Why tiny home living is perfect for members of the Armed Forces

Author: D’Arcy McNaughton, Owner/Operator with Keri-Ann Dunham of Acorn Tiny Homes

As builders of tiny homes, we understand the importance of having a secure and reliable ‘home base’. This is especially true for members of the military, as they often experience frequent disruption to their housing. With the rising cost of traditional housing and rent, it’s no surprise that many military personnel are turning to tiny homes as an attractive and cost-effective house option.

As my own brother is a member of the medical branch of the Canadian Forces, and my cousin a fighter jet pilot, and past Canadian Forces Snowbird, I know firsthand how much disruption deployments and base transfer can cause to them and their families. This is why we believe tiny homes are the perfect housing option for members of the armed forces.

We just built a 30′ custom tiny home on wheels for an active service member

One of our most recent tiny homes on wheels was designed and built for an active service member stationed north of Ottawa. This 4-season home is insulated to withstand the weather of wherever he may be transferred in Canada, and has a cozy gas fireplace to ensure he can do that in comfort!

As an avid outdoors person, our soldier wanted a deck to go with his home, but building one every few years wasn’t practical or cost effective, so instead, we built a comfortably sized 6’ enclosed porch right into the structure. This way his deck travels with him.

To help prepare for unknown deployments, his house was designed with this needed flexibility. Pre-wired for solar and including a composting toilet and 400L of onboard water storage, this home can go anywhere it can be towed to.

And, just because we could, this house features two lofts, a loft net, 27 sqft of butcher block countertop space, a hidden bookshelf door, and a comfortably sized 5’ shower. All on just a 30’ trailer base.

Transferring bases frequently? Bring your home with you!

For a member of the armed forces, transferring between bases can be quite the hassle, especially when transfers can happen as frequently as every 2-3 years! If you’re looking for a way to keep the comforts of home no matter where you go, then tiny home living might be the answer for you!

Having a tiny house that moves with you can create a sense of security and allow you to instead concentrate on your new position while your family can focus on making new connections (friends, work, school, etc). It can provide a sense of familiarity and safety to your family as they travel around with you to new and unfamiliar spaces.

It also eliminates the need to purchase or rent a new home every time you move (including avoiding the aggravation of house hunting in this market!). Tiny houses also provide greater flexibility and freedom since they require less maintenance and upkeep than a traditional home.

As someone with family in the military, I’ve seen the stress and financial hardship that a base transfer causes, and how disruptive it is to a family stability and mental health.

By reducing this stressor, it can make your transition easier, reduce your housing and moving costs, and be an efficient and comfortable way to live. By bringing your home with you, you’ll always have the same, familiar environment to come back to, no matter where your service takes you.

Low cost of living

As a tiny home builder and tiny house resident, we know that living in a tiny house has many financial benefits, but this is especially true for those in the armed forces.

The cost of living in a tiny house is drastically lower than living in more traditional housing, and in some cases, the savings can be as much as 70%! Utility costs are also substantially lowered, especially in homes outfitted with energy-efficient appliances.

Additionally, for those who are interested, tiny homes can easily be outfitted for off-grid living, which can save even more money (and make you self-sufficient). Having the financial peace of mind of knowing that your costs will remain the same, no matter where you’re transferred, can be the most reassuring aspect of living in a tiny home.

Tiny house living is an ideal choice for members of the armed forces looking for a low-cost and practical way to keep their housing options flexible.

Avoid frequent rent traps and tiresome real estate purchases

Over the years, I’ve seen my family members experience the financial issues that come with selling real estate early or quickly. By going tiny, you avoid having to remortgage or locking yourself into interest rates that may be unfavourable. It also alleviates a reduction in buying power caused when being forced to transfer from a small town base, to a big city base.

I know that finding a place to stay that fits your budget and current lifestyle can be difficult as, with frequent transfers and deployments, it’s hard to commit to a long-term lease or mortgage. Tiny home living can be the perfect solution! By opting for a tiny home, armed forces personnel can avoid these frequent rent traps and tiresome real estate purchases – and sales – that come with traditional housing.

Tiny homes offer an affordable alternative that won’t break the bank, allowing you to have a comfortable place to call home without having to worry about costs associated with realtors, mortgage rates, early-contract terminations, and lost damage deposits.

The optimal housing option for returning and rehabilitating veterans

As a tiny home builder, I understand that for returning veterans, finding an affordable housing situation in today’s economy can be next to impossible.

Tiny homes offer the freedom that veterans need to live independently and happily in their own homes. For rehabilitating veterans, tiny living offers an affordable and customizable way to live comfortably, while overcoming the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life.

A tiny house can be designed to accommodate any limitations or disabilities that a veteran may be learning to live with, such as making sure the doorway and shower are wide enough for a wheelchair, offering a quiet environment away from the ‘city bustle’ or adding special kitchen features like cooktops with auto-shutoffs or easy grip handles.

Make sure to work with a tiny home builder who can fully customize your home and offer you the features you need to live comfortably.

Thank you for your service!

If you are a member of the Armed Forces you deserve to have accommodations that are affordable, work for your lifestyle and make you feel safe and secure so that you can focus on what’s important!

Contact your local tiny home builder today to discuss your needs and get started on your dream home – one that goes where you go, when you need to get there!