25 disappointing photos that show the ugly truth of living in a tiny house

Frank OlitoSep 24, 2020, 00:26 IST

Not every tiny house is ideal.Frank Olito/ Insider

Residents let Insider into their tiny homes to show what tiny house living is really like. Some of it isn't so glamorous.
Lofts, which are an important feature in tiny houses, can be cramped, hot, and hard to access.
Appliances like stoves and bathroom sinks are considerably smaller than what many homeowners are used to.

As the tiny house movement sweeps across the US, many are unsure if the downsized life is for them.

While some people no doubt relish the idea of getting rid of most of their belongings and living simply, others can't imagine squeezing their lives into a space smaller than 300 square feet. So, what is it really like to live in one of these tiny homes?

Residents of tiny homes all over the US showed Insider what tiny house living is really like — and it's not always glamorous.

While most people dream of traveling with their tiny house, the reality is that moving your home from one place to another can be quite difficult.

Moving a tiny house. Courtesy of Alexis Stephens

Moving your tiny house can also be expensive.

Moving a tiny house. Courtesy of Tiny House Expedition

If you don't like going to the bathroom in the same spot you get clean, tiny house living may not be for you.

Tiny house bathroom. Frank Olito/ Insider

As all tiny houses are narrow by design, living spaces can be cramped.

A narrow living room. Frank Olito/ Insider

Since everything is smaller in a tiny house, the closet can be a crawl space.

A closet. Frank Olito/ Insider

But the smallest spaces in most tiny houses are the lofts, and some can feel quite enclosed.

A loft. Frank Olito/ Insider

If the small space doesn't get to you, the heat that gets trapped in lofts may.

A loft with a fan. Frank Olito/ Insider

In a tiny house, temperature control can be tricky and if not done right, you can get mold – fast.

AC unit in a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

It's easy for such a tiny space to get untidy fast, according to some owners.

A bedroom in a tiny house loft. Frank Olito/ Insider

It can be quite difficult to get into a tiny house loft, especially for people who are not able-bodied. Makeshift staircases and ladders can be seen in these homes.

A ladder to a loft. Frank Olito/ Insider

Some homeowners use lofts for storage instead of sleeping, but it can be quite the eyesore.

A loft. Frank Olito

Other tiny house owners opt for storage containers but struggle to find a place to put them.

Storage containers. Frank Olito/ Insider

While tiny houses are known for their innovative storage options, those spaces can still be extremely small.

A closet in a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

The bathroom sinks can be considerably smaller than those found in regular-sized homes.

Bathroom sink. Frank Olito/ Insider

Appliances in the kitchen are also smaller.

A stovetop in a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

Likewise, the refrigerators in some tiny houses can be quite small.

A fridge in a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

Hosting dinner parties may be difficult with the small-sized tables that fit into tiny houses.

A kitchen table in a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

Planning a tiny house can be difficult, and sometimes you end up with design quirks, like having a bed right next to your kitchen refrigerator.

Inside a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

... or like this toilet that's right next to a door that opens out on to the yard.

A bathroom in a tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

In case of disaster, like a hurricane, these straps are all that keeps your house from being completely destroyed.

The metal strap. Frank Olito/ Insider

Washer and dryers are not common in tiny houses, so most residents have to visit laundromats, like this one at the Orlando Lakefront community.

Laundry room. Frank Olito/ Insider

Since building codes are not up to date with tiny houses in every state, some contractors are making serious mistakes.

Broken floorboards. Frank Olito/ Insider

The outside of Gilley's house was also built with indoor wood. It will need to be replaced.

Gilley's house. Frank Olito/ Insider

Likewise, Lindsay and Eric Wood said they paid $40,000 for an unfinished tiny house after their builder went out of business.

The unfinished tiny house. Courtesy of Lindsay Wood

While tiny houses are about simple living, the truth is that finding a place to park is not easy. Some choose to go with a stealthier tiny house.

Nathan and Beka Watson. Frank Olito/ Insider

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