Here are our top tips for raising a happy, healthy tiny home family!
We often get asked whether it's a good idea to raise a family in a tiny home.
We won't lie: there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question!
Raising kids in a tiny home is attractive to many of us because it encourages a sustainable lifestyle, a close-knit family, and a low cost of living. (Spoiler: we've done it ourselves.)
When designing a tiny house for your family, there are a few things to consider that can help everyone feel comfortable and happy at home.
Here are our tips for raising a happy, healthy tiny home family!
Questions to consider
Before building the tiny house of your dreams, you'll want to make sure it suits your family and lifestyle.
Your tiny home builder can help. Here are a few questions to consider. Sharing your answers with your builder will help you get a realistic idea of what you'll need:
How many people will be living in your tiny home?
Do you have any pets?
Do you have any children under age 2? Do you plan to in the next few years? (You'll want to make sure your tiny home is baby-safe!)
Where will you or your family retreat to when they need a little privacy?
How many beds will you need? (Who is willing to share?)
What are your core values as a family? (Is freedom to travel via a tiny home with wheels critical to you? Is spending time with your family a priority? Do you or your kids love being in nature?)
Design your family's dream home, not just your own
You might have the perfect tiny house layout put together in your head, and that's great! But you'll want to make sure it works with your family's needs, too.
If your kids are old enough to share their input, you can talk to them about what their dream home might look or feel like. From there, you might try to incorporate at least one idea. For instance, your kids might want a porch to play on, a tub for bathtime, or somewhere cozy where they can cuddle up.
If they are still very young, they should adapt to tiny house living just fine if you prioritize a layout that provides them with the space and privacy they need to learn and play in comfort.
Here are a few things that can make family living easier in a tiny home:
An oversized sink
Dishes pile up quicker than you think—especially when kids are involved! Make sure you have enough room in your sink to hold everyone's plates, cups, bowls, and high-chair trays.
A loft (or two)
Privacy is especially important to teens, and it can be hard to establish that in a tiny home if you don't prepare for it in advance.
Lofted areas allow for additional privacy. Many tiny home owners prefer to have both a sleeping loft and a second, smaller loft or nook where you or other family members can decompress and get some space.
A storage shed
It's not uncommon for kids to grow into (and out of) new hobbies. If you're unsure where you want to store outdoor gear like snowboards and mountain bikes, a storage shed could be the perfect solution.
A shed can also give you somewhere to stash the hand-me-down clothes and gear your littlest kid doesn't fit in just yet!
A big closet
You might be surprised by how much space an entire family's clothes and shoes can take up. Choosing a larger closet size than you think you'll need can help everyone stay organized and keep clutter to a minimum.
A kid-friendly bathroom
A shower will help you save on space, but you or your kids may have a soft spot for bathtime. Ask your family if they have a preference, and ask your builder what's feasible for your tiny home and budget.
You might also want to install water-resistant flooring instead of hardwood in the bathroom. While you probably towel off in the shower, your kids might clamber out still soaking or drop wet towels on the ground. Water-resistant flooring can help your tiny home last longer—and save you from unnecessary stress.
How to keep messes to a minimum
Decide on storage solutions early on. Giving each kid a box or parameters for their belongings can help them foster independence and responsibility. Established storage will also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
Things can get messy in a tiny house, but with a bit of intention and a lot of downsizing, messes can be manageable. Living in a small place means that a quick, thorough clean often takes under 30 minutes.
Tiny living might also help your kids learn to appreciate experiences and relationships over material goods. One of the upsides to living in a tiny home is that you can give your kids more experiences, which are more valuable than an abundance of toys in the long run.
So, can I raise my kids in a tiny home?
Absolutely. If you're committed to finding solutions that fit your family, tiny home living could be an exciting new adventure for everyone involved.
Living in a tiny home can foster closeness, encourage outdoor exploration and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and help your kids learn to appreciate the little things.
If you've been holding off on tiny home living because you have a family, it might be time to move forward with your vision.
Still not sure if tiny living is right for you? Send us a message, and we'll help you decide if it's a good fit!