Innovate Senior Living: Benefits of Tiny Homes for Seniors

We’re living longer! And that means we need to think about what happens after retirement and how much space we need. With the average house size in the United States at 2,600 square feet, it becomes difficult for an empty nester to downsize into smaller homes that cost less. But new solutions are emerging: tiny houses for seniors! 

Pros and Cons of Tiny Homes For Seniors

Pros: 

• More affordable and less space in the home

• Less maintenance, since they are smaller

• Easy to move around, as they are so minimalistic

• Doesn’t require a lot of construction skills, as the process is quick and straightforward using essential and small tools

Cons: 

• You’ll need to be an active senior who can take care of the tiny home on their own. It can be difficult if you’re infirmed or disabled. These types of retirement homes require more independent living. 

• There are concerns about safety in a smaller home, such as smaller walls that could collapse.

• You’ll need to find a design and builder who can accommodate your specific needs since there isn’t enough size or structure to accommodate many disabilities.

However, there are some great designers out there that are making tiny homes a reality for seniors. If you’re ready to downsize from a larger house but not ready to give up on the luxuries of homeownership and a traditional house, try one of these ten ideas for tiny homes for seniors!

1. Create a loft for an additional bedroom.

Creating a loft can make the difference between being comfortable in a smaller area and feeling claustrophobic if you have space. The loft can be great for an additional bedroom or living room, along with storage. It’s simple to build and will add 40 to 80 square feet to your home!

2. Add a sunroom for conversation space and more light in the home.

Adding a sunroom can give you an entertainment space that is all your own and give you the freedom to keep a social lifestyle. It’s a great way to add more seating into the home and add natural light and color. This can also serve as a green space in this housing option.

3. Include an atrium to bring in extra light and fresh air.

The perfect place for a birdfeeder! An atrium is a perfect option for anyone who wants to grow plants or have a pet bird. You can also add an atrium to any room, including the kitchen and accessible bathrooms, although they won’t have the same effect as an enormous atrium.

4. Add a mudroom for storage.

A mudroom is an excellent idea for anyone who has messy hobbies or needs storage for seasonal items that aren’t needed very often. It’s also great to store items you frequently use in hard-to-reach spaces, such as cleaning supplies or yard tools!

5. Add an attic.

While you may not need storage, you can still use this space for additional storage, a workout area, or even a small bed. It’s also great for enclosing an outdoor area to create more living space!

6. Build your tiny home on wheels.

It is the most affordable option available and the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of a smaller home without sacrificing safety or mobility! You may be surprised at how easy it is to build your own tiny house on wheels. Keep exploring more customization options when it comes to your affordable housing goals.

7. Keep your extra furniture tucked away.
If you’re downsizing, you’re going to want to keep all of your extra furniture somewhere out of sight. Smaller rooms can feel cluttered much more quickly when there’s too much stuff on the floor.

8. Add a porch.

Adding a pier and porch is the perfect way to add more living space to your cottage. It’s also great for entertaining!

9. Add a half bath for convenience!

Adding a half bath will make your home more convenient, and you’ll never have to worry about what you’re going to do when nature calls later at night or in the middle of an afternoon nap.

10. Add a small kitchen.

If you’re downsizing, you’ll need to make sure you’re not losing any of the comforts and conveniences of your home. It means having a designated space for preparing your meals.

What It’s Like Living in Tiny Homes for Seniors After Living in a Normal-Sized Home?

1. It’s Not Easy!

Living in a tiny house has its advantages and downsides. For example, it’s easy to be self-sufficient and cut down on your energy bills since you don’t have to heat or cool your cozy home as much. However, it’s much harder to cook or do a lot of activity, so it’s essential to keep the house neat and tidy! An electric cooktop can also be of great help.

2. It’s Less Convenient.

While it’s great that your home doesn’t have nearly as many appliances, you’ll have to be more intentional about your choices to make sure you’re using the right ones for cooking and cleaning. For example, I had no dishwasher available in my tiny home, so I used a basin instead. It was inconvenient, but I found that the bay worked best for my small space.

3. You’ll Be Surrounded by Great People.

Living in a tiny home is strange, and it can feel lonely at first, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget. It can be a great way to meet and mingle with other people who love living on the smaller side of life! There are tons of great communities now switched to the tiny-house movement where it’s easy to find others inspired by tiny homes like yours. 

4. It’s Nice to Be Able To Do More For Yourself.

When you’re living in recreational vehicles or a tiny home, you can take advantage of the fact that it’s super easy to do things such as cook, clean, wash your clothes, and run your car — all by yourself! Living in feet of space home can make these chores difficult because you’re reliant on many more people for help.

5. It Can Make a Big Difference in Your Finances.

When you’re living in a tiny home, you may never have to worry about the “cost of a home” ever again. It’s an incredible feeling to know that no matter where you move, your house will always feel like a home because it’s so cozy without any additional cost!

6. It Shrinks Your Carbon Footprint.

Living in a tiny house is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint on the earth. You can live entirely off the grid!

7. It’s Efficient.

Have you ever noticed that a lot of times, tiny homes are ancient? That’s because small spaces were created when folks didn’t have room for all of the excess “stuff” we do today.

8. It’s Less Stressful.

Tiny homes allow you to live in a space where everything has its place. Instead of wondering where you put your keys or where you left your favorite sweater, it’s all right in front of you! Unlike living in studio apartments, a tiny home will leave you with no other space to keep things messy.

Now you know some of the top benefits of living in a tiny home and why so many people choose this lifestyle over traditional nursing homes. If you’re looking for an easy way to downsize your life and live in a cozy, comfy space, then it may be time for you to consider building your own modular homes. You’ll get to see how better it could be to live in creative cottages while still getting the same quality of care as that of other senior living communities or assisted living facilities.