June 7 2019 - Tiny House Warriors: How To Make The Most Of Small Space Living by Kylee Ryers

Tiny houses are a symbol of resistance for the indigenous women of the Secwepemc nation, Yes Magazine reports. This First Nations community in British Columbia have created a small village of tiny houses as a site for Indigenous resurgence, collaboration, and resistance — they’ve successfully resisted the Transmountain Pipeline Expansion and the construction of an industrial “Man Camp”. Aside from activism, tiny homes are a great way to live a more minimalist lifestyle, as well as strengthen the indigenous relationship with nature and one another. If you’re considering moving into a tiny home, it’s important you’re prepared and ready to adjust to living small.

Tiny House Warriors in Secwepemc Territory.

Take care of regular maintenance

Tiny homes are easier and cheaper to maintain than regular homes. However, it’s still important to keep up with regular maintenance — especially if you’re on the move regularly. So, regularly check for appliance breakages, plumbing and electrical problems, and roof leaks. Taking care of any issues right away will keep repairs and replacements to a minimum. Remember mobile tiny homes need extra maintenance concerning tires, bearings, and brakes. When you take your tiny home on the road, strap large appliances down so they arrive safely in one piece.

Maximize storage

Tiny homes are obviously short on space, so you’ll have to whittle down your possessions to just the essentials and sentimental items that you truly value. Make use of vertical space for storage. In addition to bookshelves and shoe hangers, think about keeping items like office supplies, accessories, and plants in vertical storage. In the kitchen, use lazy susans to make the most of corner space. Build drop-down cabinets from the ceiling. If your refrigerator doesn’t have enough space for leftovers, installing a small garbage disposal is an easy solution. Garbage disposals are also good for the environment as they cut down on greenhouse gases emitted by garbage trucks and methane produced in landfills.

Maximize light

It can be easy for tiny homes to feel cramped and dark, which is why it’s important to maximize light wherever you can. Use white or light-colored paint on the walls to brighten up your space and make it feel bigger. Avoid using dark woods and tiles. Placing wall lights or lamps in corners will improve light and ambience. Make sure to make the most of natural light throughout your tiny home. Leave windows and skylights free from bulky curtains. Hang at least one large mirror opposite a window to reflect the light and increase sense of spaciousness.

It’s also important to have your own space — a private area you can retreat to for some alone time — which can be hard to come by in a tiny home. Use decorative curtains to divide up the main living room for privacy. Wear headphones to drown out background noise. Spend time outdoors to connect with nature. With the right mindset and decor, you can make your tiny house feel livable, comfortable, and spacious.

By Kylee Ryers