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To clarify right away, while some might categorize our family as the quirky type with kids named Echo and Comet, who enjoy artisanal snacks and thrift store finds, I assure you we embody that spirit but with our own twist.
Two years ago, during a serene moment of enjoying ice cream, tending to my newborn daughter, and binge-watching episodes of Tiny House Revolution, I experienced a profound realization. After over a year of delving deeply into the concepts of tiny living, minimalism, and downsizing, we discovered that this lifestyle shift offered unexpected advantages for our son, who faces multiple behavioral challenges. Streamlining his environment has notably improved his sensory processing, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms.
In the following year, we embarked on a significant decluttering journey. We invested three substantial sessions into selling, donating, or discarding everything from appliances to clothing before we could finally announce our plans. Within just four weeks, we resigned from our jobs, sold our sprawling 2,000-square-foot farmhouse complete with 15 acres and a barn, purchased a 36-foot fifth-wheel camper, and connected with a family via Airbnb to park on their property three states away. Our family had always adhered to the “Go big or go home” mantra, but this time, “big” and “home” took on entirely new meanings.
Fast forward to today, I now teach at a second-chance high school in the inner city, while my amazing husband thrives as a stay-at-home dad, embracing the role of “roadschooling” our 6-year-old son. The term “homeschooling” didn’t quite capture our journey, so we opted for a more fitting description. Our adventurous 1.5-year-old daughter, Skye, is constantly exploring, biking, and joining us on our daily escapades, while our son thrives in hands-on learning opportunities.
What used to overflow from two kids’ bedrooms and a playroom has now been neatly condensed to a cozy bunkhouse in the back of our camper. Our children selected their favorite toys, limiting themselves to two fabric bins each, along with a few cherished books and dress-up items. Surprisingly, the decision-making process was more challenging for us than for them.
Each family member now owns about 50 pieces of clothing and accessories, including shoes (yes, you read that right!). This decluttering allowed me to let go of a tote filled with clothes I hadn’t worn since before my children were born, and now I genuinely love every item I own—this has become one of my favorite aspects of our new life.
We transformed what used to clutter our sprawling kitchen into a minimalist setup consisting of three pots, two pans, four plates, four glasses, four kids’ cups, and a handful of utensils. Imagine the joy of washing all your dishes and cleaning your entire living space—including sanitizing bathrooms and doing laundry—in just 45 minutes! It’s a glamorous lifestyle, indeed.
Cleaning, which once consumed an entire weekend only to be undone in seconds by our little ones, now takes less than an hour. This newfound efficiency has granted us the freedom to enjoy life: to play, to hike, to explore. I’ve taken more naps in our hammock in the past few months than in all my adult years combined. Excuses like “I can’t; I have to clean” or “Count me out; yard work is calling” have vanished. We choose our activities and pursue what we truly love. The power, freedom, and joy in this lifestyle are unparalleled.
Despite living on a single income, we have managed to eliminate nearly all our previous debt and even build up savings. We are currently planning a dream trip out West this summer, eager to visit national parks and major landmarks—all while integrating roadschooling into the experience.
This tiny living journey has empowered us to prioritize what truly matters and to let go of what no longer serves us. It allows us to extend invitations like “Yes, I’d love to meet for coffee, my long-lost friend,” and decline things like “No, Mom, I won’t actually use grandma’s vintage knickknacks.” We are now free to pursue our dreams and live with intention, serving as examples of sacrifice, perseverance, and kindness for our children.
While tiny living isn’t for everyone, it has undoubtedly been the best decision we’ve ever made. I no longer sit in carpool lines or shuttle our kids to multiple activities each week. Instead, we engage with local communities, serve those in need, and teach our kids to recognize the struggles of others. In a world often marked by cruelty, we want our children to feel safe and empowered to thrive amidst adversity. Embracing a tiny lifestyle has shifted our focus from material possessions to service and freedom—liberating us from the constraints that once felt suffocating.
Our children attend survival skills classes, forge friendships with fellow park-goers, and even lend a helping hand at local restaurants that support the homeless. It’s a messy, dirt-filled existence with little room for material goods, yet abundant in what truly matters, and we love every moment. So yes, we are those people—and we wouldn’t change a thing.
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Summary
Our family’s leap into tiny living has transformed our lives in ways we never anticipated. By downsizing to a 200-square-foot home, we’ve decluttered not only our physical space but also our mental and emotional landscapes. The simplicity has empowered our children and allowed us to prioritize experiences over possessions. While it may not be for everyone, this lifestyle choice has proven to be the most fulfilling decision we’ve ever made.