How the Sears Pre-Fab Mail Order Home Kits of the 1900s Led to the Modern Tiny House Movement

Architectural channel This House explained how the Sears mail-order home kits of the early 1900s created a simple way to purchase a nice home for a fraction of the cost. As demand for these home kits petered out, the idea evolved over the years, becoming pre-fab designer homes of the mid-century, trailer homes and eventually influencing the tiny house movement.

Sears kit homes were popular in the early part of the 20th century. Learn all about these mail-ordered, catalog homes as we explore their unique history in North America.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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