Small space living/ tinyhouse

hollyuhler · February 2015

So before I found out I was pregnant my husband and I started designing and building what was then going to be our dream home. An off the grid 400 square foot house, loft bedroom, cozy but lots of outdoor space type deal. Well into construction we found out were expecting, I'm due June 3rd and we're moving in in April. We've found room to put in an adorable crib/nursery in a closet space but I'm still worried. Will I have to be outside while he is napping? His crib is in the middle of the house. Does anyone else live in a small space with a baby or have any advice? Our house is amazing and I'm so proud of what we have accomplished I want to make it work as well as we can. I know we will be needing an addition within a few years though!

mamahawk12 · February 2015

Do you watch tiny house nation? Most of the families on the show have very young children and find amazing ways to make it work. I personally could never live like that (I could never part with enough of my things, lol) but I think it's really awesome that some people can. Is there any way they can change up the plans/design, or is it too far along?

AmyCee · February 2015

It's actually fine to have a baby get used to napping and sleeping with some noise- so I wouldn't worry about that...I can't imagine living in 400sq feet - but, I think it's awesome that you're going to try!!

KaLikeAWind · February 2015

I love those tiny, off the grid houses! So way cool! I would love to try that but DH is a junkaholic. He wants to keep everything. We have so much stuff! I don't have any suggestions, but maybe some NYC moms can help you out with space saving ideas. NYC apartments are really small, like 600 sq ft sometimes

klkonwi · February 2015

Think of how most of our grandparents and their parents raised kids in small houses

most full of love ! You can do it !!!!!

jbatch · February 2015

That is awesome! I agree with PP that it is good for them to learn to sleep with other noise. I think you will be fine and figure out a way to make it work. Honestly the first 6 months will probably be the easiest though because after that they are nosey and want to see what you are doing!

katyertl · February 2015

We have a small one bedroom duplex that we will be living in until baby is about 6 months when I graduate nursing school. We have definitely gotten better at condensing things in our house and using lots of different storage ideas.

momtoPaxton · February 2015

DS slept in his pack n play for a long time in the living room for naps. My dog would bark and everything and he never woke up! Now he's the deepest sleeper. The city dug under the street right in front of our house once and had a huge jack hammer tearing up the street and he slept through it! Kudos to you for making it in a small space! DH complains constantly about how small our 900 Sq ft house is!

Frogger5 · February 2015

Where are you? I mean, is the outdoor space usable year-round? That is a small space, but if you really can use the outside most of the year, that's awesome. We're in a small condo, but not that small so I don't have much help except to say that I hope you guys are able to figure it out!

hollyuhler · February 2015

Thanks this is so good and reassuring to hear! I hope our baby will be a deep sleeper! It's good to know they can sleep with at least some commotion. We are in Virginia so we can be outside on our porch or on our green roof at least half of the year. These post definitely make me more excited than worried!

laurendutch · February 2015

My boys slept in their swings in the living room for naps for the first 8 months of their life. I would watch TV and vacuum and they slept right through it! It's when they are 2, that you'll run into problems

valeriemarie24 · February 2015

My bf and I live in an apartment that was added on in the top floor of a house. It's not huge and we have just enough room for us and the baby. It's hard, and we had to get rid of a lot of stuff to make the space. But anything is workable with patience, time and love

TheAlmostMom · February 2015

400sqft?!!!! You are a brave, BRAVE lady. There are some days a full 2200sqft at my brothers house isn't enough to quell his cooped up kids in the winter. Plus, I think my closet alone is 400sqft lol
I'm so impressed, that's an amazing thing to do!

bbnmama2012 · February 2015

Like PPs have said, you'll be fine! Women have raised babies for thousands of years in tiny places. It's mostly our commercialized culture that makes us think that we NEED all these things/space or we're bad parents. I'm already getting a "keeping up with the Joneses" attitude and my baby isn't even here yet! Oh how I wish I didn't care!!
Kudos to you and your husband! With your simple lifestyle, I think your child will grow up to grateful, pleasant, and kind. I love what you're doing and admire you!

hilarydluckett · February 2015

My husband and I bought a very small house because we thought it was so cozy and obviously cost effective. We are loving the small mortgage and the space is fine. People think we're crazy for being happy in 700 sq. ft. but it's all in what you make it and what you're used to. Adding a baby will make it a little more difficult, but think of how close-knit you will be!! It's a blessing.

LeahTortilla · February 2015

My mom told me to run noisy things like the vacuum and radio and washer/dryer when baby sleeps because if you're too quiet they will get used to it and only be able to sleep when it's silent. We don't live in a tiny house like you, but we have a small (compared to our friends' houses) 917 sq ft, 2br house that we love. Our grandparents raised our parents in houses of this size and smaller, so I see no reason why you would have a problem in your house.

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