Good point, Barbara! That's exactly what I would do if I were in this situation. While I don't think I would ever volunteer myself to live like this, I think I could still do it if I had to.

I like to look at the tiny homes and some are really neat. I could not live in one for a long time since it would be like living in a hotel room . but I also like to save the planet so as new things come on the market I see if I can use then. I installed a solar powered attic fan and thinking of a hybrid water heater. look at it this way a little can add up to a lot.

These little homes are way over priced.

I am making plans to live in a tiny home asap. I do not want to spend the rest of my life paying on a mortgage, I've got student loans for that! If your significant other isn't as excited about living tiny as you are, it may get ugly, but that's not the point. It is important to me to shrink my carbon footprint and I'll just have to find a guy that appreciates that, and if that isn't possible, I'll live alone. Easy decision! I love how important design becomes in a tiny house. It is essential that you think your design through completely before you build, and that is the part that keeps me dreaming!

I'm doing the same thing , getting free of mortgages [ in about 4 days ! ] and no matter how I have to live , that freedom is so wonderful , I can't wait for it to happen ! It feels like real life can finally start

Absolutely yes! Generalization here, but I think in the US we tend to think sustainability means SMALL...yes, smaller living space is certainly one way to go green, but when I travel, I see so many other smart ideas. Soaking baths with separate washing area: allows for minimally used bath water to be used for laundering. Radiant heat flooring, room variable temp controls, tankless water heaters...the list gets longer each year with technology and innovative products. I am a big believer that every little bit counts, if everyone chips in (one of my faves, a 5 min sand timer Shower Monitor, think if all Americans took showers under 10 min!). I'm just so psyched that there is conversation about it, and that the consumer push, necessary to make commercial giants take notice, is a reality.

I've seen comments on little home websites where ppl say that it is completely getting away from the "American Dream"...well i'm sorry, but who says the american dream HAS to be a 4-5 bedroom 3 bath 3 car garage house and 2 new cars in the driveway?? We are actually trying to sell our house and either rent or get into a smaller house by spring. So sick of the huge expenses and mortgage payment, wish we would have realized that 14 yrs ago! I for one love the reduce, reuse, recycle and have taught our son the same thing! Fix something rather than buy new! Make something work rather than buy new!

Absolutely Ditto amberlee89 ... If I won the lottery tomorrow , I would do nothing different , think of all the amazing things you can do with the money you have when there's not that HUGE output every month . No wonder Europeans always say " Oh , You Americans !!! ??? "

Well..if I won the lottery I would pay off ALL debts and take a much needed very long vacation! But after that I would build or redo a small neat barn or cabin away from the world and volunteer and help people that need it, that would make me happy!

Tiny House = Big Life? Yes, it is to some! No house payment, lower utility bills and easier to clean. What would you do with your extra $$'s?