Size isn't everything! Couple say they are living like kings after packing up conventional living to move into tiny 224 sq ft box on wheels

  • Trevor Gay became obsessed with Tiny Homes blog five years ago
  • He asked his girlfriend if she would consider it, she was won over
  • They say their wealth has dramatically increased by downsizing
  • And they love the thrill of a 13ft house on wheels they can move around

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 19:25 EST, 25 June 2015 | Updated: 22:15 EST, 25 June 2015

At just 13 feet tall, and 224 square feet wide, most people would call this a shed.  

But to Trevor Gay and Marianna Benasutti, it's home.

Tired of a conventional life littered with belongings, the Ohio couple had a thorough spring clean to move into a custom-built box in Spring Valley.

And if they get restless, they can just wheel it somewhere else.

Scroll down for video 

Making the most of it! Trevor Gay and Marianna Benasutti have packed everything in to live in this tiny home

Making the most of it! Trevor Gay and Marianna Benasutti have packed everything in to live in this tiny home

All they need: An architect worked with the small space to fit a bed, storage cupboards, and dining table
All they need: An architect worked with the small space to fit a bed, storage cupboards, and dining table

All they need: An architect worked with the small space to fit a bed, storage cupboards, and dining table

Cosy! Trevor and Mary (pictured with their cat) say they couldn't be happier with their snug home

Cosy! Trevor and Mary (pictured with their cat) say they couldn't be happier with their snug home

'It's everything we need and nothing more,' Gay told 2 News.

'We knew what we were getting into, and it absolutely surpassed our expectations.'

He said he'd seen a story about the blog Tiny Homes about five years ago and became obsessed with the idea.

'I was hooked and I thought it was awesome. So for the past five years I've just been looking at all these designs and one day I said, "hey, Mary, could you do this?"' 

Won over, she said yes. And soon their plan was under way. 

An architect helped construct the wooden box, which would house countless pockets of storage space. 

Video from Jeremy Wiedle 

Nooks and crannies: Cleverly placed storage is enough room for their few possessions after a clear-out

Nooks and crannies: Cleverly placed storage is enough room for their few possessions after a clear-out

Fully functioning: It may be a box but their marble-topped kitchen has a proper oven, sink, stove and fridge

Fully functioning: It may be a box but their marble-topped kitchen has a proper oven, sink, stove and fridge

Idyllic: This bed may have been fashioned to fit the space, but it looks like something out of a catalog

Idyllic: This bed may have been fashioned to fit the space, but it looks like something out of a catalog

Modern design: Gay and Benasutti added exposed hanging light bulbs and rustic wooden wall dividers

Modern design: Gay and Benasutti added exposed hanging light bulbs and rustic wooden wall dividers

They have a fully functioning kitchen with an oven and a sink, as well as stairs, a living room, and a bedroom.

For many couples it would be too close for comfort, but Gay says an added benefit is that it forces them to talk out any issues or arguments immediately. 'You have to face your issues head on,' he told 2 News.

Dubbing it the Heart Of It All House, the couple told Facebook followers they are able to live 'first class' on a lower to middle class income. 

And the savings, Benasutti said, have been life-changing.

'Since we have built this house ourselves, we’ve saved a lot of money,' she told 2 News. 

Excitement: This is a picture of the couple at the end of the building process marveling at their home

Excitement: This is a picture of the couple at the end of the building process marveling at their home

Anywhere they want! The home is set up in Spring Valley, but could be carted anywhere in the country

Anywhere they want! The home is set up in Spring Valley, but could be carted anywhere in the country

Dreamy: At night, with the lights on, it has the feel of a holiday cabin

Dreamy: At night, with the lights on, it has the feel of a holiday cabin

'That enables us to be able to travel and do activities and go places that we weren’t able to do before.'

It is the latest of many so-called Tiny Houses to pop up around America. 

The country's ever-increasing population density is forcing many to downsize their living arrangements and do more with less.

But some inventive homeowners are taking advantage of this apparent necessity to craft a new way of life where quality beats quantity. 

In many cases, the thrill of being connected to the natural world negates any sense of claustrophobia which could be produced by the limited living space.

  • For more on the Heart Of It All House, visit their website 

 

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