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Family of SEVEN… From Tent, to Van, to RV Life


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Meet “This Little Den” — a family of 7 (mom, dad, 4 boys and a baby girl) that’s living in an RV while renting land on a friend’s property in Florida. Just before finding out about baby #5, they decided not to re-up their apartment lease or look for a new one. Instead, they voluntarily moved into a tent! Now they’ve been tiny living for two years.

Soon they added Vinney the Van, and then they came across this awesome RV and decided to upgrade for a bit more space. By downsizing they’ve learned what they really need, and get way more time together as a family — which is what it’s all about, right?

The biggest trial of having 5 littles in an RV is laundry, but they’re managing via the laundromat and generous friends/family nearby. We got to interview mom, Chelsea, so be sure to read the Q&A at the end of the post. Follow the family on Instagram here.

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Florida RV Living with 5 Kids!

Christmas can still be magical in a tiny space!

They took out the dinette to create more floor space.

Which is perfect for snuggling and reading books.

And they created this little table for dinnertime.

Lots of pillows make the Master bed cozy.

There’s a lot of storage for clothing!

Curtains provide some privacy and block off rooms.

Amazing what some organizers can do to maximize storage.

In good weather, the family eats outdoors.

Chelsea Talks About RV Living With 5 Littles!


What are your name(s)

Brent and Chelsea

How many people (and animals) are living in your RV?

My husband and I and our 5 kids (7 people)

How long have you lived tiny?

We have been living tiny for two years now (a big tent, a big full size van, with family members, and now our rv)

What do you do for work? Or do you travel full-time?

We are stationary right now, My husband works for an air conditioning company and I sell thrifted items online as well as working for a health and wellness company.

What are you hoping to get out of living tiny?

More quality time together, saving money, more adventures!

What inspired you to choose an RV (rather than say a tiny house or a bus)?

We needed something quickly and this rv was in our budget, it kinda just fell together for us.

How did you acquire your RV? Did you do a lot of renovations?

We bought it on Facebook marketplace from the original owners. We have done a few minor renovations, like taking out a couch and the dinette table/bed for more floor space, and my husband built a platform for a clothing/toy storage unit to sit on.

What are bills/utilities like compared to before?

Definitely less than living in an sticks and bricks home!

How did you find a place to “park” your home? Or do you travel?

We have great friends that own some beautiful property out in the country and offered to rent to us.

Before going tiny, what was life like?

Life is always beautiful and can always be an adventure wherever you live or however you live, its all in your perspective! Living tiny with less material stuff has just given us a clearer perspective and pointed out what is most important in life, family and loving people.

Is there anything from your old life that you miss?

A large bathtub!

What benefits are you experiencing after going tiny?

Less time taking care of and managing material items, more time together and for adventures.

What about some challenges?

Keeping clutter out! Even though we are minimalists stuff still creeps in so we de-clutter and donate things regularly! Also Keeping up with Laundry for a large family without a washer and dryer in our RV has been a challenge! But thankfully we have amazing friends and family that let us use theirs and also there is a laundromat close by that we use.

What makes your tiny home special?

The people that I get to share it with! And the memories we are making in it together.

What is your favorite part of your tiny home?

I like how it’s pretty much one big open living space and lots of Windows that let in tons of an natural light

What helpful advice would you give to others interested in going tiny?

Less living space means less room for stuff, Start de-cluttering now! Its a process and can take time to let go of things. Only keep the things that you absolutely love and make you happy, then de-clutter those things some more!

Anything I didn’t ask about that we should know?

Living tiny with kids or a large family is totally possible!

Learn More:

Related Stories:

Our big thanks to Chelsea for sharing! 🙏

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

{ 7 comments… add one }
  • Marsha Cowan
    January 2, 2021, 11:31 am

    Wonderful story! Love your perspective on life. Your home is so well organized with space for everyone. It’s great that you got a place out in the country; it gives your kids a lot of space to explore and grow. Best wishes for the whole family!

  • JERKINS8071
    January 2, 2021, 4:15 pm

    Thank you!!1

  • Paul Larsen
    January 2, 2021, 6:20 pm

    This is really amazing! And great job modifying the RV for your needs. I can understand about laundry, especially with the mud around. That would be so much fun to play in ! ( so I have been told )

  • Paula winslow
    January 3, 2021, 5:31 am

    I think that that’s just awesome it gives you a way to get closer to your children and your family your loved ones and it gives them a chance to explore the outside instead of being stuck up in the house on the internet all the time or watching television like my Daddy calls it the idiot box you know children aren’t like they were back when I was going to school you know I’m growing up we were expected to work by time we were 16 years old and helped the family out we had to and expected to go to school get an education I got a nursing education and I went to school for 6 years of college cuz I was proud of what I did and I was good at it I’m retired and disabled and I just give it to you and your family hope you all have the very best year and 2021 and I can send my blessings my prayers and my gracious to you and your family your little children God love you I know Evan needs to save up money now and find a way to live cheaper than we were living before because of the economy we’ll make it don’t worry God’s love is as fully open on us and his hands protecting us believe that God love you amen bye

  • Connie A Hall
    January 3, 2021, 8:44 pm

    I wish I could find a rv I could afford I am tired of all the high cost of bills.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      January 5, 2021, 8:25 am

      Keep an eye on your local Facebook marketplace and Craigslist. You’d be amazed what you can find! My parents renovate vintage RVs for fun so my dad is always checking out what’s on the market.

  • Marguerite M LaPorte
    January 3, 2021, 9:39 pm

    My family of 6 and a dog lived in a 21 foot camper all the girls had there own bed and a tote at the bottom for there clothes i didnt want to leave that life but the girls wanted to live in a house

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