As the daughters of Matt and Linda, Ashley and Maddie, grew into teenagers and young adults, the time for them to leave the family nest and gain independence drew near. While some young adults relocate across the country for college, others choose to live locally but independently. This significant transition prompted Matt and Linda, a couple from Henderson, Nevada, to contemplate their family’s future.
The parents wanted to give their daughters the autonomy they needed while remaining close to them. To achieve this, they explored the idea of container homes that could be set up in their backyard. They came across two 340-square-foot container homes from Alternative Living Spaces, priced at $70,000 for fully furnished models or $60,000 for basic designs. Matt and Linda decided to purchase both homes and connect them to the main house’s sewage, electrical, and water systems.
This unique setup allowed their daughters to experience independence while remaining near their parents. Matt explained, “It gives our teenage daughters some autonomy and space, but (they’re) still in the backyard.” Additionally, the couple saw the potential for multi-generational living, considering their aging parents’ needs.
Each container home featured a living room with a TV and a pull-out sofa for guests, a small kitchen equipped with an induction cooktop, a microwave, and a compact fridge. The bedroom had elevated beds with built-in storage drawers, and the bathroom included a walk-in shower and ample storage space.
Despite the luxurious amenities in their containers, the girls still spent a significant amount of time at their parents’ house, enjoying independence while being close to their family. Eventually, Ashley left for college, but the container did not sit empty. Maddie’s friend, Brandon, moved in and rented the space from Matt and Linda, appreciating the unique living arrangement.
The entire family, including friends like Braedon, benefited from this creative living solution. Online users praised Matt for his thoughtfulness and consideration in providing his children with their own space and making provisions for their parents as they age. The arrangement offered the perfect blend of independence and proximity, allowing the family to remain close-knit and supportive, no matter what life brought their way.