Tiny Houses Archives - Other CMS https://test25.louieambriz.com/category/tiny-houses/ Fri, 31 Dec 2021 09:27:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Tiny Home Owners https://test25.louieambriz.com/top-ten-new-years-resolutions-for-tiny-home-owners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-ten-new-years-resolutions-for-tiny-home-owners Fri, 31 Dec 2021 09:27:14 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=943 While it doesn’t have to be January 1st to start something new, there’s something about entering a new year with a vision of where you hope to be 365 days from now. Here are ten new year’s resolutions compiled especially for tiny home owners.

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Each new year offers an opportunity to consider what we want for ourselves and set some goals for the year ahead. Goals that improve physical health, financial security, and general organization top most peoples’ lists of resolutions for the new year, but the new year can also be a time to set goals like learning a new hobby or making more time to connect with friends.

And while it doesn’t have to be January 1st to start something new, there’s something about entering a new year with a vision of where you hope to be 365 days from now.

Just for fun, we’ve compiled a list of new year’s resolutions especially for tiny home owners.

10. Take time for self-care. Practice mindfulness by journaling.

9. Stay active. Get outdoors for a walk daily, weather permitting. To keep it interesting, try a change of scenery, such as one of these Bay Area beaches.

8. Add new foods to your diet––or try a new cooking method for the foods you already eat. Perhaps steamed brussels sprouts aren’t your thing, but have you tried them roasted?

7. Eat a variety of foods every week. Especially for those who live alone, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of eating the same foods day after day. Aiming to eat every color of the rainbow regularly helps ensure a balanced diet with plenty of the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

6. Learn something new. Try writing poetry, tackle some home improvement projects, or learn a new language.

5. Take on a part-time job to earn extra money and meet people.

4. Set a budget. Budgets don’t have to be restrictive; in fact, setting a budget can give you the freedom to do things you enjoy without worrying about whether you have enough money for essentials.

3. Go green! Do your part for the environment by conserving energy, water, recycling, and taking care of Mother Earth.

2.  Plan a spring garden. You don’t need a big yard to make a big impact. Try these tips for gardening in a small space.

1. Get organized. Get rid of items you don’t need and manage the ones you do with these simple organization tips.

Whether it’s physical health, mental strength, or financial wellbeing you’re looking for, the new year is a great time to set new goals. Just remember to give yourself grace. Aim for progress, not perfection, and you’ll achieve everyone’s ultimate goal: to live a full and happy life.

Happy New Year from your friends at Harmony Communities!

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Making the Holidays Affordable, Part II: Decorations and Festivities on a Budget https://test25.louieambriz.com/making-the-holidays-affordable-part-ii-decorations-and-festivities-on-a-budget/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=making-the-holidays-affordable-part-ii-decorations-and-festivities-on-a-budget Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:41:50 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=939 You don’t have to spend a lot to make the holidays feel priceless for your friends and family. Here are some ideas to make holiday decorating and entertaining sustainable and affordable.

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In Part I of our Making the Holidays Affordable series, we explored potential ways to save money on gift-giving. We saw that the average American spends nearly $1,000 on presents alone, but what about decorations, festive feasts, and other seasonal activities? These cherished traditions can cost an additional $350 per family. 

While it feels like these costs just keep adding up, there are quick and easy ways to save money during this special time of year. You don’t have to spend a lot to make the holidays feel priceless for your friends and family.  

Decorations

Every year, tons of old baubles, ribbons, and packing material, as well as unwanted Christmas trees end up in landfills. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the amount of extra waste increases by 25 percent in volume or by about 1,000 pounds of trash per household. 

Here are some ideas to make holiday decorating and entertaining sustainable and affordable:  

  1. String popcorn or cranberries together to hang on your tree or around your home. Dried orange slices and beads can also be used to create a festive garland.   
  2. Use the outdoors to your advantage. Collect pinecones, leaves, and evergreen branches to decorate for free! Supplies for a homemade wreath or table setting can be gathered on a single walk around the park.    
  3. Consider using items you have on hand to decorate. Houseplants can make great stand-ins for Christmas trees, while paper snowflakes can serve as replacements for traditional ornaments.    

Food

Although it is tempting to make an extravagant holiday feast, excess food often ends up in the trash. The EPA estimates that food waste increases by more than 25% during the holidays. At Thanksgiving, Americans throw out $293 million in turkey alone! 

Here are some tips on how to save money on holiday meals:    

  1. Cut back on volume. Try to calculate a reasonable estimate of how much each guest will eat, as planning out meals will help you create a budget and lead to less waste. You can also limit the number of side dishes you make to one or two of the favorites.  
  2. Ask others to contribute a dish. You don’t have to take on all of the food costs yourself! Consider assigning each guest a side dish or a beverage item to bring with them.    
  3. Seek out affordable brands. No one will notice that you used the grocery store brand canned green beans or condensed milk. Look for budget-friendly brands when buying ingredients to save money.  

Activities

It is important to remember that your guests have come to see you, not to see expensive performances. Your town likely has many exciting options for inexpensive or even free seasonal entertainment. 

Get the festivities started with these ideas:   

  1. Visit the local light displays in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Your guests are sure to be filled with holiday spirit after taking in the colorful sights. 
  2. Have a holiday movie night with homemade hot cocoa. You can use a movie you already own or rent one from your local library. 
  3. Attend a free holiday play, concert, parade, or market. Many cities have free holiday events throughout November and December. Try checking their official website or Facebook page for more information. 

Charitable Donations

If giving to those less fortunate is part of your holiday tradition, but you don’t have a lot of cash to donate, consider these ideas: 

  1. Donate items. Host a coat drive in your community to donate the coats you collect to a local shelter. You can also collect old blankets and towels for an animal shelter. 
  2. Donate your time. Visit a nursing home and take time to talk with – and listen to – the residents. 
  3. Be kind to nature. Pick up trash at a nearby park with friends and family as a gift to your local wildlife. You can also make simple bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. 

Experiencing the holidays to their fullest potential does not have to be elaborate or expensive. With these cost-saving ideas, you can partake in all of your favorite holiday activities and even make new family-favorite traditions. 

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Harmony Speaks: A Conversation with Bayshore Commons’ Community Manager, John Medieros https://test25.louieambriz.com/harmony-speaks-a-conversation-with-bayshore-commons-community-manager-john-medieros/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=harmony-speaks-a-conversation-with-bayshore-commons-community-manager-john-medieros Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:22:45 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=643 Harmony Communities' property, Bayshore Commons, looks a lot different today than it did when Harmony first purchased the property nearly three years ago, on November 30, 2017. No one knows that better than John Medieros, Bayshore Commons’ Community Manager and a resident of the community since 2014. In this community spotlight, Medieros tells us what makes Bayshore Commons a great place to live.

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Bayshore Commons looks a lot different today than it did when Harmony Communities first purchased the property nearly three years ago, on November 30, 2017. No one knows that better than John Medieros, Bayshore Commons’ Community Manager and a resident of the community since 2014.

“This was a trailer park when Harmony bought it. Now they are turning it into a tiny home park,” says John – known as Johnny to his friends. “When they’re finished, it will be a community in every sense of the word.”

Bayshore Commons offers forty home lots – or spaces – and is slowly filling those spaces with new tiny homes. Currently, they have 21 tiny home units installed and eight of those are for sale.

Little House, Big Appeal.

What makes them appealing, Johnny says, is “they’re brand spanking new.” Many of the homes have a second floor loft, which appeals to many buyers. The homes have modern kitchen appliances, including mini stainless steel dishwashers, double door stainless steel refrigerators, and a stainless steel four-burner stove.

“The main office calls them ‘tiny homes,’ but I think they’re bigger,” says Johnny. “They feel like cottages.”

Community Improvements

Bayshore Commons Community Manager, John Medieros

“One of Harmony’s main priorities is cleanliness, keeping the park clean and safe,” Johnny explains. Since purchasing the property, Harmony made many improvements, including the installation of cameras and lights. “It feels nice, safe, and peaceful,” says Johnny.

Harmony Communities has plans to install an area for overflow parking and, upon acquisition, gave the community a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. “There used to be yellow homes everywhere. Now, there are different colors,” Johnny explains. “It’s bright and cheerful.”

The People Who Call Bayshore Commons ‘Home’

Residents of this growing community include a mix of working people and retirees. They enjoy proximity to shopping, restaurants, and Lake Chabot, which offers fishing, swimming, and twelve miles of hiking/biking trails.

A Manager Who Cares

Johnny is committed to maintaining a clean community and to serving both current and future residents by taking his time to assist them. He performs smaller, lightweight repairs as well as weeding and gardening, and says Harmony has a maintenance crew for bigger repairs. He also enjoys taking the time to show future residents the homes and apartments for rent. “I’m a friendly person,” he says. “I like talking with people.”

Bayshore Commons also has an apartment complex inside the park which includes eleven apartment units. “I grew up in apartments,” Johnny says. “I had a few landlords that were mean. I didn’t want to be like that. I wanted to be nice, friendly, understanding, and respectful.”  

And that he is, affirms Harmony Community’s Manager Sherrie Johnston. “John cares so much,” says Sherrie. “He goes above and beyond in everything he does.”

To learn more about Bayshore Commons or to arrange for a tour of one of the homes for sale, contact Harmony Community’s office at (209) 932-8747 or email info@harmonycom.com.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Four Tips for Hosting Company in Your Tiny Home this Holiday Season https://test25.louieambriz.com/four-tips-for-hosting-company-in-your-tiny-home-this-holiday-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=four-tips-for-hosting-company-in-your-tiny-home-this-holiday-season Fri, 20 Nov 2020 17:46:03 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=616 Hosting holiday guests in a tiny home doesn’t have to be stressful. Following these four tips can help make holiday seasons more enjoyable, even with less space.

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Thinking of hosting friends and family this holiday season? If you own a smaller home, the thought of hosting even one or two guests might seem overwhelming. However, with these four tips, you and your guests can enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable holiday gathering no matter the size of your home.

  • Plan Ahead

Owning a tiny house can limit the amount of space and appliances in the kitchen. With that in mind, think well ahead of time about what meals will be possible to make before hosting guests. It’s also important to consider how many dishes will be used with each meal and how the food will be stored afterward. For example, chili or soup makes a perfect meal to prepare ahead. This dish typically only requires one pot to make cleaning up easier. Also, chili and soup can easily be reheated for another meal. 

  • Create Multifunctional Furniture

When not in use, furniture should store easily or be multifunctional. When hosting company, the two major pieces of furniture to consider are the dining table and guest sleeping accommodations. A table that can fit 2-6 people can take up a lot of space, so finding or making a table that can fold up against the wall is a great way to create more space when not in use. A couch that can fold out into a bed is a great option when hosting family or friends for an overnight stay.

  • Utilize Decorations

In small houses, maximizing the space you have is key. However, every house needs decorations to contribute to the aesthetic. When decorating, consider every inch of your space. Decorations should not clutter countertops or tables but should be hung on walls and even the ceiling. For the holidays, consider decorating with hanging mistletoe and string lights. 

  • Stay Clean and Organized

Tiny homes can get dirty much faster than larger houses. With limited space, clutter should be minimized as much as possible. Utilizing storage space and containers is vital to keep clutter off furniture and tables. To minimize clutter, keep only items that serve a purpose. Cleaning can be reduced if a little is done each day. Creating a scheduled time at the end of the day to put things back in place can go a long way in reducing overall cleaning efforts. 

Hosting people in a tiny home doesn’t have to be a hassle. Following these tips can help make holiday seasons more enjoyable, even with less space.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Four Tips for Hosting Company in Your Tiny Home this Holiday Season appeared first on Other CMS.

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Tips for Remodeling Your Mobile Home Bathroom https://test25.louieambriz.com/tips-for-remodeling-your-mobile-home-bathroom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-for-remodeling-your-mobile-home-bathroom Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:55:24 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=606 These six tips will help you save money and time when remodeling the bathroom in your tiny home.

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Updating your kitchen or bathroom is a great way to add value to your mobile home, but remodeling a bathroom in a mobile home can present some unique challenges not encountered with traditional style houses. For example, tiny homes have limited options when it comes to layout designs because of the finite amount of space available. However, there are many great solutions for maximizing space and budget when remodeling your tiny home bathroom. The following tips can help save time and money during the remodeling process. 

1. Keep the Same Layout.

When considering budget options, think about keeping the bathroom layout the same. One of the greatest expenses of a bathroom remodel can come from modifying plumbing pipes, so electing to keep the same layout can be a huge money saver. 

2. Plan Ahead.

Create a detailed plan with all the appropriate measurements to guarantee the appropriate fixtures are purchased. The first step should be to draw a detailed floor plan and sketch where things are located. Many online resources can be used for this. After mapping out your plan, consider all the various options of materials bathtubs, showers, and counter appliances can be made from. Every material serves a different purpose, so which you decide to purchase depends on your unique needs. 

3. Choose Space-Saving Fixtures.

Several great options for small spaces include corner showers, and vessel or wall-mounted sinks.

4. Create New Storage Options.

With limited space in most tiny home bathrooms, multiple storage options are vital. When remodeling, think about new and creative ways to keep items out of the way. Adding a simple medicine cabinet is a great way to store things right above the sink and give you easy access. Another option to create more storage options is to consider getting a sink with a shallow bowl. This will allow more space under the sink rather than keeping items on the counter that add clutter. Finally, consider installing wall-mounted hooks, towel bars, or rings to save space.

5. Install Built-in Lighting.

Wall-mounted lights will eliminate the need for freestanding lights. Freestanding lights take up a lot of space, so they aren’t necessary. Using mounted lights will save space on counters and look more aesthetically pleasing overall. Keep in mind that most mobile homes do not accommodate for ceiling lights. 

6. Enhance your space with carefully selected decor.

For example, mirrors can make a small room feel much larger and brighter. 

Remodeling any home can seem stressful, especially when dealing with limited options and space. Following these simple tips can save money and resources when considering a new bathroom. 

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Ten Affordable Upgrades for Your Manufactured Home https://test25.louieambriz.com/ten-affordable-upgrades-for-your-manufactured-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ten-affordable-upgrades-for-your-manufactured-home Tue, 01 Sep 2020 14:32:28 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=580 Here are ten simple and affordable upgrades you can make to your manufactured home that will increase curb appeal, improve functionality, and give your interior a new look.

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Turning your manufactured house into a home doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you own or rent your home, there are simple ways to create curb appeal, make your space more functional for your family, and give your interior a bit of a facelift. Here, we are sharing ten simple and affordable ways to makeover your space – no matter how small, old, or outdated! 

Build a deck or patio. 

Adding outdoor space can make a small home feel more spacious – particularly if you live somewhere with a temperate climate that allows you to maximize your outdoor time. This can be as simple as laying patio pavers, setting up chairs, and dragging out a fire pit or grill to invite people to sit and enjoy the space.  

Install shutters. 

Shutters are an inexpensive upgrade that add symmetry and curb appeal to your home. Shutters are typically made of aluminum, wood, or vinyl, and vinyl tends to be the least expensive option. To further cut costs, consider adding them only to the front of your home and skip the sides and back, which fewer people see. 

Build a fence. 

An aluminum or vinyl picket fence closes in your property and makes it feel homey. Not to mention, if you have children and/or pets, a fence allows you to comfortably let them play outside unsupervised. If you rent your land, be sure to consult your landlord to confirm you’re permitted to construct a fence and, if so, what types of fences you are allowed to install.  

Add open shelving. 

Open shelving in kitchens and bathrooms is stylistically popular and can give your home a chic, polished feel. To keep the cost low, take advantage of reclaimed or salvaged wood options to construct your open shelving. You can find reclaimed wood products at vintage shops, flea markets, yard sales, or even scrap yards. Recycling materials is not only good for your wallet – it’s good for the environment as well! 

Paint. 

Paint is the cheapest and easiest way to transform a home. For an instant upgrade, add a fresh coat of paint to your interior and exterior walls, cabinets, or even your doors. Keep in mind that neutral tones tend to be the most versatile and make your space appear larger. 

Swap out your light fixtures.  

An old, outdated light fixture can be an eyesore – not to mention, some fixtures naturally emanate less light than others. Check your fixtures to make sure they aren’t taking up too much space and to confirm that they’re casting enough light into your rooms. Then, replace your old fixtures with simple, neutral ones, and add high-quality bulbs to ensure you are keeping your living space light and bright. 

DIY your shelving. 

DIY modular shelving units can add a stylish and functional touch to a bedroom or living area. Plywood is a versatile building material and can be covered with a layer of wood (or wood composite) and fresh paint. Use the unit to not only store important items but also to display special keepsakes, without creating additional clutter or eating up valuable floor space. 

Install new skirting. 

Adding new skirting to your mobile home can instantly refresh its look. If you rent your home, speak with your landlord to ask for a replacement or seek permission to install it yourself. 

Spruce up your cabinets. 

If replacing your cabinets entirely isn’t in the budget, there are simple ways to give them a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Try swapping out your cabinet pulls, removing the doors to give them a chic open-shelving look, or add a fresh coat of paint. 

Cover your walls. 

If you own your home and have the freedom to be creative, add some visual interest by covering your walls with shiplap, reclaimed barn wood, beaded board, or even painted corrugated metal. On top of adding a stylish new look to your home, this additional layer will also help with insulation and noise control. 

When making small upgrades to your home, keep in mind that you can take it one step at a time. Don’t feel pressured to make all the changes you want, all at once. Set a budget, and enjoy working through them one-by-one. Even the smallest change can make a world of difference, transforming your home into a space that’s not only functional but also life-giving. 

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful. 

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The Big Appeal of Tiny Homes https://test25.louieambriz.com/the-big-appeal-of-tiny-homes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-big-appeal-of-tiny-homes Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:00:25 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=498 Since the housing crash of the late 2000s, more and more Americans have been downsizing and simplifying their lives by moving into tiny homes. Here are three reasons why tiny homes are such an appealing option today.

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Since the housing crash of the late 2000s, more and more Americans have been downsizing and simplifying their lives by moving into tiny homes. Tiny homes are traditionally defined as a home with around or below 400 square feet. Over the past decade, an entire tiny house cultural movement has sprung up featuring everything from tiny house Instagram influencers to HGTV shows. There are several reasons people have been making the switch from wanting to be environmentally friendly or living a simpler life.

1. They are good for the environment.

Tiny homes are great for the environment. They generate substantially less CO2 than average homes and traditional mobile homes. Heating and cooling a tiny home generate roughly 850 pounds of CO2 compared to 12,000 pounds of CO2 to do the same for a traditional home.

It’s not just heating and cooling reducing the environmental impact. The manufacturing process is also substantially more efficient. Tiny house builders employ greener, more sustainable materials. During the construction of an average 2,000-square-foot home, four to seven tons of waste can be generated. Tiny homes, by comparison, generate significantly less waste in their construction.

2. Minimalism is trendy. 

The average size of a single-family home in the United States has been trending upwards. From 1978 to 2013, the average size of a single-family home grew from 1,708 to 2,662 square feet despite a decrease in the size of the average American family. The rise of the tiny house movement is often seen as a small-scale rebellion to the trends in American homebuilding.

Minimalism itself is having a moment in pop culture. Japanese consultant Marie Kondo took Netflix by storm with her show focused on clearing out people’s homes of everything that did not spark joy. Countless podcasts, blogs [link to “Marie Kondo Your Mobile Home” blog post], and books have proliferated in recent years giving advice on how people can live life with less clutter. All this is to say, minimalism is in right now and looks to have serious cultural staying power.

3. They are affordable. 

Perhaps the biggest factor in the tiny home movement is their affordability. In the Bay Area, for example, tiny homes offer the chance to own a home for about the same price you’d pay to rent the same square footage in an apartment complex, and for far less than you’d spend on a mortgage in the area. Tiny homes even have a leg up on traditional manufactured homes. The price for a fully equipped, two-story tiny home, including transport, setup, and skirting is approximately $70,800. Compare this to a well-appointed 24×54 doublewide with the same services coming in at $153,600.

Furthermore, tiny home owners save money on their monthly utility bills. Tiny homes are incredibly energy efficient, requiring approximately 7 percent of the average kilowatts required to light an average-sized American home. Tiny homes also offer other efficiencies through the use of specially designed ventilation systems, passive solar orientation, and more. This can provide substantial savings for residents. Older manufactured homes are tremendously inefficient, leading to energy bills upwards $200 a month. Tiny homes can reduce energy bills by 75 percent on average.

Making the Switch 

Tiny homes have taken off over the past decade. Whether you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, save some money, or even just live a simpler life, tiny homes can help you meet your goals.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post The Big Appeal of Tiny Homes appeared first on Other CMS.

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Reducing your Carbon Footprint with your Tiny Home https://test25.louieambriz.com/reducing-your-carbon-footprint-with-your-tiny-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reducing-your-carbon-footprint-with-your-tiny-home Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:24:07 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=445 As climate change becomes a more salient issue with each passing year, it’s important to look at your own carbon footprint and consider what you can do to help cut it down to size. The great news is that reducing your carbon footprint often saves money at the same time! This article includes some tips for reducing your carbon footprint no matter the size of your home.

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As climate change becomes a more salient issue with each passing year, it’s important to look at your own carbon footprint and consider what you can do to help cut it down to size. The great news is that when you reduce your carbon footprint, you’re often saving money at the same time!

As a tiny home owner, you’re already taking a HUGE step in reducing your carbon footprint. Tiny homes generate substantially less CO2 than average homes and traditional mobile homes. Heating and cooling a tiny home generate roughly 850 pounds of CO2 compared to 12,000 pounds of CO2 to do the same for a traditional home.

More efficient heating and cooling systems aren’t the only way tiny homes reduce their environmental impact. The manufacturing process is also substantially more efficient. Tiny house builders employ greener, more sustainable materials. During the construction of an average 2,000-square-foot home, four to seven tons of waste can be generated. Tiny homes generate significantly less waste in their construction.

Recent research also suggests downsizing to a smaller home has a positively impact on consumption habits in other areas of your life. According to the study, downsizers were likely to eat less energy-intensive food products and adopt more environmentally conscious eating habits. Participants traveled less by car, motorcycle, bus, train and airplane, and drove more fuel-efficient cars than they did before downsizing. They also bought less stuff, recycled more plastic and paper, and generated less trash.

Here are several ways you can further reduce your carbon footprint, no matter the size of your home:

  1. Replace High-Energy Appliances: Homes over 15-years-old could usually benefit from a new HVAC system. HVAC systems over 15-years-old are often considered very inefficient by today’s standards. Replacing them with more efficient units can go a long way. Upgrading other household appliances will also help reduce your impact. Harmony Communities’ newest park models come equipped with energy-efficient appliances.
  2. Install a Programmable Thermostat: Programable thermostats enhance heating and cooling efficiency by allowing homeowners to achieve a desired temperature at the lowest cost. Programmable thermostats learn what you like and automatically adjust to ensure comfort and savings.
  3. Switch to LEDs: Switching to LEDs throughout your home has numerous benefits. You can read more about the benefits of switching to LEDs here.
  4. Saving Water: You can cut down on costs and water consumption by installing low-flow water fixtures in your home. They use the minimal amount of water needed to get the job done. These upgrades pay for themselves thanks to the amount of money you’ll save on your water bill.

Reducing your carbon footprint won’t only help your wallet, it might just help make the planet a greener place.   

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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A Three-Step Process for Spring Cleaning your Tiny Home https://test25.louieambriz.com/a-three-step-process-for-spring-cleaning-your-tiny-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-three-step-process-for-spring-cleaning-your-tiny-home Mon, 02 Mar 2020 16:59:20 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=428 Living in a small space leaves no room for dust and clutter. This article outlines an easy, three-step process for spring cleaning your tiny home!

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Living in a small space can provide great incentive to live with just the necessities and the things that truly bring you joy. But the one problem with small spaces is they’re easy to clutter. So, with spring approaching, here are some ways to make sure your home is in tip-top shape for spring.

Step One: Declutter 

The less you have in your space, the easier it’ll be to clean. When you declutter, you don’t have to worry about dusting and vacuuming around all the junk you have laying around. Try putting your stuff into three piles: keep, store, and donate. Once your stuff is sorted and taken care of organizing what is left and remember to dust and clean what you’re organizing and you’ll be halfway to a clean house already!

Step Two: Gather your Supplies 

Cleaning your home will be much easier if you have the right tools in hand. Here are some go-to supplies you should have on hand as you clean your home.

  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Sponges
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Handheld duster
  • Glass cleaner
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • White vinegar

You won’t need a vacuum, broom, or Swiffer just yet. As you’re cleaning the furniture and surfaces of your home, all the dust and debris will collect on your floor. Wait until you’ve cleaned everything else before tackling your floors.

Step Three: Clean the Nooks and Crannies 

Spring cleaning is special because it’s the one time a year when you reach for and clean the spaces you don’t normally go. This means getting the baseboards, behind the couch, windows, windowsills, and many more places. It’s even a great time to get to those unconventional places like the fridge. Wipe down shelves and make sure to toss expired condiments and other things that might be lurking in the back.

Finally, remember that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be done all in one day. If a massive day of cleaning sounds like the worst way to spend a day off, consider spreading all your deep-cleaning chores out over a month. Set aside one day a week to do a little cleaning and in no time your home will be spotless.

All Clean 

Living in a small space leaves no room for dust and clutter. By getting organized and deep cleaning once a year, you can make sure you’re ready to enter the warmer months with a clean and happy home!

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Marie Kondo Your Mobile Home in Six Steps https://test25.louieambriz.com/marie-kondo-your-mobile-home-in-six-steps/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=marie-kondo-your-mobile-home-in-six-steps Mon, 03 Feb 2020 17:13:00 +0000 https://harmonycom.com/?p=419 This article, which provides tips for decluttering using the popular method designed by Marie Kondo, will be of particular interest to owners of tiny homes, where space is at a premium and organization is a must.

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With the holidays behind us, a new year offers the perfect time to get your home in order. While cleaning up from family gatherings and putting away your holiday decorations, you may realize you have several items that you no longer use. If you live in a tiny home where space is at a premium, it’s all the more important to let go of items that you no longer need. This article will provide some tips for doing just that, using the popular method designed by Marie Kondo.

If you have not seen the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” consider watching it for your next TV binge. The series showcases Marie Kondo, “tidying expert” and author of four organizing books. Her goal is to “spark joy in the world through tidying,” using the KonMari Method. The method takes a minimalist style approach to cleaning up by focusing on categories of items, and not room-by-room.

Following these six simple rules of the KonMari Method will help you when deciding what to keep and what to discard or donate.

Rule #1: Commit Yourself to Tidying Up

Once you decide to tidy up your home, you must commit to it. Set a realistic deadline for cleaning through your clutter, and promise yourself a non-material reward for reaching your goal, such as a mani-pedi or a movie date with friends.

Rule #2: Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle

Think about what kind of house you want to have and how you want to live. Ask yourself why you want to tidy and how it will affect your lifestyle for the better once you have finished.

It helps to visualize the end result, so why not sketch out your ideal home or create a collage from photos in magazines or online?

Rule #3: Finish Discarding First

A big reason why tidying up never seems to last is because people do not get rid of anything. Your house may look clean and neat externally but if you have just stored everything in a new location, the cycle of getting messy and needing to tidy again will just continue.

Once you have discarded any unnecessary items then you can continue with the process and organize what you have kept.

Rule #4: Tidy by Category, Not by Location

Instead of focusing on room-by-room organization, the KonMari method focuses on organizing category-by-category. This prevents you from shifting items from one room to another and not knowing exactly how much stuff you actually have. By focusing on a specific category, you can identify how much you have of that category and what you need to get rid of.

Rule #5: Follow the Right Category

The five categories to tackle are: clothes, books, papers, Komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items, and they must be tackled in this order. Following the order is crucial; it helps you maintain focus on one category and saves the items that are harder to let go of – such as old sentimental objects and pictures – for last.

When tackling your clothing, it may be helpful to watch Marie Kondo’s Basic Folding Method video. This ensures you will be making the most of your space while still being able to easily identify what is stored where.

Rule #6: Ask Yourself if it Sparks Joy

This is Marie Kondo’s most important rule, and is the essence of the KonMari method. Look at each item you have, hold it, and ask yourself, “Does it spark joy?” If an item makes you feel a spark of happiness, then you keep it. If the item doesn’t give that feeling or you hesitate, then it is time for you to let it go.

Marie Kondo-ing your home is a great way to start the new decade. Keeping what sparks joy, and tossing what does not, will lift a weight off of your shoulders and create a more positive space for you to relax and enjoy in the year ahead.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Marie Kondo Your Mobile Home in Six Steps appeared first on Other CMS.

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