Deciding to live small is one thing, but finding a spot to put your Airstream, camper trailer or tiny house can be a little more challenging.

Asking for help was something I wasn't prepared to do. I was used to scanning Craigslist ads for things I needed versus putting myself out there. Most likely, a great backyard or space of land isn't going to fall into your lap.

Starting small is key. It makes sense, too. Someone is more likely to give you a penny than $5. So in that rational, ask first for a place to store your house. Then ask how they feel about you living in it while it's there. Is it okay if there's a dog too? How do they feel about electricity, water, WiFi? Can you do anything for them in addition or exchange for rent?

You're going to encounter some dead ends along the way. You might lose faith in humanity when everyone you're contacting turns you down.

Here's the order I would use if I could go back in seeking out a new place to live.

Airbnb

I never would have guessed this would be the number one spot for something like this. If they're smart, they'll catch on and add a section for special requests. Find an area you want to live and contact people who are renting out rooms and houses. They are already looking for some extra cash, so they just might be open to the idea. Meet up with them in person and see if it's a good fit, talk price and amenities available (water, electricity, WiFi, etc.).

Coworkers

You may have a few colleagues you trust talking about it with, but it's probably best to not disclose all of your personal life to certain people you work with. Asking that one coworker about their backyard may lead to other contacts. Word of mouth can go a long way. If you find people that live in the area you want to live, they might be able to help ask their neighbors, and those people might ask their neighbors.

Craigslist

Under the parking section, you could put up a request to see if someone has extra space on their property that fits your new home. I've seen requests for parking for a tiny house. I'm not sure how many bites they get, as my request for a place to park a camper trailer was never answered.

You could even contact some people renting out houses in your preferred area to see if they are open to the idea of making some extra money.

Facebook

Posting it on Facebook wasn't really my thing, but I did post it in a few Facebook groups I found for that area. I got a few contacts that way. I'm sure if you posted it as your Facebook status, someone might be able to help.

This is my example of being vulnerable and putting myself out there:

“I have kinda a unique question for you, but thought because you were on AirBnb, you might be open to it. I am looking to rent out someone’s land (monthly) and stay on it in a 14-ft camper trailer while I save money to build a house. I am hoping to be self-sufficient so I wouldn’t need any hookups to water or electricity, unless this is something you wanted to do anyway. I am really laid back and would not be in the way of other renters.

I’d be happy to meet with you in person and chat about this, so let me know if you’re up for it.”

Would you take that offer? I'm not sure I would have if I read it a few months ago ...

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau had it figured out. A few of our ancestors did as well. But times have changed and we are driven by money and representing our wealth with large houses and several possessions. So why live small when you can afford not to? Here are some things you are gaining.

Environmental friendliness

When you have less space, you are not using as much of Mother Nature's energy and resources to power your home. Southern sun exposure and body heat can efficiently heat your home in a tiny space. When it does get cold, you will be heating a smaller space than a house and apartment, and using less heat, because it won't be going into rooms you don't use.

More time

When you live small, you have a greater backyard of outdoor space to experience. Once the tiny house is built, we will have less things to clean, organize and chores to do. You always hear people talk about the house projects they are working on. Because you are reducing the clutter in your life, you are giving yourself more time to value the things you own and use on a daily basis.

Being one with nature

Chances are if you living in a tiny space, you're choosing to be in a spot where you can dream bigger and take risks. You may be working part-time or from home simply because you don't have to worry about paying that mortgage, allowing yourself more time to be outdoors. Or you may be living closer to work to spend the time you would be commuting walking or biking instead. Because you can live anywhere when you're mobile, you are able to live near a mountain, ocean or national park. The options are endless.

Saving money

This one is probably more obvious, but our rent is going down around $500 a month from renting out a space vs. renting an apartment or home. We won't be paying money for excess things like parking and cable. A tiny house doesn't have a mortgage to pay off. We have less space for purchases, so that means choosing wisely what we want to buy and buying less things that won't be used. All of this extra money will go toward building a tiny house, traveling and enjoying life to its fullest.

Less clutter

Reducing your excess things is completely liberating. Generally, most people own clothes they don't wear or gadgets that become outdated. Reducing items frees up space and breathing room.

Mobility

Our camper trailer and tiny house are both on wheels, making it easy to get up and relocate if we need to. Moving just got a whole lot easier.

Where to Start