Simplified Lifestyle and Compact Dwellings Deliver Significant Advantages
Living Small, Living Large: The Tiny House Movement Gains Momentum
In the heart of Cottonwood, Arizona, two advocates of a growing movement are making a statement about living simply and sustainably. Marc Authier and Sharon Petz have embraced the Tiny House lifestyle, choosing to live in compact homes of 400 square feet or less.
Marc Authier and his wife, both champions of the movement, have built their Tiny Houses to pursue a life of minimalism. Authier, who grew up with more but found happiness in less, believes that the benefits of downsizing have been worth it. "A Tiny House provides an opportunity for financial freedom and travel," he says.
Similarly, Sharon Petz, who recently moved into her custom-built Tiny House called The Rose of Sharon, plans to try out her new home after it is furnished. She sees a Tiny House as perfect for a simpler life that may be more meaningful. "Living in a Tiny House requires a re-evaluation of priorities, with a greater emphasis on relationships and needs versus wants," she explains.
The Tiny House movement is not just about living small; it's about living intentionally. Proponents cite sustainability, economic independence, and green living as key reasons for choosing this lifestyle. The movement advocates for a more mindful approach to consumption, encouraging residents to consider what is truly necessary.
The average house size in the United States has grown significantly over the years. In 1978, the average house was 1,780 square feet, but by 2013, this had increased to 2,662 square feet. In contrast, Sharon Petz's Tiny House, built on an 8' x 20' trailer, has 194 square feet of livable space.
Authier's Tiny House, originally built in Flagstaff in 2008, has a size of approximately 120 square feet. Two of its walls were made out of papercrete, a material made from recycled old newspapers, cement, and sand. The house, now located in Cottonwood, features a rainhead shower, sandstone shower wall, a wall-mounted faucet, a sink vessel on a granite countertop, a composting toilet, upgraded lighting, Cedar Cove siding, a green metal roof, and a small porch area.
The cost of building a Tiny House can vary greatly. Authier kept costs low by using recycled materials and self-build, whereas Petz hired contractor Bret Hagan of Frontier Development to build her customized Tiny House, which was completed in three months. The cost of a Tiny House can range from $3,500 using recycled materials and volunteer labor to $25,000-35,000 for a customized space and trailer, with hiring a contractor adding $16,000 or more.
As more people embrace the Tiny House lifestyle, they are finding that the benefits extend beyond financial savings. Reduced stress, increased freedom, a closer connection to nature and community, and sustainable living are just a few of the rewards that Marc Authier and Sharon Petz have experienced. Their stories serve as a testament to the growing movement's broader motivations: financial independence, sustainability, simplicity, and lifestyle flexibility.
Engaging in life hacks such as using compact shelving and multi-purpose furniture can help optimize minimalist living within Tiny Houses, fostering a freedom lifestyle. For those considering the home-and-garden upgrade, downsizing could lead to a more meaningful lifestyle with a greater emphasis on relationships and needs versus wants.
