Tiny House, Big Impact!

Joining me for this episode is Ethan Waldman, a leading figure in
the tiny house movement. Ethan’s journey from a web designer to a
tiny house expert is nothing short of inspiring, and his
conversation here with me is definitely one for those of you who
are seeking a shift in how you live and impact the planet.


Not only does Ethan live in a tiny house, he’s built an entire
community around it! The founder of thetinyhouse.net, Ethan is
also the author of the guidebook and online course Tiny House
Decisions and host of Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast, which
recently celebrated its 300th episode!


Ethan recounts a transformative bike trip along the Pacific
coast. Expecting the journey to be life-changing, he was
surprised by his reaction upon returning home. The simplicity of
living out of a few bags contrasted with the abundance of stuff
he had accumulated, a revelation that pushed him towards tiny
house living.


Listen as Ethan explores the whys and hows of tiny house living,
breaking down the process into actionable steps: understanding
your motivation, deciding between a mobile or stationary tiny
house, and whether to build it yourself or hire professionals. He
also shares the challenges and rewards of DIY construction,
providing a realistic perspective on what it takes to create your
own tiny home.


For those curious about minimalism, Ethan also offers practical
tips on decluttering, starting with the easiest area: your
wardrobe. He shares how small experiments, like packing lightly
for a trip, can be a stepping stone towards embracing a simpler
lifestyle. His advice is grounded in real experiences and
interviews with minimalism experts, making it accessible for
anyone interested in the philosophy.


We also discuss the broader implications of the tiny house
movement. While there are significant challenges in converting
commercial spaces into residential ones, Ethan’s optimism about
the movement’s growth is palpable, and he highlights how some
states, like California, are already leading the way with
progressive legislation that makes it easier to integrate tiny
houses into urban landscapes.


Ethan, in closing, reflects on his journey and what’s next now
for him. With the landscape of online education evolving, he’s
contemplating new directions for his business. Whether you’re a
tiny house enthusiast or just curious about alternative living,
this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration, so
tune in, get inspired, and perhaps take your first step towards a
more intentional way of living!


Episode Highlights: [1:36] - Ethan reveals that
he is a tiny house author, speaker, teacher, and creator of the
Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast.


[3:04] - Dissatisfied with corporate life, Ethan built a tiny
house to pursue entrepreneurship after a sabbatical.[5:47] - I
reflect on Ethan's clarity from biking, realizing possessions
hinder life’s true desires.[7:47] - Ethan suggests starting
decluttering with clothes and recommends trying a minimalist trip
for a reset.


[10:47] - Ethan defines the tiny house movement as advocating for
homes under 450ft² with efficient space use.[13:19] - Ethan notes
that converting commercial buildings into housing is challenging
due to interior space and construction differences.[15:38] -
Ethan notes nonprofit tiny home projects for veterans.


[18:56] - Start with why you want a tiny house, and then decide
on mobility or permanence.[21:22] - Ethan notes a pandemic-driven
surge in tiny house interest, now suggesting lower-priced used
options.


[24:47] - Ethan discusses options for moving tiny houses and
challenges in financing them traditionally.


[28:06] - Hear what’s next now for Ethan.


[30:07] - Ethan reveals where he can be found online.


Links & Resources:




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thetinyhouse.net




Tiny House Decisions




Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast