My Tiny House

I lived in a tiny house that was 35 feet long and ten feet wide, for three years. It was safety wired and plumbed for use in the places we lived and cost under fifty thousand. It was on wheels and the interior was designer decorated inside. All of the fixtures were scaled down but just as useful as regular. It had a three piece bath with tub (did my laundry in it) and shower, a vanity sink, ample storage, a split level living room with sleeper couch, casual club chair, TV, end table,  coffee table, desk and book shelves. The upper level living room had surround windows with drapery and venetian blinds and on the desk, was our electric keyboard and CD player. All ceilings accommodated six footers. The kitchen sported an ell-shaped counter, double stainless sink, a four burner gas stove and oven, a fridge/freezer, a roll out pantry, a four person eating nook that doubled as a bed unit with storage under. We enjoyed hot water for the unit and power of course throughout. On stopping, we had to wait a bit for hot water while we settled in.  In the double bedroom, the bed lifted for storage under, there were two larger closets and two smaller ones on either side. There was tasteful carpeting and lino on the floors throughout, the double windows all around, had entone drapery and screens. Everything was winterized. Air conditioning was available, but we didn't favour it. The patio when needed was a fold down awning that covered most of the side and draping from it, was a privacy screen. The whole unit was truck ready to haul with a few unhookings and hookings up. The metal sided unit had storage under it for large items as well as the big propane tanks, heating and sewage and water equipment. All the appliances were a choice of electric with hook-ups or gas at the turn of a dial. If you haven't already guessed, yes, it was a fifth wheel trailer RV. These days people are going to huge expense, building "tiny houses" and attempting to find where to put them, what with restrictions and safety requirements. Having lived in the RV that continued to be used as a home when sold, were the best years of our lives. We worked for decades and then sold out and went "on the road". We bought the brand new RV fully furnished other than linens and dishes to take, stored all else and overnight, hit the road. We loved every minute of the gypsy life and met fine folks and visited amazing places. We even had a computer on board. The vehicle to haul us and our cat, Abby, was a diesel crew cab truck and it took us all over North America from top to bottom and side to side, in complete comfort and driving ease. We found lots of accommodation for RVs everywhere with short or long term rental pads and services.  Not only were these locations great visual spots to live in for a few weeks, but they also offered swimming pools and other recreation areas and plans. If you wanted more luxury you could find it in joining clubs. Those who are out there struggling to DIY might look into these sorts of units designed for living in semi permanently. Nothing is ever quite "permanent", and these units do have  quality if paid for, that meet all of the standards necessary . Sure they are made of metal not wood, but come now, which is more carefree and durable? Check good RVs out if you don't want all the headaches of building from scratch. A second hand one can be updated quite easily. Our home on wheels was very attractive inside and worked perfectly, too.  Or - do it the hard way.