To prevent our family from being stereotyped as another quirky household with kids named Doodle and Harmony, let’s set the record straight. Yes, we embody some unique traits, but we are also quite grounded.
Two years ago, while savoring ice cream and caring for my newborn son, I stumbled upon the idea of tiny living while binge-watching episodes of “Living Small.” It was a transformative moment that sparked our journey towards minimalism. After more than a year of delving into the principles of downsizing, we realized that this lifestyle shift could greatly benefit our son, who faces various behavioral challenges. Simplifying our environment has significantly reduced his sensory overload and eased his anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
The following year was dedicated to decluttering our lives. We held multiple sessions of selling, donating, and discarding countless items—everything from furniture to clothing—before we finally felt ready to announce our upcoming move. Within a month, we resigned from our jobs, sold our spacious farmhouse complete with 15 acres, a barn, and a workshop, and purchased a 36-foot fifth-wheel camper. We connected with another family through Airbnb and parked on their property three states away. Our family has always embraced the “go big or go home” mantra, but this time, the definitions of “big” and “home” shifted dramatically.
Fast forward two years, and I now teach at an alternative high school while my amazing husband excels as a stay-at-home dad, or as we like to call it, “road-schooling” our 6-year-old son. The term “homeschool” just didn’t resonate with our way of life, so we made our own terminology. Our adventurous daughter, now 1.5 years old, climbs, rides bikes, and accompanies us on daily escapades, while our son thrives in a hands-on learning environment.
What once filled two children’s bedrooms and a dedicated playroom is now neatly organized in a small bunkhouse at the back of our camper. Our kids selected their favorite toys, and they now each have two fabric bins, along with some books and costumes, that comprise their personal belongings. The decision-making process proved to be more challenging for us than for them.
Each family member now owns around 50 pieces of clothing, including shoes (yes, you read that correctly!). Through this purge, I was able to part with clothing that I hadn’t worn since before having kids, and now I genuinely appreciate every item in my wardrobe. That aspect alone is incredibly liberating.
Our kitchen, which once overflowed with utensils and appliances, has been streamlined to include three pots, two pans, four plates, four glasses, and a few miscellaneous utensils. You haven’t truly lived until you can clean your entire home—including sanitizing bathrooms and doing laundry—in just 45 minutes. It’s a glamorous existence!
Tasks that used to consume our entire weekends can now be completed in under an hour, granting us the freedom to engage in activities we love. I’ve taken more naps in our hammock over the past two months than in my entire adult life. There are no longer excuses like “I can’t, I need to tidy up” or “I’m too busy with yard work.” We choose how to spend our time, cultivating a lifestyle filled with joy and empowerment.
Despite relying on a single income, we’ve managed to eliminate most of our previous debts and even build up some savings. We’re gearing up for an exciting trip out West this summer, with plans to explore national monuments and hike through national parks—all while incorporating educational experiences into our “road-schooling” adventures.
Tiny living has granted us the freedom to say yes to what truly matters and no to the clutter that no longer serves us. “Yes, I would love to catch up over coffee with you, dear friend!” and “No, I will not be keeping those antiquated knickknacks passed down from grandma.” It’s a chance to pursue our dreams and shape our lives with intention, modeling values of sacrifice, determination, and kindness for our children.
While tiny living might not be for everyone, it has undoubtedly been the best decision we’ve ever made. I no longer sit in carpool lines or juggle multiple after-school practices. Instead, we introduce our kids to local communities, volunteer, and help those in need—even as we travel. In a world where cruelty seems prevalent, we aim to cultivate an environment where our children feel safe striving despite fear-driven negativity. Living in a tiny space shifts the focus from material possessions to service and freedom—liberation from past constraints.
My children participate in survival skills courses, make friends at local parks, and contribute to community efforts, like washing tables at a restaurant that feeds the hungry. It’s a messy, adventure-filled life with little room for “stuff” but ample space for what truly matters, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. So yes, I guess we are those people.
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Summary
Our family’s journey into tiny living has transformed our lives, providing freedom from material possessions and a renewed focus on what truly matters. We’ve learned to embrace simplicity, foster meaningful experiences, and prioritize our children’s emotional and educational needs.