Simple Living A new trend has captivated the country, even though
But, simple living, the core idea behind the Tiny House
it’s considered “tiny.” The Tiny House Movement has taken
Movement, can be a motto for anyone looking to organize
Americans by storm, encouraging simplicity, financial
and de-stress their home life.
stability and easy living. The Tiny House Movement describes the architectural
500-square-foot “tiny” house, but was still a little nervous
and social trend that advocates living simply in small or
when picking out her brand new apartment at Masonic
“tiny” homes. Frugal home owners who are sick of the
Village at Lafayette Hill. Frankly, the term “downsize”
clutter are buying “tiny” homes, which have 500 square
gave her the willies. Although she was getting a little
feet (or less) of living space – quite a comparison to the
overwhelmed at home, she wasn’t ready to give up all
average American home, which is 2,600 square feet. Tiny
her space, and most importantly, her things.
homes are often comprised of one room and a loft space
“I was wondering what I would do with all my stuff,”
and are usually built on trailers to allow the flexibility to
Debbie said. “I began to worry if I had enough space to
move from one location to another.
host family holidays without all my big pieces of furniture.”
According to TIME magazine, the average size of new
As soon as Debbie moved in, her fears disappeared.
American homes has swelled by 50 percent since 1970,
She used her apartment’s floor plan to see which
despite the fact the average family size has decreased
furniture would fit and ended up keeping her most-used
within the same period. More space equals the ability to
items from her previous home. She let her children choose
accommodate more stuff, but the Tiny House Movement
what they wanted, and even purchased new items to fit
has shaken up this cluttered residence trend.
the modern yet homey look she desired for her apartment.
Which age groups are catching onto this trend? It may not be who you think.
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Debbie Amoroso wasn’t planning to move into a
“I realized, even though my living room is spacious and has just enough room for when my family visits, I don’t
Aging baby boomers are finding themselves to be
have to host holidays anymore. I can do what I want and
empty nesters, having already raised their children (with
be free. Not like I didn’t enjoy doing it before,” she laughs.
countless useless items stored away to prove it) and are
The lights of Debbie’s life, her 5-year-old granddaughter
ready for a change. Also, those in their late 20s and early
and 9-year-old grandson, visit a few times a month. She
30s are catching onto the Tiny House Movement, spending
prepares their favorite dish, macaroni and cheese, and
their money on experiences rather than a home.
the kids love her big comfy couch and spinning bar stools.
