EP 99: Tiny Home Systems Magic with Ellen Stone

Apr 17

Written By Laura Lynch, CFP® ABFP™ AAMS® CDFA®

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IIn this inspiring episode of the Less House More Moola podcast, host Studio Ellen chats with tiny house pioneer Ellen Stone of Tiny Home Central. From advocating for legalization in San Diego to empowering students to build their own tiny homes, Ellen offers practical insight into how movable tiny homes are becoming one of the most powerful tools for financial independence, climate resilience, and social change.

If you’re exploring alternative housing options, wondering how to legally live tiny, or looking for affordable housing solutions that align with your values—this episode is for you.

From Living Small to Thinking Big: How Ellen Stone Found Freedom in 270 Square Feet

Ellen’s journey started in 2013 when she moved into a 270-square-foot cottage while in graduate school. What began as a decision based on financial necessity quickly morphed into a life philosophy. Living small meant less stress, less cleaning, more time outside, and better mental health.

When she discovered the tiny home movement on Pinterest, she felt an immediate connection with a community that prioritized simplicity, sustainability, and financial independence.

What Is Tiny Home Central? Solving the “Where Can I Park My Tiny Home?” Problem

Ellen founded Tiny Home Central with the mission of helping people navigate the complex process of legally placing movable tiny homes in real-life scenarios. With her tagline, “Tiny Homes in Real Life,” she supports homeowners who want to place a tiny home on wheels in their backyard as a legal accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

Her work involves everything from zoning education to managing permitting, site improvement, and city engagement. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to live tiny legally—Tiny Home Central is your guide.

Tiny Homes as Affordable Housing for the Unhoused and Underserved

One of Ellen’s deepest passions is creating affordable housing solutions for underserved populations, particularly those facing homelessness. Drawing on her background in mental health services, she advocates for both short-term “sleeping cabins” and long-term, fully livable tiny homes.

She stresses the importance of clear terminology when speaking with city planners and neighbors. Differentiating between sleeping cabins (temporary structures without plumbing) and true tiny homes on wheels helps reduce stigma and clarify purpose.

“There are many different versions of tiny homes—and they can fit many different needs.”
—Ellen Stone

Why Movable Tiny Homes Are Climate-Resilient Housing for the Future

Ellen also sees movable tiny houses as a solution to increasing environmental threats like wildfires, droughts, and sea level rise.

Instead of being locked into a high-risk location, movable homes offer flexibility and mobility. Whether you're facing a natural disaster or just bad neighbors, the ability to relocate your investment adds a level of security and independence that traditional housing can’t offer.

“The land may not be stable, but your future can be—with wheels.”
—Ellen Stone

How Student-Built Tiny Homes Are Empowering the Next Generation

Ellen’s advocacy doesn’t stop with homeowners—she’s also investing in the next generation of builders. She collaborated with a local high school to have students build her own tiny home, giving them hands-on experience and a pathway into the trades.

This trend is growing, with schools across the country using tiny home builds as an educational tool to combat both the skilled labor shortage and the housing crisis. Students leave with job-ready skills and real-world experience, and the homes they build become affordable dwellings in the community. It’s a win-win-win.

Why Tiny Homes on Wheels Are Better Than Traditional ADU’s in San Diego

The cost of building a traditional ADU in San Diego can easily top $250,000. In contrast, Ellen’s movable tiny home setup—including pad, hookups, permitting, and deck—cost just $25,000. It was parked in her own backyard and ready to go.

She sees this as a missed opportunity for wealth generation. Homeowners could easily rent out the space to tenants or family members—or live tiny themselves and rent the main house.

“Why spend $250K when you can invest $25K and start generating income in months, not years?”
—Ellen Stone

How to Advocate for Legal Tiny Homes in Your Community

If your city hasn’t yet legalized movable tiny homes as ADUs, Ellen encourages you to:

Form a local coalition of like-minded individuals
Engage city leaders with practical solutions and real-world examples
Stay persistent and avoid burnout by celebrating small wins
Bring in experts like the Tiny Home Industry Association to assist with policy language

It took Ellen and her coalition several years—but in 2020, San Diego officially legalized movable tiny homes as backyard ADUs. Now she helps others do the same.

Ready to Start Living According to Your Values?

Before you start shopping for composting toilets or planning your floor plan, ask yourself the real question:

What do I value most in life—and does my housing choice reflect that?

🎯 Take the Unconventional Values Quiz at
👉 www.thetinyhouseadviser.com
and discover what type of alternative living is the best fit for your lifestyle, goals, and budget.

Connect with Ellen Stone & Tiny Home Central

Website: tinyhomecentral.org
Email: info@tinyhomecentral.org
Facebook Group: Tiny House San Diego

Whether you’re just beginning to explore alternative housing options or ready to build your climate-resilient movable tiny home, Ellen Stone and Tiny Home Central are leading the way in making tiny living not just possible—but practical.