by: Logan Jackson March 20, 2025
“My journey to tiny living wasn’t a sudden decision; it was a gradual realization, a gentle nudge from my heart that whispered, ‘There’s a simpler way.’ From the moment I discovered the concept, I knew it was the lifestyle for me. And since it’s just me and my loyal companions, Ace and Queen Maddie, space has never been a real issue. In fact, it’s always been about creating a cozy haven, a place where love and warmth fill every corner.
This dream began to take shape in 2016 when I returned from Texas to care for my grandmother, who had been diagnosed with an incurable illness. We lost her in August of that year, and I inherited her estate—her property, a 1250 square foot house on an acre of land in my hometown. It was a bittersweet time, but it also opened my eyes to a different way of living.
As I started to live there, I found myself drawn to DIY and HGTV, those glimpses into lives lived with intention. Though tiny living had been around for a while, it was then that I truly began to notice it, to feel its pull. There I was, alone, in a three-bedroom, one-bath house, with a living room, dining room, kitchen, and laundry room. Even with Ace and Queen Maddie, it felt overwhelmingly large. They, like all dogs, were content to be where I was, and I realized, so was I.
Then came 2020—a year of unexpected change, but for me, a year of positive transformation. I sold the house and moved to an 800 square foot apartment in Atlanta. It was still too much space, too much to manage. My interest in tiny living deepened, and I began to see that my vision was attainable, a real possibility. I will admit that I still had a great deal of clutter to contend with, and I plan to do a post about how I decluttered and got to where I am now—a journey of letting go and embracing freedom.
After two years in Atlanta, where rent was reaching nearly $2000 a month, I knew I needed a change, a leap of faith. That’s when I reached out to my childhood friend of 45 years and asked if I could rent some land from him. He agreed, and my dream became a reality, a testament to the power of friendship and believing in yourself.
I was about to purchase a 14×24 shed, but when it came down to it, the actual living space was only 14×20 because of the 4-foot porch. In one month, I went from 800 square feet to 280 square feet, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. My stress levels have plummeted, and everything has its place, a sense of order and peace. Like so many others, I find that everything I own has multiple uses, a beautiful lesson in resourcefulness.
If you dream of tiny living, don’t give up. It took me six years to get here, but it was worth every step, every moment of doubt and every leap of faith. I can’t imagine ever going back to living in more than 400 square feet—and honestly, even that might be too much. Your dreams are worth pursuing, and your happiness is within reach. Thank you for reading, and I hope my story inspires you to chase your own dreams, no matter how small or how big.”
Leave a Reply