How to Survive Cold Weather in a Tiny House

There are tiny homes located all over the country. While the most popular locations are typically in warmer climates like California and Texas, some of the most friendly tiny house states are Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota. As you probably already know, those are areas that tend to see a lot of snow and cold during the winter months.

Winter is just around the corner. So, if you’re new to tiny house living and you’re worried about surviving cold weather, it’s important to prepare ahead of time as much as possible. After all, not maximizing your space for winter storage and not taking into account that you may need to spend a bit more money to get prepared can ruin your tiny house experience.

But, if you plan ahead, you can make the most of this winter in your small house. You’ll learn more tips and tricks on your own over the years, but use these suggestions to get you through this winter, so you can enjoy the colder seasons for years to come.

Keeping Yourself Busy

If you live in a tiny house, chances are you’re already an adventure lover. Many people choose to build their tiny houses in rural areas so they can take advantage of nature’s beauty, and go on said adventures whenever they have the itch. With that in mind, also remember that you don’t have to stay cooped up inside all winter just because it’s chilly outside! Think about outdoor winter activities you can take part in, like skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing around your property. Staying active will easily keep you from getting bored, and the physical exercise can help keep you warm.

Remember that just because you have a small space, it doesn’t mean you need to stay inside. Go for a jog, take a winter hike, or build a fire outside and invite some friends over for s’mores and hot chocolate!

You’ll only feel cramped and confined in your small house if you let the winter blues wear you down. So, don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to how you can broaden your horizons and create more space for yourself this winter.

Keeping Yourself Warm

When the temps drop, most people have one goal: Stay warm. In a tiny house, one of the best ways to do that is to winterize your property now (before the really cold temperatures set in!). Winterizing your tiny home includes everything from wrapping your pipes so they don’t freeze and burst, to making sure your foundation and roof are sturdy and solid, with no possibility of leaks or breaking due to heavy snow. Roofing insulation will also keep your home warmer.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your heat source is in good working order. Most tiny houses will benefit from a propane heater that will not only keep you warm, but will provide heat to cook your food year-round. The amount of propane and power you’ll need depends on the square footage of your home.

You’ll also want to think ahead about how you’ll stay warm in case of an emergency. No one wants to think about the worst possible scenarios, but bad things do happen sometimes. The more prepared you are for a winter emergency, the less scary it will be.

One of the best things for these situations is to create an emergency kit that contains food, water, a radio, and a first aid kit. You can customize your kit to fit your needs, including things like blankets, a flashlight, and batteries. Even a little extra preparedness can go a long way.

Keeping Yourself Healthy

According to the CDC, most people get around 2-3 colds each year, and they typically occur in the winter or spring. It’s probably easy for you to visualize a typical winter cold, with someone bundled up in blankets with a box of tissues and a cup of tea by their side.

While colds and flu may not be entirely avoidable, one of the best things you can do to stay healthy this winter is to take care of yourself physically and mentally. You might think your options for self-care are limited in a tiny house, but that’s not true!

It starts with what you eat. You might not have a ton of room in your kitchen, so utilizing the space you do have will make it easier for you to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals. If you want to create hearty meals in your kitchen that don’t take up a lot of time or space, consider investing in a slow cooker. You can typically throw everything into the vessel, set it on ‘low,’ and go about your day until you’re ready for dinner. Slow cookers are ideal for soups and stews that you can fill with healthy vegetables to keep you healthy and warm all season.

Staying physically active in your tiny house doesn’t have to be impossible, either. Use online workout videos, small dumbells, and resistance bands in your limited space to get in a great workout. Or, head outside for some physical winter activities, like the ones we suggested earlier!

Winter can sometimes take a toll on your mental health, too. About 10 million Americans struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Don’t let yourself fall into a depression just because it’s winter. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself inside and out, soaking in as many sunny days as possible, and doing things that bring you joy.

Tiny house living is a unique experience, and it can have its challenges, especially as you have to adapt to different seasons. Let these tips be your guide this year before the snow starts to fall, so you can survive the winter months and actually find enjoyment in them.

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