LESS IS MORE… The tiny home movement is a lifestyle choice that focuses on living more simply and sustainably, with a smaller environmental footprint. This movement has grown in popularity over the past decade and has inspired people to rethink how they live and create more meaningful lives. Although it is not as big as in the USA, the tiny home movement is gaining huge momentum and communities are popping up in various locations across South Africa. In South Africa, many of these tiny homes have all the luxuries of a conventional home.
The small house movement is a return to houses of 93 m2. Frequently, the distinction is made between small ( 37 m2 and 93 m2), and tiny houses (less than 37 m2), with some as small as 7.4 m2.
Read about the community in Rosendal in the Free State, where the tiny, or small home living is popular: https://www.wantedonline.co.za/art-design/2021-08-10-the-tiny-house-movement-has-arrived-in-sa/ or https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/home-and-gardening/2021-08-01-home-sweet-downsized-home-the-tiny-house-movement-has-arrived/
Also known as eco pods, modular homes, micro apartments, nano homes and mobile homes, a tiny home is a fully functioning house, but on a much smaller scale. “It is difficult to get a set price of a tiny home in South Africa as costs differ from one company to another. Expect to pay between R270,000 and R850,000” says Justine De Lange from Briefly: https://briefly.co.za/facts-lifehacks/services/147407-the-tiny-homes-south-africa-craze-what-affordable/
The Benefits of a Tiny Home:
- Less clutter: Tiny homes only allow for a certain number of possessions so you are less inclined to buy unnecessary items.
- Low Maintenance: Smaller space require much less maintenance and cleaning than traditional homes thus saving time and money.
- Eco-friendly: Tiny homes require fewer materials in their construction, making them more eco-friendly than traditional homes. Additionally, their smaller size means they use less energy to heat and cool.
- Off-grid: Tiny homes are suitable for living off-grid through the use of solar power, composting toilets, dry toilets, rainwater harvesting tanks, etc.
- Cost effective: They are more affordable than conventional homes, allowing people to save money on the initial cost of buying a home, as well as on ongoing costs such as maintenance and utilities.
- Mobility & Flexibility: Mobile or tiny homes can be portable and can be customised to fit a variety of needs and desires, allowing people to create their dream home in a much smaller space, with the option to take your home with you if you choose to relocate.
If you would like to know more about the benefits, click here https://springsadvertiser.co.za/261427/introducing-the-tiny-house-movement-in-south-africa/
The Drawbacks of a Tiny Home:
- Your home must be organised and neat as a small space can easily become cluttered.
- There might be less entertaining space, especially in winter.
- You will have to get rid of “stuff” in order to downsize.
Watch this 8-minute walk-through a South African tiny house video to see how space in a tiny house is optimised for daily living: https://youtu.be/Qloae2Nsx18.
Maintaining a large home is expensive so a tiny home can be a cost-effective option for those looking to own property. Be aware though that there are rules and regulations in South Africa regarding this form of housing so avoid running into issues by visiting your local municipality’s website.
For some tips on making the most of a small space: https://universalpaints.co.za/tips-and-tricks-for-decorating-a-small-space/