Why not add "Tiny Homes" to your list of choices if you are considering moving house or downsizing, a holiday cabin, etc. There are many new creative lifestyle opportunities for you to consider. Real estate in recent years has seen prices skyrocketing putting home ownership out of reach for many people. Hopefully if you have not entertained this idea it might be a viable consideration. Hope you enjoy this change of topic for Caramel and Parsley.

Introduction to our First Tiny Home
Recently we visited a friend who invited us to walk through the farm where he lives. One of the buildings on the property was a Tiny Home he had designed and built for himself. I could not help but think what a great idea and then started my internet search. Hope you enjoy the videos and learn more about the "tiny house movement".

Some Advantages of a Tiny Home
When I started to think about benefits of tiny homes, it conjured up all kinds of positive options such as :
- House Mobility: Most tiny homes are built on wheels so that they are transportable on public roads if needed.
- Affordability: This was a large consideration and many people chose to downsize for a multitude of reasons. Such as from finances to "Off Grid" sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Many moved for lifestyle, home ownership and some for health. Total cost of building is of course a major consideration
- Health and Safety: A major health benefit in owning an affordable home is that it reduces stress. (Also the time a senior can remain independent in a community setting or near family is an asset. )
- Maintenance and running costs: These two really come hand in hand. As one couple said they don't need to work as they don't have any monthly bills! Their home had 100% solar power, used rainwater and was located on a small rural property. They were extremely happy with their change in lifestyle.
- Reduced rental costs: Many tiny home owners chose to "rent" space on a rural property. This seems very sensible especially for people who work on country properties and those with fixed incomes.
- There are as many definitions of "Freedom" as there are individuals. Financial freedom is mentioned often. Spend more time with those you care for and a much less "stressful" life.
- Living "Off The Grid" - self reliable and sustainable

More Thoughts on Tiny Homes
Are you looking for your first home as a young couple; a single parent; perhaps you are downsizing and decluttering. These small creative homes certainly appear to simplify life. Perhaps look for a tiny home as an interim, equity building time or even your "happily ever after home". It certainly appeals to those who would like living off grid with your own solar power, rainwater, etc. It is amazing at some of the wonderful, imaginative small homes shown on the videos.

In Closing :
Rest assured there are many other options to consider and decisions to be made. Work with builders who are experienced and able to help you with information and answer your questions. Of course always work with those you trust. Best wishes if you are beginning your tiny house journey and check out your local tiny home builders. A good place to start
~ A 'just for fun' article. Best wishes ~ Liz
Please Note: It is important that the owner / builder check out local city hall and building code regulations, etc.

Links and References - Tiny Home Videos:
NOTE: All photos in this article are from Rover Homes display Tiny Home at Tradex (except feature photo)
- Tiny Homes In British Columbia: Everything You Need To Know (2023)
- Tiny Homes in BC (including builders)
- 13 Livable Tiny House Communities in Oregon (2022)
- A Homebuyers Guide to Living in a Tiny House in Canada (2019)
- CARAMEL AND PARSLEY LINK - When you have your tiny home - take time to build your own home garden (2020) AN AMAZING FIRST YEAR VEGGIE GARDEN
- AN INCREDIBLE 2ND YEAR VEGETABLE GARDEN with some inspiring ideas
More Tiny Home video options for you:
Here are a few favourite"Tiny Home" videos from the 100's of Tiny Home videos on line. I like these short informative videos as they also have the year the homes were built including cost, etc. Enjoy watching!
- Tiny Home "Hit": "This Ultra Modern Tiny House Will Blow Your Mind - Revisited! With 50 million views on their first video. This has to be the most famous tiny house in the world!" Bryce Langston 15 min youtube (2022)
- Looking for a new home? "Debt-Free Family Life in a Zero Waste, Plant Based Tiny House" Victoria, Australia
- "Family downsizes their home to upsize their life" Small space living today.18 min video (Jan 2021)
- "Finding Freedom with a Tiny House in the Forest" in Auckland NewZealand 16 min video Great location & less debt. Practical. Functional.
- Just for Fun: Looking for a New Home? How about a Tiny House? Check out this design. Practical. Functional. Affordable. 19 min (7/2020)
- A unique small home built by a young couple in New Zealand A great design for home happiness. 16 min video (2020)
- Watch "Woman Finds FINANCIAL FREEDOM & Debt Free Living in Tiny House"