Covid-19's Impact On The Tiny Home Movement

In the past 10 months the world has undergone some shocking changes. In March 2020 the world as we know it came to a screeching halt due to a global pandemic that had some affect on nearly everyone. Some lost jobs due to lock downs, some business were forced to temporarily or permanently close, schools were closed, sports were canceled, and millions of people suffered the mental and financial challenges they were faced with as a result.

While we sat at home for weeks or months on end with a changed reality most of us were forced to take another look at what is important in our lives. Suddenly all of the things that we thought were important to us pre-pandemic were no longer driving us. The lock downs became about being closer to family, the ones closest to you, and missing the ones you could no longer see. It was about fighting to pay your bills by any means necessary and making sure there was food on the table.

If this period of reflection has taught us anything it is that you never know what tomorrow brings or even where your next pay cheque may come from. There are no guarantees anymore so do you really want to be forever in debt to your current lifestyle? Do you really want to work 40+ hours a week well into your 70's to pay for the cars, the home, the toys, and all of the "stuff" you have been told you need plus the massive amounts of interest to the banks and credit card companies so you can have it all now and pay for it years down the road?

Tiny homes are being looked at as an alternative to the debt filled life that most of us are used to and have gained in popularity since the pandemic began. The idea sounds counterintuitive during a pandemic when people are being forced to spend most of their time in their homes and maybe craving more space but tiny homes are being used to add more space to people’s lives offering simple living, increased mobility, and a path towards financial freedom.

"Maybe living in a small house with a small footprint and having less financial stress means that you're going to live better."

They’re being used for extra home office space, vacation getaways, and luxury trailer homes that can be transported to wide open places, among other things.

Almost 56 percent of Americans said they would move into a tiny house during the pandemic, according to a recent survey by financial company IPX 1031. People surveyed said the thing like best about tiny homes is the affordability, followed by efficiency and eco-friendliness. With the increased demand tiny house builders are quickly booking up creating delays and shortages in some markets.

Many believe the recent spike in demand will further solidify the tiny home movement as a permanent trend with real life benefits for those willing to make the change.