Tiny home family life can be done comfortably but must be done intentionally. Many families have made it work, long-term or for a few years during a transition. Of course, it requires extra creativity and planning, which is no surprise. Often some sacrifices need to be made, like less play space and less storage for personal belongings. However, the limited interior space might result in more outdoor play—a healthy compromise.
Tiny house family life ideas from those who’ve done it:
But you may be wondering why families would purposely want to live in a small space? For some, tiny home living is about having a secure home of their own and a way to save up for a larger house. And for others, it’s about slowing down to prioritize togetherness, teaching your children values of communication, environmentalism, simplicity, and that living within your means can be fulfilling.
“Sharing a small space with kids can be challenging but creates opportunities to teach them valuable lessons and instill positive behaviors. It will require specific routines for activities, from sharing the bathroom to daily tidying. Every family member must help maintain order by cleaning up after themselves. Kids will learn to be conscious of resources like energy usage.
If you’re considering moving into a tiny house with your kids, discuss each person’s needs, desires, and feelings about it as a family and one-on-one. When everyone feels heard, the downsizing process can lead to more thoughtful outcomes. But it might not be a good idea if a child feels overly anxious about this dramatic change.”
—excerpt from , The Beginner’s Guide to Tiny Houses
Keep in mind that a child’s needs shift over time. For instance, a loft bedroom might work well for a young child, but it might be literally too small as they enter their teenage years. Teenagers also tend to value privacy more as they get older. Tiny home families with their own land sometimes rely on accessory buildings for extra play space. These can be transformed into detached bedrooms when the kids are older.