Commentary: I know a little more about ‘tiny’ living than those HGTV shows
A lot has been written lately about the concept of tiny living. If you are not familiar with the HGTV shows “Tiny House Hunters” and “Tiny House, Big Living,” then let me give you a glimpse into their world.
According to these shows, most of the tiny houses range in size from 100 square feet to a “huge” 400 square feet, with the average being about 250 to 300 square feet. Prices range from as low as $20,000 on up, with an average price of $40,000 to $50,000.
Most buyers appear to be in their 20s or 30s and want to experience home ownership without the huge debt. Others just want to scale down and simplify. The adventurers have theirs on wheels. But most are outdoorsy and want to spend more time communing with nature. Compost toilets are all the rage.
Styles run from rustic to industrial, boxy to quaint, wood finishes to corrugated metal. Some people will forfeit a larger sleeping or sitting area for a full kitchen, while others are happy with a half refrigerator and a hot plate.
Some insist on having a soaking tub, while others would settle for an outdoor shower. Most areas are multi-purposed. Your table becomes your desk, your sofa becomes a sleeping area. You just need to think creatively and compact.
If you have trouble visualizing this, think of The Wicked Witch of the West casting an evil spell on a 3,000-square-foot luxury home. Poof, it immediately becomes one-tenth the size. Large and comfortable becomes cute, cramped and cozy.
Most people have trouble understanding how anyone would settle for this type of living. Obviously, they never lived in a New York City apartment.
But I can relate. I grew up in a three-room apartment in Brooklyn. The building was rent-controlled and space was scarce. We had a minuscule kitchen and bathroom, and an average-size living room and bedroom. Probably about 250 square feet total.
We “made do” for the sake of living in an affordable area with great schools and walking distance to parks, movies, stores and public transportation. For the price of a bus fare, we could go anywhere, any time.
Perhaps the producers would consider a spin off called “Tiny Houses for Obnoxious Teenagers.” I speak from experience.
The premise would be for parents to purchase a very tiny house for their teen, and put it on their property, as far away as possible from the main house. Furnish it with a bed, chair, small table and a refrigerator.
No more whining, scowling and picking up days-old pizza crusts. You might even get a smile when your teenager comes knocking at your door, looking for a hot meal and clean underwear. A small price to pay for peace and sanity.
Then, when your kids leave for college, you can rent it to the parents of the teen next door. You’d be the hit of the neighborhood!
As I look at my mortgage payments, maybe tiny living is something to consider. Let me know when your tiny house becomes available.
TERRI GOLDSTEIN lives on Newport Coast.