I’ve loved living in a tiny home in a national forest for the past 3 years — but I know I can’t live this way forever
In a reflective piece, Elin Schmidt shares her journey of living in a tiny home community nestled in the mountains of California for the past three and a half years. Drawn to the minimalist lifestyle after watching “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things,” Elin found solace in downsizing from her previous life as a compulsive collector in Minnesota. Her tiny home, measuring just 388 square feet, includes two lofts, a full bathroom, and kitchen, and is part of a community where residents either own or rent their homes. While she appreciates the simplicity and reduced clutter that come with tiny living, she also grapples with feelings of nostalgia and the desire to be closer to her aging parents back in the Midwest.
Elin’s experience highlights the profound lessons learned during her time in the tiny home. She emphasizes that “less is more,” noting how a smaller living space has led to a more peaceful mindset and intentional purchasing habits. The reduced space has not only minimized her possessions but also cut down on household chores, allowing her to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying her surroundings. However, despite the many advantages of her current lifestyle, Elin acknowledges that tiny living may not be a permanent solution for her. She misses certain sentimental belongings stored at her parents’ house, and the physical constraints of her home, such as low ceilings and limited space for activities like yoga, pose challenges, especially as she considers the future.
Looking ahead, Elin envisions a potential move back to the Midwest, possibly bringing her tiny home with her. While she is content in her current living situation, she recognizes the need for more space in the long run, especially as she contemplates the possibility of sharing her life with someone else. Ultimately, Elin’s story serves as a testament to the joys and challenges of tiny living, illustrating how this lifestyle can offer profound personal growth while also prompting considerations for the future. She remains grateful for her experiences, whether they last a few more months or evolve into a decade of tiny living.
Living in my tiny-home community in California has changed my life for the better, but I’m not sure I can see myself staying here forever.
Elin Schmidt
For the past three and a half years, I’ve been living in a
tiny home in the mountains
of California.
I love many things about this lifestyle, like not having clutter or much space to clean.
However, I miss living near my parents in the Midwest and wish I had more space for my belongings.
I was first drawn to the idea of tiny living after watching “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” on Netflix.
As a recovering compulsive collector, the concept of living a simpler, smaller life was very appealing to me. From there, I decided I also wanted to live in a
community of tiny homes
, where I’d be surrounded by others with some similar ideals.
After a few years of researching and planning, I got a house and moved from Minnesota to a tiny-home community inside a national forest in California.
My home is just 388 square feet, with two lofts (including one with full-size stairs leading up to it), a full bathroom, a kitchen, and a washer and dryer.
It’s one of about two dozen others in my community, where people can park the homes they own or rent them from others. My neighbors are wonderful, and I’ve gotten to know them even more because I got a job nearby.
I’ve had a great experience living this way for the past three and a half years — even if I may not stay here or in such a small space forever.
This lifestyle has come with great lessons and perks
I don’t own as many things as I used to.
Elin Schmidt
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past few years is that less is more.
Having less clutter
around me also seems to keep my mind in a way more peaceful state. Fortunately, a small space makes it easy to own fewer things.
When I lived in bigger houses, I would find myself accumulating possessions without even thinking about it. Now that my space is limited, I make every purchase with great intention and consideration.
I prioritize essentials, and if I need new clothing items, I first make room for them by donating garments I no longer wear.
I try to optimize my space as much as I can.
Elin Schmidt
I spend far less time doing household chores now than before I moved in here, too. A significant
advantage of a tiny house
is that I have less space to clean.
Though I used to let my laundry pile up for weeks at a time, I no longer have the room to do so. Now, I wash my clothes once a week.
For me, home is wherever my house is — and that might be changing in the next few years
I’ve become attached to my tiny home.
Elin Schmidt
My parents are still settled in Minnesota, and I miss them dearly.
My mom has been struggling with her health, and I don’t want to leave the responsibility of taking care of our aging parents solely to my sister, who lives much closer.
If I were to
move back home
, I’m leaning toward bringing my house with me because I’m pretty attached to it and not yet ready to retire from tiny living.
Fortunately, my house is on four wheels. Plus, my parents still have a leveled space on their property where my home used to sit before I moved it.
I’d have to bring the structure back across the country with a long-haul transport company, just as I did to get it to California in the first place.
From there, I’d mostly just have to navigate connecting my home to their electricity, water, and septic systems.
Though I love tiny living, I know it probably won’t be forever
Ultimately, I think a small house, perhaps 600 to 800 square feet, would be more ideal for me in the future.
Elin Schmidt
At this point in my life, I’m very comfortable in my tiny home, but for a few reasons, I know I won’t live this way forever.
Though having less stuff around is definitely a plus, I still miss some of my possessions.
My old bedroom at my parents’ house serves as my storage unit, complete with a fairly large collection of artwork and many knickknacks with sentimental value that I currently don’t have room to display.
I also have quite a few pieces of wood furniture that I love, but have no space for. I’d be lying if I said my house wouldn’t feel like much more of a home if I had room for these things.
I’m also supposed to inherit a piano from my parents, and that’s definitely not going to fit in my tiny home.
Tiny living is great, but it may not be the best long-term plan for everyone.
Elin Schmidt
One day, it’d also be nice to have enough room so I don’t have to modify positions during my at-home yoga classes. I also miss having a real closet, as a garment rack just isn’t the same.
Additionally, the ceilings in my lofts are 4’7″, and I’m 5’7″ — bending over to put away laundry or change my bed already takes a toll on my back, which I imagine will only worsen as I age.
Though I’m currently happily single and have been for years, I’d like to leave room in my life, both emotionally and physically, for another person.
Unfortunately, it’d be extremely challenging to share my small space with someone. I could see myself someday living in a house that’s just a
bit
bigger … maybe 600 to 800 square feet would be ideal.
But, for now, the
positives of tiny living
far outweigh the negatives. I’m grateful for however long I get to experience this lifestyle, whether it’s a few more months or another decade.
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