Couple Is Raising 2 Toddlers in a 215-Square-Foot RV, and You've Got to See the Inside

It was right around the time Tiffany and her husband Jacob had settled into their dream home with their two toddlers, 1-year-old Cedar and 3-year-old Ocea, that they realized they were becoming disillusioned with "normal" life. The couple, who had been planning a Summer RV trip for years, was suddenly struck with genius: instead of spending more time cleaning their dream house than having quality time with their kids, why not relocate to an RV full-time?

While that realization may not be one that you or I could wrap our heads around so easily, this family of four — five, if you count the couple's 19-year-old son, Taylor, who doesn't live with them but who they see frequently — has been making it work full-time in the 215-square-foot Airstream trailer they purchased and hasn't looked back. Because I have a hard enough time raising two cats in an 800-square foot apartment with my boyfriend (a size I unsurprisingly complain about all too often), I needed to know Tiffany's tips for both raising toddlers in such a teeny-tiny space and purging so many possessions in favor of a simpler life.

Navigating around each other in 215 square feet means we have to be really aware of one another.

"The biggest change has been the way we've grown as a family. We have adventures together that bring us closer, and being in such a small space has forced us to be really intentional with our time as a couple and with the littles," Tiffany told POPSUGAR of the best part of RV life so far. "Even the kids, as young as they are, are really connecting in this season. The space has also taught us to communicate really well; navigating around each other in 215 square feet means we have to be really aware of one another. Living more simply has helped [Jacob and I] prioritize our lives better, and we've also grown more and more adaptable."

That's not to mention the fact that living in a vehicle means being able to roam around and travel endlessly. Because Jacob works as a graphic designer and Tiffany sells essential oils, the pair were able to take their careers on the road and have a truly unique experience.

"The adventure of it has been amazing. We've seen so many amazing things during our stays in various places, and the driving days have a been a gift as well; we've gotten to see things that you can't find on postcards, the in-between places that are beautiful in their own ways."

Tiffany has also learned a lot in particular about raising toddlers in such a small space, and her tips need not just apply to those also living in tiny homes.

"For us, day trips have been huge. We've hit up so many libraries for story time, and we've visited places like aquariums, beaches, lakes . . . the list goes on and on. Our 3-year-old especially has been learning a lot from these trips — we like to think that every day on the road is like preschool! She is learning so much!" Tiffany said. "We've noticed that getting out regularly keeps everyone from getting cabin fever. We've also had to be really aware of our kids' needs. For example, our daughter is an introvert, and we realized early on that since we're living in a small area together, we had to be really intentional about getting her some alone time to recharge. We try to play it by ear on a daily basis how both kids are doing and what they need."

When asked how in the hell a family of four could go from a dream home filled with belongings to a 215-square-foot trailer, Tiffany says they definitely spent more time cleaning and getting rid of all their extra stuff than renovating the entire Airstream, to put it into perspective. So when it comes to organization and storing all of the necessities that made the cut to be brought on the road initially, Tiffany says that there's actually a constant cycle of purging that ensures everything — from the kids' toys to everyone's clothes — is neat and tidy.

With all of our things, we try to keep it minimal but practical.

"Simplify, simplify, simplify. We did a huge purge of our stuff before moving into the Airstream, and periodically, we've gone through our things to see what we aren't using," she said. "This especially applies to toys and kids' clothes; whatever we're not using is moved out of the toy box and clothing drawer. Sometimes we keep them elsewhere if we think they'll be useful later, and sometimes we move these things on to someone else, but either way, it helps us keep things from piling up. With all of our things, we try to keep it minimal but practical."

Check out the way the family is keeping it simple in the throes of their new mobile lifestyle ahead.

For this family, playtime means fewer toys, more imagination.

For this family, playtime means fewer toys, more imagination.

Because they've purged many of their belongings, Ocea and Cedar have much fewer toys than they likely would have had the family stayed in their larger home.

A tiny home means less cleaning, but if your toddler loves vacuuming, you roll with it!

A tiny home means less cleaning, but if your toddler loves vacuuming, you roll with it!

"Who else has littles that love to clean? Please tell me this never ends?," Tiffany asked on Instagram.

As it turns out, a tiny trailer is the best place to learn how to walk.

As it turns out, a tiny trailer is the best place to learn how to walk.

Tiffany said of Cedar taking his first unstable steps: "At least there's always something close by to catch his fall!!"

Contained playtime means really loving on the toys you have.

Contained playtime means really loving on the toys you have.

For Cedar, he's definitely into those blocks and chowing down on his red ball, as any 1-year-old would be fond of.

The kitchen table also provides a bit of space for playtime.

The kitchen table also provides a bit of space for playtime.

Even in a tiny home, Play-Doh finds its way in!

Whereas the kitchen counter can sometimes be a table.

Whereas the kitchen counter can sometimes be a table.

You gotta make it work, like Ocea is!

Depending on where they're located, spending a lot of time outside is also a benefit.

Depending on where they're located, spending a lot of time outside is also a benefit.

Instead of being cooped up inside the house, the family can spend a ton of time outside the trailer when the weather permits.

Having less stuff and space means less chores and cleaning.

Having less stuff and space means less chores and cleaning.

Tiffany says that the Airstream came with one of the most comfortable mattresses she's ever owned, and now that she has zip-up bedding, she actually loves making the bed.

Never have bunk beds been more of a space saver than in an Airstream.

Never have bunk beds been more of a space saver than in an Airstream.

How cute is Ocea's little sleeping nook, complete with panda pillow?

Cedar may not have his own big boy bed yet, but he sure does enjoy his mom and dad's!

Cedar may not have his own big boy bed yet, but he sure does enjoy his mom and dad's!

With a bed that big in such a small space, you've got to assume that some cuddly family time goes down often.

With sharing a tiny space comes sharing a tiny bathroom.

With sharing a tiny space comes sharing a tiny bathroom.

Here's a peek at the shower corner of the family's bathroom, and a wall rack for storage, which optimizes the space.

But if you're the littlest family member, you benefit from fitting in the kitchen sick.

But if you're the littlest family member, you benefit from fitting in the kitchen sick.

Babies bathing in sinks is never not cute.

Even with less space, getting ready still takes up quite a bit of room.

Even with less space, getting ready still takes up quite a bit of room.

Every girl who uses makeup can relate to everything being strewn about as you get ready, and even with a tiny bathroom sink, Tiffany's experience seems to be no different!

Organizing fewer clothes is great, but with less space, you still have to get inventive.

Organizing fewer clothes is great, but with less space, you still have to get inventive.

The kids' clothing drawers have been pared down and organized thanks to handy boxes.

But, less stuff means being able to see everything at a glance.

But, less stuff means being able to see everything at a glance.

It's definitely a lot easier to pick an outfit when you've given yourself and the kids capsule wardrobes.

This sweet family has only been at it for six months, but we can't wait to see what's next for them.

This sweet family has only been at it for six months, but we can't wait to see what's next for them.

Follow along with their adventures by checking up on their blog and following them on Instagram at OurFamilyAdventures.