7 things I learnt living in a tiny home
Some of you may know how the last few, in fact, FIVE months have gone for us! Last June we found out that our landlord would need our house back, and so we started looking where was available in our area. It was no surprise (because we have moved a few times within West Sussex), that the options were limited, expensive and we knew we would need a miracle situation! As the time got nearer to moving out, and nothing coming up some friends showed us their beautiful annexe space. A lovely two-room space + shower/toilet that we could adapt slightly to fit us all in! We brought in some bunkbeds, packed the essentials and the rest went into storage! We’re about to move out this coming weekend and on reflection, and complete gratitude over 5 months in this space, I thought I’d share some things I’ve learnt. Our move into the annexe was our 18th move since being together, so we are no strangers to a bit of nomadic life!
Kids are SO adaptable
How we market, talk, pitch and present is everything to kids! Moving to this space was always going to be a fun adventure for us rather than second best, or a disappointed fail because something better hadn’t been presented. We are careful what language we use around the kids anyway, but I have been astounded that they didn’t once mention missing their old house or wanting a bigger space. They’ve been so happy here; flexible, understanding and so on board the journey! We prayed lots over the transition and knew others were too, but, truly we have something to learn from our kids!
kids play better when they have less options
80% of what we owned went into storage and we took the rest with us. It was tricky to know what we would need but we prioritised games, puzzles, arts and crafts things and then Lego, the doll’s house and Heppy’s baby- as well as a big basket of books. The first few months being here the weather was warm and bright so they were outside the majority of the time (their mud kitchen was one thing we did bring too!). In the colder weather, and moving things indoors I found the kids are altogether better because they are faced with fewer options. I have always noticed that my kids play better when the area is ordered and organised and there is less mess (this is a rare occurrence, but I do try). When they can choose a focus, or a specific task rather than being overwhelmed by many things generally work better for us!
I didn’t feel i was cleaning less just cleaning the same space more
It may be because I’m pregnant, but I felt like because the space was smaller, the mess was amplified more. I didn’t necessarily feel I was cleaning less just cleaning the same space more. We had been used to a dishwasher at our previous space and so with limited surface area in the kitchen in our new spot, it meant that easily the space could feel more confined if I couldn’t keep on top of it which felt like a lot!
I desired less and purchased less
I found myself feeling so content in this space. I wasn’t dreaming of how I could change it or what I could buy- because our space was filled and functioning. I find it easier when in a bigger space to be dreaming, crafting, and scheming on what it could be/become. How I can shift this room or purchase this certain thing that will change the homeschool game (that never does), but it’s easy to desire more. This would be second-hand for me, but even then, is it necessary? It felt refreshing to be comfortable in the space and just be.
I hosted less
I definitely welcomed fewer people into my home during this time. This makes me sad, as we both love to host, but it also coincided with a season of life where heavily pregnant, I had less capacity and felt the need to be more boundared over energy and time. Because we only had the two rooms, I found after a few play dates here that if kids were playing in both the living area space/kitchen (room 1), and the bedroom (room 2) which was really needed for their play, it felt like there was no privacy or protection on space. This did feel a challenge in winter, if the weather was better I could have hosted but we could have spent the majority of time outside, but friends were very kind hosting us more, and we found lots of communal spots like libraries/coffee shops if we anticipated the dynamics wouldn't work in our indoor space.
The things we did have in our home all served a purpose
Because space was limited everything we had inside the space needed to serve a purpose. Everything needed to have a clear home and space too for their to be any floor space! We had one sofa in there which was a sofa bed if friends or family needed to stay, we stored a heated airer in the bathroom, we bought what we needed rather than buying in bulk (pros/cons) and the kids were in bunk buds to allow more floor space!
For me….there was an end period and that time is now.
I thought I could be a van girl. Live in a van, travel the world, all be on top of each other haha! But, after five months of working from a small bathroom mirror, i’m ready to have my full-length mirror back, have a bath, be able to take time from my kids and go into another room when I need to! I’m ready to sprawl, nest and expand! We have now found somewhere else to live, but for a time I toyed with the idea of having another baby in this small space. But, it’s clear God had a space prepared for us and just as I feel like the grace is lifting on this space- for the first time it feels small, for the first time it feels the kids emotions are bigger than the space we have, for the first time I feel I need to remove myself and just have a moment where I can’t be found, so it’s time to move on!
