The Tiny house Blog

Small Space Hacks for Students

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
September 16, 2023
tiny house student

Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash

The surge in popularity of the tiny house movement has attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds who share the goals of simplifying their lifestyles, lessening their ecological footprint, and embracing minimalism. For financially cautious students, adopting tiny house living presents an appealing option to counter steep rental expenses.

However, adjusting to the tiny house lifestyle can pose difficulties. Within this blog, we will offer indispensable guidance to students embarking on their tiny house adventure, assisting them in optimizing their confined space and alleviating potential sources of stress.

Benefits of Small Space Living

Are you familiar with the concept of the tiny house way of life? It centers around living comfortably and sustainably in compact spaces, making the best use of available resources. For students, whether they reside in a dorm room, a studio apartment, or even a very small house, the principles of optimizing space, effective organization, and practical design hold significant value.

Living small might have you amped up over sustainability in small spaces, but really, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Embracing a compact lifestyle aligns seamlessly with reducing stress and adopting a more straightforward, minimalistic way of living. Think about the advantages of residing in urban areas, where all your necessities are conveniently accessible, leading to cost savings, time efficiency, and reduced exertion.

Embracing the Tiny House Living as a Student

Did you know that living small could be your magic bullet for a successful college career? Compact housing isn't just a buzzword. It's a legit, practical college housing solution where micro living, or studio apartment living, thrives. Top it off with a stress free environment, and you've got a winning recipe for student life.

12 Tiny House Living Hacks for Students

Streamline Possessions Efficiently

One of the foremost and most vital steps toward thriving in a tiny house is the systematic decluttering of your belongings. As a student, it's likely that you've amassed a multitude of items over the years, many of which might not have a place in your new tiny abode. Approach decluttering with determination. Consider donating, selling, or discarding items that are either no longer useful or devoid of sentimental value. Retaining only those possessions that are genuinely necessary will create more room and foster a more comfortable living atmosphere.

Prioritize Versatile Furniture

In a tiny house, every square inch counts. Invest in furniture that serves multiple roles. For instance, think about acquiring a sofa bed that can convert into a sleeping area at night, or a dining table that can double as a workspace during the day. Folding or wall-mounted furniture can also be instrumental in conserving space when not in use.

Utilize Vertical Space

Leveraging vertical space in your tiny house to its utmost potential is crucial. Install shelves, hooks, and cabinets on the walls to facilitate vertical storage. This not only augments storage capacity but also imparts a less cluttered feel to the living space. Another creative way to utilize walls is by engaging in vertical gardening, which brings a touch of nature into your home.

Organize Efficiently

Effective and efficient organization is pivotal to sustaining a neat and orderly tiny house. Invest in storage containers, baskets, and organizers to keep your possessions systematically arranged. Employ labeling to expedite the process of locating items swiftly. Regularly revisiting and reorganizing your belongings will help stave off the accumulation of clutter.

Embrace Minimalism

Tiny house living endorses the principles of minimalism. Embrace this philosophy by adopting a judicious approach to your purchases. Before acquiring new items, query yourself about their necessity or their actual value in your life. Opting for quality over quantity and focusing on experiences rather than material possessions can lead to a more gratifying life in a tiny dwelling.

tiny house student living
Photo by Surface on Unsplash

Downsize Your Wardrobe

Your wardrobe represents an area where you can significantly downsize. Consider adopting a capsule wardrobe, comprising a concise selection of versatile clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched. Donate or store seasonal attire elsewhere to liberate space within your tiny house.

Leverage Outdoor Space

Tiny house living often mandates capitalizing on your outdoor surroundings. Erect an outdoor living area with amenities like a deck, patio, or seating arrangement. This extension of your living space can provide an additional area for relaxation, dining, and socializing.

Invest in Smart Technology

Modern technology can enhance the comfort and efficiency of tiny house living. Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and security devices can assist in remotely managing your tiny home's functions while conserving energy. These investments can elevate your overall living experience while curtailing utility expenses.

Digitize Your Organization

Digitizing your documents and notes can diminish the need for physical paperwork. Employ digital note-taking applications, cloud storage, and organizational tools to keep your academic and personal life in order. This approach will curtail the necessity for physical storage within your tiny dwelling.

Consider Off-Grid Living

Certain students opt to embrace off-grid living in their tiny houses by installing solar panels, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems. Although this may necessitate an initial investment, it can result in long-term savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

Plan for Privacy

Residing in a tiny house may necessitate adaptations in terms of privacy. If you share your tiny home with a partner or roommate, make provisions for designated spaces for personal time and privacy. Options like curtains, room dividers, or folding screens can be employed to establish separate areas.

Stay Mindful of Local Regulations

Before embarking on your journey into tiny house living, conduct research on local zoning and building regulations. Ensure that your tiny house aligns with local laws and regulations, encompassing considerations like parking, utilities, and safety. Neglecting this step could potentially lead to legal complications and difficulties in securing a suitable location for your tiny home.

Conclusion

Tiny house living, as embraced by students, offers the prospect of a rewarding and eco-conscious choice. However, its successful realization hinges on meticulous planning and a commitment to simplifying your life. Through decluttering, efficient space utilization, the endorsement of minimalism, and thoughtful selection of furniture and technology, you can craft a cozy and functional living environment within your tiny house. Remember that the essence of triumphant tiny house living lies not merely in minimizing physical space but also in maximizing the quality of your life and experiences. With these pointers in your repertoire, you are well-prepared to embark on your expedition into the realm of tiny house living as a student.

All said and done, embracing the tiny house living as a student is all about appreciating the beauty of simplicity. It encourages you to experiment, to innovate with versatile furniture, smart storage, and brainy space enhancing designs.

Did you enjoy this post and find value in it? Share it with your friends with the links below!

Need more info? Get

By submitting your email, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms

Subscribe to get the latest news

This is a new way to communicate faster than any communication platforms

Thank you!
Your submission has been received! Check your inbox for an email from info@tinyhouse.com with more info!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or email us at support@tinyhouse.com. Thanks!
Want all the latest tiny house inspo and news?

Get free resources, updates, tips & tricks, and special offers by joining the Tiny House Plan Newsletter.

No items found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers — straight from the author — for the most common questions about this article.

Don't see your question here? Contact us!
Are there any legal considerations when students choose to live in a tiny house?
How can I optimize the limited space in my small living area or tiny house?
What are some of the advantages of compact living for students?
What does the tiny house lifestyle entail, and how can it be advantageous for students?

Join The Tiny House Community

Occasionally: Community Events, DIY Tips and Tricks, Tiny House Guides
Never: Junk or Spam and we don't sell or misuse your email.
Welcome to the fam! We're excited to have you join the community.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or use the form below.