Tiny houses are an awesome choice for many people these days, but they are definitely small! If you have one or more friends or family members staying with you, things can get really tight in a tiny home. Here are some creative ideas for how to prep a tiny home for guests.
NOTE: This is a guest post by Natalie Jones
Living Tiny is a Growing Trend
According to iProperty Management, it’s estimated that over 10,000 tiny homes exist in the United States. Tiny home living can lower your energy use and expenses while allowing you freedom of movement and a simpler lifestyle.
How to Prep A Tiny Home for Guests
If you own a tiny home, you have probably faced a number of challenges due to the lack of room. One thing that can be especially difficult is the lack of sleeping space.
So what happens when you have house guests?
Believe it or not, there are more options than you might think! With a little preparation, you can ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep and enjoys the time together in your tiny home.
Give Up Your Own Bed
If you have just one bed in your tiny home, allow your guests to sleep in it. The exception would be if you only have a loft bed and your family member or friend has mobility problems. Otherwise, it’s good etiquette to provide your guest with the best bed in the house.
Other Guest Bed Options
Many tiny houses have modular sofas that can be used as a bed. But if you still need an additional bed, consider using a cot or air mattress.
Cots
Many cots, especially those made for camping, are typically very affordable and easy to set up. A narrow camping cot can be squeezed into spaces a regular bed would never fit. Then it can be folded up and tucked out of the way during the daytime.
Air Mattresses
Air mattresses are another great way to prep a tiny home for guests. They are available in the same sizes as traditional beds, from twin to king. Many come with their own pump for quick and easy inflating. And, when not in use, air mattresses fold up tightly for easy small-space storage.
Bedding
Once you know where your guests will sleep, it’s time to make the guest bed as comfortable as possible. Investing in good-quality pillows, sheets, and blankets will definitely help your guests rest better.
If you live in a cold climate, look for thermal blankets and comforters that aren’t too thick. You don’t want items that will take up too much of your limited storage space.
Colors for Best Sleep
The color of a sleeping area can have a pronounced effect on the quality of sleep you get. Colors such as blue, green, and silver can promote more restful moods.
Instead of going to the trouble of repainting the interior of your sleep space, try to find custom wallpaper to fit your room. You can even create your own designs to help you and your guests rest easier.
It’s also a good idea to keep these calming colors in mind when shopping for bedding for your guests.
Create Some Privacy
If your guests are sleeping in the middle of the living space, give them some privacy by sectioning off the area with a tension rod and some inexpensive curtains.
You can make their sleeping space more homey with a reading lamp and small table for their keys, phone, and other personal items.
Give your guests a little room in your closet to hang their clothing or consider offering a fold-out luggage rack if space allows.
More Tips for Hosting Guests in a Tiny Home
When you have guests, your tiny house starts to feel a lot tinier. Here are some additional tips on how to prep a tiny home for guests to help everyone have a great time.
Entertain Outdoors
If the weather cooperates, try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Cook meals on the grill and hang out at the picnic table.
Consider investing in patio umbrellas or a fold-out canopy to keep off the sun during the day.
Using a fire pit or portable heater will keep the outdoors comfortable for hanging out on chilly nights.
Stay Active During the Day
Sleeping in an unfamiliar place can be difficult. Trying to sleep in a tiny house in a smaller-than-usual bed can make it even harder. But you can take steps to help your guests fall asleep faster and stay asleep.
Besides making the bed and sleeping area as comfortable as possible, staying active during the day is a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep. After all, when you are really tired, you can fall asleep almost anywhere!
If you live in a tiny house, you are accustomed to the limited space, but your house guests may not be. Therefore, you should do whatever you can to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
It doesn’t take all that much effort to prep a tiny home for guests. With cozy bedding, a bit of privacy, and plenty of time outdoors, your guests will be able to sleep well, feel comfortable, and have a great time visiting.
Natalie Jones enjoys writing about home buying and hopes to inspire homeowners of all stages to enjoy the perks of homeownership. She created homeownerbliss.info to help soon to be homeowners in making their decision during house-hunting. She also loves spending time with her husband working on DIY projects for their home.