I bought a property! Or is it I bought property? Not really sure but I think you know what I mean. It’s four acres just on the outskirts of Ellensburg. It’s a country-living feel but still 10 minutes away from the grocery store. So it’s exactly what I’ve been dreaming of. Enough land to have a garden, a trampoline, a badminton court…Most importantly it has room for a tiny house.
Now when I say tiny I’m being generous. My goal is to max out at 900 sq feet which some argue doesn’t qualify as tiny. I like say “it’s on the big side of tiny.” My goal is to build an eco-friendly, budget conscious home than can adjust as my needs change. (I have kids, adopt 13 cats, gain 50 pounds, etc.) Hence the slightly bigger size (for tiny).
So why tiny? Well, for many reasons. The first being that when I was about to graduate from college the common question was “what’s next?” and my answer was usually “I don’t know.” So people would press further, “well, what are your dreams?” “where do you see yourself in 10 years” or “what do you want your mark on the world to be?” That last question really got me. I thought and thought about it until eventually I had an answer; I didn’t want to leave one. I want the result of my existence to be non-existent. I want to die without a trace except for the memories the people I’ve left behind have.
“No mark” has many meanings. It means using as little natural resources as possible. It means living sustainably. It means using humanitarian-approved products. It means fair-trade and conflict free. It means tiny living. A tiny house is the only habitat I can think of that could possibly pass all of those standards.
Economic freedom. I don’t spend very much time at home. Why would I when there’s so much to do? Why spend money on a large home when I’d rather be swimming or hiking or traveling? Statistically tiny home owners owe less than traditional home owners, have more money in the bank and are able to have careers they love without the pressure to make more and more dollars.
Keeping my priorities in check is the final big reason I am doing this. When you live small you don’t have a lot of room for worldly possessions. I have already gotten rid of bags and bags and bags…and bags of clothing (I used to have a walk-in closet). You don’t have room for lots of “stuff” so tiny home owners have to be thoughtful in every purchase they make. Do I really need this? Will this add value to my life? Etc. The inability to go on shopping sprees also doesn’t hurt your bottom line.
I thought I might share how this all works out, maybe it turns out horribly or maybe I am one day featured in Tiny House magazine. Either way, folks seem to be very curious about my plans and I don’t mind sharing. Also, if I inspire anyone along the way that’s an added bonus. To be continued…
Great blog. Insightful information for the next generation of leaders in this country.
I believe it’s you got popetty
I thought about writing that but I knew only you would get it and someone else would private message me to let me know there was a typo.
Congrats on your new adventure!