My Journey of Living Three Years in a Tiny Forest Home – With Future Changes in Mind

Three and a half years ago, I embarked on an adventure by relocating to a petite home nestled in California's mountainous wilderness. This lifestyle change has eliminated excessive clutter and minimized my cleaning chores.

However, I long for closeness with my family in the Midwest and more room to accommodate my belongings. The inspiration for tiny living struck after watching a documentary about minimalism, revealing a simpler life. As someone recovering from compulsive collecting, the idea resonated deeply.

After extensive research and preparation, I transitioned from Minnesota to this enclave of small homes in a national park in California. My modest dwelling spans 388 square feet and includes two lofts, full bathroom facilities, a kitchen, and even laundry provision.

Our community, comprising roughly twenty-four similar homes, is welcoming and tight-knit, something I’ve cherished even more while working close by. This living arrangement has been fulfilling for over three years, although I anticipate a potential need for change.

Lessons and Gifts of Minimalist Living

Adopting a minimalist lifestyle taught me the powerful lesson that 'less truly can be more.' With less clutter, my mental peace is significantly enhanced. In a limited space, owning fewer items is almost natural.

In the past, larger homes led to unintentional accumulation of items. Now, every purchase is made mindfully, ensuring that essentials take the spotlight. If new clothing is needed, it's preceded by donating belongings no longer in use.

The reduction in household chores has been profound, as a smaller area means quicker cleaning. Weekly laundry has become routine, unlike before when clothes could linger unaddressed for extended periods.

Attachment to My Tiny Home Amid Life Changes

While I feel at home wherever my tiny house rests, circumstances might propel future changes. My family remains in Minnesota, and with my mother facing health issues, I don’t wish to burden my sibling, who lives nearby, with full caregiving responsibilities.

The thought of hauling my home back to the Midwest appeals, as the emotional bond to my mobile abode is strong. It's mobile given its wheeled foundation, and a suitable spot for it still exists on my parents' property.

Transporting the home back across states would mirror its initial journey to California, after which connections to utilities would need addressing. My comfort level with tiny living remains steady, but permanence in this form may wane.

Looking Forward to Larger Spaces

Though satisfied with current simplicity, I yearn for some past possessions, stored in my Minneapolis bedroom. Art, sentimental keepsakes, and cherished wooden furniture feel absent from my current residence.

A piano bequeathed by my parents awaits, impossibly large for my present home. Ideally, someday accommodating a more expansive living area, say between 600 and 800 square feet, would satisfy these needs.

A larger environment would also cater to hobbies like yoga without hindrances and return the luxury of a traditional closet. I've contended with low ceilings affecting daily activities, an issue that may worsen with age.

Despite relishing single life, the prospect of sharing my home one day presents practical difficulties in sharing a limited space, encouraging thoughts of expansion to more spacious quarters in the future.

Yet, the present benefits of tiny living surpass its drawbacks. I appreciate the current journey, whether it lasts mere months or stretches another decade.