Young teacher saved $6,000 a year to stop renting and finally bought a tiny home to live freely

For over three years, Katie has fully embraced an alternative lifestyle by living in her tiny home called the “Tiny Tree”

As a teacher, she enjoys sharing her unique way of life with her students, who are often fascinated by her stories.

Her cozy home includes two lofts, a small but functional kitchenette, a full bathroom with a bathtub, and special features like a catwalk and a catio designed for her cat.

This choice allows her to live flexibly and saves her approximately $6,000 annually in rent.

How her alternative lifestyle in a tiny home started

Katie’s journey into tiny house living began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching online gave her the flexibility to rethink her lifestyle.

“I didn’t want to be a renter anymore,” Katie said. “Owning a tiny home allowed me to move my home while I figured out where I wanted to settle.”

She found her house on Facebook Marketplace and TinyHouseListings.com. The moment she saw it, she knew it was the one.

After purchasing the home, Katie moved it several times across Washington, hiring professional movers.

“Moving the tiny home is an exciting process,” she shared. “It’s been pretty painless, and we’ve never had major issues.”

Currently, Katie parks her 26-foot-long, 10-foot-wide, and 14-foot-high home on a plot of land in Bellingham, where she’s lived for over a year and a half.

The landowner rents to a small community of tiny home dwellers. Katie pays $700 monthly for her spot, including water and power hookups.

A home built for functionality and comfort

Katie’s tiny home is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality.

The exterior features a skirting made from recycled wooden pallets and a tarp, acting as a vapor barrier to keep the home warm during Washington’s cold winters.

A ventless, tankless water heater and insulated pipes ensure smooth operation even in freezing temperatures.

Inside, Katie has created a space that feels open and inviting. The living room features a couch that converts into a daybed, with storage underneath.

“I love the big windows,” she said. “They let in amazing light during summer and can be covered in winter to keep things cozy.”

The kitchen includes a four-burner gas stove, a double sink, and an apartment-sized fridge.

Open shelving, crafted from wood from fallen trees, adds a personal touch.

“These shelves are my favorite part of the tiny house,” Katie shared.

Her bathroom includes a composting toilet, a compact bathtub, and a washer-dryer combo.

Katie replaced the bathroom door with curtains to make the space more open.

The loft is her sleeping area upstairs, featuring a full-size bed and windows that provide cross-ventilation in summer.

Embracing the alternative lifestyle

Katie’s love for an alternative lifestyle is evident in how she tailors her home to meet her and her pets’ needs.

She built a catio and a catwalk to ensure her cat could explore safely. “It’s her way of going outside without wandering too far,” she explained.

Living tiny has also opened up financial and lifestyle benefits. By owning her home, Katie only pays for the land, saving significant money compared to traditional renting.

“The difference between my rent here and renting in town is about $500 a month,” she said.

Beyond finances, Katie enjoys the flexibility her tiny home provides. She has moved it across several locations in Washington, including Olympia and Hood Canal.

Her current spot is her favorite, offering a fenced yard for her dog, a fire pit, and access to a nearby mountain biking trail.

Inspiring others through her journey

Katie’s alternative lifestyle has sparked curiosity and admiration among her friends, family, and students.

“My students love hearing about my tiny house,” she said. “It’s been a cool way to show them that not everyone has to live in a traditional house in a neighborhood.”

Although she doesn’t plan to live in a tiny home forever, Katie cherishes the experience. “These past few years have been a blessing,” she said.

“Being in charge of my surroundings and tailoring my environment to my lifestyle has been incredibly rewarding.”

Katie believes the tiny house lifestyle is more accessible than many think. “It’s a flexible and affordable way to live,” she said. “It’s not for everyone, but it’s been perfect for me.”

Watch Katie as she gives a tour of her tiny house, “Tiny Tree,” and shares her journey to embracing an alternative lifestyle:

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