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- Tiny Living Guide
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Kids are energetic, creative, and often a little chaotic. They also come with a lot of stuff. Many parents assume a big home is necessary to handle the whirlwind, but many families prove that small spaces can hold big love. Tiny house living with children is not only doable, but for some, it has become the preferred way of life.
Some families turn to tiny homes by necessity, others by choice. Jonny Kirkpatrick, a single father in New Zealand, chose to go tiny after a breakup left him with limited options. He and his son now live in an 8.2-meter by 3-meter tiny house near Christchurch, surrounded by paddocks, creeks, and chickens. “We’ve embraced the lifestyle,” Jonny told Stuff.co.nz. “My son loves the space, loves the house, having that whole outdoor playground.”
For Auckland’s mother of five Nicole Marsh, going tiny was an intentional decision guided by her core values. She built a creatively designed home, Whare Mārama, where her three youngest children sleep together on a mezzanine floor. “If you need space, go outside,” she said in an interview with Stuff.co.nz. She also found freedom in letting go of mortgage payments and constant cleaning, focusing instead on what really matters: being present as a mum.
Why Some Families Choose to Live Tiny
Financial freedom, stronger family connections, and a simpler lifestyle often top the list. Parents want to spend more time with their children, not more time working to pay for a bigger house. And while tiny living presents unique challenges, many families say the benefits outweigh the constraints.
Benefits of Living in a Tiny Home with Children
Closer family bonds
Proximity leads to more quality time. Families often communicate more and grow closer because they simply spend more time together.
More time, less stress
Having less stuff means less cleaning. Fewer expenses mean less financial pressure and more time to enjoy life.
Stronger connection with nature
Tiny home families often rely on the outdoors for play, relaxation, and space to breathe. Backyards, parks, and nature walks become part of the daily rhythm.
Opportunities to teach values
Minimalism, sustainability, and cooperation become part of daily life. Children learn to share space, care for their belongings, and appreciate experiences over things.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
Limited privacy
Everyone hears everything. It can be difficult for both parents and kids to find space to unwind. Outdoor areas or designated quiet corners help with balance.
More visible mess
One toy on the floor can make a small space feel cluttered. Staying organised becomes essential.
Storage limitations
Without garages or spare rooms, families must get creative. Rotating toys, using vertical space, and choosing multifunctional furniture can help keep clutter under control.
Social judgment
Living small can feel unconventional. Friends or family may question the decision. Confidence in your choice and focusing on your values helps deflect doubt.
Tips for Living Tiny with Kids
- Declutter often: Donate or store anything you don’t use regularly. Every item should earn its place.
- Create a designated play space: Even one corner with a toy chest or fold-down table helps kids feel like they have their own zone.
- Maximise vertical storage: Use walls for shelves, hooks, and storage bins. Keep floors clear to maintain flow.
- Choose multifunctional furniture: Think beds with drawers, ottomans that store toys, and tables that fold away.
- Stick to a routine: A simple daily rhythm creates structure and reduces chaos.
- Embrace outdoor time: Use patios, parks, and nature as an extension of your home. Fresh air helps everyone reset.
- Involve your children: Let them help cook, clean, and garden. Participation builds confidence and ownership.
- Prioritise experiences over things: Birthday outings, art projects, and storytime leave a deeper impact than more plastic toys.
- Create spaces for quiet time: Even in a shared space, kids and adults need moments to themselves.
- Keep a positive mindset: Focus on the benefits. Living tiny can lead to deeper connections, reduced stress, and a more intentional lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Raising kids in a tiny house is not always easy, but it can bring unexpected joy. With fewer distractions and more time together, life becomes simpler and richer. As Nicole Marsh reflected, her tiny house gave her more freedom to be the kind of mother she wanted to be.
A tiny house might not give you more square metres, but it can offer more meaningful moments. For families who value connection, creativity, and clarity, tiny living can be a big win.