She Strengthens

Embracing the Freedom of Tiny Living

As I prepare for my upcoming road trip, I’ve been inspired by the stories of others who have bravely taken the leap to live on the road for extended periods. One such story that caught my attention is that of Kathleen and Greg, the founders of Tiny House, Tiny Footprint. Their journey is a testament to the fact that living small requires intention and trust in one’s instincts.

A Leap of Faith

Two years ago, Kathleen and Greg were living in a two-bedroom apartment in Denver, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life. But they yearned for something more – a life less attached to material possessions and more connected to nature. They would often plan trips to the wilderness, only to be pulled back into the city’s rhythm. It was a feeling of being trapped, stuck between two worlds.

The Allure of Minimalism

Greg had previously lived in a van in New Zealand and was drawn to the idea of returning to a more minimalist lifestyle. Kathleen, however, was unsure, having never known anyone who lived small. But as they discussed the idea further, they realized that tiny living was the only way they could achieve their goals of living more freely, saving money, being environmentally conscious, and connecting with nature.

Taking the Plunge

With doubts and questions lingering, Kathleen and Greg decided to take the leap. They searched for tiny homes on Craigslist and found a used camper trailer for sale. The 140-square-foot space was compact, but it was a start. They bought the camper, parked it in a friend’s driveway, and began the process of downsizing their belongings.

The Challenges of Tiny Living

As they settled into their new home, Kathleen and Greg faced numerous challenges. They had to navigate strict city building and zoning codes, find a place to park their camper, and adapt to living in a small space. Winter brought its own set of problems – freezing temperatures, limited hot water, and a struggle to keep warm. Kathleen often felt frustrated, wondering if they had made a mistake.

Finding Creative Solutions

Greg worked tirelessly to insulate their tiny home, adding more insulation, shoveling snow, and packing it around the camper to trap heat. They used a radiant space heater, composting toilet, and a supplemental thermal mass to stay warm. Despite the challenges, they persevered, determined to make tiny living work.

A New Chapter

As they approached their one-year mark of living small, Kathleen and Greg began to explore new options. They searched for raw land in Colorado, but were discouraged by the difficulties faced by another tiny living couple. They eventually decided to buy a house on some land, which would allow them to park their camper, have a garden, and own a structure that met their minimalist ideals.

A Homestead of Their Own

Today, Kathleen and Greg split their time between their house, camper trailer, and weekends in the wilderness. They haven’t abandoned their tiny lifestyle, but rather, they’ve opened doors for others to experience the freedom and connection with nature that comes with living small. Their story is a testament to the power of embracing uncertainty and taking the leap towards a more intentional, environmentally conscious way of living.