I've spent 5 years living in a tiny home and 2 years in a camper van. Here's how they compare — and which is my favorite.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Amber McDaniel sitting in chair in tiny. home with cup of coffee, smiling
Trading living in a van for residing in a 400-square-foot tiny house didn't solve everything, but it finally gave us what the road couldn't.

Amber McDaniel

A family of 4 downsized to a 1-bedroom home so they could live rent-free. Storage hacks help them make the most of the space.

Tech Insider : Business
A side-by-side of a family walking through a field and a kitchen with white cabinets and a butcher block island.
The Johnson family downsized to save money for their future.

Mckayle Buckley Kallschmidt/Ashley Johnson

I've loved living in a tiny home for the past 3 years — but I know I can't and won't live this way forever

Tech Insider : Business
Author Elin Schmidt standing on deck at tiny home
Living in my tiny-home community in California has changed my life for the better, but I'm not sure I can see myself staying here forever.

Elin Schmidt

We put a tiny home on my in-laws' property. It'll be nice to live mortgage-free. mortgage is nice, but it's been tough.

Tech Insider : Business
Composite of Author Shawn Lentz smiling next to photo of small home surrounded by construction in front of trees
My family sold our home with plans to live in a trailer until we could finish setting up a manufactured house on my in-laws' property.

Shawn Lentz

I live in a pool house in a stranger's backyard. The tiny house is perfect for me.

Tech Insider : Business
Haley Bosselman on her couch next to a picture of her tiny house
The author lives in a tiny house.

Courtesy of Haley Bosselman

My boyfriend and I decided not to buy a house and instead rent small studios. Minimalist living works for us.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Catherine Work and her boyfriend at dinner table
The author and her boyfriend prefer a minimalist lifestyle.

Courtesy of Catherine Work

Five years of living in a tiny home taught me that the biggest sacrifices had nothing to do with space or stuff

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Author Amber McDaniel sitting at small dining table
Tiny living has changed my perspective on socializing and reshaped how I connect with others.

Amber McDaniel

A 59-year-old downsized to a tiny home on wheels to shrink her housing costs while helping care for her parents

Tech Insider : Business
Julie Lennox and her dog Rizzo
Julie Lennox and her dog Rizzo

Courtesy of Julie Lennox

I've spent 7 years living in a tiny home and a camper van. It's taught me how to be a smarter shopper and better saver.

Tech Insider : Business
Author Amber McDaniel sitting on steps of tiny home
By spending almost a decade living tiny, I've learned how to be a savvy, mindful consumer.

Amber McDaniel

A millennial homeowner built 3 tiny homes in her backyard and earns $4,550 in rent from her 4 tenants

Tech Insider : Business
Emilie Karas' tiny home on wheels and ADU in Portland, Oregon.
Emilie Karas' tiny home on wheels and ADU in Portland, Oregon.

Courtesy of Emilie Karas

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