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Two Years. 7 People. $13K Saved with RV Living!


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Jordan and Scotty had a 2,200 square foot home on 10 acres of land, but were killing themselves trying to afford that lifestyle. So they bought an RV and made it home, and in the first year saved about $13,000!

The couple have five kids (3 full time, 2 they share custody of) in their amazing RV renovation, parked on Jordan’s mother’s land. They’ve lived tiny for 2 years now, and plan to continue doing so until they can afford to build a home.

I love their story because it shows that sometimes radical tiny living can be a temporary solution to living life with less financial stress. Even if you don’t plan on having 7 people in under 400 square feet forever, it might help you reach other goals! We got to interview Jordan, so be sure to read that Q&A at the end of the post. Follow the family on Instagram here.

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Seven People Living in an RV Saving for a Home

Jordan’s use of candles makes her space so cozy.

During the day, they take the table down to allow for more easy seating.

I love her use of dark colors!

The master bedroom is beyond the entertainment center.

It’s moody and romantic inside.

I could definitely wake up here.

The bathroom is snug, but functional.

Shiplap and a lacy shower curtain.

Here’s the bunkroom where the kids sleep.

Woven baskets hide laundry, toys and personal treasures.

And books! All kids need a good book collection.

Jordan on Downsizing from 2200 Square Feet:


What are your name(s)?

Our names are Jordan and Scotty

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

We are a family of 7. We have 5 children by the names of Tanner, Braelynn, Tober, Braxton and Isaiah. 5 of us are full time but 2 are part time. We have shared custody with their biological mother.

How long have you lived tiny?

This March will be 2 years since we started tiny living.

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

Scotty is a concrete finisher and I work from home in my family’s business HenPeckedHooks: My mother is a woodworker and I manage the business.

What are you hoping to get out of living tiny?

Our goal was to save money, pay off our debt and eventually build our home. We initially thought we’d live tiny for 2 years because we weren’t sure how we would like it but now we are open to a longer term plan and have no desire to rush the process.

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

I have always been in love with the idea of tiny living. As a child I was obsessed with cottages and as I got older I never stopped loving the idea of living a more simple and minimalist lifestyle. In 2019 our rental lease was up and we were in the search for buying our forever home but couldn’t find anything that felt right to us and didn’t want to settle just because we were out of time. We also knew we didn’t want to continue spending 2k in rent/utilities.

I had been flirting with the idea to buy an RV for months prior and discussed it with Scotty one evening and decided it would be the perfect solution. It would allow us to save on money, be able to pay off our debt and eventually give us the financial ability to build our dream home.

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

We bought our trailer brand new from Affordable Trucks & RVs and although it is a 2020 trailer and didn’t need modifications, I did renovate it. It was important to me to make it homey and less manufacturer-y.

What are bills/utilities like compared to before?

We saved over $13k in our first year tiny living. We spend less than 1k for our bills and that includes rent, power, insurance, septic, and propane. Where as before we were spending a little over 2k. It has been AMAZING.

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

We are stationary on my parents property out in the country surrounded by beautiful vineyards where we plan to build our home. It’s always been a dream of mine to have a small commune with my parents so building on their property is a dream come true to me.

Before going tiny, what was life like?

Before tiny living we lived in a beautiful 2200 sq ft home on 10 acres and nearly went broke trying to achieve the “American dream” lifestyle. Rooms full of untouched things, clothes or toys.

Is there anything from your old life that you miss?

I honestly don’t miss anything from before. This has truly been a life changing experience for the better. We aren’t going without, we have everything we need and want.

What benefits are you experiencing after going tiny?

Benefits include financial freedom, understanding what is truly important to us. Choosing experiences over materials. We are more intentional with our surroundings and we feel closer than ever.

What makes your tiny home special?

My family is what makes our home special.

What is your favorite part of your tiny home?

I would have to say my favorite part of our home is the quick clean up! 🤣 It’s been awesome to not have to spend alllll day deep cleaning.

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

My advice to anyone considering tiny living would be don’t fear it. Embrace it with an open and positive mindset. Any home, tiny or big, comes with obstacles. Also, whether you buy brand new or used, hire a private inspector! Never be afraid to ask questions or reach out for help. This RV community has been so supportive, encouraging, and educational. Search FB for private groups or even find accounts on IG for inspiration or help.
You got this!

Highlights:

  • New RV
  • Renovated in a “moody boho” theme
  • 3 kids full-time, 2 kids with shared custody
  • Bunkroom for the kids
  • Parents room on other end
  • Living on parents’ land while they save to build a home
  • Saved $13K

Learn More:

Related Stories:

Our big thanks to Jordan 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.
{ 11 comments… add one }
  • Linda Baker
    December 15, 2020, 12:32 pm

    Is that savings before or after paying for the new RV? I imagine there was a big yard sale before the move! How do the kids feel about living on the TV? Hope you realize your dream, stay safe and healthy

    • Natalie C. McKee
      December 15, 2020, 3:21 pm

      Hi Linda! The savings was on rent — so they pay about $1K in utilities/expenses vs the $2k they spent beforehand.

  • Suzee B
    December 15, 2020, 7:20 pm

    This home is absolutely awesome! Jordan has certainly achieved her goal of making it homey! It’s gorgeous, I love her moody boho style. I’m surprised she’s not a decorator!

  • Sheila Plourde
    December 15, 2020, 7:44 pm

    Beautiful trailer. Very classy decorating. Should be in a magazine. I wish them the best and they will build their home.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      December 16, 2020, 1:54 pm

      I agree! Very magazine-ready.

  • Kathleen Alexander
    December 16, 2020, 7:59 am

    I love your story on living in a RV. I do I love it but it’s to small. I am looking for a bigger one . I would not go and live into apartment or house.

    • Melissa Predum
      December 16, 2020, 1:22 pm

      That is awesome, I would love a tree house or glampping space that would be great.😎

  • Scott
    December 17, 2020, 4:10 am

    My wife and I along with 2 dogs and 2 cats live in our 2018 Jayco WhiteHawk. We went from 2400 to a 23 Foot Travel trailer. Agreed that you feel closer, must determine most important items. We have paid off over 30,000 in debt since Aug 2019 while full timing.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      December 17, 2020, 12:58 pm

      Wow, Scott! That’s so amazing. We would love to tell your story here.

      • linda
        December 18, 2020, 7:43 pm

        Hello, I simply cannot believe that this came across my timeline. My husband amd I have rented a house forcthe past 10 years. She has now 2 grown sons plus a 6 year old daughter and a husband. We never really got ahead even though we only paid half of ecerything. owner is selling my daughter bought a home. Itcis time to cut cord so we will live in our little 17 ft travel trailer in my moms yard. I want to get out of debr and although I cry daily to not leave my little melody, this has given me such hope and inspiration. thank you

        • Natalie C. McKee
          December 21, 2020, 2:47 pm

          Linda, I’m so happy to hear this has given you hope during this tough time for you!

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