A family of 6 lives full-time in a 440-square-foot RV that they transformed into a stunning tiny home on wheels

Sophie-Claire HoellerSep 10, 2020, 03:53 IST

The master bedroom has patio doors that lead outside.Lauren Thompson

Lauren and Gabriel Thompson converted a 42-foot "toy hauler" RV into a dreamy home on wheels.
The two-bedroom motor home has a kitchen with an oven and fridge, dining area, bathroom, and even a washer/dryer.
The two spent around $28,000 on the RV, and between $10,000 to $15,000 on the renovation, including furniture and décor.
They and their four kids are traveling the country in the RV hoping to find their next hometown.

Lauren and Gabriel Thompson's family home on wheels is so bright and stylish, it's hard to believe that it's not a beachside cabin but rather a converted RV.

It's even harder to believe that the family of six — Lauren and Gabriel's kids are 10, 8, 5, and 4 — lives in it full-time. And that they transformed the motor home from dark and dated to bright and modern in just 11 weeks, with no prior experience.

Keep scrolling to see the stunning renovation.

Lauren and Gabriel Thompson met in college in 2008, and have been married for 11 years.

The RV is about 440 square feet. Lauren Thompson

They sold their home and furniture, bought and renovated a trailer, and moved in over the course of 11 weeks, on August 1.

They had to get a new car that could pull the weight of their toy trailer. Lauren Thompson

Without any prior experience, they did all of the work — besides tiling the bathroom — themselves.

Someone else did the tiles in the bathroom, pictured above before (left) and after the renovation (right). Lauren Thompson

Lauren mixed furniture she already had with new items, as well as ones that Gabriel built himself.

They had to buy some new pieces to get everything to fit. Lauren Thompson

They say that the 42-foot RV has pretty much all the amenities their home had.

The RV before (left) and after the renovation (right). Lauren Thompson

Despite going from a 1,400-square-foot home to a 440-square-foot RV, Lauren says the latter "doesn't feel a whole lot different than being in a house, just smaller."

The RV kitchen before the renovation (left) and after (right). Lauren Thompson

While Lauren says that cooking in the small kitchen has been an adjustment, she's been enjoying it.

The kitchen has a totally different look now (right) compared to before the renovation (left). Lauren Thompson

The biggest adjustment for the couple hasn't been downsizing; it's getting to know the intricacies of RV life.

They all share one bathroom. Lauren Thompson

Gabriel says he loves the simplicity of RV life, and feels like he has a lot more free time now than he used to.

They put a lofted bed in the master bedroom. Lauren Thompson

Of course, between the six of them, things can get a little tight ...

The RV has four separate spaces, including a kitchen and dining area, pictured above before (left) and after the renovation (right). Lauren Thompson

The kids, so far, are loving RV life.

The kids each have their own bunk bed with cubbies and shelves. Lauren Thompson

While the Thompsons' adventure is only just beginning, they don't regret a thing.

Plants add a pop of color. Lauren Thompson

Interior designers share 12 things they would buy from Target right now

Cookies on the Business Insider India website