• 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.

“In many ways, the pandemic exacerbated a problem that is already approaching crisis levels; missed work due to illness, joblessness, and wage reductions during the pandemic could drive an estimated 250,000 new people into homelessness,” Davies writes.

Davies proposed these solutions to help increase the affordable housing stock and provide assistance to those truly in need:

1. Reduce regulatory barriers to affordable housing.
2. Maximize land space with greater densities.
3. Incentivize density with tax incentives.
4. Grant rent subsidies – not rent control – to ensure help is given where it’s needed most.

Read the full article here.

The post COVID-19’s Impact on Affordable Housing: Harmony Communities’ President Contributes Article to Rental Housing Journal appeared first on Other CMS.

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. 

The post Tips for Remodeling Your Mobile Home Bathroom appeared first on Other CMS.

This blog offers five things to consider when downsizing your home.

1. Security

Safety should always be a top priority. Unfortunately, seniors can become the target of break-ins and robberies. Look for a home in a safe location. Gated communities are a deterrent for unwanted visitors. Other ways to make your property more secure include deadbolts, alarms, and keeping the outside of your property well lit.

2. Location

Look for proximity to the things that you enjoy – whether family or recreation – as well as conveniences such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices. Seniors who no longer drive may wish to look for proximity to a bus stop so that they never have to miss a yoga or tai chi class due to lack of transportation.

3. One-Story Living

As we age, our mobility can sometimes decrease. Even those who can easily tackle a flight or two of stairs in their 60s will likely agree that doing so is less enjoyable with a heavy vacuum in tow. Having a first-floor bedroom is not only easier, it’s safer, particularly if you should need to escape your home quickly in the unlikely event of a fire or break-in.

4. Maintenance Free

Some communities – particularly those designated for seniors – offer lawn upkeep and even indoor maintenance services like changing light bulbs or air filters. Even in private dwellings, you can often find paid help to provide services such as these for a relatively low cost. 

5. Neighbors

While some seniors prefer to be surrounded by people their age, others opt for a diverse group of neighbors, allowing them the joy of watching children play and grow. Many senior communities offer the benefit of planned activities and field trips, but some may find the sound of a child’s laugh more enjoyable and entertaining than any trip to the nearest tourist attraction. When downsizing, consider what matters most to you and look for a community that suits your needs.

Less square footage means less space to clean and maintain, allowing seniors to fill their retirement years with hobbies and all the activities they enjoy. By looking for a residence that meets the above criteria, you can be sure that you are choosing a home that will bring you joy for many years to come.

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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 Five Downsizing Considerations for Seniors appeared first on Other CMS.

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.

The post Reducing your Carbon Footprint with your Tiny Home appeared first on Other CMS.

Below are a few brief tips for decorating on a budget.

• Thrift stores can be wonderful places for finding very low-cost holiday décor. If you enjoy repurposing things, spray paint can add luster to old or damaged decorations. In addition, craft stores like Michaels often have excellent coupons and very good deals around the holidays. 

• Use what nature provides! Not only are natural decorations such as pinecones, evergreen branches and holly seasonal yet beautifully understated, they are also free! Decorations like these can also make your home smell festive and give you ample opportunity for crafting. Evergreen branches make gorgeous wreaths, and pinecones can be tied to the top of gifts as a flourish to replace expensive bows. (As with all decorations, be mindful of small children and pets, however. Holly berries and other natural decorations can make little ones sick if inadvertently ingested). 

• Recycle! When it comes to wrapping or presenting gifts, recycling what you have at home can look quite beautiful. Aluminum foil or plastic wrap boxes are the perfect size and shape to repurpose for holding cookies. Mason jars can make excellent candle holders, and replacing at least some of your wrapping paper with newspaper or recycled magazines is not only cheaper and better for the environment, but it can also give gifts a rustic and natural look. 

• Get crafty. If you enjoy crafting there are no end of places on the internet to find creative ideas. We enjoyed this article and this article, and of course, HGTV and Pinterest are treasure troves of ideas. 

From all of us at Harmony Communities, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

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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 Tips for Decorating Tiny Homes for the Holidays appeared first on Other CMS.

The City recently enacted a new ordinance that re-classifies THOWs as permanent structures rather than recreational vehicles, the status they carry in most other California cities. As a result, THOWs are now considered more akin to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, that sit in the backyards of individually owned properties rather than RVs or other types of vehicles.

The tiny home ordinance imposes the following requirements on owners of THOWs, among others:

• THOWs must be between 120 and 400 square feet in size.
• They must look like traditional homes in terms of the style and quality of their siding and roofing, as well as their overall appearance and curb appeal.
• They must be situated in the back or side yard of a single-family home.
• The owner of the primary property must live in either the main home or the tiny home.
• The homes must be installed on a trailer that is currently registered with the DMV.

Needless to say, given these regulations, the new ordinance will come at a cost to owners of THOWs. The City application and utility hookup fees alone are estimated to reach $1,800 or more. Not to mention, building a tiny home from scratch can cost north of $35,000 before even considering the infrastructure of the home.

Further, the ordinance restricts the locations where owners can decamp: THOW owners seeking to install their homes on a particular piece of property are required to obtain a renewable, five-year permit. Fortunately, however, the permit can be renewed through a basic inspection to ensure safe and functional connections to water, sewer, and electricity hookups.

Nonetheless, the goal of the San Luis Obispo City Council is to make tiny home construction more affordable, so that SLO doesn’t just become a haven for the wealthy. In fact, the Council has already successfully proposed and enacted cost-saving measures for THOW owners, including loosening the annual inspection requirements, doing away with the “skirting” material intended to cover the THOWs’ wheels, and no longer requiring owners to install six-foot privacy fences around their homes – all items that add unnecessary cost. By doing so, SLO municipal leaders are ensuring that the new classification will help, not hinder, families’ ability to secure THOWs as a viable, safe, attractive, sustainable, and affordable housing option.

What’s Ahead for THOW Owners

Various advocacy groups in San Luis Obispo and other parts of California seek to expand this effort by creating sustainable communities to house underserved populations like homeless veterans and the elderly. This would look like park models of tiny homes – set up much like mobile home parks – rather than isolated tiny homes located in various backyards across the State.

Other cities are just behind SLO in considering reclassifying tiny homes: deeming THOWs as permanent structures or accessory dwelling units rather than recreational vehicles. These efforts will bring THOWs one step closer to serving as a viable, widespread affordable housing option for thousands of Californians.

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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 Tiny Homes Take on a New Status in One California City appeared first on Other CMS.

“In addition to being more affordable to purchase than average homes or mobile homes, today’s tiny houses are cheaper and easier to maintain,” Matthew told reporter Claire Gillespie. Read the full article here.

The post Harmony Communities Founder Featured in Work + Money Article, “20 Truths About Tiny Homes” appeared first on Other CMS.