Lifestyle Insights
To ensure our family isn’t hastily categorized alongside those with whimsical names like “Sky” and “River”, I feel it’s important to clarify that while we embrace certain aspects of a modern lifestyle, we are not defined by stereotypes. Yes, we do align with some of those trends, but we also carve our unique path.
Two years ago, as I savored ice cream while caring for my newborn daughter and binge-watching Tiny House Revolution, an enlightening realization struck me. We dedicated over a year to researching the tiny living movement, minimalism, and the concept of downsizing. Surprisingly, adopting this simpler lifestyle has greatly benefited our son, who faces multiple behavioral challenges. By lowering his sensory overload and simplifying options, we’ve seen significant improvements in managing his sensory processing, anxiety, and ADHD.
Following this realization, we embarked on a significant decluttering journey. It took three major sessions of selling, donating, and discarding items ranging from appliances to clothing before we felt ready to make the leap. In a mere four weeks, we resigned from our jobs, sold our spacious 2,000-square-foot farmhouse, complete with 15 acres and a workshop, purchased a 36-foot fifth-wheel camper, and connected with a family via Airbnb to park on their land three states away. While our family has always embodied the “go big or go home” mindset, this time, the definitions of “big” and “home” transformed.
Fast forward two years: I now teach at an inner-city second-chance high school, while my amazing husband thrives as a stay-at-home dad, providing “roadschooling” for our six-year-old son. The term “homeschooling” didn’t resonate with our lifestyle, so we tailored it to fit our needs. Our youngest, Lily, who is now a year and a half old, is an adventurous spirit, climbing everything, riding bikes, and joining us on daily excursions. Meanwhile, our son harnesses his strengths for hands-on learning experiences.
The space that once overflowed from two children’s bedrooms and a playroom is now neatly contained within a bunkhouse at the back of our camper. Our children selected their favorite toys, resulting in two fabric bins each, along with books and costumes adorning their shelves. The decision-making process was more challenging for us than for them!
Each family member now owns about 50 articles of clothing and accessories—yes, this includes footwear (a gasp-worthy revelation!). This purge allowed me to let go of clothes I hadn’t worn since my pre-pregnancy days, and I now find genuine joy in every item I possess. This newfound simplicity is one of my favorite aspects of our lifestyle.
We streamlined our kitchen, which previously overflowed with items in a space twice the size of our current home, down to three pots, two pans, four plates, four glasses, four children’s cups, and a minimal selection of utensils. There’s a unique satisfaction in being able to clean the entire house—dishes, bathrooms, and laundry included—in just 45 minutes. This is the glamorous side of tiny living!
Tasks that once consumed an entire weekend now take under an hour, granting us the freedom to play, explore, and enjoy life. I have taken more naps in our hammock in the past two months than I ever did as an adult; the excuses of “I can’t, I need to clean” or “I’m out, yard work awaits” have vanished. We are free to choose what we engage in, and the joy that comes from this lifestyle is immeasurable.
Despite operating on a single income, we have nearly eliminated our debt and managed to save. We are currently planning our dream trip out West this summer, visiting national monuments and hiking in parks—all while incorporating “roadschool” into the experience. Tiny living has empowered us to prioritize what truly matters and to say no to what no longer fits in our lives.
“Yes, I would love to meet for coffee, dear friend from college.”
“No, Mom, I won’t actually use Grandma’s antique trinkets from the pre-colonial era.”
This lifestyle allows us to chase our dreams while teaching our children the values of sacrifice, resilience, and compassion.
While tiny living may not be suitable for everyone, it has undoubtedly been the best decision we have made. I no longer find myself in carpool lines or juggling multiple activities each week. Instead, we engage with local communities, serve others, and teach our children to recognize and empathize with those in need. In a world that often emphasizes negativity, we strive to cultivate a sense of safety, courage, and kindness in our children.
Living small shifts our focus from material possessions to service and freedom—breaking the chains of consumerism. Our children engage in survival skills classes, make friends at the park, and volunteer at local restaurants that support those in need. It’s a messy, sometimes chaotic lifestyle with little room for “things,” but ample space for what truly counts—and we love it.
So yes, I suppose we do fit the mold of “those” people.
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Summary
In summary, our family’s transition to a 200-square-foot home has granted us freedom, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. By downsizing and embracing minimalism, we have found relief from clutter and stress, allowing us to focus on meaningful experiences and community connections. Our journey reflects a commitment to values that prioritize service and personal growth over material possessions.