South Florida - The Possibilities!

Just saw an amazing TH community in an article from the UK posted on Facebook. I love it! How fun would it be to do this for a vacation home?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3128176/The-amazing-floating-hotel-guests-drift-private-catamaran-dock-dinner-restaurant.html?ito=social-facebook

The truth is that in thinking about living in a Tiny Home community, there is so much creativity and diversity in how you design it and the cultures you invite. Having a sense of adventure and breaking out of your comfort zone enables you to reap the full benefits of being part of a community. Living in a TH community doesn't mean you won't have your own space and folks always knocking on your door. Everyone is unique. Some love being around people all the time with small pauses to recharge. Others like a more quiet life with the occasional social interaction. We come from different countries, occupations, cultures and generations. However, a whole different perspective comes into view when we open our boundaries to share our time in community with those around us. We learn new skills, develop connection and virtues, such as compassion, understanding and gentleness.

Take some time and write down the TH community you would like to live in. List your hobbies and interests as they will help define where you'd like to live, how you'd like to live and who you'd like for your new neighbors.

Tiny Homes in South Florida: We CAN Do This!

This article was posted in one of the TH sites I frequent. One paragraph from the article stood out as a possible way to facilitate tiny homes and not be in opposition to current building and zoning codes.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article26196871.html

There’s no effort afoot in Charlotte just yet, but Spencer said the subject could come up during a previously planned rewrite of the city’s zoning ordinance. “The tiny house industry could file for a text amendment to the zoning ordinance,” Spencer said. “I doubt the city would initiate a text amendment at this time. This topic is one that could be addressed during the ordinance rewrite."

So, who really, really wants to make this happen here in the tri-county area? Whether you want to build your own tiny home or create a business with tiny homes, we need your voice and your partnership to accomplish this. Please contact us and get involved as we pioneer this movement here in our hometowns.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article26196871.html#storylink=cpy

Downsizing is Not a Bad Word

Ok, maybe I do have somewhat of an advantage over most people who prepare to live tiny. I grew up traveling wherever my step-father's military orders told us to go. Then, as a military wife, we did the same until right after hurricane Andrew when we became permanent residents in a 2000 SF home. Out of necessity, I learned that packing was much easier when you didn't have so much stuff to pack! Not to mention, enjoying the mental and emotional benefits of not having to keep track of it, organize it and maintain it. I continued this practice, or at least made attempts to, with my four children. So much less stressful than enduring their father's loud demands to "clean up your rooms" and the whining that followed.

We all form emotional attachments to stuff and, often, don't realize it until we face the challenge of parting with it. Downsizing requires us to take a hard look at ourselves as we sort through and either toss or pass stuff on. It may be easy or a bit traumatic. However, the benefits far outweigh what it takes to get through this process.

To being the process of downsizing/decluttering, there are some important questions to ask as you prepare to live tiny.

1. Am I ready to part with most of my stuff?
2. How much stuff do I really need to live tiny?
3. What will I do with my time and money when I have more of it?

Set a time limit for yourself on answering these questions. Maybe a week? Fear is the biggest enemy of moving forward toward your goals. List the reasons you can't, then do it anyway. Don't let mental and physical clutter keep you from a better life, lived tiny. Stronger connection and relationships are one of the benefits you gain. Definitely worth getting rid of some stuff!