Winter in a Tiny House: 10 Items That Help Me Survive the Cold

This is my second winter living in a Tiny House. Last year, I learned a lot, including what NOT to do. Below I’ve listed ten seasonal items that have really saved my butt – and kept it from freezing. If you ask me, that’s a worthwhile investment for future winter Tiny House living!

1). Camco Heated Hose

Last year I didn’t purchase a heated hose because I wasn’t sure my electrical load could handle it. Guillaume and I survived off of our fresh water tank, filling it every two days. I became obsessed with conserving water. Most of the time I showered at the gym, and I used very little water to wash dishes. This year I was happy to receive a sponsored heated hose from Camco. I’m still water conscience, but I love that I no longer have to fill a tank! My 25′ Camco Heated Hose retails for $104.25. I love this hose because it has a built in thermostat, it’s durable and easy to install.

2). Kimberly Wood Stove

Last week I lost power due to a winter storm, but I was lucky enough to have an off-grid heat source. This is why it’s important to have two options for heating in extreme weather: one may fail! To read more about my heating techniques, click here.

3). Self-starting propane water heater

As I’ve mentioned before, one of the main benefits of my water heater is that it will self-start to protect itself from freezing. This is very important, especially if I leave the house unattended for a few days. To read more about my water heater, click here.

4). PowerBlanket Propane Heat Blanket

Last winter my propane tanks became too cold and my water heater was not able to turn on. The pipes inside my water heater froze and it was an expensive fix. Now I don’t have to worry about propane pressure because this heat blanket keeps my tank cozy in cold weather! At $350, it is a pricey gadget but also necessary.

5). Water filter INSIDE my house

I can’t use my RV hose water filter during winter because it will freeze. Instead, I filter my drinking water after it comes in through the faucet with a Britta.

6). Dehumidifier

Humidity is high in the pacific northwest, and moisture control is very important in a tiny space. Usually I leave a few windows cracked to help with ventilation. In winter, I run my dehumidifier for a few hours every day. My wood stove also works as a dehumidifier.

7). Insulated p-traps

The p-traps for my sink and shower are located in the insulated part of my Tiny House. I don’t have to worry about them freezing. To read more about my Tiny House plumbing, click here.

8). RV sewer hose support

This hose support helps my grey water flow downhill to the sewer drain. As long as I run hot water every few days, my sewer hose shouldn’t freeze.

9). Small electric space heater with thermostat

It’s nice to have a heat source running when I’m out of the house all day long. It doesn’t take much to heat the Tiny House in this climate, so any small space heater will do. I’d love to upgrade to one that will sync to my smart phone someday.

10). Rugs, blankets, sweaters and tea!

Even with my Tiny House skirt, the floor is still the coldest part of my Tiny House. Hot drinks, candles, wool socks, blankets and fluffy dog cuddles contribute to my comfort. Winter (to me) means I have an excuse to stay in with a cup of tea and watch a movie on my projector. What could be better than that?

Watch this video for more info on how I winterize:

More Articles on Wintering in a Tiny House:

• How to Create a Tiny House Skirt for under $100
• How I Almost Killed my Water Heater One Winter
• Heating a Tiny House in Colorado
• Prepping For Winter – How to Prepare You Tiny Home Before It Gets Too Cold

How will you prepare for winter in a Tiny House?

*For more of my recommended Tiny House appliances, gadgets, and products, check out my Tiny House Shop by clicking here!*