While the initial change into a tiny home can be a lot of work at the start, when it's done right, it will be worth all that extra effort. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any extra space to fill; you'll just have a cozy, well-designed place of your own.

To help you kick off your downsize project, we’ve put together our must-know preparation tips for setting up a tiny home.

Do a Full Analysis of Your Site

Before you look at the construction phase of your tiny home, it's important that you find a suitable site to build it on. This could be land you already own or a new piece you have your eye on to purchase. Either way, the site should have solid drainage and proper groundwork for tiny homes to prevent issues down the line, like damage from heavy rainfall.

Along with the site's location, you'll want to find out if you’re legally allowed to build on the plot of land you've selected. Different states might have certain building laws that you must follow when it comes to home size. If you start construction without the proper permits, it could lead to legal complications later on.

Build With Power in Mind

One thing you'll want to keep in mind when constructing a small property is the power source. Think about how you'll turn on your TV in the evenings or turn on the kettle in the morning; these things all need power. You'll have to either connect to the local grid or opt for something more renewable, like solar panels.

At first, it may be easier to go with the local grid to ease yourself into the new home. Electrician services are essential for optimal tiny home living, as they ensure the house is safe to move into. At least you won’t have to give yourself added stress worrying about light bulbs or sockets not working, as your electrician will have taken care of it. However, if you try to take on the job by yourself, you might not be able to do it properly, which could cause major issues if you're not careful.

Be Smart With Your Material Choice

Building a new home these days isn’t cheap, no matter what size you have in mind. The average price per square foot ranges from $50 to $400, and that’s before you even look into the materials. This is why, when many people decide to construct a smaller house, they tend to include some form of recycled materials, as it can greatly reduce the costs. Homeowners often go for materials like reclaimed wood or certain types of recycled metals for certain parts of the design, as they're seen as a safe option.

Because the home will be on the smaller side, every material counts, or else it can be detrimental to the end result. Lighter materials will give you more space to work with, but since it will be your home and longevity is important, durability also needs to be considered. Take steel, for example; its strength is unmatched, and it can be used in many ways without you having to worry about it getting destroyed.

Lay Out Your Floor Plan Beforehand

When things reach the floor planning stage, it starts to get exciting, as it's your chance to fully put your stamp on things. There's so much to think about, from how many rooms you want to include to determining how big your living area will be.

Remember, because you're going to be residing in a small home going forward, it might be a good idea to downsize the number of possessions you own. That doesn't mean you have to throw away everything, but rather just wave goodbye to the stuff you don't use. Take your couches, for example. Do you really need three of them when only two people are living in the house? Not really, unless you have guests over.

Utilize Vertical Space Where Possible

Ask any of your friends who own a tiny home if they have enough space, and they'll tell you they don't. Well, that's just the nature of living in a small area. However, that doesn't mean you need to have no extra room to spare. You can actually have quite a lot of space available if you just utilize the available vertical space where possible.

Since the floor won't give you much to work with, it's time to look vertically to see what you can do. Imagine standing cabinets that lead upwards or shelving that doesn't require much space at all. These are the types of ideas that will help your small home work in your favor. If you start using the ground for everything, you're only going to use up valuable room when that can be put to good use in other ways.

Buy Furniture That Can Serve Multiple Purposes

Beautiful furniture will really bring your new home to life but don't forget that space will be limited, so you'll want to select wisely. Where possible, try to buy furniture that can be used for multiple purposes rather than something you can only use occasionally.

Look at different bed types that can be used for storage; ottoman beds are a great example, as you can use the space underneath to store items. If you work from home and need an office for your daily routine, think outside the box. Something like a wall-mounted desk can work wonders as it folds up when you're not using it. Another clever suggestion is to have a dining table that transforms into a coffee table, so you can switch up the setup with the click of a finger.

Factor in Your Lifestyle

A property isn't just for sleeping in; it's for living, and the way you live will dictate how you set up your home. Are there certain things you like to do on a daily basis? Maybe you work out at home, or perhaps having a quiet space for reading is essential to you. If you do either of these things, your property should be designed to accommodate them.

Gyms will need a certain amount of available space with an area to organize your equipment. On the other hand, the reading zone will require a cozy spot to sit and be away from all the action. Don't want to use up all that area for one purpose? Make use of it in different ways instead; something like a game room can also be used for storage; every centimeter counts.

Prep for Your New Tiny Home With These Tips

Space is going to be limited when you move into a tiny home; it's just a part of living somewhere like this. But if you approach the move with an open mind, you can prepare for the trickiest situations and be set up to deal whatever comes your way.

Ready to take the next step in your tiny home journey? Visit our home page to explore expert resources, innovative designs, and everything you need to create the perfect small-space living experience. Your dream tiny home starts here!