Home prices in Auckland, New Zealand average over $750,000 and rent prices are just as shocking. So, 22-year-old Lily Loveheart Kemp decided to look for an alternative and more affordable way of living. She found her solution to be a vintage pop-up camper.
With a total cost of only $1,500, Kemp lives in her camper in the backyard of a suburb close to town. She only pays a quarter of the rent that indoor inhabitants pay.
She loves living in her small camper and says, “it’s a way to move my house with me and not have to miss out…I can fold it down, attach it to the back of my not-so-strong car, and drag it behind me anywhere.”
A major perk of living in her small trailer is the fact that it’s completely her own. Kemp doesn’t have to worry about upsetting a landlord if she paints the walls a certain color or wants to change the carpet; she’s able to completely customize her space any way she desires.
Currently, the camper has a canvas exterior; however, Kemp is looking to invest in a more weather-proof option in the future.
When your home is a camper, the entire world becomes your backyard.
Inside, the small space contains almost everything that Kemp needs in one self-contained unit.
When Kemp first purchased the trailer, she didn’t realize that the floor was rotten. She had help from a friend to replace it, and then adorably furnished the interior to her liking.
The sleeping nook is in the back of the trailer. Plenty of windows let in natural light.
Kemp uses bold patterns and bright colors to liven up the tiny trailer home.
Adding personal touches like plants and throw pillows truly give it a “homey” feel.
Kemp says that she’s been slowly downsizing into smaller spaces for a while now. This seemed to have been a natural progression. Living in small spaces has taught her about what she truly needs (versus wants) and also about cleanliness.
Her “closet” now consists of compact cubbies that hold her everyday clothes.
Her wardrobe consists of garments that she can mix and match to minimize space.
For things that she doesn’t need everyday access to, she can store underneath her colorful and comfy-looking sofa.
There’s plenty of seating if Kemp wanted to have a guest or two over. They could even sleep on the twin-size area.
The bed has four removal cushions that reveal a table that pops up from underneath, transforming the space into a dining area and workspace.
This is another great area to entertain a few extra guests that pop by.
The galley kitchen also doubles as her makeup area.
The space might be small, but it’s precisely the right amount for everything she needs.
Her kitchen is fully functional, and although she has access to the kitchen in the main building, she rarely needs to use it.
There’s a small stovetop and mini-fridge for her to cook and store food.
The tiny camper relies on a small solar panel to power all of her electronic devices. Kemp brags that it only cost her $60.
Kemp says that people should start thinking more creatively when it comes to how they live. “Keep your options open,” she advises. “Don’t necessarily say no to something just because of maybe what you thought about those kind of people before — in terms of caravan living. It’s such an awesome way to have your own space but be totally independent.”
Kemp’s full interview about living in her tiny space is below. Do you think you could downsize this small?
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