When I became a solo homesteader one and a half years ago, I moved into my 9x12' (2.75x3.6m) shed and did not have much time to really plan things out because of my situation. I did not think I would still be in the shed, but I am quite comfortable in my tiny quarters.
I've improved things over the several months and have made my tiny abode about as comfortable as I possibly can.
However, there is a laundry list of things that I need to take care of which I simply cannot find the time, money, or motivation to tackle. These are super important issues to take care of, but I reached a level of comfort that really discourages putting forth any more effort into my living quarters.
My Biggest Procrastination: Insulation
When I moved into my shed, I had about two weeks to pack my belongings and exit my ex's RV. This left barely any time to set up anything. I did not get a chance to insulate, and its been a challenge keeping the shed warm and cool. At night, it gets down to about 50s F (10s C) which isn't bad, but there were nights where it got down to the 30s (0s C) because of my heater malfunctioning.
In the summer, its gotten up to 95F (35C) and at that point I just go to town to the library or cafe to cool down. So, its a problem.
But to insulate, I will have to purchase the insulation, move all of my stuff out, and install all of the insulation, then move all my stuff back in. It will be a pain and a mess!
My 2nd Biggest Procrastination: No Indoor Plumbing
This one took some getting used to, but I don't mind it so much these days. I have no indoor running water. Instead, I use a large jug with a tap and a basin underneath for indoor water, and I have a wash station outdoors that is connected by hose to my well.
For my bathroom, I use an outhouse. And for showers, I have an outdoor propane heated camping shower. For some reason, I cannot get the propane to ignite, so I have to fix that too, yet another procrastination, so its been cold showers for me! But they feel pretty good in the warm Arizona sunshine.
Why the Procrastination?
Well, I have put other priorities in front of these. My biggest priority is getting the garden going full strength. I have a very large garden that makes a ton of food, and that has been the center of my efforts. I also have a big reveal....
I am moving into a canvas tent!
The biggest reason I have not worked on my tiny house issues is because this winter, I am moving out of this space and "upgrading" to a very large canvas tent!
This has always been a dream of mine, to live in a canvas tent with a wood burning stove and do it like they did in the pioneer days. I am a pioneer at heart and am learning the old timer skills of living, all valuable skills in my opinion.
But I don't want to live in a square four walled tent, rather, I am getting a 20' (6.1m) BELL TENT! I have always wanted to live in a circular space, and I am making it happen this year!
For me, living in one of these is a dream come true. I will have a ton of space, and I plan to have the wood burning stove and propane heater for heat. In the summer, well I haven't quite figured out cooling, so if you have any ideas, let me know!
I also plan to have a sink plumbed in, a small fridge, and will continue to use an outhouse and also will build an enclosed shower station.
I could go on with more challenges and procrastinations, but this is enough for one day 😊
Thanks for reading!
Regina Cal, Maximum Off Grid
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Nice to see you back, I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having, especially with the comfort of your house and the weather, but the truth is that nature can be quite harsh at times, and we should always strive to harmonize with it.
I'm sorry about the cold showers, but look on the bright side, you'll always have beautiful and radiant skin. Hot water can cause skin sagging, so feel beautiful.
As for the weather here, we have warmth and little cold, so there are no problems with that, and I couldn't recommend much around here. Thank you for coming back, you are remembered fondly here, don't forget that.
You are our inspiration, by the way, how is your daughter? I hope everything is going well with her.
Wow, its nice to see you! You are still going on HIVE, good for you!
I keep a pretty good positive attitude, and the weather is pretty good here year around, so I can't complain.
The cold showers aren't too cold, as the water warms up in the line when the sun is out. So I am happy! And sometimes, the cold showers feel nice!
My daughter is doing well! She is 22 now, all grown up and independent.
That is so sweet of you, it amazes me that I inspire people, it makes so many things worth it.
How have you been?
Can I just say cheers for replying to my comment on the Minimalist post? I'd said I wanted to read this, but then I just lose focus really easily, so so glad I found you again :D This looks truly awesome, particularly the living in a tent thing. And I should imagine more aired? Hopefully, 'cause that no insulation situation sounds a bit of a challenge.
Still, it's so cool that you're doing this, and also that you've got your priorities straight and are okay with that! Nice to meet you :)
Ah, thanks for coming by! It will be very airy, some fans will help with air circulation. I am very excited but nervous to move into the tent, but its always something I have wanted to do, so the time is now!
I felt very inspired about that post you made with the stretches, I actually did yoga for the first time in six months! It felt amazing, getting back in touch with my body and movements. Much needed.
I really like your content, so I followed you! Lets keep in touch. I try to land on PEAKD every few days in between homesteading and content creation.
Hey! You know, I was just talking to someone about putting up a tent in their yard for the summer, and thought of your post :) I'm glad my post helped get you back into yoga. For me, it was an on-again-off-again thing for many many years. I started doing it more consciously I guess (trying for every day) about 7ish months ago, and it makes a huge difference, I find :)
Same here! Let's <3 lovely meeting you!
Wow! I wonder how you manage all these things with your very large garden my friend. how I love your big tent and it made me remember about the glamoing tents here nearby. But this one is so amazing and has really a cooling atmosphere. How I love to stay there my dear friend. Best regards and I hope you could do all your great plans.
!PIZZA
Thank you for the tip! That is the first one I've ever gotten! I really don't know how I manage, I have this very large determination within my soul, and I am not working any job right now, so I am making homesteading and content creation my main gig.
Thank you for the motivation! I really love your photos so I followed you.
It's hard to think about not having proper insulation for extreme weather, but I understand the expense and effort it would take to do it. Still, I absolutely love the look of that tent. I guess it's like a yurt; Something my husband is keen on as he introduced them to me many years ago. I totally love the idea and hope that your dream will come true. 🤞
I enjoyed it 😉 Thanks for your #KISS
lips sealed
Yes, it is similar to a yurt, but much cheaper! A yurt would be the next step, so this will be my trial run.
I do wish the shed was insulated, but it will soon be an outbuilding for my solar power equipment. So there is no reason to fuss over it now, but soon I will have to!
Thank you!
$PIZZA slices delivered:
(3/5) @pinkchic tipped @queenmountain
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