A couple ditches their expensive home for a debt-free lifestyle in a tiny home community!

Erica and Steve left their large, costly home to live a thrifty life and debt-free in a tiny home community.

“For a long time, we did exactly what everyone else does; we were up to our eyeballs in debt, we spent as much as we could on the biggest, nicest house in the best neighborhood,” Steve said.

The couple started to think differently, pondering their current path and where it was leading.

Despite their efforts to buy a condo, their offer was rejected.

Then, while casually scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, they came across a tiny house.

That discovery marked a turning point for them.

It underscored the significance of upfront decision-making when it comes to selecting a home.

Erica’s love for cooking necessitated a full kitchen, and a cozy spot on the couch for their relaxation was equally essential.

They’ve been living in the tiny home community for a year, after purchasing the tiny house for less than $85,000.

Despite the seemingly high cost, it’s convenient location by the lake, along with being already parked and set up, justified the investment for them.

They also love the tiny home community itself.

“The community was the unexpected bonus of this place we just got lucky with that we love our neighbors we’ve only been here a year, but I’d venture to say they’re more like family than friends already,” said Erica.

They pay a moderate lot rent, around the mid-600s, which includes water and internet, but not the electric bill.

Despite the initial expenses, within a few years, it practically pays for itself.

They achieved freedom from debt by saving from the $2,000 monthly rent they used to pay.

This newfound financial freedom has enabled them to boost their retirement savings, bringing them closer to their goals sooner.

Living small in a tiny home community has taught them what’s truly important and freed them from excess belongings.

The exterior dimensions of their house measure 24 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and roughly 12 feet in height.

It features cheap composite siding that holds up well when painted and caulked but absorbs water like a sponge if it seeps behind.

Reflecting on it, they would have invested in higher-quality siding.

The roof, made of metal, requires minimal maintenance except for removing tree debris.

They use a mini-split system for heating and cooling, which keeps electric bills low.

Although the hot water is good, there’s a downside – if the propane runs out during a shower, it ends with a cold splash.

Upon entering the tiny home, the kitchen immediately grabs attention, especially for these southerners.

Despite its size, they’ve cleverly organized everything they need within it.

They recommend using drawers instead of cabinets for easy access, and highlight the usefulness of a large, deep sink for manual dishwashing.

Despite lacking a dishwasher, they manage with a full stove and oven, having even prepared Thanksgiving dinner for 20 people.

Additionally, they’ve incorporated a bar area with extra storage, and surprisingly ample space for food storage, exceeding expectations for such a compact setting.

The restroom, while small, is fully equipped with everything they require.

It includes a slightly larger than camper-sized shower, a standard flushing toilet (none of that compost stuff), and a bit of storage for their essentials.

The living area is a space they’ve prioritized for comfort and relaxation after a long day’s work.

They’ve prioritized comfort with a super comfortable couch that doubles as a queen-sized bed for guests.

Despite enjoying indoor activities like watching movies and TV, they often entertain themselves outside thanks to Florida’s pleasant weather.

One of them works from home, so the living area serves as an office too, with a folding table converting into a desk setup.

Their furry companion keeps them company throughout the day.

They’ve cleverly utilized two lofts for storage, essential in their compact space.

An intriguing feature of their home is the “witches stairs,” inspired by old folklore where witches couldn’t climb stairs like these.

“According to old folklore witches could not walk upstairs like this, so, if you have any suspicions about your friends, bring them over and test them out,” quipped Erica.

They appreciate the convenience finding them easier to use than narrower stairs.

However, their dog struggles with these stairs as she sleeps in bed with them but can’t ascend them alone.

Despite initial attempts, she now trusts only one of them to carry her, deeming the other unreliable for her needs.

In their bedroom loft, they have a king-size bed.

Despite the compact space, the large dresser holds a surprising number of items.

A standout feature of their tiny home is the extra height in the lofts, allowing them to comfortably sit up, read, and chat.

This contrasts with other lofts where the ceiling is inches from the bed.

They feel lucky to have such spacious loft accommodations.

While the American dream is often associated with owning a traditional home, they challenge this notion.

“Just because everyone else does a certain thing, you know, a certain way doesn’t mean that’s what you have to do. You don’t have to live that way, and we don’t need a giant house, honestly. We spend less time cleaning it, less time maintaining it, and more time doing the things we actually want to do,” said Steve.

Take a quick tour of Erica and Steve’s house in a tiny home community by watching the video below:

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