Newstory: Could You Live in 144 Square Feet?

[CosmicWizard]

During the Thoreau-esque days in my middle 20s, I spent the better part of a year living in a 12 x 20 cabin ( with an additional 8 x 12 loft space ) that I built with logs and used lumber. My bathroom was an out house that I also built myself. I got my water from a spring about 75 yards from the cabin. I took showers in the gymnasium of a local university about 3 miles down the mountain from my cabin. The cabin was heated with a wood stove, and my light came from a kerosene lantern. At that time in my life I actually enjoyed the experience. I am currently living very comfortably in a 1950 sf house. At age 60, I'm not so sure that roughing it in a small space would be as gratifying as it once was.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by CosmicWizard

During the Thoreau-esque days in my middle 20s, I spent the better part of a year living in a 12 x 20 cabin ( with an additional 8 x 12 loft space ) that I built with logs and used lumber. My bathroom was an out house that I also built myself. I got my water from a spring about 75 yards from the cabin. I took showers in the gymnasium of a local university about 3 miles down the mountain from my cabin. The cabin was heated with a wood stove, and my light came from a kerosene lantern. At that time in my life I actually enjoyed the experience. I am currently living very comfortably in a 1950 sf house. At age 60, I'm not so sure that roughing it in a small space would be as gratifying as it once was.

I love that! You just made my day. Thank you!

[mommabear2]

I think the houses are really cute - like the "tiny homes"

TinyHouses

I think at one point these little houses were going for the mid-30K (WAY to much IMO). The funny thing is, it's not much different than living in an Airstream or a motor home except it just looks like a house. Not a unique concept living in a tiny home on wheels.

I used to live in a 500 sq ft studio which was fine w/ me - but I was by myself. I can't imagine what it would be like with someone else in such a small area....

[formercalifornian]

I guess I'll join the minority opinion. I like it, and I admire her gumption. I've fantasized for years about living in a tiny house. I think 500-600 feet would be perfect for my husband and me once our kids are on their own, although my taste runs more toward Ross Chapin than Tumbleweed.

[RT85]

I used to spend my summers living in a 8'x8' canvas tent while working as a camp counselor. Some of the other counselors had to share their tent with one other person. It was more than enough space for temporary housing.

My last dorm room in college was only 8'x6'. I slept on a top bunk bed and my desk was the bottom bunk.

I think I would need at least 128 square feet with running water for permanent housing by myself. From my point of view, a family of three or four could probably live comfortably in a 500 square foot house. Beyond 1000 square feet is just too luxurious for me.