Tiny houses are all the rage right now. Whether it’s because of the financial benefits, or to live a simpler lifestyle, tiny homes are becoming increasingly popular. But where did they come from? And what is the history of the tiny house movement? Let’s take a look:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| The tiny house movement advocates for living simply in small, often mobile homes. |
| Living in a tiny house can offer benefits such as reduced living costs, increased environmental sustainability, and a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle. |
| Tiny houses have the potential to combat the housing crisis by providing affordable, sustainable, and efficient housing options. |
| Downsizing to a tiny house may not be for everyone, but those who choose to embrace this lifestyle can enjoy increased financial freedom and a greater sense of community. |
| Building your own tiny house can be a cost-effective and rewarding way to create your dream home, but it’s important to do your research and plan carefully. |
A story of the tiny house movement
You may be wondering, what is the tiny house movement? How did it come about? And why is it so important to millions of people around the world?
The short answer: The tiny house movement is a social movement with the goal of living in a house that is less than 500 square feet. It was born out of the environmental movement, and has grown into its own unique offshoot over the past few decades.
Tiny home enthusiasts choose to live small because they believe they can do more with less space and resources—and because they want to live a simpler life that’s more in tune with nature, their community and their values.
Living in a tiny house can have surprising benefits, such as increased financial freedom and a simpler lifestyle. Check out our article on 10 Surprising Benefits of Living in a Tiny House to learn more about how downsizing can improve your quality of life.
The 1970s
In the 1970s, with the United States experiencing a major oil crisis, many Americans began to look for ways to live more simply.
This led to an increase in interest in small-scale living spaces. One notable example was the tiny house movement, which began when John Muir announced his decision to build a home that measured only 100 square feet and cost no more than $10,000. The homes built by Muir often included solar panels and used recycled materials like tires and tin cans.
The 1980s
The 1980s are remembered as a time of economic prosperity and growth. The building industry was booming and people were buying new homes, renovating existing homes and building additions. Tiny houses were a part of this trend, but not as popular as they are today.
It’s not that tiny houses weren’t around—they have been around since the late 1800s. But in the ’80s, they were beginning to be regarded as more than just an oddity or novelty item:
They were becoming recognized as an alternative lifestyle choice for those who wanted something different from their suburban neighbors (and maybe even loved them).
The 1990s
The first known tiny house community was created in the 1990s by a man named Robert Beezer. Located in Washington State, it’s called the Tiny House Community and has been in existence for over twenty years.
Tiny houses have the potential to combat the housing crisis by providing affordable, sustainable, and efficient housing options. Explore our guide on How Tiny Houses Can Help Combat the Housing Crisis to learn more about the benefits of tiny house living.
2000-2005
At this time, the tiny house movement was beginning to take off. In 2001, the first Tiny House Conference was held in Missouri and featured over 30 speakers and 300 attendees. The next year saw the release of “Tiny Houses” by Jay Shafer and Fox Hollow Books publishing their first book on tiny houses.
The following year saw the creation of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company who still operates today as a leader in sustainable small living options. In 2004, an online community called Dignified Cabins was founded by Paul King with a mission to help people build their own tiny homes and live sustainably
2006 – 2007
Tiny houses were gaining momentum in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2008 that the housing crisis hit. The subprime mortgage crisis was caused by a combination of factors, but one of the most important was the lack of regulation for lenders.
Lenders could give out loans to anyone who wanted them, regardless of their financial situation or credit history.
This led to many people purchasing homes they couldn’t afford on interest-only mortgages that had adjustable rates—meaning they would pay more each month as time went on—or with no money down at all.
When these loans started to default and foreclose after 2008, homeowners lost their homes and banks lost billions of dollars in mortgages they couldn’t sell off because no one would buy them (after realizing how bad things were).
Interested in building your own tiny house? Our guide on How to Build Your Own Tiny House on a Budget provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for creating your dream home on a tight budget.
2008 – 2009
The movement was in its infancy and still gaining momentum, but it had not yet gained mainstream popularity. T
he tiny house movement was a small but growing community of people who wanted to live in their own homes without the expense of renting or buying a large home. These individuals sought out alternative ways of living that prevented them from being tied down by mortgages, taxes, and other fees associated with traditional ownership of property. They lived simply and happily in small spaces that could be moved at will if necessary (e.g., recreational vehicles).
2010 – 2011
In 2010, a documentary called “Tiny: A Story About Living Small” was released. The film featured a couple who had built their own tiny house and traveled around the country in it. The movie shows that living in a tiny house was easy, fun, and more affordable than some other lifestyles they’d tried.
In 2011, the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company founded by Jay Shafer introduced its first line of houses to be sold as kits online or at stores across the United States.
This made it easier than ever for people interested in building their own tiny houses to do so without having to hire an architect or contractor because all of these steps were already taken care of for them through pre-made plans from companies like Tumbleweed Tiny House Company! And since then…well…you’ve probably heard about this movement before!
If you’re considering downsizing and exploring tiny house living, check out our article on The Benefits of Downsizing: Why a Tiny House May Be Right for You to learn more about the advantages of living a simpler life in a smaller space.
2012 – 2013
The tiny house movement is still growing, and it’s easy to see why. With the average two-bedroom home in America needing 300 square feet per occupant, living in a tiny house can save you money on rent or mortgage payments as well as utilities.
Tiny houses also make great places to start families, since they’re often smaller than even small apartments. For example, when they sleep two people and include a bathroom and kitchenette (or just a kitchen), they often measure only 200 to 400 square feet!
When most people think of 1920s America, they picture flappers dancing at speakeasies while jazz music plays in the background; however, those same people probably don’t think of automobiles or telephones being invented during this time period either—and yet both happened!
It’s important not only for us but also for future generations that we take care of our planet by trying hard now instead of waiting until later when it may be too late.”
2014 – 2015
The tiny house movement has been steadily gaining popularity since the year 2000, but it wasn’t until 2014 that it really started to gain momentum.
During this time, many people were still reeling from the recession and looking for ways to save money. The idea of living in a tiny house was attractive because it meant having a smaller mortgage payment and more control over your finances. People found that they could also save money by choosing to live in an urban area rather than moving out into the suburbs or country as many had done before 2008.
The early part of this decade saw a lot of interest in tiny houses coming from young professionals who wanted to live close to work or downtown urban centers where there was easy access to public transportation and nightlife options nearby.
These individuals often rented out rooms within their homes through services such as Airbnb or Couchsurfing so that they could make extra income while still being able to pay off student loans or other debts accumulated during college years.”
Looking for the ultimate guide to tiny house living? Our comprehensive article on Tiny House Living: The Ultimate Guide covers everything you need to know about designing, building, and living in a tiny house, from maximizing storage space to embracing minimalist living.
2016 – 2019
In the past decade, tiny house communities have popped up across America. They’re a response to all sorts of crises, including the housing crisis, climate change and economic downturns. The movement began in 2008 when Jay Shafer founded Tumbleweed Houses LLC in Colorado after living in an RV for years.
To date there are approximately 100 tiny house communities across North America that range from 50 to several hundred homes each—and they’re growing fast!
2020 to present
The tiny house movement is growing in popularity, and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. As more people embrace the lifestyle and build their own tiny houses, the movement becomes even stronger.
People are looking for ways to simplify their lives and live comfortably without having to spend lots of money on a mortgage or rent.
In addition, this trend is being embraced by younger generations who don’t have as much financial responsibility—they don’t want to be tied down by debt or responsibilities (at least not yet).
In 2020, we’ll see more people building their own tiny houses because they want to live simply and avoid debt while still having all the comforts of home. The future looks bright for these little homes!
Conclusion
The tiny house movement is a fascinating phenomenon, with roots that run deep into history.
From the pioneers who built small homes out of necessity, to today’s modern devotees who seek simplicity in their lives, this movement continues to grow and evolve. There is no telling where it will go next!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you can explore to learn more about the tiny house movement:
Tiny House Movement – Wikipedia: This Wikipedia article provides an overview of the history, philosophy, and various aspects of the tiny house movement, as well as notable tiny house builders and communities.
Tiny Homes: A Brief History – Home Stratosphere: This article offers a brief history of tiny homes and explores the factors driving the growth of the tiny house movement in recent years.
A Brief About Tiny House Movement – OpenGrowth: This resource provides an introduction to the tiny house movement, including its history, philosophy, and potential benefits.
FAQs
What is the tiny house movement?
The tiny house movement is a social and architectural movement that advocates for living simply in small, often mobile homes.
What are the benefits of living in a tiny house?
Living in a tiny house can offer benefits such as reduced living costs, increased environmental sustainability, and a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle.
How much does it cost to build a tiny house?
The cost of building a tiny house can vary widely depending on factors such as the size, location, and level of customization. However, many people are able to build a tiny house for significantly less than the cost of a traditional home.
Are tiny houses legal in my area?
The legality of tiny houses varies by location, as zoning and building codes can vary widely between states and municipalities. It’s important to research the laws and regulations in your area before planning to build or live in a tiny house.
How can I design a tiny house that maximizes space and functionality?
Designing a tiny house requires careful consideration of space and functionality. Some tips for maximizing space include incorporating multi-functional furniture, using vertical space for storage, and opting for a minimalist and clutter-free design aesthetic.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.