Most people nearing retirement wouldn’t imagine living in a 500-square-foot tiny house, but 67-year-old Sheila Boddington and her 73-year-old husband Noel from New Zealand chose to do just that.
The couple now lives in a custom-designed tiny home that fits their lifestyle and values. Downsizing gave them a simpler life, more time with family, and better financial security.
Before this, they lived like many Boomers—big houses with mortgages. Sheila said, “We built three big houses before realizing it wasn’t making life easier.”
The idea of tiny living came when their daughter Shaye, a tiny house designer, built her own small home in their backyard. At first, Sheila thought it was too small, but over time, she grew to like the idea.
Their tiny home, called The Folks, has everything they love. Noel enjoys gardening in their ornamental and vegetable gardens. A large timber deck acts as an outdoor living room with a small wood stove and screens so they can enjoy it all year. Sheila paints there with her grandchildren.
Inside, the kitchen has full-size appliances and clever space-saving designs. The living room has a cozy couch, TV, and office nook. Their off-grid setup uses solar panels and rainwater collection. The bedroom is on the ground floor for easy access, and upstairs has two lofts—one for guests and one for grandchildren to play.
Sheila says tiny living has made life less stressful and more enjoyable. They also travel in a motorhome and help their daughter’s tiny home business. Their home cost about $185,000—less than the average U.S. home price.
Sheila’s advice for anyone considering tiny living: “Start downsizing early, keep what matters most, and don’t be afraid to let go of big stuff. You’ll be surprised how little you need to be happy. Living tiny can be very freeing!”
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