When people find out we live on a 34-foot sailboat, which has around 350 square feet of living space, they’re often flabbergasted that we can live in such a tiny space without killing each other. Then I tell them that we used to live in a 13-foot Scamp travel trailer, which has around 65 square feet of living space, and they’re dumbstruck.
We bought our travel trailer when we moved back to the States from New Zealand in search of our next sailboat. Originally, we had been camping, but sleeping in a tent, especially during heavy rain and cold weather, got old quick. Getting a travel trailer made life so much more pleasant.
Sure, it’s tiny, but it’s adorable. Like this kitchen area — small, but it has everything you need including a fridge, stove, and sink.
The bathroom is teeny. But at least it has a bathroom, complete with a shower. So much nicer than having to get up in the middle of the night and walk to the nearest bathroom when nature calls.
It has a dining area, which also doubles as a sleeping area by folding the table down.
The good thing about travel trailers is that the outdoors is an extension of your living space. We had great times sitting outside, barbecuing something for dinner, and enjoying the scenery.
We really enjoyed our time living in our tiny travel trailer and exploring the States from the west coast to the east coast. And, more importantly, we managed to do it without killing each other.
So many people wonder how we’re able to live in such a small space without killing each other, but we actually get along better under these conditions. Sure. We argue ever now and then. But at the end of the day, we’re a team and we have each other’s backs — I think that’s been one of the greatest gifts of cruising.
I think this kind of living works for some people, but not for others. You definitely need to consider yourself a team, otherwise it isn’t going to work.
Most people comment about how much downsizing we had to do. They are in awe until I remind them that we still have our house with all the furniture.
But, you’re renting the house out, so it’s kind of like it’s not your stuff anymore,
I’ve often thought about living on a narrow-boat. I think a lot of people have too much space and clutter it up with rubbish. It’s about having enough but also appreciating what you have and making the most of it
That’s so true. Living in small spaces has really forced us to realize what’s really important to us in terms of material stuff, and what isn’t.
When we moved we left a lot of stuff behind and had to get rid of loads of our possessions. And you know what? I don’t miss a single one of them
My parents purchased a 13 ft Scamp last year and love it! I’ll admit, my hubs and I would probably need a little more space (he loves to spread out—space hog 😉 ) but otherwise, it looks like a ton of fun.
Oh, how cool! They are tiny, but awfully adorable.