Living in a truck?

Living in confined spaces is definitely not for everyone, but ...

Usually we are used to dreaming of our dream house with large open spaces, lots of rooms and maybe 2 or more bathrooms, and then moving on to large green gardens and maybe a nice pergola under which to enjoy a cool drink in the summer. But are we really sure that this is true happiness?

In recent times we are helplessly witnessing the unbridled increase in prices in the real estate market. Today, for those who still dream of home ownership, they should, even before they put their hands on their wallets, reckon with themselves above all and consequently ask themselves the real question: 

but is it really worth it?

Now, life philosophies are basically what differentiate us from each other, so trying to unify us or worse yet, globalize us under one 'creed is quite wrong and counterproductive. The intent of this article is therefore not to change your mind. There are, however, different roads and paths that could lead us to discover a new facade of ourselves, a still hidden side that is just waiting to be awakened. This hidden side is exactly that little voice that makes us stop and think before a major purchase, perhaps the new car, perhaps the boat or as in this case the much dreamed of house. Well, the feeling we get at the time of these purchases is comparable to a sense of guilt, to' a happiness immediately throttled by the awareness of the amount just paid, and invariably justified with the usual consolatory phrases: you only live once anyway!

All over the world there are people who have long since, by choice or by necessity, listened to that little voice, thus finding themselves living in small spaces and especially with less "stuff," and are happy all the same. If you notice, some more or less, in their homes are surrounded by objects and junk of all kinds, most of which have no clear purpose, well, those who have realized this are one step away from being able to adopt different lifestyles, a style that distances us from the accumulation of useless things and are one step away from being able to live with "less." In a small house everything is easier, there is less to tidy up, there is less to clean, and above all there are fewer things that distract our attention. One would have more time for ourselves instead of the house, and one could invest that time by devoting it to something we really enjoy. In certain cultures and parts of the world, these lifestyles and philosophies have been a reality for some time now, and solidified by the fact that people are spending less and less time within the walls of their homes. In fact, the average day is spent for the vast majority of people in the workplace, after work other appointments invariably take over, and after commitments perhaps, it is possible to go home. In all this time your decorations, items and things are there at home waiting for you and wondering about their own usefulness.

I am certainly not criticizing, and I fully realize that there are quite different realities to which these lifestyles are not easily apllicable, just think of large families, or those who attach an emotional bond to the property itself. In fact, for many, the house represents more than bricks and concrete; for many, the house is the place where memories reside, the events of past generations, and it is therefore difficult to detach from it. What should give us pause, however, is that at the end of the story everyone is pefectly aware of what they really need to live, and that is very little! The home should allow physical and mental rest, and not instead be a cause of stress and headaches. Therefore, living in a small space is not about being content, but being aware of having more time for yourself. Last but not least, getting rid of the objectification and the superfluous, reappropriates our energy, leaving room for the mind and especially for relationships. Couple life for example, is one of the aspects most affected by living in large spaces. On the contrary, by decreasing the space, the relationship with one's partner is reshaped, refined and often improved, so much so that new facades are discovered. One of the examples that comes to mind most is undoubtedly the classic heated argument. In this case, when tones get heated and the arguments to defend one's idea or position have come to an end, the closing phrase is almost always: I'm going that way, or, I'm going upstairs! On the other hand, when living in confined spaces, even before an argument arises, the couple is well aware that that argument will have short legs, since neither of them will have the luxury of being able to isolate themselves and sulk. Thus, with this small example, it becomes clear that by decreasing space, one realizes what is really important and what would not even be worth considering.

Ok Salvo! We get it, you are an 'Outsider and inclined to change, but I see it hard living in a truck.... 2 people and a dog? How do you cook? How do you do laundry? How do you do with such a small bathroom? Don't you feel cooped up? How do you invite someone to dinner?....

Skepticism is certainly the one who makes us vigilant and alert. Being skeptical allows us to remain guarded and consequently keep us from making rash decisions, thus making us think on a logical, not an emotional basis. Unfortunately, however, skepticism sometimes blinds us, turning us away from changes we may have been seeking for some time. It holds us back to such an extent that we convince ourselves that that thing should not be done, that course of action should not be taken, and consequently ends up stifling any chance we have for change.

If we want to simplify things from the psychological side, let's try replacing the title of the article with: Living in 16 m2?

By changing the words, sometimes the doubts and misgivings about it take on a whole other aspect making us see things from a different perspective. So, if even by changing the title your answer is influenced by skepticism and you think it is not a viable way of life, surely your problem will not be the truck and it will not even be the 16m2, but your problem will be the real question you should be asking yourself...

should I want to, would I really be so open-minded and courageous that I could change my life?

SALVO

These photos depict the reality of those who have realized, that in addition to large spaces and their respective "life sentence" mortgages, there are also other solutions that can make us feel at home. Better still, if the dwelling itself can be moved on wheels. On this subject, unfortunately, Switzerland, as indeed other European countries, is still in the third world with regard to laws and regulations regarding "mini dwellings" or "mobile homes." Having read up on the subject and consequently having made phone calls here and there, I found with some amazement that the Banks did not even know what I was talking about!!! Apart from a few isolated cases, to date, it is really difficult to obtain permits for a "Tiny House" in Switzerland, not to mention the legal obstacles that will eventually put you off the whole thing! Our Confederation first, and the respective cantons later, should start looking a little further than their noses and thus realize that times are changing. Or, do we necessarily want to be Swiss at all costs? Remain conservative and traditionalist to the end? Is it really worth it?