Young Couple's Sweet Tiny House is More Affordable than Studio Apt

Summary

Ty and McKenna share their experience living in a tiny home in Island Cove, Durango, Colorado. They highlight the simplicity, community, and closeness of tiny home living, as well as the joys of customizing their 200 sq ft home. Their story touches on the challenges of minimalism, including space limitations and the need for effective communication, but also showcases the rewards of living with less. From personal renovations to a functional, cozy space, they emphasize the importance of natural light, smart storage, and the supportive neighbors in their tight-knit community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embracing simplicity: The couple enjoys the minimalist lifestyle, including not having to worry about maintaining a yard or purchasing extra furniture.
• 😀 Strong sense of community: They appreciate the closeness of their tiny home, not just in terms of the space but also in their neighborhood, where they interact with neighbors and take care of outdoor cats.
• 😀 Accessible homeownership: The couple emphasizes that owning a tiny home was a doable and achievable process for them, and they believe it can be for others too.
• 😀 Renovating a tiny home: The couple renovated their home, including painting over a tropical mural and fixing some of the wood trim, creating a rustic cabin atmosphere.
• 😀 Customization: Their home features custom furniture like a 360-degree swivel table and a made-to-fit couch with hidden storage, showcasing the potential for personalizing a tiny space.
• 😀 Natural light as a priority: The couple loves how the natural light pours into their home, making the space feel warm and inviting with large windows and shades.
• 😀 Efficient use of space: Despite the small size of their tiny home, they’ve managed to organize and utilize the space effectively, including using vertical storage and creating specific areas for clothing and daily necessities.
• 😀 Personal lifestyle adaptation: McKenna shared her initial challenge of minimizing her possessions, including overcoming her 'clothing addiction,' and adapting to a more minimalist lifestyle.
• 😀 Compact yet functional kitchen: The kitchen, though small, has full-size appliances and creative storage solutions like hanging pots and pans and using a fruit basket as a catch-all for miscellaneous items.
• 😀 Loft space challenges: While the loft provides them with a comfortable sleeping area, they mentioned the difficulty of making their king-size bed and dealing with low ceilings. The space also includes a skylight they love for natural light.

Q & A

What is the most enjoyable aspect of living in a tiny home for Ty and McKenna?

For Ty and McKenna, the most enjoyable aspect of living in a tiny home is the simplicity and closeness. They appreciate not having to worry about maintenance tasks like buying furniture or maintaining a yard. The tight-knit community around them, as well as the opportunity to make their space their own, are also important to them.

What was the primary challenge they faced when moving into their tiny home?

The main challenge McKenna faced when moving into the tiny home was adjusting to downsizing and getting rid of a lot of personal belongings. She had accumulated many things over time, and letting go of them was initially difficult.

How did Ty and McKenna make their tiny home feel like their dream space despite some initial challenges?

Although their tiny home had an unusual paint job and some layout issues when they first saw it, Ty and McKenna were able to make it their dream space through renovations. They painted the walls, fixed the wood, and removed the tropical mural, creating a rustic cabin feel that they both love.

What is the role of natural light in their tiny home?

Natural light plays a significant role in creating a warm, homey atmosphere in their tiny home. Ty and McKenna both enjoy having the ability to open and close shades to let in light, which helps the space feel open and inviting despite its small size.

How do Ty and McKenna handle their closet space in the tiny home?

Due to the small size of their closet, Ty and McKenna frequently rotate their clothing for the different seasons. They also plan to potentially enclose the closet area with sliding mirrors or curtains to maximize storage space and improve functionality.

What does Ty's experience with his previous living situation tell us about the cost of living in Durango?

Ty's experience highlights the high cost of living in Durango, particularly in the rental market. He was paying $2,800 a month for a shared rental, and McKenna was paying $1,600 for a studio. The high prices are part of the reason they chose to invest in a tiny home, which offers more affordable living.

How do they maximize storage in their tiny kitchen?

In their tiny kitchen, Ty and McKenna maximize storage by hanging their pots and pans, which saves space in cabinets. They also make use of counter space and a fruit basket to store everyday items like wallets and keys, while keeping other items like cleaning supplies in small, dedicated cabinets.

How do Ty and McKenna address the space limitations in their loft?

In their loft, Ty and McKenna managed to fit a king-sized bed, despite the limited space. They also installed a runner rug for comfort when climbing into bed. The loft has windows for natural light, and they use shelves behind the bed for extra bedding and personal items.

What community aspects do Ty and McKenna appreciate about living in Island Cove?

Ty and McKenna enjoy the sense of community in Island Cove, where neighbors are friendly and helpful. They often interact with their neighbors, including taking care of outdoor cats and receiving warm welcomes. The area has a close-knit vibe that makes living in a tiny home more enjoyable.

How did Ty and McKenna fund their tiny home purchase?

Ty and McKenna funded their tiny home by applying for a personal loan of $70,000, which they supplemented with $10,000 of their own savings. The total cost of the house was $80,000. This allowed them to purchase the tiny home in lieu of continuing to pay expensive rent in Durango.