Are tiny homes the new dream homes? When asked to picture your dream home, maybe you imagine yourself in a gilded mansion in Miami Beach or a picturesque mountain estate up north. For many around the country, they have decided that their dream home doesn’t come with 6 bedrooms and a waterfall by the pool. Instead, people are turning toward what some are calling the “tiny home movement.”

For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, tiny homes are usually between 400 and 1000 square feet. Considering that the average home in America is a whopping 2400 square feet, that’s quite a downsize. Despite this, tiny homes are sweeping the nation due to cost-effectiveness and low impact on the environment.

In fact, one of our processers, Steven Kellum, decided to make the switch and build his very own tiny home. He and his wife, Victoria, have been officially living in their new home for around a month now, and they are enjoying every minute of it.

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Steven and Victoria first came across tiny homes while watching TV, and they were both immediately intrigued by the revolutionary idea. Steven recalls “poking the bear” and challenging Victoria, saying that there was no way she could live without her stuff. He would soon have to eat his words, because shortly after, Victoria displayed several black trash bags full of things to be given away.

Aside from the desire to prove each other wrong, they remembered the practical reasons that attracted them to tiny-home living. “We love the ability to be flexible and travel whenever we want,” Steven said. Since their home would actually be on wheels, they could hitch it up and move it to wherever they want at any time. Furthermore, the number of things that had been accumulated over the years was staggering, so the chance to lighten their load was very appealing.

After much consideration, they decided to take the plunge and start the process of building. They researched builders carefully and found a 24-foot trailer that they could customize to their liking. Because of the cost-effectiveness of tiny homes, their new place is filled with high-quality materials and all the bells and whistles needed for comfortable living including a sleeping loft, a full service kitchen, and a projector. Steven even managed to find space for his computer gaming setup, dual monitors and all.

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For those who are wondering if a tiny home is right for them and their family, Steven has a message first spoken by Henry Ford. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” He urges people to think carefully before they go into something they are not ready for. “Getting rid of material things can be hard, but if you’re ready, you’ll experience a beautiful freeing feeling when you do.”