Living in a Cabin with 3 Kids
Living in a Cabin with 3 Kids During Our Renovation: What We Learned
When we started our home renovation journey in 2023, we knew things wouldn’t be easy. But nothing quite prepared us for the challenge of living in a tiny cabin at the bottom of the garden, with three children, while we completed our loft conversion project.
In this post, I want to share our story – the highs, the lows, and everything in between – to help anyone else facing a similar adventure feel less alone and maybe a little inspired.
Why We Moved into a Cabin
In 2022, we moved out of our beautiful (finished!) chalet bungalow, which we had put our heart and souls into for 8 years, and moved into a very sad and unloved 1960s chalet bungalow, with great plans to transform it into our new home!
We decided early on, during the planning process, that living on-site, even in a small space, would help us stay close to the work and keep costs down. We considered a large caravan, but the logistics of putting it at the bottom of our garden and the fact that it would never be a permanent fixture meant that constructing our cabin was the most practical and long-term solution for us.
Having already completed a few building projects, we knew that renovations are chaotic, noisy, and downright stressful. The cabin we built was snug – 6m x 6m, much smaller than our usual family home – but it gave us shelter, safety, and a front-row seat to all the progress.
The Challenges of a Family of 5 Living in a Wooden Cabin
Space was definitely the biggest hurdle.
With three kids, ages [12, 10, and 6], every inch of that cabin was precious. We carefully planned the areas to make the most of the limited space. Each child had their own ‘pod’, an area they could sleep above and play underneath.
Here are some specific challenges we faced:
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- Limited storage space for clothes and stuff: We had to be very picky about what came into the cabin and what was relegated to the garage.
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- A very limited kitchen area for months: Meals became a mix of simple snacks and basic dinners.
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- Interesting Bathroom setup: As the cabin was so far down the garden, we couldn’t put in a proper flushing toilet – introducing the composting loo!
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- Day-to-day struggles: Traipsing down the garden with the shopping, doing the school run, storing the coats and shoes, and working on the house – there were many challenges we faced.
The Surprising Upsides
Despite the cramped quarters, living in the cabin had its bright moments.
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- Family bonding: We grew closer than ever, sharing stories, games, and bedtime routines in our little haven.
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- Memories made: It’s an experience the kids will never forget, despite having its stressful moments (there were a few!), we are proud of how we made it through.
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- Appreciation for our home: Working on the renovation and seeing the progress day by day made the dream feel real.
Tips for Families Facing a Similar Situation
If you’re about to embark on a renovation and find yourself living small with kids, here are a few things we learned that might help:
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- Create zones: Even in a tiny space, set up distinct areas for sleeping, playing, and eating.
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- Rotate toys and books: Keep clutter down by swapping out what’s available regularly.
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- Invest in multi-use items: Foldable tables, storage boxes, and comfy floor cushions go a long way.
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- Plan simple meals: Keep a supply of easy-to-prepare food and consider a small portable stove.
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- Prioritise fresh air and outdoor time: Even a short daily walk or back garden playtime helps everyone stay sane.
Our Favourite Products That Helped Us (Affiliate Picks)
We relied on a few key items that made cabin living with kids much more manageable (click on the bold heading to be directed straight to Amazon and purchase these essentials):
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- Shoe storage – With five of us in a small space, shoes were everywhere! This wall-mounted storage was the simplest way to get them off the floor and keep the entrance clear.
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- Instant hot water tap – One of the best decisions we made! This little tap saved us so much time and washing-up stress while living in the cabin – honestly, I don’t know what we would have done without it.
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- Slide-out trolley – For small kitchens, this is a brilliant find. It’s sturdy, slim, and because it’s on wheels, it’s easy to access everything you store in it. Such a simple way to add storage!
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- Soft toy storage – This clever bean bag cover swallowed up all of our daughter’s soft toys and turned them into a comfy bean bag. It cleared the clutter and made a cosy seat at the same time – win‑win!
Links above are Amazon UK affiliate links — if you buy through them, it helps support this blog at no extra cost to you!
Final Thoughts
Living in a cabin with three kids during our renovation was challenging, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. But it was also a time of growth, creativity, and making memories that we’ll cherish forever.
If you’re in the thick of renovation chaos, I hope our story gives you a bit of encouragement and practical ideas.
Feel free to share your own renovation experiences in the comments – I’d love to hear how you’re managing!
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