She turned a damaged RV into an upcycled tiny home, reshaping her priorities along the way

An upcycled tiny home gave Vanity more than a place to live — it gave her clarity, healing, and financial freedom.

Parked in Snohomish County, Washington, her 32-foot gooseneck tiny house on wheels stands as proof that small spaces can hold big dreams.

Built mostly by hand with the help of her family and a close-knit “tribe,” the 300-square-foot home cost between $25,000 and $30,000 — thanks largely to recycled materials, free finds, and secondhand treasures.

But for Vanity, the real value of her upcycled tiny home cannot be measured in dollars.

“Being in a smaller space helps me be more aware not only of my surroundings, but it also frees up the mental capacity to really think about what’s important to me,” she said. “And that’s not materialistic items.”

How an upcycled tiny home began with a free trailer

Vanity’s journey did not start with blueprints. It started with inspiration.

After moving from California to Washington in 2009 — “on accident,” as she describes it — she spent years living in different spaces. Then, after watching videos about simple living and minimalism, something shifted.

“I watched a bunch of videos, got super inspired, and it all happened in like the course of one week. I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to do this.’”

She called her mom. Her stepfather, a contractor in Olympia, agreed to help. Around the same time, an old fifth-wheel RV became available.

It was first offered for $2,000. When they saw its condition, everything changed.

“It was so bad—there was a giant hole in the floor,” she said. “It was so bad that he called the next day and was like, ‘You know what? You can just have it.’ Okay!”

Within 7 to 10 days, the trailer was on the property. Demolition began almost immediately.

What was supposed to take one year stretched into three. The COVID pandemic drove material prices up dramatically. She worked in cycles — earning money, buying materials, then building.

“A sheet of OSB instead of being 15 or 20 bucks was 120.”

Still, she kept going. Many materials were free, including the large kitchen picture window, subfloor, and some framing supplies. Old barn wood was repurposed. Marketplace deals filled in the rest.

Slowly, the broken RV became a carefully designed upcycled tiny home.

The tiny home’s specifications and cost breakdown

Today, Vanity’s upcycled tiny home measures 32 feet long, 13½ feet tall, and 8 to 8½ feet wide, with a 14-foot slide-out, bringing the total space to approximately 300 square feet (27.5 sqm).

The gooseneck trailer houses the bathroom, allowing for taller ceilings in that area. At the same time, the slide-out expands the living room, adding openness and extra width.

She had originally considered removing the slide-out, but now says, “This space would not be the same without it—it gives it so much more room.”

To ensure safety and durability, the slide-out retains its original heavy-duty steel rods, with multiple interior and exterior seals to prevent moisture, and support braces underneath for added stability.

The total build cost ranges between $25,000 and $30,000, depending on how smaller projects are counted.

“The tiny house was about 25 to 30 thousand depending if you add everything up since I moved here because we’ve had projects here and there.”

Monthly expenses are approximately $1,100, which covers electricity, water, septic, and garbage service every other week.

Compared to a one-bedroom apartment in the area — costing more than twice that — the financial savings are significant.

Inside the 300-square-foot upcycled tiny home

A Light-Filled Kitchen Designed for Function

The kitchen was designed to feel open and airy. Tall ceilings greet visitors upon entry, making the home feel larger than its footprint.

A large picture window — sourced for free — frames sunset views and fills the home with golden light.

“I want as much light in my house as possible.”

She chose natural butcher block countertops, which also serve as stair treads leading to the loft. Storage is built into nearly every corner, including drawers, cabinets, and compartments under the stairs.

She insisted on keeping certain comforts, including a compact secondhand dishwasher.

Her retro-style refrigerator was lifted onto a platform so she would not have to bend down. Beneath it sits a deep drawer for pots and pans.

The kitchen also holds sentimental touches — including a painting by her grandmother, who passed away during the build.

The Slide-Out Living Room of the Upcycled Tiny Home

The 14-foot slide-out transforms the living area into a cozy retreat.

Reclaimed wood from a century-old barn frames the space. Vanity sanded the beams herself, revealing original millwork patterns. These beams also support the loft above.

A dresser refinished by her father fits perfectly between two windows. A vintage trunk gifted by her dad adds extra storage for seasonal items.

The couch doubles as a guest bed. A portable air conditioning unit helps during warmer Washington days.

Plants fill the bright window corner, including her Thai Constellation Monstera, which recently grew a new leaf.

“I absolutely love this space; it’s super cozy to come home to.”

Bathroom Comfort in the Gooseneck

Located in the gooseneck section of the trailer, the bathroom offers taller ceilings and a thoughtful layout.

She chose a full-size bathtub instead of a stand-up shower for comfort and practicality.

However, construction came with challenges. After hiring someone to tile the shower and later firing him, she finished it herself. Then a leak forced her to remove tiles and redo part of the work.

“For I would say maybe 2 months or so, I was going to my parents’ house every single day after work to shower.”

The bathroom features a full-size tub, a stacked full-size washer and dryer she found for free online, a smaller vanity with storage, and a vintage medicine cabinet her mom discovered.

The toilet is tucked away behind a partial wall for privacy, and a closet is positioned conveniently next to the shower.

“Free is my favorite f-word.”

Storage Stairs and a Loft Bedroom Above

The staircase serves multiple purposes. It includes hidden storage compartments, a coat closet, shoe storage, and even space to sit and work.

An electric heater is placed centrally for even warmth. Vanity chose to make everything electric for safety and future solar plans.

“I did everything electric in my home. I just don’t like the idea of having gas or propane in my house because I can be a klutz and I don’t want something bad to happen.”

Above the living room sits her loft bedroom. Painted in deep blues with gold accents, she describes it as a celestial cave. A cedar ceiling adds warmth. Dual windows and an exhaust fan improve airflow.

She can sit up comfortably in bed, even with a thicker mattress her mom gifted.

Financial freedom and healing through an upcycled tiny home

Beyond the structure, Vanity says the deeper impact of her upcycled tiny home is personal.

“I’ve worked a corporate job before and I didn’t want to be tied to a job where I just felt like I was living to work.”

Owning her home outright reduces financial pressure. The savings give her room to dream about future travel and new goals.

“This has freed up a lot of funds as far as me being able to accomplish my dreams and my goals.”

For her, the space is sacred as well.

“And it’s just about the healing process of this too, because that’s a really big focus for me in my life right now: having my sacred space to practice what I want to practice and really kind of dive into what I connect with.”

In 300 square feet, a Vanity is built more than walls and windows. She built independence. She built intention. She built resilience.

Her upcycled tiny home stands as a reminder that sometimes less space can create more life.

Watch Vanity step inside her upcycled tiny home and share the heartfelt tour of the space that changed her life.

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