The United Tiny House association of Georgia made a stop in Northern Virginia it’s eighth tiny homes festival bringing in thousands of visitors who say that bigger isn’t always better. 

With a decrease in size of the average family, the tiny house movement kicked off. The event featured more than 30 tiny structures are generally around 500 square feet or smaller.

One tiny home owner says in recent years the movement has shifted from a trend to a sensible alternative to a traditional family home.

“We don’t wanna work for the rest of our lives for my age group anyway. We want to be able to enjoy our retirement and not be paying on a house,” said Shorty Robbins.  

Chairman of United Tiny House Association, John Kernohan, made the decision to downsize after nearly losing his life . 

“In 2009 I woke up in a hospital bed. I was diagnosed with a neurological condition and given a count down clock and I decided I didn’t wanna spend the rest of the time I have in this world making more money, buying cars and owning houses so I went ona quest to minimalize my life,” Kernohan said. 

The festival runs through Sunday at 5 p.m.