She Bought This $15k Tiny Home to Avoid Homelessness
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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
She lost everything to a health crisis in 2023 and feared becoming homeless. Instead, she bought a 128 sq ft tiny home for just $15,700, sight unseen, and moved it to a lakeside community in Orlando where she pays $645 a month all in. At 128 square feet, Christy calls it "teeny tiny," and it has three stories. Full tour of her magnetic kitchen, bay window bedroom, IKEA stair closet, and the outdoor deck her neighbors helped build.
Christy was facing one of the scariest moments of her life. Health issues in 2023 had her losing everything, and the fear of homelessness pushed her to finally chase a dream she had always had. Living tiny. With the help of a close friend, she found a tiny house in Newport, Tennessee through a simple Google search, bought it sight unseen for $15,700, and had it delivered to Lake Fairview in Orlando, Florida.
Her home is just 128 square feet, smaller than most walk-in closets, but it has three levels, a full kitchen, a flushable toilet, hot running water, and everything she needs to live comfortably on her own terms. She works part-time as a nanny, runs a sleep training business on the side, and says tiny living gave her something she never had before. Financial freedom and peace of mind.
KITCHEN
Original cupboards, countertop, and sink (her only sink, toothbrush lives here too). Butcher block countertop, which she recommends against due to mold risk around the sink despite sealing multiple times. Two burner stove, toaster oven, microwave, and blender for daily smoothies. Pull out tray stand for extra counter space when prepping meals. Magnetic walls used for spice storage, glasses, oils, and shelving. Pantry drawers and added wall shelves for dishes and mugs. Upgraded refrigerator from the original, which was too small. Forces regular cleanouts and organized shopping.
LIVING SPACE AND BEDROOM
Table and desk combo for remote work and meals. Bay window bed, which she paid extra for and says it made the whole layout work. Twin size bed with under bed storage for clothes, towels, and bedding. Chose to sleep on Level 2 instead of the loft for nighttime safety. TV mounted above kitchen area that swivels both directions. Full size mirror on the wall. Memory wall with family photos and personal photography. Window AC unit because the house is not insulated, and sun exposure is a challenge.
CLOSET AND STAIRS
IKEA kids section stairs double as shelving and closet access. Custom built closet attached to the wall with help from a friend, designed to be travel ready. Drawers and baskets for organized storage. No door, uses baskets and rolled clothing to keep it tidy. Swap out system where buying something new means donating something old.
LOFT
Currently used for seasonal clothing storage and overflow items. Future goal is to convert to guest sleeping space, which requires a safer stair upgrade. Handles on wall for climbing support.
BATHROOM
Curtain door with magnetic hooks that rolls up when not in use. Full flushable toilet, which was non-negotiable for Christy. Hot running water shower with eucalyptus hanging. Open storage on hooks for purses, plants, and essentials. Community laundromat located just a few feet away.
OUTDOOR SPACE
Platform deck built by Christy and her neighbors in a single day. Used for remote work, socializing, cocktails, and gardening. Garden beds and outdoor plants. Lake Fairview views from the community.
CHRISTY'S COST BREAKDOWN
Tiny home purchase price: $15,700 (bought sight unseen from Newport, TN)
No delivery fees because they picked it up and transported it themselves
Monthly lot rent including water, sewer, and trash: $645 a month with electricity separate
Location: Lake Fairview, Orlando, FL
Works part time as a nanny and runs a sleep training business at thebaby-whisperer.com
CHRISTY'S BEST ADVICE
"People always say they want to do it but they can't. They have too much stuff. And I just say, yeah, it's just stuff. Do it. Get rid of it. The freedom of getting rid of everything was so releasing. It just felt so good."
Filmed by - / theaveragebrad
Edited by - / filmbro_
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