choose the right window for a tiny house that has reliable strength and durability.
Study the design and workmanship of the window.
Rely on recommendations from others who have used the same window.
Consult experienced builders and architects.
As with other products, the warranty often indicates how reliable and durable a window is.
Take note, too, that your location can impact the durability of your window. For example, if you live near the ocean, the salt may degrade your materials.
When you shop for windows, give attention to:
Insulating glass seals;
Frame and sashes;
Weatherstripping
You may also want to check if your locality has set requirements for structural integrity.
There are different types of frame materials; each has good and bad sides.
Aluminum, for example, is strong and durable but conducts heat. And because of that, condensation and frost can quickly form in aluminum.
Wood is easy to repair and maintain, but it is susceptible to rot. You can prevent the wood from rotting by protecting it with exterior finish and cladding.
Vinyl is another frame type that offers style. It’s moisture-resistant and low maintenance. However, it tends to expand or contract due to the changing temperature.
Polymer composites are stable and can resist decay compared to regular wood.
Fiberglass is durable, reliable, and stable.
Pick a frame type that matches your tiny house design and budget.
Glass – Tempered or not?
The ideal glass to use in windows is that with Low-E coating. It saves energy and is standard nowadays.
A question arises. Should I opt for tempered glass or not?
A lot of tiny house builders use tempered glass as it’s less likely to break during bumps and vibrations when traveling.
Is tempered glass necessary? To get a tempered glass or not is totally up to you. Some tiny house dwellers choose to temper, while others stick to normal, untempered glass.
It’s worth noting that tempered glass may add a considerable amount to the cost of a window. The larger the window, the pricier it can be.
Cost
Clearly, topnotch windows can cost top dollar. As with any products, you get what you pay for. If you’re not willing to spend big on your windows, then you might be getting yourself inefficient and flimsy windows.
The cost of your windows also varies depending on the design, frame type, structure, and quantity.
Vinyl windows are generally cheaper than the other frame types. Fiberglass, aluminum, and all-wood windows have almost the same price range.
Here’s a friendly tip: purchase the type of window that matches the design of your tiny house, has reliable quality, and meets your budget.
Types of Windows for a Tiny House
Choosing the right window for a tiny house involves selecting the right type of window that fits the structure of your home and your needs.
There are different types of windows, meaning you have options to choose from. Each is unique and offers advantages over the other.
One of the secrets to making a tiny room look big and spacious is to incorporate mirrors and windows and lots of natural light.
But because the market is bombarded with so many window brands (and many styles within these brands), selecting the right window type has become a rather overwhelming task.
It helps when you’re familiar with the different types of windows so you can narrow your list when shopping for windows.
Bay Windows
A bay window is typically polygonal, rectangular, or arc-shaped. It has three openings in angled projection. The structure of the window is projecting outward from the main walls, thus forming a bay in a room.
Bay windows are usually large and involve a window seat. A bay window essentially changes the shape of your home, which can be a major concern in a tiny house.
If you want a bay window for your tiny home, you may need to rework the siding, flooring, and roof of your house.
Awning windows are hinged on top and swing outward to allow ventilation while protecting you from the rain. They are usually placed high on walls for privacy or a better view.
In tiny homes, awning windows are perfect in a sleeping loft to ensure proper cross breeze, no matter the weather conditions.
Awning windows usually cost anywhere from $300 to $900 per window. The price varies according to size, design, and structure.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows (also called gliding windows) have one or more sashes that slide along metal tracks of the frame. The tracks can be made of wood or vinyl, and the sashes have nylon rollers both on the bottom and top.
Gliding windows are perfect for spaces that are wider than they are tall. They also have more glass and less frame, giving your home class and elegance.
And because they feature expansive glass, it gives the illusion of a large room. The wide glass also allows light to enter your room, so you can reduce your usage of lightbulbs, and, therefore, lower your electricity bill.
Sliding windows are smooth to open. You can also easily lift the window out for easy cleaning of the exterior glass even if you’re inside your home.
Skylights
Skylights make for the best window if you want to provide your tiny house with ventilation and daylighting.
They allow natural light to enter your home, making your space feel much bigger than it is. And there’s no denying, skylights are cool to look at.
You can also use skylights to enter or exit your house. The front door is the easiest and most ideal entrance and exit to use, of course. But in case of emergencies, a fire, for example, where the door is inaccessible, you can immediately squeeze yourself out through the skylight.
Skylights can also bring heat into your house, which is, for the most part, great for those who live in a cold place.
What most people love about skylights is that you can lie in bed with an unobstructed view of the vast night’s sky. Feast your eyes to the gazillion stars that shimmer and shine. Really, skylights are perfect for those who love to stargaze.
A transom window, as the name implies, is a window installed above the transom of a door.
Also called a fanlight, a transom window is useful in separating the frame of the window from the frame of a door. For the most part, transoms are mainly decorative.
Some use transom windows not because they need them but only because they are structurally beautiful.
Tiny house dwellers, though, use transom windows for lighting and ventilation more than for decoration.
You can open the fanlight for cross-ventilation or for letting the light enter above the room door. However, some transom windows on the market today usually don’t open as they are more intended to be decorative.
Accordion Windows
Space matters in tiny houses. And to save space, your household items and fixtures should have features that allow you to fold or stow them away to allow more space when needed.
Accordion windows, as the name implies, work like an accordion. You can fold them to open your window wide and allow the breeze to enter your home. Closing them is also a piece of cake.
There are also accordion windows that are used as doors or dividers. When used as a door, they are typically floor-to-ceiling high, giving you a panoramic view of the outside.
Storm Windows
Storm windows are mounted either outside or inside of the main glass windows. They can be made of glass, flexible plastic sheets, or rigid plastic panels.
Storm windows can improve the thermal insulation of your tiny house. It is also a great fixture to improve soundproofing.
But most importantly, storm windows protect your home against damage to costly glass panes during bad weather, such as hail or heavy storm.
In cold climates, storm windows can reduce heat loss by up to 50%. Hence, they help make your home more comfortable and lets you reduce heating costs.
Replacing Your Windows
If you already have existing windows and wish to upgrade or replace them, then this guide is for you.
When to Update Your Existing Windows
Updating your existing windows is not entirely necessary, especially if they are still in good condition. However, there are things you can do to improve their efficiency to increase the comfort of your tiny house and reduce your energy costs.
Using window blinds can help reduce your energy usage without having to replace the window
Inspect your existing windows for air leaks.
Weatherize your window by adding caulk or weatherstripping.
Add window coverings and treatments to reduce energy loss through the windows. Shades, quilts, and window films are a few examples you can use.
Install storm windows or panels for added protection.
Use awnings or blinds to lower energy loss.
Selecting Window Tips
Sometimes, improving the efficiency of your window doesn’t do the job well. If so, replacing your windows might be a better solution.
When selecting windows, consider these:
Purchase windows that meet the Energy Code and have an Energy Star label on them. These types of windows are energy-saving.
Make sure the windows have Efficient Properties on the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label.
Choose a durable window that can last long.
Ensure your windows are correctly installed. If you’re installing them by yourself, make sure they are tight and do not have leaks. Otherwise, the energy-saving feature won’t be that much of a help.
Installation of Windows for a Tiny House
A window can only perform well if it is properly installed.
Quality installation is vital to ensure the window is airtight fit. Poorly installed windows are susceptible to leaking, drafts, water damage, and condensation.
You can hire professionals to do the job, or you can do it yourself. If you choose the latter option, make sure to follow the recommendations and guides from the manufacturer.
If you wish to hire quality installers, you can ask the manufacturer of the product. Chances are that they have a professional crew who can do the job well as they know all the nuts and bolts of installing their product. Or, the manufacturer may have a team to recommend.
Final Takeaway
Choosing the right window for a tiny house is critical. With the right windows, you can reduce your energy costs, get better daylighting, and acquire better protection.
There are several types of windows to choose from. Select the type of window that’s cost-effective and matches the structure and style of your tiny home.
If you have existing windows in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency can go a long way.
Related Questions
How much does window replacement cost per window?
According to HomeGuide, the average window replacement cost is anywhere between $400 and $1,000 per window. Most homeowners spend $400 to $600 on average.
Is it worth it to replace windows?
Window replacements are a good investment. When you upgrade to energy-saving windows, you can reduce your energy costs and be more comfortable in your home.
Not so long ago, air conditioning was once considered a luxury, something that is only meant for the big houses. Not only it was seen as pricey, but it also needed an enormous power. Using too much power is probably the last thing tiny house owners want.
But now, technology has since improved. The market is bombarded with various AC units of different shapes and sizes at affordable prices. So, how can you get air conditioning in a tiny home?
Getting air conditioning in your tiny home is relatively the same as that of getting an AC for a traditional home. But of course, there’s a lot to take into consideration.
The temperature of your home plays a vital role in giving you the comfort you need. Hot climate can be a nuisance, but an air conditioning system is just around the corner, ready to save your day.
Everything seems good in your tiny house. You’ve got everything you need, and perhaps, you’re finally living the best life you could imagine.
Not until summer came, and you find yourself dripping in sweat. You opened your door and windows.
And so you opened your fan, hoping it could give you that cool breeze you need to dry off your sweat. But it was rather disappointing, blowing hot air directly to your face. This isn’t cool.
You know going outside isn’t gonna give you that fresh feeling you want. And so, right then, right there, you realized you need an AC unit to cool your tiny house!
The tiny house movement is meant to lead you to a conservationist and minimalist lifestyle. It inspires you to live off-grid and live a sustainable living.
But it’s fair to say that air conditioning systems have become a necessity, especially for those who live in places with a hot climate (hi, Texas!).
Intense summer heat could give your tiny home that green-house effect. This could be a problem, more so if your mobile home is parked directly in the sun.
The good news is that installing an air conditioning system to tiny homes is feasible. But there are some things you should take into consideration.
Things You Should Know
Adding an AC system to tiny houses is not something uncommon. Several tiny home owners have done it, and you can do it as well!
There are, however, several things to consider when getting an air conditioning system for your micro home.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioning
There are several types of air conditioning systems, each has its unique features. Choosing the right air conditioning is crucial to ensure you get the comfort you need without compromising important things like your budget, space, etc.
The style of airconditioning you will choose will impact your tiny house from the beginning. For example, if you want a central air system, that may have to be done during the construction of your tiny home.
Each air conditioning unit also has different power usage. It’s important to select an AC system that your tiny house can efficiently supply power to.
Below are different AC units that work perfectly in any tiny homes:
Central Air System
The central air conditioning system (or simply central AC) is basically like a giant refrigerator for your tiny house. In fact, it uses the same types of materials, systems, components of a fridge!
You can purchase central AC in fully packaged deals. Most tiny houses prefer a central AC system because there are no bulky units that need to be installed inside the limited-spaced home.
The system comes with one large AC unit that will be set outside the house.
What’s really great with central AC is that they can work with your home’s heating system (if you have it).
This means controlling the temperature in your tiny house only takes a few taps in your thermostat. A central AC unit will give you full control of the temperature of your home.
Standalone AC units are best for small space. You can easily move it around the house or store it if you don’t need it.
Standalone air conditioners are simple to use. The only problem would be to find their own window access as the tubing need to have a way outside the home.
If you’re looking for inexpensive AC units, then the window-type air conditioners are the best option for you.
This can be tricky for tiny homes because the windows are not intended to be similar to that in a traditional house.
But tiny house owners have found a solution to that obstacle. There are small window units that can be perfectly fitted in smaller vented windows in tiny homes.
Window AC units are effective and inexpensive coolant
The only major concern about a window AC unit is that it must be installed properly in the window frame.
After selecting the right air conditioning for your tiny house, it’s now time to look for an AC unit in the market.
You may pick whatever you prefer as long as your budget can hold on to it. But more important than the price of the AC unit is its size.
It can be difficult sometimes to find appliances that don’t only fit into your petite home but into your lifestyle as well.
The good thing is that there are now a plethora of small and sleek AC units, and most of them are budget-friendly!
To get the size that best fits your tiny home, you need to know first the style you prefer. And the best way to do that is to see the unit before you buy it.
Utility Fees
It’s important to remember that adding an appliance that requires a large supply of power means accepting higher utility fees.
According to The Nest, traditional homes (with an average of 15,000 square feet floor area) pay $4 a day to cool their houses. In a tiny home, you can expect to spend up to $2 a day to cool your space.
If that doesn’t raise that much of a concern, then you should be fine. Unless you want to save money or go greener, you might want to opt for AC alternatives.
And finally, you should also consider the price of the AC unit itself. This is your chance to take a look at your lifestyle once again. Think about how often you would be using or needing your AC system.
Do you always go out? Or do you stay at home the entire day?
Standalone units
Standalone AC units are portable and easy to store. The average cost of standalone AC units is $200.
Window Units
Window units are relatively affordable. The price of small units can go anywhere from $300 to $400.
Central Cooling Systems
A central AC system is pretty pricey. The unit itself can go as high as $3,000 or higher.
A central cooling system must be installed in your house during the construction. Hiring professional help can add up to the cost.
Maybe you don’t need an AC unit, or maybe you do. But irrespective of whether you have an AC or not, there are things you can do to cool your home and save money from utility bills.
Draw the blinds
Natural light is good, but too much of it can add heat inside your home, especially during the summer season.
Keep the heat out by drawing the blinds during the hottest parts of the day. This can help keep your tiny house cooler.
Appliances you’re not using must be plugged out. This will not only help cool your house but can also help lower utility bills.
Plugged in appliances generate heat even when they’re not in use.
Alternatively, you can use an outlet timer to better control how much you use your appliances without worrying about plugging them in and out.
Use breathable sheets
Breathable sheets can help give you a cool night’s sleep. Silk or sateen, although light, actually traps heat. Use cotton or bamboo bedding materials instead. They’re lightweight and cool.
Air conditioning systems are good, but they’re not for everybody. Some aren’t financially capable of buying one, and others prefer going greener by choosing appliances that have less carbon footprint.
AC units are said to make the environment even hotter. It releases poisonous gases into the environment, including chlorofluorocarbons and hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (both contribute to the greenhouse effect).
Fortunately, there are alternatives you can opt for. These are great options if you want to reduce your energy usage, cut your utility bill, or your tiny house simply doesn’t work with an AC unit.
Fans
Fans are efficient cooler. They’re simple to use and are way more affordable than an AC unit. There’s a lot of fans to choose from. You can buy a table model, a pedestal-mounted type, or a ceiling fan. You can have your fan swing around at different speeds, too.
Bladeless fans work like an aircraft’s turbine engines. They are sleek, powerful, and efficient.
What’s more, they are safe to use and don’t pose any risk to kids. Like conventional fans, bladeless fans are speed-adjustable and have a swing feature.
Bladeless fans are a great alternative to AC units. They are sleek and compact in design.
Bladeless fans can cost anywhere from $50 to $300.
An evaporative cooler uses a water-soaked pad or sponge and fan to blow cool air. You can cool the house by opening the window to allow hot air to escape and leave the cold air.
However, this type of cooler only works where there is low humidity. The more humid the air, the less effective you can cool your tiny house.
Keep Your House Cool Without AC
The first tip is to find a good parking spot for your tiny house (if it is on wheels). Park under the shade of a lush tree. This should help cool your small home.
A fantastic idea to cool your tiny home without AC is to hack your fan. Fill a mixing bowl with ice. Place it at an angle in front of your fan, so the air sweeps off the ice in an extra-chilled state.
Sometimes it’s not the house that’s heating… it could be your body. Check your body temperature. Sipping cold drinks or applying a cold cloth to strong-pulsed areas should help cool yourself from the inside.
Choose breathable clothes. And probably tell your partner not to cuddle you until summer is done?
You can keep your tiny house cool at night by letting the night air in. The temperature may drop during the night in the summer season. If this is the case, make the most of the refreshing nights by opening your window before heading to bed.
And finally, instead of using your oven or stove, grill your meal instead. This is obvious, but we want to emphasize it: using your oven or stove in the intense summer heat will make your house freakin’ hotter!
If it already feels 100 degrees in your house, then the best thing to do is to turn off that 400-degree oven.
More Energy-Saving Tips!
Many people move into tiny houses and off the grid to reduce or eliminate their use of electricity.
But there’s a problem. An air conditioning system is usually a necessity in some places. And AC units use a lot of power, which is often more than what most solar systems can handle.
The idea of not being able to cool a house down can be scary for some people, especially those who may experience intense summer heat in their state.
The good news is that it’s easy to keep a small house naturally cool with proper planning.
Build or park your tiny house near or under a tree
A tiny house that’s well shaded is naturally cool. While it may not always be possible to build or park your tiny home under a giant tree, you can plant shrubs and bushes around the exterior of your home to keep the sunlight off your sidings/walls.
Use light colors
A black-painted tiny house looks undeniably appealing and trendy. But if you want to cool your tiny house without using an AC, then you might want to consider repainting your tiny home to a light color.
A black roof can get 100% hotter than a white roof. Of course, we’re not just talking about roofs but your tiny house in general. The walls/sidings are equally as important as the roof.
Cross ventilation
The concept behind cross ventilation is to allow cold air to enter from one side of your tiny house while hot air exits through the other.
When done correctly, there’s no need to use machines to cool your house.
A bad AC unit has strange sounds, foul odors, leakage, and no cool air. There is also a lack of airflow.
How do I know if my air conditioner needs replacement?
If your AC unit blows warm air, demand for frequent repairs, or makes the home more humid, then you may need to replace your air conditioner.
If the AC unit is old, replacing it with a new model may be the solution.
What should the AC be set at in the summer?
The U.S Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 26 degrees Celsius when you are home. This temperature level will allow you to stay cool and avoid a high electricity bill.
Bedrooms are an essential part of any house. Even tiny homes also have bedrooms. But given its limited space, it begs the question: how many bedrooms can be placed in a tiny home?
A typical mobile tiny home can only have one or two bedrooms. However, if the tiny house has a foundation, it can have three or more because it is not limited to the size of a trailer. Several factors, such as the design and size of the tiny home, could dictate the number of bedrooms you can install.
The standard bedroom in the US measures 132 square feet. However, a bedroom only has to be 70 square feet to be legally considered as such. Hence, you can fit a bedroom even to a 90 square feet tiny house, the smallest mobile home commercially available.
Fitting Two or More Bedrooms in Your Tiny House is Doable
Most tiny homes that sit on a trailer don’t have a conventional bedroom. Instead, they have sleeping quarters, which often have walls to separate it from the rest of the house. The sleeping area usually consists of a bed and things like a night lamp or a small cabinet.
Tiny home bedrooms don’t necessarily need to have the same parts as those of their standard counterparts. Because the goal of a tiny home is to save space, it usually has furniture that has multiple purposes.
Below are some things you can do to save space and fit multiple bedrooms in your tiny home:
Make a storage cabinet under your bed to maximize space. Nothing fancy, and it can be a simple wooden box with casters.
The bed can also be a foldable type that you can store on a wall when you don’t need it. Other tiny home owners use beds that can convert into a sofa.
Install a headboard with storage where you can store your things. Here you can store items such as books, reading materials, trinkets, and other small objects.
Install a double-deck bed if more than one person will use the bedroom.
Keep hammocks and sleeping bags, just in case you have guests who need to stay for the night.
Every square foot you can save from your bedroom can be used by other parts of your tiny home. However, considering that you spend almost a third of our lives asleep, it might be a good idea to maximize the comfort of your bedroom.
Tiny Home Designs that Can Fit More Bedrooms
Generally, the more floor space you have on your tiny home, the more bedrooms you can build in it. There are numerous ways you can add living space in your mobile tiny home despite its size limitations.
Below are some ingenious designs that small home builders used to maximize the available space:
Adding a Second Floor
The largest mobile tiny home can measure more than 500 square feet. Because they have plenty of floor space, you can install pillars which can support a second floor.
The 28-feet long Chalet Shack in Missouri is a 3-bedroom mobile home thay incorporates this two-floor design. Its builders used reinforced framing to support two left areas on the top floor. Meanwhile, the main living bedroom is also quite spacious and stylish.
2. Using Multiple Deck Beds
Depending on the height of your trailer home, you can install double or even triple-deck beds. Again, the idea is to expand vertically and save valuable floor space. However, the main disadvantage of multiple-deck beds is it becomes more difficult to get in and out of bed because of the reduced space.
3. Use Curtains Instead of Walls
Privacy is one of the recurring issues when it comes to a tiny home. However, if you are not too concerned about showing the contents of your bedroom, there is a way to save more space. Instead of installing walls, you can instead use thick curtains.
4. Install Sliding Doors Instead of Hinged Doors
To further maximize the space of your tiny home, use sliding doors instead of hinged doors. The former can be operated without having to use the extra floor space required to turn it open. Moreover, sliding doors are cheaper than hinged doors, especially when they are made of the same material.
Is it Legal for a Tiny Home to Have Multiple Rooms?
The Tiny House Movement is a fairly new concept for the US housing industry. Several states consider them as recreational vehicles, while other states are more leaning to calling them houses. The consensus, however, is if it sits on a trailer, it’s an RV. But, once you settle it in a piece of land and build a foundation within it, then it’s considered as a housing structure.
However, as more people adapt to this style of living, several laws can be passed to define what’s legal and what is not clearly . In the case of a fixed tiny home, numerous states and cities require tiny home builders and manufacturers to follow the building code.
In the US, a room needs to at least have a 70 square-feet area and a height of 7-feet for a one-family dwelling. A tiny house can have multiple bedrooms provided that it strictly follows these specifications and other details set by their state or city government.
Why Multiple Bedrooms Matter for Residences of a Tiny House?
Much like in a typical home, a bedroom is like a personal space for those who use it. If you are a couple with children, it’s important that you have separate rooms with your kids. Having their own room can help children assume more responsibilities. Doing so will help them be responsible for the cleanliness of their room which is a necessary part of growing up.
Sometimes the extra bedroom is met for guests to stay in. Whether it is your child, parents, relatives, or friends visiting, it would be great if they have a room they can stay in.
Furthermore, building numerous bedrooms can alleviate one of the recurring issues of a tiny home- privacy. Furthermore, who doesn’t want a comfortable sleep on top of their own bed?
Conclusion
Tiny homes can have multiple rooms provided that it provided that the structural design can support it. In most cases, however, a tiny home can only have four or fewer bedrooms depending on the floor size available.
Related Questions
Do Multiple Bedrooms Increase the Value of a Tiny Home?
In a way, yes, especially if you’re a buyer is a small family that needs two or more bedrooms. However, there are also instances that a buyer would want functionality over the number of rooms in a tiny room.
What’s the Most Number of Rooms a Tiny House can Have?
We’ve looked around the site of the most popular tiny home builders and manufacturers. The most number of rooms we found was four and it was built inside a two-story trailer home. Maybe in the near future, we might even see tiny houses that will have five or more rooms.
What’s the Price Range of a Multiple Bedroom Tiny House?
The price of a small house that has two or more bedrooms vary based on a lot of factors. However, to give you an idea, a two-bedroom tiny home can cost $25,000 to $30,000. Meanwhile, a three-bedroom mobile house can have a price tag of $35,000 to $40,000.
