Meet the Homeowners. How the Mitchell Family Found Freedom in a Tiny Home
The Mitchell family, Nordic and Spruce Homesteader
A Family of Five and the Tiny Home Dream
When Brandy Mitchell talks about tiny living, it’s with the steady calm of someone who has found what matters most. She’s a writer and mom of three, originally from North Dakota but now calling Tennessee home. Her family chose to move into a Nordic and Spruce tiny home while they build their full size house on-site.
“It was kind of the perfect opportunity,” Brandy says. “It supports our hope for fostering family time even though building a house can be very busy. We’re right here on site, so we can still spend a lot of time with the kids and be present for the process.”
Built Tough for Real Family Life
The Mitchells needed something stronger than a camper. “With three kids, we knew we’d destroy a camper in no time,” Brandy laughs. “It’s nice that the tiny home is hearty and holds up well. The kids can just play like they normally would, and I don’t have to worry.”
Their children love the loft space, which has become a favorite spot for reading, playing, and quiet time. “They’ll take their toys and books up there and play for hours,” she says. “It’s their own little world.”
Creating Calm Through Intentional Living
Living tiny has taught the Mitchells the value of rhythm and order. “It’s about being more intentional,” Brandy explains. “We keep routines that prevent clutter from building up. When we eat breakfast, we clean up right away before moving on. Those small habits make a big difference.”
That mindset extends to what they keep. “Every item has to earn its space,” Brandy says. “With three kids, storage is prime real estate. If something isn’t useful or meaningful, it doesn’t stay.”
Even homeschooling fits neatly into the rhythm. “Our counter is also our school table,” she says. “We eat, clean up, stretch, and then do school. It keeps things flowing.”
Hospitality in a Small Space
Brandy refuses to let living tiny limit her hospitality. “I love hosting,” she says. “We’ve had book clubs here with up to seven people. You just have to plan carefully.”
She describes prepping for a recent book club on a March morning. “It only took a quick tidy and a little food prep to make the space cozy. I made chicken salad, fruits, and veggies, and the kids helped slice strawberries. Simple food works best.”
Brandy says a few touches go a long way. “Candles and flowers add life without clutter. They make the space feel warm and welcoming.”
Decluttering and Seasonal Rhythms
Living tiny has reshaped how the Mitchells view their belongings. “Clutter builds fast,” Brandy admits. “When something new comes in, something else has to go.”
She regularly rotates toys, books, and school materials. “I take out what’s not being used and bring it back later when it feels fresh. It helps the kids focus and keeps things simple.”
Her decluttering process even extends to digital life. “I scan papers and keep digital copies instead of stacks of files,” she says. “Paper clutter drives me crazy. It feels good to look around and see clean surfaces.”
Creative Spaces and Smart Solutions
The Mitchell home is full of small, clever solutions. “We use every inch,” Brandy says. “Our bed lifts for storage. The couch turns into a bed. We have a bench with space inside. Hooks, cabinets, and labeling help us stay organized.”
Cooking is creative, too. “We use a toaster oven and a hot plate,” she explains. “It’s actually fun. I can cook wherever I want, look out the window, and not feel tied down.”
Freedom, Family, and Connection
For Brandy, the best part of tiny living is how it’s changed her family’s connection. “It’s taught us that we don’t need more stuff, we need more time together,” she says.
The close quarters have made the kids more flexible and cooperative. “They’ve learned to share, solve problems, and manage conflict,” she says. “We can’t avoid each other, and that’s a good thing. It’s made us closer.”
Outside time has become part of their lifestyle. “We spend more time outdoors, at parks, visiting friends, or at the library,” she says. “It keeps clutter down and builds memories.”
A Simpler, Fuller Life
Looking back, Brandy wouldn’t change a thing. “It’s been fun and freeing,” she says. “I’ve learned to let go of things I don’t need. Living tiny has made us more creative, more intentional, and more connected as a family.”
For the Mitchells, freedom doesn’t come from more space. It comes from making the most of the space they have.
-Jeff, Nordic and Spruce
