We built our own tiny house in just 7 days and can live on just £160 a month – here are our tips for success
A WOMAN revealed that she built her own tiny house in seven days and can now live on just £160 a month.
Melanie, also known as @serenitastinyliving, took to TikTok to tell all on her miniature home journey.
The backpacker and author revealed that her tiny house was built in just a week – and only took the work of five people.
In a recent TikTok she left followers mind-blown after explaining how with her “home on wheels”, she only had to spend £20,000 ($27,000) on materials and £13,000 ($16,000) on land for the build.
And with her family and friends calling her “crazy” before she took the mini-home plunge, Melanie can how live on just £160 a month – and even raises chickens.
The tiny home owner revealed a monthly break down of costs for her tiny home on wheels which left some of her followers considering making the switch themselves.
Melanie wrote: “What does it cost to live in a tiny house on wheels… on land! Not as expensive as ya may think. Granted we already paid for our home. But the living expenses are super low!”.
She then goes on to display her monthly expenses list: “£78 ($98) land, £20 ($25) power, £24 ($30) power fee, £8 ($11) propane, £12 ($15) taxes, £10 ($13) land and home insurance, bringing her to a total of just £152 ($191.50).
When asked about how she keeps her power bills so low, Melanie explained that because the property is so small and well insulated, she doesn’t need to use excessive power for heating.
“There are many reasons our bill is so low,” she said, “passive heating and cooling, lifestyle, appliances, power usage, unplugged living, and living with nature. We absolutely love living this way and I don’t miss any of those big appliances we used to have”.
Documenting her “simple life” to her 19.8k TikTok followers, the home owner also shares her top tips for tiny house success for those looking to join the club.
Firstly she urges fans to get insurance, even if the mini properties are quick and simple to pay off.
“I think insurance especially for tiny houses on wheels is so important and provides a safety new for worst case situations,” she said.
Melanie also advises people to get extra tires when on the move as “most trailers are really cheap and have issues”.
“And add extra outlets for power/ dimmers on lights/ and light switches up and downstairs,” she added.
But it’s not just advice on the the mini-homes themselves that Melanie provides to her followers, she also gives gardening, animal raising and building tips too.
These often spark her fans to leave their gratitude in her comment section.
One wrote: “Very good info, thanks for sharing!”
Another said: “Trust this woman, she’s the best”.
A third commented: “I’m honestly learning so much from you!”.
This comes after one woman made it her mission to turn her tiny home into a bright, airy oasis and now people can’t believe their eyes when they step inside.
Another family of four living in a pint-sized portable home revealed they somehow seem to have more room than most people in their stationary houses.
And one entrepreneur who lives in a tiny house in her backyard said it saved her thousands of pounds and has everything she needs.