Well, the paperwork is signed, and I’ve done it. Though I have sexed up this project by calling it a “Tiny Home” in reality I’ve just purchased a mobile home. A trailer. Just let the classiness of that sink in. (And by that I mean: YOU let it sink in. Cuz I can’t. Every time I think about it too deeply I feel the hot high pitch of fear rise up and I wet myself a little.)
Not many people aspire to trailer park living. So why, in the middle of my 30’s with two kids and a small business did I decide to purchase a tired and slightly dumpy mobile home?
The short and sweet of it is that my husband and I have gone our separate ways. It was not my first choice as a conclusion for 2018. But the silver lining to this massive life change is the rare opportunity to start over again. Like a Tiger Mom on an organizing binge, I am picking up every part of my life and asking myself: “Does this bring me joy?” I have a chance to curate a new lifestyle for myself, rebuilding from the ground up. So again… why the TRAILER HOME Katie!?
After the division of our assets, I am able to afford to start over – but not by much. As a small business owner, I face challenges qualifying for a mortgage. And even though housing prices are slumping in Durham Region, prices are still high for me to purchase a home on my own. Rent prices seemed equally astronomical to me. Right when my frustration over a lack of options was hitting its peak, I saw the trailer on MLS. It’s very low price meant that I could afford to purchase the unit outright. So, NO MORTGAGE, NO RENT. VERY LOW CARRYING COSTS. I would also have enough money left over to completely redesign the interior of the home, aaaaand that closed the deal.
I’ve long been a member of a niche interest group – tiny homes. They consume my Pinterest boards and to me represent a minimalist lifestyle full of freedom, efficiency and intentionality. They are also ADORABLE. And therein lies many a woman’s secret dream. To somehow make hours of curating Pinterest boards full of white kitchens and claw-footed bathtubs into a purposeful activity. I’m going to live out a fantasy, to design my own home from the ground up. (Without anyone telling me I can’t paint my front door millennial pink.)
This journey isn’t without hardship, however. I recall my grade 12 English teacher telling me that all good story arcs revolve around a very few core conflicts: Man vs. man, man vs his environment… ultimately every story comes down to man vs. himself. This story has all these epic archetypes. (Though HOPEFULLY, I’ve wrapped up the man vs. man portion of this story! Lol!) The focus here will be the adventure, as I courageously conquer an environment of aged carpets, orange wood and sagging ceilings. But it will also be about how this woMAN wrangles HERSELF. Can I get past my OWN stigmas and insecurities about moving into a trailer? Can I keep fear from paralyzing me? The fear of failure, of budgets running out, of being alone, of being embarrassed – it all looms large. I’ve always been tolerant of risk and able to talk myself into jumping into the unknown. But this… this is a lot – even for me.
I’ve talked a good game about wanting to be a minimalist, to be more in control, to live a more curated lifestyle. But as I write this, in my final days in a 2300sq. foot home… can I actually handle it???
I think you are amazing for sharing this new chapter of life. It will be a challenging one going from a large home to a tiny one but in the end it is not about what you have it is living the best you. It has become a new dream of mine to actually own a tiny home and live minimal and not tied down by stuff. To be able to design and have a home that is made for me is exciting. To have no mortgage and small hydro and heat bills sounds lovely. The trouble is to fine land. Dont ever be ashamed of where you live or what others think because at the end of they day the only thing that matters is what makes you and your children happy. From seeing your post and your company your tiny home is going to be fabulous and will reflect the best you. May this new chapter and journey be fruitful and to living the best you in an amazing tiny home.
What an adventure!! YOU have got this by the balls! Go forth and be a maven of pinterest by epic roportions! I will be following along
I’m so impressed! I’ve lived through divorce and owning a small business. Two young kids as well. I’ve come out stronger and more myself. Follow your heart and live no regrets.
G-d brought you this gift. You just have to take it and make the best from it.
Things happen for a reason they say. I can myself say that Yes! Things happen for not only a reason but for many reasons. Time will go on and one day you’ll look at you in the mirror and will say: Look at you Wonder Woman!
I didn’t know what you were going through when I went to your office last Friday for the photo shooting.
Do you remember how tight was my hug? For some reason it was.
Everything will be fine!
Marcela
You can absolutely do this. I’m rooting for you 110%!! Can’t wait to follow along on this exciting journey!
Xo