The most inspirational people I’ve ever met have not been those with the most power, the most money or the highest status. The people who leave me in awe are those who are dedicated to passion over money, are committed to loving others without expecting anything in return and are ballsy enough to live dangerously free; I first heard about tiny homes from people like these. The idea of living with minimal material possessions and the freedom to roam as one pleases resonated with me, and I sought to find out more about this tiny home movement.
This morning, I got the chance to visit Boneyard Studios, a small community in D.C. comprised of tiny houses on wheels, outdoor fire pits and a beautiful garden—an unexpected haven in a city of constant frenzy.
(“The Matchbox” home on left, “The Pera” on right)
(Sleeping area in “The Matchbox” on left, sleeping area in “The Pera” on right)
(Kitchen goods in “The Matchbox”)
(Tiny home owners Lee and Jay hanging out on left, guests touring Boneyard Studios on right)
One thing I was particularly surprised by was the ridiculously large turnout. Usually if I tell people about tiny homes, they’re not particularly interested in learning more. The idea of living in a 100-something-square-foot home—or “glorified trailer,” as one of the Boneyard residents said—sounds miserable to many, but here’s the appeal:
- Cost: Building a tiny home can cost anywhere from $10,000 to seven or eight times that. In the long run, you’ll end up saving money, since you won’t have to worry about paying large mortgages, most utility bills and high maintenance costs. Minimal financial problems equals less stress.
- Sustainability: One of the coolest things about living in a tiny home is the ability to contribute to the health of our earth and environment. Tiny homes can be customized to be self-sustaining and waste free. The homes at Boneyard Studios, for example, used solar energy and used a rain catchment system for their water.
- Mobility: What’s cooler than a tiny home on wheels?! I would love to be able to travel to races all around the country and to see the world from my living room window. The knowledge that you can move—due to job changes or just out of pure curiosity—and keep your home brings great comfort.
To me though, living in a tiny home is really about allowing yourself to live simply and enjoy what the world has to offer. I think a tiny home should feel liveable and comfortable, but I also think the small space should encourage you to spend more time exploring the outdoors, engage with other people and appreciate coming home to something that’s truly yours. So what’s next? For now, I’ll be trying to put some extra money in the bank, learning what I can about building and living in a tiny home and taking small steps to make this small dream a big reality.
trailsandkale.blog 