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Posted: 3/15/2005 2:06:53 PM EDT
I've been saving/scrounging building materials as I work on my house.  (Door, windows, drip edge, shingles, cabinets, flooring, etc.) My idea is to build a very small cabin that I can live in mortgage-free after I sell this place, and while I work on the next.  

So here are my questions:

1.  What's the smallest space you could live in.

2.  What's the largest building you could reasonably load on a trailer and move.

3.  How would you lay it out?  

When I look at garden sheds at Home Depot, I get the impression that I could be comfortable in a 10'X16', but I don't think that could be moved in one piece.  I know I could winch an 8'X10' onto a trailer and haul it to a new lot, but I don't know if I could exist in it without losing my mind. What say you, my brain trust?
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:12:13 PM EDT
[#1]
4'x8'x8' cell. Beyond that, I ain't talking.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:13:54 PM EDT
[#2]
The apartment the wife and I lived in when we first got married,about 350 sq feet
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:14:49 PM EDT
[#3]
Lived on a 32ft sailboat for about 9 months (maybe 250 sq feet).

Almost went insane, especially in the winter. Had a house under construction and did
the same thing as you, to save money instead of renting something decent.

Would not even attempt such a thing again.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:15:24 PM EDT
[#4]
these guys can probably help with this kind of question:
SF

Cabins and stuff are discussed a lot.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:18:15 PM EDT
[#5]
I lived on a 45 ft Sea Ray for about a year....
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:19:27 PM EDT
[#6]
A 12' x 12'
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:21:54 PM EDT
[#7]
TexasSIG can probably back me up on this....chicks dig guys that live on boats....
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:23:28 PM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
A 12' x 12'



I don't think you could move something that wide over the roads.

It's the exact size of my horse's stall.  Kind of humbling to think I've come to that...  
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:26:12 PM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:
...I get the impression that I could be comfortable in a 10'X16', but I don't think that could be moved in one piece.  



I bought an 8X16 storage building that was delivered in one piece; its built on skids so that once it is on the ground you can hook a small tractor to it and place it wherever you want.  The seller had winched it up onto what I believe was a car-hauler trailer.  I would think a 10X16 wouldn't be much more trouble with the right trailer.

BTW I lived 2 years in a 24-ft camper quite comfortably.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:27:30 PM EDT
[#10]
Why not get a used RV trailer in the 20-30 foot range?  No question about being able to tow it down the road...
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:28:08 PM EDT
[#11]
I'm in this 6x6 cubicle 60+ hrs a week...does that count?
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:30:38 PM EDT
[#12]
About 8x10, small toilet closet, overhead bunk, desk under bunk, small sink/cooktop setup, small fridge.

Its amazing what you can put in a small space if you put your mind to it.  
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:45:51 PM EDT
[#13]
A gambrel roof building will give you enough head room for a loft if the floor is big enough, and you can have steps if they are stuffed in the corner.

You could also pre-fab the walls, floors, and roof joists, then transport smaller pieces - this is how the local storage building makers move their buildings that are too wide to move without a permit.  These can be built in a day once at the site.

Since it's a temporary dwelling, I'd say it depends on the length of time you'll stay there.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:46:34 PM EDT
[#14]
On second thought, how big is a vagina?
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:47:37 PM EDT
[#15]
I've been living in a 34 foot travel trailer for the last 8 years.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:51:58 PM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 2:54:27 PM EDT
[#17]

Quoted:
TexasSIG can probably back me up on this....chicks dig guys that live on boats....



True, they also use up all of your fresh water taking long ass showers, but that's the price you pay......
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 3:04:23 PM EDT
[#18]
Whatever you do, make sure you have enough storage space either in the attic, a basement, or a shack behind the house.  You can live in a very small area if you can store things you don't use everyday elsewhere.  Having plenty of storage space has helped me stay sane in my ~1,000 square foot house.  Several times we had one or two female relatives living with us.  With only two bedrooms and one bathroom, things were tight.z
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 3:08:35 PM EDT
[#19]
I lived in a sleeping bag for 4 months in Afghanistan. Does that count?
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 3:34:33 PM EDT
[#20]
Living in a 7'x14' dorm room right now...
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 3:37:08 PM EDT
[#21]
Just me? I could live in a used school bus, which could be bought for $1500 - $3000, and when it's time to move just start it up and drive.
Link Posted: 3/15/2005 3:38:33 PM EDT
[#22]
I'll be living in a Semi for about 2-3 weeks at a time... I think its 8x8
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