Cargo bicycles offer tiny house dwellers a practical alternative to car ownership. These utility bikes can haul groceries, transport kids, carry building supplies, and handle daily commutes—all without fuel costs, insurance, or parking hassles. For those embracing simple living, a cargo bike may be the only vehicle you need.
House hacking—renting out part of your home to offset housing costs—works well for oversized houses that can be divided into separate units. Whether creating an in-law suite, converting to a duplex, or simply renting a spare room, shared housing reduces costs while making use of underutilized space.
Shared Housing Example
This Naples, Florida house splits living space between floors—first floor is one unit, second floor is another, each with private entrances.
The hogan is a traditional dwelling of the Navajo (Diné) people, constructed from logs and earth. These structures serve both as homes and as sacred spaces for ceremonies, representing an important connection between shelter and spiritual practice.
Hogan Exterior
Photo by George Burba
Hogan, the traditional Navajo red clay earth house, with backdrop of famous table mountains of the Navajo National monument on the background
This video documents the construction of a custom yurt, providing a visual guide to assembling these traditional round structures. Yurts offer a portable, affordable alternative to conventional housing.
Computer armoires provide a way to create a home office that disappears when not in use. These cabinet-style desks contain workspace, storage, and equipment behind doors that close to hide clutter—ideal for tiny houses where the living room doubles as an office.
Shelter-Kit offers prefab cabin packages designed for owner assembly. With sizes starting at 144 square feet and estimated assembly times of 3-4 days with two people, these kits provide an accessible entry point for tiny house construction.
Going car-free aligns naturally with tiny house living—both prioritize simplicity, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact. This guide covers how to replace car ownership with a combination of bicycles, public transit, and rideshare services.
The Bodega is an original Jay Shafer design from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. This cottage plan includes a full bedroom, fireplace, bathroom, and kitchen in a compact footprint. The modular design allows building as a 261 sq ft studio or expanding to 356 sq ft with an added rear bedroom.