Macy Miller's story, thoroughly documented in her blog MiniMotives, is one of the most famous ones in the tiny homes world since her 232-square-foot two-bedrooms home is able to comfortably fit a family of 4 and their Great Dane, Denver. We already covered a tour of her tiny house but now, Tiny Home Tour has reached out to her to learn all about her experience and the advice she had for other people interested in going tiny.
Why did you decide to downsize?
It just made sense for me, I've always been a minimalist. It didn't seem like a stretch to live tiny. I had a lot of things but not enough emotional attachment to them to put off other bucket list items. I want to live a debt free life and be location independent. A tiny house makes a lot of sense for those goals.
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What inspired you to design your tiny home?
For me, it was about education. I was studying for my architectural licensing exams and wanted a hands-on project. It was about the smallest thing I could think of that used all of the systems I wanted to use. Since I was going to be paying for it, I used living tiny as a way to justify the expense. I set a budget of one year's worth of rent payments and committed to living in it for two years, that way there was a net gain financially.
Financially, would you say that living tiny has helped you?
More than absolutely. I was completely debt free after living tiny for 8 months, James was not far behind. We continued to make as much as I did pre-tiny house (right up until I quit my full-time gig to stay home with the kids) but instead of our monthly bills being in excess of $4,000 a month they are now less than $400. It's allowed us to pay off everything and save up a considerable amount. Eventually, the kiddos will want bigger beds and slightly more elbow room. For that, we will be able to build our next home with cash. That won't be right away, though, by choice. I've been amazed at how quick our financial world turned around.
What is the best thing about living in a tiny house?
I own my own life. I spend my time doing only exactly what I WANT to do. Sometimes that still involves work but it's just on projects I want to work on. There is a whole mental and emotional perspective flip and I feel like I'm on my right path rather than feeling like I am exchanging hours of my life for a paycheck to give others like I did previously. I get to stay home with my kids and be 100% present with them while they are young, that's pretty fantastic in my book!
What were some of the difficulties or challenges you had to face when you decided to transition to a tiny home?
There is an abundance of criticism in the world for choosing a different path than 'normal'. Largely because of that, I have chosen to be pretty public and offer my unending support and cheerleading for others choosing this path. I started a Facebook group or encouragement and support for those considering living smaller. It is hard enough to do the research needed to do it well without a lack of a support system. The least I can do is help found an online support system for tracking solid information and getting encouragement! Other than that the building was challenging but do-able and the move itself, and the three years actually living tiny have been remarkably easy.
Has tiny living introduced any major changes to your lifestyle?
I think the major changes are an effect of choosing to live tiny and not to do with the tiny house itself, if that makes sense. I live just exactly like I used to in my big house as I do now, except now there are kids. It honestly feels very normal though until you get the sideways looks when someone finds out you live in a house 'that small'. :)
Is there anything that you’d have done differently? Is there anything you would include if you were designing your house now?
I designed my house for myself, a potential partner (I was single at the time) and a Great Dane. I knew that I wanted kids eventually and it was possible, although a long shot, that having kids may overlap with 'living tiny'. For not really knowing what I was getting into at the time I think things have gone remarkably well! I added a kids room where I used to have a patio once my second was born. I remember when designing, I purchased a trailer that was longer than I wanted because of a dovetail. I had every intention of cutting it off but that day came and I opted, randomly, to leave it 'just in case', It turned into a lovely porch and later into a kids room. I'm grateful for spontaneous design changes along the way! If there was one thing I'd add, it would be a bath tub. I don't use one myself but it would be nice for the kiddos.
How is it like for 4 people (and a Great Dane!) to live in a tiny house?
I don't imagine it is much different than if the same four people and Dane were living in a bigger home. It just feels like home to us, nothing too special, it has everything we want and need to live a happy life. There is a bit of a balance when it comes to things like cooking in the kitchen and we both want at the sink but it's easy to see times like those as a dance between partners rather than as a frustration. I think it has given us all the ability to take deep breaths and relish in each moment that comes. Right now our babies are small, they don't need much but mom (and sometimes dad ;-)). If they are upset I am able to stop what I am doing and hold them. We go to the playground, or music class, or story time in the mornings, get good and tired, come home for a peaceful nap then wake up and go on more adventures, or make weird crafts, or take the dog for a walk. It's all pretty darn normal except for the fact that each family member gets to be involved in the process of living. It's pretty nice to be able to design your life to fit what your family needs are. For us, the house is a great tool to be able to do that!
What advice would you have for people who are thinking to move into a tiny home?
Ask yourself why. Why are you wanting to live smaller, really examine your wants and make sure you aren't compromising anything important just to live tiny. It's most important to live happy, not small. It's a great idea to think about going smaller but for some that doesn't mean 'tiny' and that's ok. Don't do it at the expense of your own happiness. Be realistic about it but then go! Write your own future, don't just spend your hours working for someone elses' happy, put yourself first, you only get one shot at life and the world needs more happy people.
Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to incorporate the “tiny way of life” even if they’re still living in an apartment or a larger house?
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Just be conscious of your world and how your choices effect you and your way of living. Choose to be intentional. When faced with the question 'do I want this?', if the answer isn't 'Hell yes!' then it's a no, put it in a box in the garage. If you don't want it in the next three months get rid of it! Do spring cleaning a few times a year. Bit by bit you can declutter and whittle down your 'stuff' to help clarify your true self. Keep things that make you happy and hold value but don't let the other stuff weigh you down emotionally and physically.