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Today’s interview is with the wonderful April M. about her tiny home. Living in under 300 sq. ft. certainly has its challenges, but April makes it work! Read on to learn more!
Aly: What is your sq. ft.?
April: My square footage is 286 sq feet.
Aly: What is the layout like? (Any lofts, bedrooms, office, living space, etc.?)
April: My apt is an open concept. There is a 11.5′ x 16′ room then a breakfast bar that opens to a kitchen. The bathroom is off to the right.
Aly: What made you decide to live tiny?
April: I decided to downsize because I was having a hard time physically taking care of a big house. I was tired of paying so much to support a 950 sq ft rental home when I lived in about 500 sq ft of it. I realized I was not using many items i.e. a guest bedroom fully decorated and used approximately 4 nights a YEAR!
Aly: How long have you lived tiny?
April: I have been in my apt since June. I downsized my car in April 2013 to a pink Chevy Spark. Then I started clearing out the 950 sq ft rental home and donating/selling about 75% of my belongings. I did not think I was a packrat but once I realized I donated 19 pairs of shorts, 54 tops, etc I realized I didn’t wear, use or even like: I decided to do the whole home.
Aly: How have friends and family reacted to your tiny place?
April: Family and friends thought I was crazy to downsize to 286 sq ft. Now that I am in here, all but one love it and have decided to clean out their homes as well. One loves antiques and has the space so she doesn’t see herself living like I do. And that’s ok!
Aly: What was the journey like transitioning to tiny?
April: The transition was enlightening and fun for me. I was able to do it by myself so I didn’t have to concern myself with others’ opinions or needs. I realized how much I loved my little Spark for the fun it is to drive, financially and environmentally. Then It was so much easier to get dressed when all I kept where 6 shorts, 10 tanks, 5 tshirts, 3 jeans and some “funeral clothes”. The house downsizing was easy – I didn’t realize how many multiples I had, or “just in cases” or “because so and so gave it to me”.
Aly: Do you have any advice for someone wanting to downsize?
April: My advice to anyone downsizing is to not let outsiders influence you. You have to do what you need/want to do for you and your family. “They” don’t live in your home, car, etc – YOU DO. So make it your own and don’t feel guilty.
Tour Amy’s home:
Do you live in 500 sq ft or less? Let us know! We’d love to feature you on our “Tiny Segment.”
Blessings,
Aly
For tips on how to begin your decluttering journey, you can Start Here, or snag a copy of the 30 Day Challenge (our Minimalism and Decluttering eBook).
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