On iTunes recently, I spotted a documentary on living small. As I age, and think about next steps for Gretchen and me, of empty nest syndrome (our two sons, 22 & 17, are nearly there now), I’m considering the entire idea of downsizing. Already in that state of mind, the film’s title, “Tiny: A Story About Living Small,” caught my attention. “TINY” is a documentary about home, and how we find it.

“The film follows one couple’s attempt to build a “tiny house” from scratch, and profiles other families who have downsized their lives into homes smaller than the average parking space.”

 

The idea of “downsizing” as a boomer isn’t new, but what is new, apparently, is the fervor over a 400 square foot lifestyle. The home my family of four shares is + 2800 sq. ft., and thinking about willingly opting for a space the size of our master bedroom, while appealing in many ways, will be debated by Gretchen and me.

This “tiny house” phrase describes the building, but also characterizes a movement, according to Thom Stanton, owner of Timber Trails, a tiny-home builder in Chesterfield, Virginia, about 150 miles from us.

According to Stanton, us boomers are eager to embrace less maintenance, less financial obligation (many boomers just pay the home off well before the mortgage due date), and emotional freedom. Stanton offers a “declaration” on his web site that sounds more like something I recall from the UC Berkeley days of protest:

“Those in the global Tiny House Movement stand as one united in our right to live safe, simple, and free lives.”

“The struggle against autocratic oppression that limits an independent choice of lifestyle is as old as civilization itself.” “Live Large, Go Tiny!”

At 400 sq. ft., these are very tiny, indeed. From the TinyByDesign web site, here is an animated slide show tour of a tiny house, specifically designed for the boomer audience.

Digging on the Tiny By Design web site and the company’s Facebook page, you’ll find specs, prices and an upcoming Tiny House Roadshow in Cookeville, Tennessee, April 1,2, & 3. Specifically, the house in the video is for sale, offers 400 sq. ft. of living space, and sells for about $65,000.

To me, the idea of tiny house living is surprising, and may be in our future, but I’m very interested in learning more and likely will attend a local “Tiny Home Show.”

Pictures below are courtesty of TinyByDesignHomes, and copyrighted.