Small homes can offer many benefits to their occupants, such as lower expenses and less cleaning. They are also a great way to reduce waste and focus on a minimalist lifestyle, including spending more time with family.
Options like park model homes are becoming increasingly popular as both primary and secondary residences because of their beauty and versatility; they can be packed up and moved when you need to, ensuring that you always have housing even if you need to move. However, the tiny house lifestyle isn’t without its challenges, especially for busy families. This article will discuss some of the ways that you can enjoy all the benefits of tiny house living while minimizing the inconveniences.
Work With Your Kids to Reduce Their Toy Stashes
Talk to any parent, and you’ll hear a similar complaint: their family is drowning in toys. Estimates say the average American child has around 139 toys, and the country spends over $30 billion per year to satisfy its kids.
However, this isn’t possible in a tiny home—and that’s actually a good thing. The more choices children have, the more likely they are to become overwhelmed and anxious, unsure of what to play with. While narrowing down your child’s toy options may seem heartless, it can actually benefit them by helping them focus on what they really care about and teaching them not to focus on materialistic items.
It’s important to practice your gentle parenting and not simply force them to give away something they care about. Instead, sit your children down and talk about how often they play with different items. Reassure them that they don’t need to give away anything they don’t want to, but that by giving some things away, they can make other children happy. This can help teach them empathy while also helping them feel satisfied by doing something good.
Join a Swap Group
Swap groups are a great way to get what you need while also offloading items that you no longer use. This is especially good for children’s items, as children quickly outgrow their toys and clothing. Instead of throwing them away or donating them, you can start a group where people ask for what they need and offer things they are no longer using.
You may find a local Buy-Nothing group, where you can list things you’d like to give away and look for whatever you need in the moment. Set a rule that one or two things must leave the house for every non-consumable item that comes in. This helps keep clutter under control and ensures that you always have what you need.
Rent and Borrow Larger Items
In addition to a swap group, you should look at everything you own and determine how often you use it. If you only need your blender once every few months, it may be more economical to borrow it from a friend or lending library. Power tools are rarely necessary all the time, so you can easily rent them as needed.
Some items, like a Crock Pot, may take up significant space in a small kitchen, but they are also multifunctional, making them a good investment. Focus on removing single-use items or replacing them with tools that can do multiple jobs.
Develop a Schedule for Outings
Small homes are cozy and comfortable, but hyperactive kids need plenty of space to run, play, and explore. Unless you have built your tiny house on a large plot of land, there isn’t enough room to get all that energy out. Children also need plenty of structure in their routines, as this helps them feel safe and know what to expect.
As such, work with your family to develop a schedule for outings. When your children are very young, this could just be a quick walk around the neighborhood or a visit to a local park. Once they are in school, you could sign them up for extracurriculars or promise time at the local library a few times a week.
While this is a great way to get them active, you should also plan one special, unique outing on a regular basis that your children can decide on with you. This offers a bit of variety while keeping costs down, and it gives children something to look forward to. You may find that these become some of your most cherished memories with your little ones.
A tiny home can be a great way to reduce stress, save money, and feel closer to your family. However, this lifestyle also requires flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude. Whether you’re living the dream in a park model home or trying out RV life, consider these tips and see how much richer your life can be when you choose to use less.