As the cost of homeownership continues to rise, people are turning to less-conventional lifestyles, like living off-the-grid, to save money and live more sustainably. In a video on TikTok, John and Fin (@belovedcabin) shared their beautifully transformed off-grid home, which was once a shed.
"This used to be a storage shed," the owners state, "now it's our home." John and Fin mention that their space is "imperfect," but built with grit and secondhand materials that come together to create a cozy living space.
@belovedcabin Living in a shed conversion is a mix of freedom, creativity, and a bit of grit. Here's what it's really like: • Cozy Spaces, Big Thinking: You learn to live with less, but somehow it feels like more. Every item has a place, and every corner has purpose. • DIY Never Stops: There's always a project—from sealing up drafts to figuring out where to store your boots. It's hands-on living. • Bills Are Lighter, Life Feels Heavier—in a Good Way: With fewer expenses, there's room to breathe. You trade clutter for clarity, and stress for simplicity. • You Get Resourceful Real Quick: Small space, small budget? You become a master of making do, repurposing, and finding joy in the basics. • Peace You Can Feel: When you wake up in something you built (or rebuilt), there's a quiet pride that hits different. #shedtohouse #sheshed #tinyhome #debtfreeliving #budgetbuild #affordableliving #intentionalliving ♬ Luxury and fun big band jazz(1324443) - Ponetto
The converted space features a claw-foot bathtub surrounded by lush indoor plants, a bright kitchen with a sizable pantry, and multiple chandeliers that create a warm, eclectic ambiance.
"We wake up knowing we built this life with our own hands and that's a feeling money can't buy," the owners said.
The home operates off-grid and comes with no mortgage or HOA fees — two major financial burdens for Americans. The median mortgage payment in the U.S. is now over $2,200 per month, and HOA fees often range between $200 and $300 on average, so the savings from a self-built, self-sustained home can be substantial.
In the comments, viewers admired the home's off-grid lifestyle and design.
"I'd rather live there than a million dollar mansion!" one commenter wrote.
Another commenter praised, "That is living! Simple, creative, just beautiful!"
About a minute into the video, viewers can spot what appears to be a solar panel on the side of the house, which has become a growing trend to power homes sustainably. Even for conventional houses, installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack, as they can bring the cost of energy down to at or near $0. EnergySage offers a free service to compare quotes from local, vetted installers and can help homeowners save up to $10,000 on solar installations.
While not everyone can make the leap to off-grid living, this couple's shed that's been converted to a home is a reminder that progress — not perfection — can lead to a more sustainable, affordable, and fulfilling life. Whether it's living off-grid or making incremental changes like adding solar panels, environmentally-friendly home design can significantly reduce energy consumption and minimize resource use to help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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"You learn to live with less, but somehow it feels like more. Every item has a place, and every corner has purpose." the homeowners wrote in their caption.
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