Young Family Built Their Own Tiny House on Wheels for Affordable Living

Ashley and Chad decided to build their own tiny home on wheels after not being able to go the traditional route of buying a house with a mortgage. They’ve lived in their DIY tiny house for 3.5 years now and say this lifestyle has improved their quality of life in many ways. After the initial investment to build the home, the couple says their expenses are quite low, about half of what they paid to rent a studio apartment, and this affordable cost of living allows Ashley to be a stay at home mom with their two children, and makes it possible for Chad to work close to home doing a job he loves.
You can follow and find out more about That Hippie Family here:
/ @thathippiefamily
/ wearethathippiefamily
In this video, Ashley and Chad share their decision making process, how they built the tiny house, the cost to build it, their systems, and some insights into what it’s like to live in a tiny home as a couple and as a family with young children (pros and cons). We really appreciate them sharing their story and hope you’ll give them a follow!
Ashley and Chad a.k.a. That Hippie Family
/ @thathippiefamily
/ wearethathippiefamily
Thanks for watching!
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, inappropriate or hateful comments will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate respectfully, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
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CREDITS
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Music Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credit: Lukáš Hyrman
/ kashframes
Additional footage provided by Ashley and Chad from That Hippie Family, including:
- Construction Photos
- Clips from these videos on their channel:
• A MOVING THOUGHT PROVO...
• MINIMIZING SCREEN TIME...
• DON'T GO CHASING WATER...
You can follow and find out more about That Hippie Family here:
/ @thathippiefamily
#tinyhouse #DIYtinyhouse #tinyhousetour

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can follow and find out more about That Hippie Family here: www.youtube.com/@thathippiefamily instagram.com/wearethathippiefamily/

[@Koalabears7777]

I absolutely love, love, love this channel! Thank you for fantastic stories.

[@vivalaleta]

What an intelligent, grounded couple. They're also very fortunate to find such a landlord. Shout out to that guy!

[@JamesB02]

Hats 👒 🎩 off to this young family. I pray the baby arrives without any complications

[@thathippiefamily]

Thank you! Baby was born safe and sound. Home birth video is up on our channel 💖

[@maryl.pulaskey8827]

​@@thathippiefamily15:30

[@blurglide]

I'm old enough to remember when a "tiny house on wheels" was just called a "mobile home"

[@deb9806]

Well from my memory they weren't as elaborate as many of the ones shown, they weren't as "pretty" on the outside, didn't have the innovations and the prices were much lower. They did become very sad looking in some areas but not all were like that.

[@RonSmith472]

Exactly 😂

[@user-tl5yb1jy7c]

Its a lot nicer than ur standard Mobil home

[@blurglide]

@@user-tl5yb1jy7c Are you serious? It's kinda ramshackle. Look at the fit and finish around the skylight at 6 minutes. Look at the plumbing just dangling unsupported between two walls in open space at 6:20. Unless you're looking at something that hasn't seen maintenance for 30 years, mobile homes are much nicer than this. Props to them for building it and cutting expences so she can focus on the kids. Seem like good people- I just disagree that this is a lot nicer than a standard mobile home.

[@user-tl5yb1jy7c]

@@blurglide if you say so, not my concern anyway.

[@DD-ih7wn]

Good for them. I wish them the best of luck.

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

Ashley and Chad, great job!

[@thathippiefamily]

Thank you!

[@WillowsGreenPermaculture]

That's a really nice amount of space in your sleeping loft! And I love the hammock loft! A great place! Congratulations guys! You've got real vision!

[@vegarduhre]

Amazing. Such a beautiful home.

[@coleyboy1921]

Mark my words, their children will know the value of money, spread love and caring to all they know, know how to communicate well and resolve problems maturely, and will have a wonderful sense of freedom and wanderlust! All thanks to mom and dad's vision and iron clad commitment to making it happen. Fantastic job!

[@thathippiefamily]

Such lovely words! Thank you so much, we try our best 🥰

[@gallopingg1]

@@thathippiefamily your best is turning out brilliant, stay safe warm and good health to you all. uk

[@ja553]

Simplicity at its best. Uccomplicated living. Love them both. Greetings and peace From trinidad and tobago West indies.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Nice to see the whole family enjoying the tiny house.

[@MyFriendlyPup]

Works with 1 child. I would struggle with my 3 kids but i would try to make it work. Figure out an expansion by their teen years.

[@RonSmith472]

I had 2000sqft and my four kids were at each other's throats couldn't imagine being confined into 200. Plus I need a fortress of solitude, woo-sa 🧘🏿‍♂️

[@gemarmckinney2927]

The 70s vibe sooo 🔥 living back then I'm a tiny house is incredible a home to escape today's world!!! Good Job.

[@sarahmills5678]

Wow, I hope your dog's name is Bear because that's what I thought he was when he jumped out of the dog house!! LOL! He's beautiful and so is your family. Glad you were able to create a space that is home. 😃

[@suetoronto9993]

Lovely home, great family!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you so much!

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Life is about what you're drawn to do, and what you have to do. The combination of the two, the creative, resourceful, particular negotiations of the two is unique to everyone. I admire this young couple's improvisations and inventions. Much sun upon them going forward, a kind and cooperative road.

[@pdq5465]

I agree with you & I admire this couple too. They’ve found a home & a way of life that suits them. Good for them👍🏻❤️🇨🇦

[@valeriecoleman3588]

What a beautiful family!❤️ Love what you’ve done and how you’v made it all workout! Very inspiring 😉

[@graceaxisa4213]

Thank you! I love this video and this lovely family's set up. I had a little chuckle when their gorgeous dog initially came out of the dog house....for a split second, I thought it was a grizzly! 😅

[@thathippiefamily]

Thank you! His name is Bingo and I will say he makes me feel safe when we’re out hiking that’s for sure 😉

[@graceaxisa4213]

@@thathippiefamily awww! Gorgeous Bingo! 🤗😍🤗

[@pdq5465]

What a lovely home & life this couple has chosen for themselves, & how nice that they found an accommodating landlord. Best wishes on the birth of your next baby, and for your future 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@thathippiefamily]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@stefaniemead8847]

The idea here is it's not about what makes the rest of us comfortable. I'm actually envious this couple is inspired to make a small imprint on earth and not afraid to live their lives accordingly. And rather than having a spacious interior they're enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, its vastness and splendor. Thanks for sharing your lives and dreams with us.

[@LK-by2cq]

I loved this video. I'm old enough to remember when hippie meant freedom of choice in lifestyle. There was a brief time when hippie did not have all the negative ideas that came along with drug use and extreme sexual freedom. Mobile homes became tiny homes when people thought about living in them all year round for many, many years. I think that is when builders and others realized that there was a financial problem and a code enforcement problem.

[@bonnies9861]

You are such an awesome couple ~ you radiate your love for one another! Your home is very creative ~ the "hippie vibe" certainly speaks to this 75 y.o. woman ~ I graduated from college in 1971, so everything in your home is right up my alley!! Sending you light, love, peace, joy and abundance always. I love you.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Cheers for this young couple. Thank you Matt and Danielle for sharing their special story ❤️

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Glad you enjoyed it! Have a great Sunday :)

[@Ilovemylife2005]

Its a nice space, when the family grow, you simply can add room, people around the world live in much smaller space and be fine, you are lucky to have that large space

[@MrKnightTV96]

You guys did a job fixing the trailer to look like a nice house.

[@t81629]

Amazing job. A lot of hard work. The helicopter in me is anxious about that loft and the little one. please put a barrier or something so he doesn't fall.

[@sheilacirioni4676]

I love your space& the loft..I'm an old hippy 75&I like your style..It sounds like you have a great landlord. I always lucked out as well..was always fixing things.☮👍🤗💞

[@marilynschmidt6400]

Love that 70's vibe and the laid back lifestyle. Where I live we have no bears etc so that would be my only worry when out exploring. They seem like a nice, down to earth couple 🙂

[@ArachnidMeadow]

A message of support for this channel and a thumbs up on the video. Thanks so much for the effort to provide such consistently good content.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much for your comment and for your support :)

[@bussyraycyrus]

Hi from the interior of BC!! your family is so inspiring 🥰 you guys seem so sweet and content.

[@thathippiefamily]

Thanks so much! We love living in BC!

[@hollyvick181]

How cool..a hammock loft! Eyore!❤

[@peperetuque7744]

great place nice home good for yous

[@jesusa-lc3hw]

GodBlesslove to both of you & with your newly built family on your beautiful "retro tiny home, cozy congratulations❣️🤝🤝thnksGod for you your sharing this video❤️

[@janicerhoden5913]

Good for you!! I hope you’re able to live here as long as you want. God bless you!😊

[@margaretporkolab7166]

You are so lucky to be able to do this. I was on pins and needles when saw the big fluffy dog come out of the opening. I thought it was a cub. But as it came out further I realized it was a big dog coming out of a dog house. My eyes are not the same, they need morr focusing. Love the video. God Bless.

[@vanessadeklerk2862]

Love this! Their house looks so "real" and reflects exactly who they are and what is important to them.

[@thathippiefamily]

Yess! Thank you for noticing! That was something that we wanted to make sure people felt. REAL!

[@Houseds]

The two of you are amazing, daring to think and do things and persevere to achieve well-deserved results. The little house is very beautiful and cute.

[@sandraragsdale9892]

I love your home.Yall did a great. job.❤

[@trishglenn7802]

Oh my goodness . I felt like I walked into my own home. Or my mothers . So many things in your home. We had in ours. Love it

[@kimp6895]

Great video, beautiful family. Thank you for sharing their home and lifestyle!

[@kalyns7198]

What a phenomenal effort from this lovely couple! So inspirational for overcoming obstacles ❤

[@suzysmith4254]

I wish you all the best, you are a beautiful family. What matters is the memories you create with your children that's what's most important.

[@thathippiefamily]

Thank you! I couldn’t agree more!

[@priyaallwyn6035]

Lovely couple. Beautiful home.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you so much!

[@widowswatch6610]

Your cat and dog are pretty cool. Your house looks good.

[@janinafisher101]

Very sweet family. If only more people would choose to live a simpler, smaller, more sustainable life like this family... and that people in charge of municipalities would get that this is the answer to the housing crisis that exists in so many places, as well as the fact that most housing nowadays is unaffordable to many people, and the cost of housing creates a real problem of stress and financial burden on individuals. Many tiny home communities are needed across Canada, and from what I have seen of the ones in the US, they really can become "communities" in the best sense of the word. Here's to That Hippie Family! All the best with your next baby and continuing to live a good life in a tiny space.

[@thelmamccoy4917]

Bank saying no is the best thing that could have happened to you guys! I love ❤️ ❤️‍🔥 😍 it!

[@lilasdiycreations1979]

Yall are the cutest couple and that little boy is so darlen god bless yalls family thanks for sharing ❤❤❤

[@Kitty_cat2001]

What a great house-it’ll be great when you’re log heater is sorted in the Mud room, I’m assuming the heat would transfer into the rest of the home. The landlord seems fantastic. Australia 🇦🇺

[@thathippiefamily]

Yes definitely. Now that we have the wood stove up and running we are able to heat our entire home. It was a great idea

[@jessicajessie1849]

I am happy for them! Awesome lifestyle!

[@gallopingg1]

you guys have achieved something really special, uk

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

Luv the big black dog and awesome vertical turn table - thanks for sharing! ❤

[@TheMennomilist]

Congratulations on baby number two. Great job building your house from scratch and learning how to do everything. It is weird that you had a down payment but the bank said, "No." Why would they do that? Better off since you have been where you are as long as you have been now at least. Keep up the great work and thank you for showing us your home.

[@sam_i_am8781]

Yassssss! ❤

[@pragyakatoch]

So inspiring!! Wish you guys well!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much!!

[@widowswatch6610]

I am thinking you could maybe make the mud room into a bedroom or part of it if it is big enough when the next baby comes. Or actually when the kids are older because you did say you coed sleep. I hope things always are good for you all. 👍👍☮️☮️

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

I love your set up. It’s very homey and cozy. Vancouver Island is amazing too. A little wood stove in the mud room would dry out anything: clothes, blankets, etc. probably could get a good used unit.

[@thathippiefamily]

Totally! We have our wood stove up and running now and it’s such a blessing this rainy season vs last rainy season 😊

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

@@thathippiefamily that’s fantastic! Your kids are so fortunate to have such conscientious parents. Good on you both and great luck in your futures.

[@kiza4178]

We follow their you tube channel!

[@solorsix]

Nice work!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Happy you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching :)

[@carolewarner101]

Good for you creating so much financial freedom for yourselves so young, and great job on the build with no prior experience! I loved the 70's too. In fact I graduated high school in '79, 😂. At some point in the future you could expand the size of your mudroom to have a downstairs bedroom for you or one or both of the kids. Keep on living the dream!

[@kayroth8750]

Impressive

[@Dannytyrellstudios]

Wonderful

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I'm 75, retired and live alone in North Texas on a homestead with a 1,20] sq ft house. My "end game" is to live in 600 sq ft, the other 600 sq ft being reserved for such a time that I need live-in care. I love my smaller space. BTW - I fully intend on living 150 years!

[@marysellers5095]

Love the cat clock i had one years ago

[@hollyvick181]

There is Nothing wrong with having Stuff in your tiny.

[@denisebd1000]

Adorable ☺️ baby boy

[@desirayelgatto501]

Great place!

[@swastikgrover3414]

God bless y’all

[@gene_takovic57]

I would not call this family minimalists by any means. Nice pad!

[@annearsenault7168]

Cutest family 😊

[@ghluvs4eva95]

LOVE!! Would you mind sharing the measurements of the tiny home on wheels? How tall, wide, long?

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

They say everybody has a double and I couldn't get over how the mother looks like an actress that stared in a series called Grantchester over here in the UK. They could be twins. Wow.

[@thathippiefamily]

Oh I’ll have to look her up I’m so curious!

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

I found this image of your look alike actress in Grantchester, the best image of her is at 0:01. Please forgive an old mans observation, Just like you she is very beautiful. I hope this is a help. Kind regards. Dave M.@@thathippiefamily

[@TamarLitvot]

They've done well for themselves as a family! Because they live in Canada, they can choose to live in this simplified way knowing that they have health coverage. In the U.S., it would be risky to try to create this kind of life -- if your child is born with problems or has a health crisis and you don't have that coverage, you're SOL.

[@sudirman2646]

that amazing

[@daviddaley8581]

Awesome god speed❤❤❤❤❤🇨🇦

[@andrearoy4658]

Yahhhhhhhhhh right on.

[@cassieoz1702]

So did the final cost of the house include a year of his earnings?

[@lagulaojeraldyne8757]

Dream. ✨

[@Heothbremel]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nixwestlake9196]

Your kids will need their own rooms

[@cjpwolf2436]

That what I call a tiny house with a FTA satellite dish.

[@offairhead]

👍🏻

[@spaceanthariksham2408]

200 sq feet is everyone house in average in my country. 😅i should start calling my house tiny house and also everyone else house as tiny house. 😂.may be in usa standard that is tiny. In few places that is kinda average. Not big not small . Land costed less than $50000, house construction $more than $50000( took loan). Land is cheap compared to other areas around me because we are off the city. Rural area. And done happy home 🏡 good thing is peace with nature

[@user-tl5yb1jy7c]

My back would not handle that

[@kevinruger8819]

BBC to take care of all them lady chickens 😂

[@latifaagius39]

I live in my van.

[@akosisunako1745]

Soon they will expand the house and not being in a tiny house.

[@mw7185]

How much property tax do you pay

[@Ivana9910]

I feel bad for the kids since they're gonna hit an age where they'll want privacy but there are no rooms in the house for that. where do they get schooling and social interaction once older? I hope the parents don't rely on just their kids for social interaction

[@vigofox]

🤡

[@Lilapurple111]

They can expand the house and build an extra room, once the kids get older.

[@justjen4125]

Would be smart to have the child in a their own room as they need to learn to "Self-Soothe" sleeping alone. I wouldn't put that off too long.

[@gemarmckinney2927]

Omg they got time for that to expand or not just be comfortable with tiny home living go sit down somewhere feeling bad when they are young smh

[@sandralnwebster3204]

I wouldn't really call you hippies! You are more "retro mimilists!" who work and like living simply! True hippies just worked the land and lived an alternative lifestyle with their "bros!" Your family has too much going for you-saving and planning for a rainy day!😊

[@Seaquest112]

This is really quite nice and an excellent effort. Please be mindful however, that small homes and adolescent children mix very poorly. A micro house is a sure fire way to your child's neurosis, especially if they are nearing puberty. Ask any sociologist what you might expect from raising a family with no privacy, where You're constantly on top of one another. This type of arrangement is best confined to an adult couple who are highly compatible. A single small child is okay, but only for a short period. Human beings need their personal space. There have been multiple studies, both human and animal, on the affects of living under confined, cramped conditions with quite similiar outcomes. Both groups experienced an immediate, marked decline in sociability, and increased agitation, including increased cortisol levels, a well documented stress hormone. Stress and aggressive behavior in both groups, increase consistently with each additional member added to the group. The outcomes we grim, please do not subject your loved ones to these conditions. You risk contributing to potentially treatment resistant, detrimental social affects, that may be carried long into life.

[@99guspuppet8]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ why have nose rings ?

[@fayee8986]

I don't know I guess we learned from the pigs this day and time

[@cjhoward409]

It’s sad that it’s acceptable for a lot of people live like this. That tiny is acceptable. Because it means that they can’t afford at least a 1800 sf house.

[@thathippiefamily]

We feel that 1800sq ft would be too big for us. We have found living this way to bring us joy and happiness while learning to live within our means

[@Revelation22-13]

Daniel 2:20-23 King James Version 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter. Gods blessings over you

[@hollyvick181]

Lol I bring in around $1400 a month!

[@anapaulacrawford5837]

All is good. But you are trying to tell me it was okay to make the second babie in the same room your babie sleeps? Uh, nah .. no way ...

[@thathippiefamily]

Lol that’s a big assumption. Babies can be made in many places besides a bedroom

[@thandie67]

Or simply, a shack.

[@bins-secondaccount]

The dog is not allowed inside and lives outside in that tiny box? 😮 Ridiculous 🙄

[@user-qk8uq4hh3k]

He goes inside at night. Ashley stated that in her latest video.

[@jenniboo9441]

Sorry but these type of houses/people frustrate me and are extremely selfish. There is no reason whatsoever to have that small of a house with 2 children. The only reason is for some misplaced sense of pride in having the tiniest house. Its not ok to have children cramped like this. Even if theyd added another 100sq feet, it would still be tiny but a lot more livable for 4 people.

[@flailstar]

Kids don’t need big houses. They need love, support and connection to nature.

[@jhornproductions]

Doesn't really seem like a choice for this family. They are making the best of their situation, and seem like great parents.. The kid is much better off here than in a mansion with parents that don't give shit about him.

[@kastah]

Well done you two, very homely and kozy

[@bibhasdmusic]

Dude has an amazing voice!