She Built Her Own Tiny House — Living Large on $300
She wanted a place she created and to live in it on her own terms.
She loves being in a space she created.
She needed somewhere to stay after separating from her husband.
A tiny house book at a friend’s place flipped everything for her.
The book said you can do it yourself, and she believed it.
Design & Build — The Trailer, Teamwork and the Layout
She spent a year researching and then started to build with help.
Someone offered her an unused trailer and she bought that rusty trailer.
She found a helper who taught her and worked with her for almost a year.
The trailer is 8 foot wide by 18 foot long.
She kept one side closed for storage and put most windows on the door side so she can sit and look out.
Inside the Home — Living Area, Kitchen and Loft
The living area and kitchen are almost one combined space.
She arranged seating to face the windows and the view outside.
There is an 8 foot by 8 foot loft for sleeping.
The main sitting area converts into a bed by pushing it into the corner if she ever stops using the ladder.
Utilities & Daily Systems — Power, Water and Heat
She has been on the property for five years and pays $300 for the spot, which includes electricity and internet.
That arrangement keeps her living costs low and predictable as her pension arrives.
Power runs through an extension cord limited to 15 amps, so she must be careful with load.
She uses an oil radiant heater inside and plans around efficient heating choices.
Bathing, Toilets and Winter Workarounds
She carries water by pail from the main house and sometimes from the basement in winter.
A friend gave her a used RV water tank that she fills by hand and feeds to an electric pump and small water heater for dishes.
She decided not to install an indoor shower because of condensation problems on exterior walls.
In winter she uses her daughter’s place or the public pool showers that cost $2 when necessary.
Life Beyond the House — Transport, Garden, Hobbies and Community
She gets to town by electric bike, and the bus is an option if she needs it.
Groceries fit on her bike, and her daughter and son-in-law share their car when needed.
She washes clothes at her daughter’s house and values sharing resources with family and friends.
In the summer she grows all her vegetables, preserves food, and gives extras away.
