For most people, pets are a significant member of the family. Naturally, those choosing to downsize to a tiny house want to take their little furballs with them.
If you were one of those people, you might have quickly realized that the difference between wanting to bring a pet and the reality of living with one in a reduced space is quite stark. While it may seem like a challenge to accommodate your pets in a tiny home, it’s much easier than you may think.
Continue reading below to learn how to live comfortably with your furry roommates in a tiny home.
Know Your Pet’s Habits
Each pet has a unique personality, and that’s part of why they’re amazing companions. Whether you have a dog, cat, or ESA animal, you’ll need to know your pet’s habits and temperament to prepare them for your tiny home.
For example, it’s probably not the best idea to let crate-trained dogs free roam your house while you’re away. It would be best to create a make-shift holding area either in the kitchen or in the living area instead. If you’re designing your own compact living space, keep your pet’s personality, behavior, and habits in mind.
Also, remember that it’s not just about how much room you have, either. Getting your pet plenty of exercise will make them less likely to run around everywhere. Some pets can live comfortably in small spaces, whereas others need additional room or exercise to expel their energy.
Portable Furniture Is Your Best Friend
Although you might be able to create a good holding area for your pets while you’re sleeping or out of the house, what do you do when everyone’s home? In that case, portable furniture comes in handy.
Not only does it make it easier to house your pets, but it also makes tiny home living better to manage overall.
For example, you can move your bed to the living area to free up space to get work done where you’d usually sleep. When it’s time to cook, you can transport your pet’s bed and toys into the sleeping area. Whichever formula you choose, having portable furniture will make it easier to adapt to the smaller space.
Stay on Top of Cleaning
Some dogs shed more often than others. To avoid your tiny home becoming nothing but fur, you need to make sure to stay on top of cleaning. Dirt, clutter, and fur can make a tight space feel more cramped.
The same goes without pets, but it’s vital if you have one or two furry companions. Luckily, smaller spaces are easier and quicker to clean.
Develop a cleaning schedule and try to stick with it as best as possible. You can have a deep cleaning day once or twice a week and try to do some light cleaning every day. Keeping your pets well-groomed will also help keep your living space tidy.
Conclusion
Living in a compact home can be extremely rewarding. Moreover, having a pet there with you will enhance your quality of life as you aim to minimalize your possessions and focus more on yourself. That said, it’s crucial to understand the reality of living with animals in such a small space to avoid discomfort for both parties.
Follow the tips above, and you and your pets can live a happy and cozy life inside your tiny house for several years.
