Why Are Women Drawn to Tiny Houses? One Mom’s Journey to Downsizing

You might be surprised to learn that unlike the #vanlife movement, most tiny house owners are actually women! But why are women so attracted to tiny homes? In my opinion, it’s because these homes offer something other low-cost housing options often don’t: charm and flexibility. These two factors are major selling points for women, especially for single moms who need affordable living solutions while juggling the demands of raising kids.

A Single Mom and Her Daughter Embrace Tiny Living: Erin’s Story

Erin, a single mom from San Diego, was tired of paying sky-high rent for a large apartment in the city. Wanting a simpler, more affordable life in the countryside for her and her 10-year-old daughter, Paulina, she jumped at the chance when she saw an ad for a new Tiny House village being built in the nearby mountains. Without hesitation, she signed a long-term lease for one of the tiny homes in the village.

Downsizing to Fit Her Family’s Needs

To make the transition from a spacious apartment to a tiny house, Erin had to give up a lot of the comforts she was used to. She downsized significantly, even giving Paulina the master loft so she’d have enough space for her beloved stuffed animals and her pet snake’s vivarium. Erin herself sleeps in the lower loft, which is only accessible by a ladder. Her bedroom is small, consisting of a few personal items and a comfy chair that unfolds into a bed-sized cushion. Her favorite spot, though, is the balcony she can crawl out onto from her loft.

For furniture, Erin found an affordable and functional dining set on Amazon that fits their space perfectly. It has wheels and folds up easily, giving her and Paulina a place to sit and eat together. This table doubles as a workspace and a place to set their laptop for Netflix movie nights.

Adapting to Tiny House Life

Living in a tiny house means Erin has had to adjust her daily routine. Without a TV, dishwasher, or oven, she’s had to get creative with her cooking and entertainment. They’ve both learned to share a small closet, and Erin now uses an air fryer for all their meals and coffee-making needs.

Despite the lack of modern conveniences, Erin and Paulina feel closer than ever. As Erin says, “You quickly realize that all you really need is each other.”

A New Lifestyle in the Tiny House Community

Although they now have to drive 45 minutes to get to Paulina’s school and Erin’s job, they both agree that the peace and community of the Tiny House village are worth the trade-offs. Erin describes it as giving her daughter her very own Disney princess castle.

Paulina’s friends are excited to visit her new home, and since moving, she’s taken up new hobbies like hiking, snowshoeing, and birdwatching. With the famous Pacific Crest Trail nearby, Paulina is falling in love with the outdoors and now dreams of living a simple life in nature when she’s older.

“It’s just so awesome!” Paulina says of their tiny house life.

The “Tiny House Block,” the first Tiny House Village in Southern California, is home to four other families so far. Erin and Paulina rent their home full-time, and the village also offers short-term rentals. The community hosts potluck dinners, bonfires, and plans more events to build a tight-knit community.