Tips for Downsizing into a Tiny Home or Smaller Living Space

In an effort to reduce their debt and carbon footprint, many Americans are opting for tinier homes. On average, the American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas these tiny homes typically range from 100 to 400 square feet. The change is drastic but many find themselves living happier this way.

The biggest challenge with a tiny home is getting creative with storage space. If you are in the process of moving into a tiny home, or transitioning into a smaller living space in general, here are some tips to downsize your belongings!

Take Inventory
Whether you use a pen & paper or notepad app, make an inventory list of all your belonging using the categories “Must Have”, “Can Live Without”, and “Replaceable”. Everything in your “must have” list will include special items that cannot be replaced such as photographs, documents, and work related items such as a laptop. In the “can live without” category, place items that you can sell, donate, or give away. When space starts to get, tight these should be the first to go! Lastly, in the “replaceable” category, write down things that can get replaced for smaller versions such as a TV, furniture, and dishware.

Do you really need that many?
Using your limited space wisely is essential to living in a smaller space. Really consider how much you need of each item. When it comes to dishware, have a set for each person in the house, and 2 more in case of guests. If you have more than two guests over, you can always buy disposable. A similar practice can be applied to towels and bedding.

Sell Your Stuff
Selling your unwanted items has never been easier! If having a yard sale is too much trouble, use the power of technology to make some cash! Local listing sites like Craigslist allow you to post almost any type of item for sale. You can also use Facebook’s market place and local yard sale groups to sell items online. Another useful app is OfferUp which allows you to buy and sell locally.

If you do decide to have a yard sale, one way to sell more items is to allow guests to pay with a card. The best option is to use “Square”. This little device connects into your phone through the audio jack, and allows customers to swipe their credit or debit card. There is a small 2.75% charge per swipe however.

Off Site Storage
If needed, rent out a storage space for storing things like large sporting equipment, tools, and seasonal clothes. Use the same practice as you would for items in your tiny home!