Small Talk with Michelle Spiess

Tiny Heirloom founder Michelle shares little details, insights, and nuggets of wisdom about small-space living.

How many people can fit inside at once: Nine (all six founders plus a photo-graphy crew) for a photo shoot for our website. It was surprisingly roomy!

Weekly cleaning time: Less than 30 minutes—no joke! It's the best part of living in a tiny house.

Monthly energy bill: It can be as low as $19 when plugged into a power source—and that's before accounting for savings created by solar panels, if you add that option.

Biggest other savings: Time, time, and more time. From less home-related maintenance to fewer stuff-related decisions (like, "which out- fit should I wear?"), we have gotten so much of our life back to do more fun and meaningful things.

Small-space myth: That you'll feel lonely, isolated, or sad with fewer things and less square footage. Our customers tell us they feel more connected to their communities because they have more time—and money—to get out and do things.

Downsize reality: We've gotten more creative with how we cook. Even though I love to bake, I had to swap my countertop mixer for a handheld version and nesting bowls.

Smartest storage trick: Stuffing a pouf-style ottoman or bean bag chair slipcover with rolled up sweaters. It's the ultimate two-for-one in my book: an extra seat for company and a place to store bulky clothing!

Most miles logged: 2,060 when we delivered one to Austin, Texas.

Love it? Buy it! Tiny Heirloom is offering readers a free solar panel upgrade with any home purchase (use code CLTINY). The base model, similar to the one shown here, starts at $65,000 and includes delivery plus a one-time trip out to the company's Oregon City headquarters to see its construction. Permits for transporting a Tiny Heirloom Home, which is classified as a travel trailer, are not required. For more info, visit tinyheirloom.com.