Everything You Need To Know Before Moving Into a Tiny Home

Publish Date: March 1, 2023

Last Modified Date: August 11, 2023

Tags: Tags: accessory dwelling unit, ADU, build tiny home, buying tiny home, how to move tiny home, moving to tiny home, rv, RVs, shipping container homes, skoolie, THOW, tiny home, tiny home build kit, tiny home community, tiny home cost, tiny home loans, tiny home mortgages, tiny home moving, tiny house on wheels

With housing and utility costs skyrocketing across the country, it’s no wonder some people choose to take the alternative route and live in a tiny home. Globally, the tiny home market is expected to grow by about 4% in 2022, with most of that concentrated in the U.S.

But with downsized costs come some big trade-offs. Namely, a whole lot less space — the average size of a tiny home is just 225 square feet.

Currently, there are about 10,000 tiny homes in the U.S., which accounts for 0.36% of all total residential listings. If you’ve been curious about joining the tiny house lifestyle, read on to learn what it’s like.

Financial Implications of Moving Into a Tiny Home

The average price of a tiny home is around just $52,000 — considerably lower than the average cost of a traditional home at $535,800.

However, that doesn’t mean that building tiny homes is cheaper when you examine their costs by square footage. On average, the cost of a tiny home is $300 per square foot versus only $150 per square foot for a traditional home. If you’re looking to save money on building costs and are fairly handy, consider purchasing a tiny home building kit from Home Depot or Amazon, many of which are priced under $20,000.

“Find out if you need to have your tiny home certified or meet local zoning and building codes, which is required in some tiny home communities”

It’s important to note that if you need to borrow money to buy a tiny home, you won’t be able to get a traditional mortgage. Tiny homes are too hard for mortgage lenders to appraise, and the loan amounts are too small to make it worth it for the bank. Plus, many tiny homes are built on wheels, which disqualifies them from home loans.

Instead, you’ll need to look into alternative forms of financing:

Chattel mortgage: These loans are available for manufactured homes that aren’t permanently affixed to the land. They come with shorter repayment terms and slightly higher interest rates than traditional mortgages.
RV loan: Some tiny homes are built on trailers, making them eligible for RV loans. RV loans typically have lower interest rates than personal loans, and they can be used to finance both the trailer and the home.
Personal loan: If you cannot qualify for an RV loan or do not want to go through the process of applying for one, you can consider a personal loan. Personal loans typically have higher interest rates than RV loans, but many do not require collateral.
Home equity loans: If you already own a traditional home and have equity in it, you can take out a home equity loan to finance your tiny home. Home equity loans typically have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards, and the interest may be tax deductible.

There are also some hidden costs of tiny homes to keep in mind. For example, they can be expensive to insure. If you have a lot of stuff, you may need to rent a storage space to accommodate it all. Additionally, the resale value for tiny homes isn’t the same as traditional homes, and you could end up taking a loss if you sell.

What To Consider About Moving Into a Tiny Home

There are many pros and cons to living in a tiny home. And what may be considered a benefit to one person could be considered a drawback to another. That’s why it’s important to think about your ideal living arrangement and lifestyle, and whether a tiny home can support your needs.

Pros:

Affordability: One of the most significant benefits of living in a tiny home is the lower cost of living. Tiny homes are generally less expensive to buy or build, require less maintenance, and have lower utility bills.
Mobility: Many tiny homes are designed to be mobile, meaning that they can be moved to different locations as needed. This makes them an excellent option for people who enjoy traveling or want to live in different parts of the country without committing to a permanent residence.
Environmental friendliness: Tiny homes are often more environmentally friendly than traditional homes, as they use less energy and resources to build and maintain. They also take up less space, which can help to preserve natural habitats and open areas.
Simplicity: Living in a tiny home can help to simplify your life and reduce clutter. With limited space, you’re forced to prioritize your belongings and eliminate anything that you don’t truly need.

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Cons:

Limited space: The most significant drawback of living in a tiny home is the limited living space. With less square footage, you’ll have to be creative in how you use your space and may need to sacrifice certain amenities or luxuries that you’re used to. As Chloe Lieberman from Wild Abundance puts it, “In our heavily stuff-oriented culture, most of us own way more material objects than we need to live our lives. Downsizing is crucial to feeling spacious while living in a tiny house.”
Zoning laws: Depending on where you live, you may encounter zoning laws that restrict the construction or placement of tiny homes. This can make it challenging to find a suitable location for your tiny home, especially in urban areas.
Limited privacy: With less space, you may find it challenging to find a private area to retreat to when you need alone time. This can be especially difficult if you have a partner or children living with you.
Limited resale value: While tiny homes are gaining popularity, they’re still a relatively new concept in the housing market. This means that they may not hold their value as well as traditional homes and may be more difficult to sell if you decide to move in the future.

Figure out what type of tiny home fits your lifestyle

Before moving, it helps to understand the various types of tiny homes that are available (yes, there’s more than one):

Tiny house on wheels (THOW): These are usually built on a trailer or other mobile platform and can be moved from place to place. “If you’re looking for a more flexible living situation, adding wheels to your tiny house may be the way to go,” said Ran Andasan at Tiny House. “But here’s the thing: tiny houses on wheels are usually smaller than those on a foundation. So you need to be okay with a more snug living space.”
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU): These are small, secondary dwellings are located on the same property as a primary residence. They can be used as rental units or as additional living space for family members. Keep in mind, depending on where you live, you might need quite a few permits to install or build one on your property.
Recreational vehicle (RV): An RV is designed to be driven and moved around frequently. The most common RVs used for tiny home living include the Class C motorhome, tow-behind trailer, and large Class A motorcoach.
Skoolie: Similar to an RV, a skoolie is made from a bus — typically, a school bus (hence the name). They’re similar to RVs, but their interiors are more customizable to suit your needs and taste.
Shipping container: These are homes made from repurposed shipping containers, which are easy to customize and expand upon.
Cabins/Yurts: The classic wooden cabin remains a popular tiny home option. Similarly, yurts are circular tents made from lightweight materials. Both are often used as vacation homes or glamping accommodations since they tend to be built on remote land.

Design according to your priorities

The design of your tiny home should match your lifestyle and priorities. No matter what type of tiny home you choose, there are ways to customize the design and layout to fit your needs.

Determine your needs: Think about how you’ll use the spaces in your tiny home and where you’ll spend the most time. What activities will you do in the home vs. away? What items or activities can you eliminate completely? Elin Headrick at CAST Architecture suggests thinking about your intended lifestyle, “Do you want a permanent residence, a vacation home, or a mobile home? What activities will you do in the house? Will you be cooking, sleeping, working, or entertaining guests? The answers to these questions will influence the layout and design elements.”
Create a functional layout: Once you figure out what you need in a tiny home, it’s time to design a layout that supports those needs. Consider things like where you can create storage, or which areas can serve multiple purposes.
Look for multi-use features and furniture: Julia Selwyn from Conestoga Log Cabins suggests thinking about couches and tables that can serve double duty, “With a couch that offers seating during the day and transforms into a bed at night, you can maximize the space with a single piece.” She also suggests taking advantage of tiny homes with a loft space, “It’s above you, so you are again vertically capitalizing on an area that obstructs nothing. And best of all, you can make it whatever you want.”
Keep things clear: Clutter can easily take over a large home, so it’s extremely crucial to keep clutter at bay in a tiny home. Not only will your home look bigger, but you also won’t have to worry about bumping into or knocking things over. Consider keeping all open surfaces above your waist completely clear.
Choose high ceilings and plenty of windows: To further open up the home, take advantage of vertical space. High ceilings will give the impression of larger rooms. Combined with lots of windows, you won’t feel so closed in. Strategically placed mirrors can help give the same effect.
Opt for light colors: Another way to make your tiny home appear larger is to use lighter colors, particularly for the ceiling.

How To Prepare for Moving Into a Tiny Home Community

Some people like the idea of living remotely or “off the grid.” Others see tiny home living as an opportunity to join a community. If you fall into the latter camp, there are a few things you should prepare for when moving into one:

Consider what your ideal living situation is. “One of the primary considerations is whether you want to place your tiny home in a community of solely tiny houses, an RV park, a mobile home park, someone’s yard or private set up, or maybe a combination of multiple types of units on a property,” says Abby Shank from Tiny Estates.
Find out if you need to have your tiny home certified or meet local zoning and building codes, which is required in some tiny home communities
Some states require homes with wheels to be registered as motorhomes, which can impact your ability to move into an RV or trailer park community
See what types of amenities are offered by various communities, such as spacious lots, laundry facilities, parking, etc.
Look into the requirements for electrical, sewage, and plumbing
Check out the culture and lifestyle of the community and consider whether you’ll fit in well with the residents

Moving Your Tiny Home

One of the benefits of tiny homes with wheels is that you can change locations. Of course, some home types are easier to move than others.

“Currently, there are about 10,000 tiny homes in the U.S., which accounts for 0.36% of all total residential listings.”

Overall, moving a tiny home can be a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some things to know about moving a tiny home to help you decide:

You’ll need to do some prep work. This may involve removing any external features, securing the interior items, and disconnecting utilities.
Before you plan to move your tiny home, make sure to check local and state regulations regarding the transportation of homes. Some areas may require special permits or restrictions that you need to comply with.
Budget your move. Make sure you’ve accounted for all the costs involved in moving, including gas, insurance, and food and lodging while on the road, if necessary.
If you’re DIYing the move, make sure you have the right equipment, are comfortable with driving, and you meet road regulations.
Consider hiring professional movers. Moving a tiny home is generally not a job for amateurs. It could be a good idea to hire a professional moving company that has experience in moving tiny homes. Make sure to research and compare different moving companies to find the one that offers the best service and price.

Tiny homes aren’t for everyone. Before you make the leap, carefully consider whether tiny home living matches your needs and values. Do you prefer a minimalist lifestyle? Do you have the appropriate space/parking for one? Are you willing to make compromises on things like privacy and amenities? If your answer to these questions is a wholehearted “yes,” living in a tiny home might be right for you.

How To Move or Ship an RV and Travel the Country (by Someone Who Did It)

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: August 11, 2021

Last Modified Date: February 11, 2022

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice, Moving Stories

Tags: Tags: buying rv, cross country driving costs, cross-crountry moving, gas prices, how to move long distance, long distance moving, move into rv, movers, moving, moving across the country, moving with an RV, moving with pets, packing and RV, parking rv, propane rv, propane tank, rv, rv costs, rv fluids, rv living, rv routes, rv safety, selling rv

If you had told me last June that I was about to be the proud owner of a 24-foot-long 1991 Winnebago Warrior, I would’ve said you were crazy.

But there I was, handing over a wad of cash to a young couple I found on Craigslist soon after realizing it would be nearly as expensive to rent an RV as to buy an RV. Suddenly, I was moments away from the start of a spur-of-the-moment, cross-country road trip.

I’m not alone in doing this. Thanks to the pandemic, Americans of all ages and budgets have gotten into #vanlife and RV living as a way to see the country without worrying about germy airports or hotel rooms. (In fact, by September 2020, RV sales had increased more than 30%, year over year!)

If you’re also a new RV owner like me, you might be wondering how to get it across the country safely and (relatively) cheaply. Well, after driving from Los Angeles to Maine and back, here’s everything I learned.

One of our first stops in Arches National Park, Utah.

Tips for Driving an RV Cross-country

1. Perform an RV-specific safety check

One of the most important things before an RV trip is making sure the RV is safe to drive long-distance. (Breaking down on the side of the highway is not fun, trust me… I know this all too well.)

But how do you know if an RV is safe to drive?

Because RVs usually aren’t driven as often as personal cars and often spend months (or years!) sitting in storage, there’s a greater opportunity for fluids to dry up or pests to chew up the wiring. And since they’re pretty much a house and car in one, there are a lot more complex components that can go haywire.

Crucial RV inspection items (and why they matter for RVs)

Start by checking all the fluid levels. The list must include oil, coolant, and power steering. This is especially vital if the vehicle has been sitting for a long time! When we picked up our RV, the oil was practically gone since it hadn’t been driven much in the last few years
Check that the brakes are working well. RVs are exceptionally heavy, so you need solid brakes in case you have to stop within a short distance
Double-check that the battery is in good condition. Batteries lose about 10% of their energy per month when sitting and not in use, aka what RVs do all the time
Every single light has to work. For any oversized vehicle, it’s really important that your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all working so that other drivers can see you and know your next move
Inspect the tires for wear. Since RVs aren’t usually driven as much as personal cars, the tread might be in great shape—but the sidewalls are prone to breaking down over time, especially when parked in the sun or dry climates! When we purchased our RV, the tire tread was in like-new condition, but the sidewalls were clearly cracking. When we looked up the age of tires, it turned out they were more than 12 years old! Trust me, you do NOT want a blowout. (Replace tires if they’re more than five to eight years old)

Finally, inspect all the RV-specific components to make sure they’re running and don’t have any leaks. For example, you should check the oil level on your generator and let it run for a couple of hours to prep it for use.

“To check for propane leaks, put a little soapy water around any connections and check for rising bubbles.”

On our road trip, we traveled through many hot destinations in the middle of the summer (at our final stop in Laughlin, Nevada, it reached 121 degrees during the day!), so it was crucial to have a working generator to keep the A/C unit running. Also, make sure to check underneath and around your generator for leaks, as the exhaust is toxic. And change any fluids and filters that need it.

It’s also a good idea to have a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector and fire extinguisher onboard.

Got a propane tank? Do these safety things

If your RV uses propane gas (LP gas) to heat the stove, hot water, fridge, etc., it’s important to check all tanks, connections, valves and the firing operation. Be sure the pressure is right and there aren’t any leaks. To check for propane leaks, put a little soapy water around any connections and check for rising bubbles. You might not realize that the tanks have an expiration date too, so check the date on the tank and have it re-certified, if necessary.

If you aren’t comfortable doing this safety check on your own, schedule an appointment with an RV mechanic (and don’t wait, because they tend to book up fast in the summer months).

2. To keep stuff from rattling, batten down the hatches

Once you get things in working order and hit the pavement, you will quickly discover everything in the RV will begin to rattle. Yes, you can fix this too!

Before ever hitting the gas, secure doors, windows, and cabinets so they are locked and remain in place while driving. If you have photo frames up on the walls or electronics sitting up on shelves or cabinets, take them down and put them in a secure spot. (No, you aren’t supposed to keep your Playstation out.)

“…keep a post-it on your dashboard with your RV’s exact dimensions so you always know if you can fit!”

Nothing is worse than hitting a bump and having a full bottle of olive oil launch from a cabinet and spill all over the floor (yes, this happened to me). Even if your cabinet doors are secured, the items inside can move around quite a bit, presenting a safety hazard when you open them. To mitigate this, buy small bins and containers to keep loose items from getting jumbled in cabinets and drawers. You can also use non-slip mats along shelves to prevent things from sliding around. Strategically placed bungee cords and velcro strips can also help.

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3. Packing light makes things safer (and cheaper)

Driving a heavy vehicle like an RV is a lot different than a regular car. For one, you need to allow more time and room for braking. It also takes a while to accelerate, and you may not be able to keep up with highway speed limits (it may aggravate the drivers behind you, but safety is more important than speed. Just stay in the right lane).

“Never drive with the fresh tank completely full—aim to fill your water tank about 1/3 of the way for optimal weight.”

So don’t make maneuvering your RV tougher than necessary by packing on a lot of extra weight. A few extra bags or a couple of paddleboards might not seem like a big deal considering how much room you have, but the weight really does add up. Only bring what you really need.

Also, don’t forget about other things that can weigh your RV down, like the water tank. Never drive with the fresh tank completely full—aim to fill your water tank about 1/3 of the way for optimal weight. If you’ve been on the road for a few days, be sure to dump your gray water (used water from the sinks and shower) and black water (from the, er, bathroom) at an official dump station.

4. Crate or otherwise secure your pets while driving

Don’t let pets hang out up front while you’re on the road. (We were parked.)

Fur babies make adorable co-pilots, but it’s not safe to have them roaming free while you’re in transit. Not only can they distract you while driving, but they can get injured if you stop suddenly or get in an accident.

It’s best to keep them in a crate that’s well secured while the RV is moving. Make sure they have access to water, and plan potty stops every few hours.

5. Download an app to make RV-friendly routes

Not all roads are RV-friendly. Some roads are just plain too narrow (or windy) for oversized vehicles. And of course, you’ll want to watch out for bridges and tunnels that are too low to clear.

When we were on our return trip traveling along the East Coast, we were following Google Map directions that put us on a highway with a tunnel that had too low of clearance for us to drive through. Fortunately, there were warning signs that let us know we had to exit before it was too late. But we should have double-checked the route ahead of time to save 30 minutes of double-backing.

Personally, I learned to use the app Roadtrippers. It helped me navigate the most RV-friendly routes and avoided hazards or detours. Also, keep a post-it on your dashboard with your RV’s exact dimensions so you always know if you can fit!

6. Plan where to park ahead of time

My “mini Winnie” is just 24 feet long, which means it’s possible to park it in many regular car spots. And thanks to a huge back window, I can actually see where I’m going when backing up. You may not be so lucky.

“The first night I had my RV, I parked it on my street, not realizing that the city prohibited overnight parking for oversized vehicles. That was $75 down the drain within 12 hours of owning the darn thing, which I could have easily avoided.”

The longer the RV, the harder it is to maneuver. Some gas stations, grocery stores, city streets or even national parks may not be able to accommodate your RV if it’s too big. Figuring out where you’re allowed to stop for gas, food, and most importantly – sleep – is best done ahead of time.

Speaking of sleeping, it’s important to park in safe, RV-friendly areas when you’re done driving for the day. If you don’t want to shell out for a spot in an RV park, some good places to park overnight for free unofficially include Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and truck stops like Flying J and Love’s. But always double-check that RV parking is allowed at that particular location.

RV Parky is a great tool for finding RV parking and reading reviews from others who’ve stayed there. Other good options include All Stays and Harvest Hosts (a paid service).

Nomad View dispersed camping in Wall, South Dakota – a spot we found using RV Parky.

If you’re planning on-street parking, first make sure it’s allowed. The first night I had my RV, I parked it on my street, not realizing that the city prohibited overnight parking for oversized vehicles. That was $75 down the drain within 12 hours of owning the darn thing, which I could have easily avoided.

7. If you’re driving coast-to-coast, budget in the neighborhood of $3,000 for gas and other expenses

The not-so-great part about van life is that it’s not a cost-effective way to travel.

Why? They are really heavy, causing you to burn through a lot of gas. On our 10,000+ mile trip, we spent about $3,000 just in gas. At the time, the average price per gallon was around $3.00 (shout out to Missouri for the $1.70 per gallon gas). Plus, spending several days on the road means you’ll probably end up spending more money on food and drinks than usual. And if you want to stay in an RV park one night, the price can be just as much as a motel.

“If you’re shipping an RV less than 1,000 miles, the average cost is $1.05 per mile. However, if you need your RV shipped further, the average cost jumps to $3.32 per mile.”

Before you hit the road, make a list of all these budget categories and try to estimate how much you’ll spend on each. The trip might cost more than you realized. Set aside enough savings to cover these costs, and spend some time saving up if you need to.

8. Literally schedule time to enjoy the ride

In the span of about a month, I got to see mountain goats hop up the cliffs in Zion, stand at the base of Mount Rushmore, watch a lightning storm over the Badlands, camp alongside bison in Yellowstone, get sprayed by the Niagra Falls, listen to country music in Nashville, see Elvis’ grave in Memphis, sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, take my dogs swimming in the Colorado River, and so much more.

I can confirm… one of the best ways to experience the United States and its diverse landscapes and communities is by driving it cross-country.

So if you have to haul your RV across the country, why not enjoy it? Schedule time to make stops along your route, and buffer a couple of extra days into your schedule in case you want to make an unscheduled stop or spend more time in one area.

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. One last chance to enjoy the views before heading home!

What if I Want To Ship My RV Instead?

Fair enough. As fun as an RV road trip can be, I will admit that it’s also stressful to drive that far. Not to mention, it’s just a bit time-consuming.

Maybe you just bought a new RV that’s several hundred miles away and you want it ASAP. Or maybe you want to post up at an RV resort without making the long drive to get there, or you have a trailer-style RV but no truck to haul it yet. Whatever the case, you might consider shipping your RV instead.

It might feel counterintuitive to ship an RV cross country, but it’s really not! There are plenty of services that do just that. Here are a few ways you can ship an RV:

Towing: One option is to have the moving service use a specialized vehicle and equipment to tow the RV to its new destination. However, this may not be the best option for shipping cross-country
Flatbed: The moving service will use a large truck with a flatbed trailer to haul your RV long-distance (usually tugged along with several others)
Driving: You can hire a driver to personally transport your RV to its destination

You should take all the precautions outlined above to be sure your RV is safe to haul and nothing gets damaged. Additionally, turn off any electronics, and totally disconnect the power supply and gas lines.

How much does shipping an RV cost?

As far as the cost to ship an RV, it will depend on the size of the vehicle and how far it needs to go.

If you’re shipping an RV less than 1,000 miles, the average cost is $1.05 per mile. However, if you need your RV shipped further, the average cost jumps to $3.32 per mile. Other factors, such as gas prices and season, may increase costs.

Moving an RV long-distance isn’t for the timid. You have to be comfortable spending a lot of time behind the wheel, navigating unknown roads and towns, sleeping in a different location every night, and being flexible with your schedule.

If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, it’s okay; you can pay someone else to do it, as long as you can come up with the cash. For my final tip, ask professional long-distance movers what they charge for car shipping—it could save you a lot of money!

Everything You Need To Know Before Moving Into a Tiny Home

Financial Implications of Moving Into a Tiny Home

“Find out if you need to have your tiny home certified or meet local zoning and building codes, which is required in some tiny home communities”

What To Consider About Moving Into a Tiny Home

Figure out what type of tiny home fits your lifestyle

Design according to your priorities

How To Prepare for Moving Into a Tiny Home Community

Moving Your Tiny Home

“Currently, there are about 10,000 tiny homes in the U.S., which accounts for 0.36% of all total residential listings.”

How To Move or Ship an RV and Travel the Country (by Someone Who Did It)

Tips for Driving an RV Cross-country

1. Perform an RV-specific safety check

Crucial RV inspection items (and why they matter for RVs)

“To check for propane leaks, put a little soapy water around any connections and check for rising bubbles.”

Got a propane tank? Do these safety things

2. To keep stuff from rattling, batten down the hatches

“…keep a post-it on your dashboard with your RV’s exact dimensions so you always know if you can fit!”

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

3. Packing light makes things safer (and cheaper)

“Never drive with the fresh tank completely full—aim to fill your water tank about 1/3 of the way for optimal weight.”

4. Crate or otherwise secure your pets while driving

5. Download an app to make RV-friendly routes

6. Plan where to park ahead of time

“The first night I had my RV, I parked it on my street, not realizing that the city prohibited overnight parking for oversized vehicles. That was $75 down the drain within 12 hours of owning the darn thing, which I could have easily avoided.”

7. If you’re driving coast-to-coast, budget in the neighborhood of $3,000 for gas and other expenses

“If you’re shipping an RV less than 1,000 miles, the average cost is $1.05 per mile. However, if you need your RV shipped further, the average cost jumps to $3.32 per mile.”

8. Literally schedule time to enjoy the ride

What if I Want To Ship My RV Instead?

How much does shipping an RV cost?

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