Why We’re Calling It Quits On Tiny House Living 

My 2 cents. Tiny Living can be great for 1 or 2 people with specific goals. Kids create an entirely new dynamic. You recognized a problem and decided to fix it. Good for you.

This is a great book with a lot of good construction tips The sheds featured in this book are probably built better than most peoples' homes. ru-vid.comUgkxzaRUJNcbypw-fRBDbqqz43ULIa-1EGP- The author uses only the best materials and methods. It proved to be a great resource for my little 8' x 10' shed project and more 400+ plans. If you are turned off by the flimsy tin and home center kit sheds; if you want a shed that has some character and can be used as an extension of your home; then this book is for you.

Growing up in a home with more than two kids I really enjoyed having my own door to close and my own space to get away. I’m sure your children will too.

I love that you sold it so that another family can have their adventure. Some things are only for a season. God bless you in your next season.

I think one of the biggest mistakes you can make with tiny houses is putting the bedrooms upstairs in a loft. Having to crawl on your hands and knees to get in and out of bed for the rest of your life is a deal breaker that's for sure,( and we all know there are many other exciting and imaginative pursuits you can engage in on all fours in a bedroom !), not to mention the claustrophobic atmosphere it creates, or changing the bedlinen ( try doing THAT on your hands and knees) Dreadful in summer too. And of course you then have really low ceilings downstairs as well to cope with. Very rarely do you ever see designers incorporating innovative caravan design features into tiny houses, but it is a no brainer. Pop out walls, pop up ceilings and murphy beds are all great space creating ideas but you hardly ever see them.

you're not "selling out !" I think your family sets a fabulous example of people evolving and changing - and having the courage to move on to another chapter in life .

Thanks for being honest. You hear all the positive but not usually the negative. It's important to hear both sides before deciding. Best wishes to your family.

It’s a good family decision. We also homeschool. We moved out of the city from a 1700 square foot home into a 3000 square foot home with our 4 kids. The trade off was convenience of the city for space and a ton of waterfront property. We’ve picked up on boating. Everyone has their own bedroom now. And lots of outdoor space for play and gardening. It’s tough and a completely different story when you have children. Had it just been my husband and I, we’d be fine in a shack

There is no need to feel like you're "selling out" for moving somewhere that fits you guys! People's lives change, and more - or less - space may be needed. Just like people who have too much space in their house should be rethinking what they need, people in tiny spaces need to be aware of what they need, and you guys are doing that! Hope you guys also love your next house! ❤

What a blessing another son....very happy for you. Live the life meant for you and enjoy your growing family!

This is the thing: you brought up “selling out” as if there is something particularly noble about tiny house living. There isn’t. It’s a morally neutral choice predicated on personal finances, preferences, and availability of housing. You don’t need to feel badly about upsizing any more than you should have felt admirable for choosing to live tiny.

My cousin bought a second one a joined them together for the seven of them,it turned out beautiful.

I live in a tiny house: also known as your standard Amsterdam apartment.

Life changes, that doesn't make y'all less, it's called wisdom... who cares what anyone else thinks... as my Grammy said, that's none of your concern anyway!! Blessings

You’re not selling out!!! You made the effort, enjoyed it, and now you have done what you need to do to make your family comfortable

Kids change everything. Small houses are for couples only, IMHO. The need for more space with kids is understandable. That's how couples evolve naturally when they become a family.

You're not at all weak. You're strong to recognize your needs and to accommodate your needs for your family. Good luck!

It is strength and wisdom, not weakness, to recognize your growing family's needs.

The only way I would live in a tiny house is if I were living alone by myself. Then it would make sense to me.

I appreciate you sharing this decision. I live in Toronto where affordable housing is non-existent, so I've been doing the tiny home (apartment) thing for like fifteen years. All these tiny home videos make it look cute and fun, but it can be extremely challenging. I find cleaning a tiny home difficult. You bang your elbows and head on everything trying to get into all those little spaces! I'm 6ft3 and always end up with new bruises on cleaning day. Can't imagine sharing the space with four other humans, either - especially during covid! This video was posted four years ago, so I doubt you regret this decision now! Ha!

You are not weak. We live in a tiny house with four of us and a business and it is REALLY hard. You are not selling out, you just gained a life experience.

I can hear in your voice the sadness of saying goodbye to your beautiful home. I am so sad you have to walk away from it. But I believe you all will be blessed in your new venture.

Me and my wife live in a 700 sq ft house originally built (and added onto) as a cottage, with our daughter. It sometimes feels pretty small but gets the job done. I give props to anyone who can live in a tiny house, or shed conversion and be happy with it

You did a great job. Now your journey continues to a new adventure. Enjoy it. Life's an experience.

You also homeschooled AND had pets!! A cat & dog!! Wow dude! No, you are NOT selling out---you're moving onto the next phase of your life High five to all of you!

Tiny house or RV living was never designed for people with kids. Its for young couples without children, singles, or older couples who have no kids/grown kids.

You're really kind thank you for letting us in.

Not 'selling out' at all! It was a vehicle literally and figuratively to give you financial freedom. Congrats! 👏👏👏

Wonderful! You're a talented man to build this clever, very usable home. Good example for the rest of us. Lots of nooks and shelves. Anyone wanting a tiny house would love to snap this up!!

Your tiny house gave you great blessings. Congratulations on baby#3! Be well and stay thankful...

Wonderful job on this cabin! I'd live here in a heartbeat.

I have only seen this video... not any other. However, I really enjoy watching/listening to you as you explain things. You have an awesome voice. Just genuinely kind, warm and endearing. I subscribed because I truly enjoy when I find someone who isn't angry or aggressive. You seem very down-to-earth. I look forward to future videos...hopefully, you'll continue to share your family's adventures with us. By the way, my husband and I are retired. We have an RV which we are considering living in full time. I'm looking forward to being somewhat of a minimalist. Thank you so much for sharing with us and congratulations on your newest arrival.

Tiny living has an emotional stress coupled to it, because every time you want to use something you have to move something else and then clean and then move it back it's very annoying over a long period of time

Not weak for realizing, that your children will need their own space as well as you and your wife

To every thing there is a season. A tiny home season, and a standard home season. You did something most people don’t get to, be proud of your accomplishments and example. I have 4 kids, spanning ages 7-16. There’s just no way we could survive tiny home living, but I love seeing other people do things we aren’t in the season for.

Just stumbled across your channel today. Don’t feel like you’re not tough enough for ending your tiny house experience. 5 people and 2 pets is a *lot* to fit in such a small space! We’re a family of 5 and struggle with space in our 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow!

Thank you for sharing your story and being honest. You're NOT a sellout... You lived simply until it didn't suit you anymore. We are not tied to anything in life except to love one another, and you've done that! I am so inspired by your honesty. I am recently divorced with two small children and the thought of carrying a mortgage by myself, in southern California, is daunting. But I believe living in a tiny house temporarily will give us a chance to attain financial freedom and grow closer God, nature, and each other. Many blessings to you and your family!

I would love to live in a tiny house, by myself, with a family or even one other person, no way. Good luck in your future endeavours.

Congratulations on your new family addition...it's a BOY!!! That house came into your life for a "reason AND a season". God works in strange ways but now it's time to expand and move a new direction. Life is a journey in this world and with all of the twists and turns on our trek through it all. Look forward to your next phase and for the blessings to keep flowing towards you. God bless you all.

Almost Nobody sticks to tiny house living. After a few years they go back to regular living. Especially those with families.

You have to do what's best for your family. When our kids were little ( 2 & 6 ), we lived in a 24' travel trailer. After a while, we upgraded to a 32' Airstream (what luxury!). Eventually, we bought a 950 sq ft, 3 br, 1 ba house that we were able to pay off in 6 years. The kids really needed their own rooms (boy & girl). Now that the kids are grown, my wife and I are thinking about renting it out and downsizing to our 22' sailboat, and living on the ICW for a while.

Good job in putting your families needs first. Good job in also trying something different. Taking a break and connecting with your family is great. I lived in a tiny house for 7 years but we lived on a collective and had a large house that we shared with everyone else that was living tiny. It all ended but now I'm growing and being challenged in different ways that are pushing me to be an even better version of myself. I'm glad I live in the mountains, in nature but it's hard when you don't have room for things like tools and other things that make living easier. It really makes you appreciate turning on a light without starting a generator or washing dishes without having to heat water on the stove. It also made me more aware of just how much energy different appliances take when you're on solar. My son, who is grown now, is also highly aware and appreciative of life. Good luck in all of your adventures. It's not about successes or failure. It's about growth, discovery and change.

The word Creator went deep in my heart.all the blessings for you and your wonderful family

I don't see where you made any mistakes. Like you said, brought you closer to each other, nature and our maker. Blessed w/another child...you simply outgrew the space. God Bless you and all good wishes sent your way!

Downsizing is not for growing families. Wishing you all well in your next adventure 🙋

I had to laugh when he said "it's winter now". I'm like, where's the snow!? lol Compliments on the cabin

I enjoyed watching your tiny home video and I was able to make final decision about a loft cause weeks away from building my own tiny home. Thanks !

Awe. The first video I was super excited for y’all and I still am. Our kids are grown and on their own. We currently live in a 3 bedroom 1 bath with a huge front room right on the river. The house is soooo old and it’s just us but rent here along the coast is 1500-5000$ per month so for us getting a cabin on our property about a mile from where we are now is what we have wanted to do for years. Having some woods and somewhere to plant a garden etc and enjoy being outside is something I look forward to. Also being pretty much free of bills lol. Thank you for sharing your journey and now I’m onto more of your videos 😀

People have lived in tiny houses for decades. They are called mobile homes. Lived in one myself for many years and raised two kids. Kudos for sacrificing and living within your means, that's important. And it helps one to appreciate it later in life when one can afford a little more. No need to live to afford a big house, but nothing wrong with moving on when it's time.

May your future be a blessing! After 47 years of marriage, we have lived in many tiny homes & are at the stage where we are downsizing again since our youngest of 7 grands is 9 now. Just remember life is an always changing journey that continues until we are finally home! Enjoy it while you are here.

Always funny to see something like this. When I visit family in the Philippines, at night there are people sleeping anywhere its flat.

Thank you for sharing your tiny house journey. You made a well thought out, informed decision based on what is best for your family. Given that no one else is in your shoes or knows your situation, no one is in a position to judge that choice but you and your family. Being able to share in your experience may be of help to others who are considering a tiny house. I wish you and your family continued joy and blessings.

Tiny houses have always been a normal thing where I live in rural Georgia. Many first homes started out as a one or two room cabin. BUuuuuuut... when it wasn't big enough, they would ADD A ROOM! then when that wasn't big enough, they would add another room! and so on. If your tiny home is too tiny,then make it less tiny!

Yup. Three active kids in a small space is not easy and can be too stressful. Tiny minimal grid self sustaining lifestyle may seem romantic but it's a lot of continual hard work just about every waking hour. Nobody can be a slacker the least little bit. Clutter with kids is inevitable and gets old too. You are richer for the life experiences you have had. God bless .

so first let me say I totally agree that it is tough living in a tiny home with children...that being said let me tell you our story. We started our tiny living with a 12'x24' that had two lofts that were 12'W 7'L and 4' tall. It was me my wife and 4 preteem girls. then we had a boy. We understand very well how quickly a family can out grow their tiny living so we found the cure, we started adding on room by room at a cost of about $15 per square foot which as most of you know is well below the contractor price. So if your starting to out grow your tiny home but own it and have a rent free place to park it then don't sell it just add on room by room. maybe build a porch first then close it in as money comes...thats how we did it. good luck to you in your new venture and tiny blessings to all making a life of tiny living.

Thanks for sharing all your valuable experience in such a humble and simple way!

Your not weak ..you did not fail..You all did a great job and you just need more space. I commend you for doing such a great job. I appreciate your efforts and I admire you for I could not do what you did. God Bless. I too also thought about downsizing but I am all alone now and I could not do that. Take care and best always in what ever your next endeavers may be!

Family of four living in the storage loft of a shed, 3 and a half ft. of headroom, cold in winter and hot in the summer, kids cooped in with chicken wire. I can hear the frustration in your voice. Nothing is lost here, where ever you end up will be waay better than this. Chin up.

That's so sad, but I certainly get your reasons for leaving. It isn't that you quit, rather your living situation changed. Five humans, a dog and a cat was getting to be snug for any family. You did the smart thing. Hoping that all goes well with your new home. Blessings to you and yours.

You will get criticized about more than two in a tiny home because those criticizing haven't been or done anything other than criticize. You did what you felt will help you and your family and that's heroic. Good luck.

We have a similar experience right now. You did great and have such a great testimony. No failures here; just another step on the road of life. Love, love the creative use of space in the tiny home. Enjoy your next adventure!

Brother I Completely understand! You and your wife have 3 kiddos.. The tiny home is simply not large enough. You’ve outgrown it! It makes all the sense in the world. You need a larger custom made home point blank.

I haven't seen anyone that moved into a tiny house/ cabin in three woods, with kids, that did it long term.

My wife and I moved into a park model tiny home and absolutely love it. Of course, having more than two people in such small space would drive us nuts...hell we have three dogs and that alone can drive one bonkers at times. However, we downside to make our life simpler. For us it is a peace of mind. And after a career in the military and then law enforcement, I needed a more simple less stressful habitat. Soon we will raise anchor and move the whole shebang to property in the country and begin to live off grid. The point is simply this....you have to meet your needs and find what suits your current journey in life. My lady and I have found living simply without having to have "stuff" allows us to feel freer and less stressed. Right now our tiny home is located in a trailer park,,,this time next year our front windows will be facing Mt, Adams in the distance. I can definitely live with that.

All the best with the next stage. I have scaled up and down numerous times myself so totally understand the changing needs. I think my favourite home was a 500 sq feet studio flat with a full-size bath that really was the best and a loft that the four of us slept in, such fun while they were small. The kids remember it as being HUGE.

You are NOT selling out by any means...each of us has our comfort level and we all have different needs and priorities...It would be difficult indeed to have another baby in that space, as lovely as it has been for you, its time for another adventure...I have three beautiful grand daughters that I am blessed to be raising...they came to me quite unexpectedly and under very unfortunate circumstances...tiny living for me has had to be "reinvented" to accommodate their needs as well...I sure do wish you the very best with whatever path you take in the future and thank you for the time you shared with us all. Blessings to you all.

Love the video. Remember in the US ( maybe abroad) tiny house space is between 150sq ft to 500 sq ft & a small home is 600- 1200 sq feet w/ so many design options- regardless of how many bedrooms you add- 430 sq ft may have been small for their growing family/ lifestyle now but if they like the simplicity of tiny/small living they can double the sq ft of their home to fit their family needs for now & long term. I am in 1700 sq ft home now but I am planning to downsize to My dreamy 800- 950 sq ft home customized for me in a few yrs. * If I decide to do any type of loft (office or guest space) this girl will add steps/railings. No ladders. Truth😅. Building for me & my mom. Much wishes to you & your family & find happiness that's right for you guys.

You are not weak. You are a growing family with changing needs. Bless you and your family and thanks for sharing your journey. Be proud of yourselves. Homschooling your children is a blessing for the whole world. 🙏✨

I am a single living in a 650 square ft house in the city,and find it quite tight. I have several hobbies and need the space. Don't know how you did it with that many people. Best of luck for your family and congratulations on the new baby.

congratulations on the new baby. life is always changing. don't listen to the negativity.

You are not selling out. There are different stages in a family's life. Your start as a couple then start having children. You and your family made great memories you will all make many more happy peaceful memories as a family of five. God bless you and your family.

I truly appreciate you and your family taking the time to educate us newbies , thank you so much. Stay blessed

I just can't fathom the idea of waking up to bang my head on the ceiling every morning. I've done that more than a few times in my life.

Blessings to you and your family with your new adventure! Thank you for sharing.

God bless you!! Hope the next season of your life is filled with joy.

If it's truly in your blood,it never gets old. You've learned what you needed & now, your experience isn't serving any good purpose for you any longer. I know that video was 3 yrs ago but, I am just seeing it. I love my tiny house & am grateful to have a home, no matter the size (mine is 320 sq ft) I have 3 Sons and 2 dogs. 3 years in now. Good luck to you & I hope all is just as youd like it to be. 😊

All the best !!. It is important to try those options that you think are super workable, especially when you can.

Low ceilings = claustrophobic feeling.

Thank you for sharing your experience with me ❤️

What a wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck with your next adventure.

Did a great job with what he had to work with! That bathroom's the biggest one I've ever seen in a tiny house! Yeah, cramped quarters, no private space, no quiet time gets old fast. We rented a house for over 7 years that was really tiny. At that 7 year mark we did our taxes and ended up owing the damn IRS. That's when we went to the bank to buy a home. There were a few that we loved but ended up with the one that was all open, huge staircase, mudroom. BUT there's very little storage space. I give you and your family major kudos for staying as long as you did!

Good luck in your next endeavor -- I have lived in apartments most of my life. Wish the concept of tiny houses had arrived to my consciousness 30 years ago. Not something I could do on my own at this point -- I think it takes a lot of teamwork to do that. You got your priorities straight: Wife, full tub, money-saving house, kids...and leaving things as you found them. Applause to your family for making that journey possible. Lot of folks don't have family that enrich each other that way.

Good luck w/all ... thank you for sharing your experiences, we do learn from others’ experiences 🦋

Beautiful little place ! Good luck to you and your family. Thanks for the video !

I fell upon this and found your video totally charming. Thank you and best wishes to you and your family!

Three boys! How wonderful. I raised 2 boys, and took care of or was a teacher to many, many boys. You're doing the right thing! Boys need room to roam. They are so innovative and adventurous. Now, flash forward a few years, starting at around 13-15 years old, they take off and grow! And growing means eating all the time. I still to this day have a hard time keeping enough food. Milk lasts 1 to 2 days. My oldest is 24, and six feet tall. My youngest is turning 22 soon and he's almost six foot 2! So, having said all that, it sounds like your instincts are good. Time for a little more room. The Tiny House Living is a neat chapter in your lives. Now you're starting a new chapter, and you'll be running in three different directions. Have fun!!!

Good for you that you did this project. You were happy there while it lasted. Moving on to your next adventure. Congratulations!

Just found your first video like three days ago. Oh well. Good luck with your future move and home! Congratulations on the new little one!

Awesome that you did lawncare and helped with your families electric bill. Being able to save money and provide a good wholesome life for your family. As you said living tiny brought you and your family closer. I think living tiny is the best. I also think its much better when you can stand up in the rooms. Thank you for sharing and I wish you the Best on your New Adventure.

That cabin would be great for a week away from the city but not for full time living.

I see this as a learning experience. You've learned what worked well for you and why, as well as the opposite. You've been kind enough to share your experiences with us so we can make informed choices. Thank you, and blessings for your future🙏🏻

You gave your kids an amazing experience. No doubt you've found new adventures since then. Your pride in what you made here is so sweet to hear. Really inspirational. Blessings on you and yours. 💗

I love this place. The whole scenery is just awesome. Bonfires, camp outs, barbecues, gardening, all this would be ideal for me 🙌🏽

I’d call quits too. Place has no natural light.

God bless you as you seek your new home. Thank you for sharing your tiny home experience!😊

Very inspiring journey, Good Job...blessings to you and your sweet family! :)

So basically the answer is you're moving because it's too small.

The thing that I noticed and looks out of the ordinary for today. But certainly not in a bad way. Your son was outside looking very content just playing with a string. There’s a peace that comes with living in that type of setting and your son playing with a string. Embodies that

I enjoyed you build. Hope you will continue filming on the next phase of your adventure!

I personally have never understood the appeal of tiny houses. It drives me crazy to not have what I need and want in an organized space. However, if it allowed you to save up for something better, great! Success!