'You've got to not care what people think': Virginia couple were living the American dream — now they live tiny and want others to try it, too

Embracing the tiny home lifestyle

For many, the idea of the “American dream” conjures images of raising a family in a sprawling house, steady careers and a sense of upward mobility. The Hawkins were no different.

The couple’s turning point came after their short trailer trip, when days spent reading and enjoying each other’s company along the Chesapeake Bay revealed some intriguing possibilities offered by downsizing to a smaller space. So, they decided to rent out their home and purchase two RVs for mobile living. They spent time traveling and saving money, while becoming closer as a family, they told the local broadcaster.

“In an RV or a tiny house or small space, you have a disagreement, in 3,000 square feet you can fall to neutral corners,” Eric said. “In a tiny house, you’ve got to talk about it.”

Friends and family thought they were crazy for making such a decision.

“You’ve got to not care what people think, and you can’t live with other peoples’ fears,” Eric said.

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Tiny living, big opportunity

The Hawkins didn’t stop at simply living small.

Inspired by the financial freedom their tiny home brought, they decided to invest further in the tiny living movement. While scoping property near where they’d taken that pivotal vacation, they discovered a lot containing 14 tiny homes, according to WTKR News 3. They purchased the property, a former auto court, and renovated the units before listing them on Airbnb in 2022.

The entrepreneurial move allowed them to turn their minimalist lifestyle into a source of income, while each rental provided an opportunity for vacationers and aspiring tiny home dwellers to experience the lifestyle firsthand.

The transition from a traditional home to a tiny home may seem drastic, but the Hawkins’ experience offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a lifestyle change. By downsizing, they were able to slash housing costs, which offered more freedom. Living in a smaller space also changed their family dynamic.

Tiny homes typically measure between 100 and 400 square feet, according to Realtor.com, and are designed to prioritize efficient living while minimizing costs. Prices vary depending on how tricked-out the home ends up being, although some may be had for tens of thousands of dollars.

Owning a tiny home has its challenges. Zoning laws and building codes vary widely, and some areas may not allow tiny homes to be used as primary residences. Some may also find it difficult living with others in a smaller space: the loss of privacy, feeling cramped and the hard decisions of what to keep and what to shed to accommodate a radically different lifestyle.

But the Hawkins’s example shows that with careful planning, tiny home ownership can potentially lead to both financial and lifestyle benefits.