I have no reason for being unhappy. I’m relatively healthy, have a good job, great friends, sweet cats, a nice house with a reasonable rent, fun hobbies… Just turn on the TV and you’ll see there are loads of people worse off than me. Maybe you recognize this: you know it all, but still… something’s missing. This is the story of my adventure: of living in a terrace house with 3 bedrooms and a front- and backyard and of moving into a so-called ‘Tiny House’.
Should you have no idea what a Tiny House is, go google it! A world will open up to you!! I’ve been living in my rental house for over 12 years and have wanted to move for at least 6 of them. I have considered buying a house, but can’t afford the houses I like. Lately I’ve been following the Tiny House Movement and have gradually come to realize this would be a great solution for me. When I think about my basic needs and wishes for a home, it’s mainly a cozy, comfortable, warm little place, lots of wood, nice surroundings, nature, peace and quiet, and actually I wouldn’t mind being able to pack up my things and move on again either.
I would also love to live more sustainably and in a more environmentally-friendly way. In the last year I’ve really become aware of the state of humanity in terms of what we’re doing to the earth (let alone each other, but that’s another story entirely) and I’ve decided I want to make a contribution to something better. Change the world, start with yourself. Right? So that’s it, I’m going for it.
As a fervent Pinterester, I was constantly collecting beautiful pictures on my ‘sustainability and off-grid living’ board. And I was badgering all of my friends and colleagues with ‘Check this out! How amazing is that? I want this!’ until one of my friends asked me why I didn’t just go for it? Get a loan and have such a tiny house built; he was sure it would be possible.
That really got me thinking. He’s right, isn’t he? After all, why not? This is what gets me all excited. I can’t think of anything else. Ok, truth be told, I know I can at times be completely taken in with something that usually doesn’t last. I can convince anyone of my ideas when I’m in such a phase, except perhaps my parents (very annoying ;)) And yes, let me be totally honest here, this could be just such a phase. Three years ago I had my heart set on moving to Amsterdam, which is the last thing on my mind right now. Two years ago I thought living in Alkmaar would be just the thing. And a year ago I decided I’d rather stay in my hometown Langedijk. But the fact is: I want something different. And the advantage of a Tiny House is, you can move it! The idea of owning less stuff, simplifying my life, that really appeals to me as well. And don’t forget that eventually it‘s a lot cheaper, which means I’ll have more money to travel, work less, or do whatever I want.
So this is the start of my adventure: March 6th I have an appointment with Hermit Houses to talk about the possibilities for having my very own Tiny House! They are already building one for somebody else, so hurray! Let’s do this!
By the way, I don’t think many people will read this blog and I don’t really mind; I’m writing this more for myself anyway. But who knows? There may be other people who have similar ideas and who could benefit from my writings: giving them tips, peace of mind, anything.
Cheers,
Marjolein
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