Living Small, Loving Big: What Life in a Truck Taught Us
In the coming weeks, our travel content will take a backseat as we focus on some much-needed upgrades for the truck. These include adding a motorcycle platform, fixing charging issues, and connecting our second tank for a total range of 3,500km. At the same time, we’re handling personal tasks and enjoying a cozy holiday season at our brick-and-mortar home in Meerbusch.
When people see our truck, they’re often impressed by its size. Step inside, and you’ll quickly realize it’s only 13 square meters — smaller than many dorm rooms. It’s a compact one-room apartment on wheels where we live, work, eat, and adventure together full-time.
One question we hear often is: “How do you manage living in such close quarters without driving each other crazy?” Whether it’s curiosity or disbelief, people are always intrigued by how we make it work. Truthfully, living in such proximity isn’t always seamless. Over time, we’ve discovered ways to thrive as a couple that go beyond just surviving the small space — lessons that apply to relationships of all kinds, no matter how big the space is you occupy together.
Communication Is Key
One thing we’ve learned is the importance of addressing issues early. When something bothers you, don’t let it fester. Even minor annoyances can snowball into bigger problems if they’re left unspoken.
Open communication can feel uncomfortable at first — who enjoys discussing the little things that irritate them? But being honest and sensitive to each other’s perspectives helps to navigate challenges and find solutions that work for both of us.
Talking early and openly allows us to move forward as a team, instead of letting unresolved tensions linger.
Create Space — Even When There’s Little
Believe it or not, we don’t have to do everything together. While we share many interests, we’ve also embraced the value of doing things separately. For example, if I’m itching to explore a museum but Annika would rather recharge, we go our separate ways for a bit. If Annika wants to binge-watch Hofgeschichten, I might take a walk or catch up on a book.
This balance — between togetherness and individuality — has been crucial. Giving each other room to pursue personal joys, even within tight quarters, has strengthened our relationship.
Embrace Change, Together
Living and traveling together over the last decade already has taught us that both partners evolve. The person you share your life with today isn’t the exact same person you married years ago — and that’s okay. In fact, you’re changing too.
Being in such close proximity has made us more attuned to these shifts, and we’ve learned to embrace them. Staying connected to the person your partner is becoming — and falling in love with that evolving version of them — takes effort. If you embrace this change, it is the most rewarding part to form a relationship.
Understanding Your are a Two-Person Team
One of the biggest realizations we’ve had on this journey is that we’re truly a two-person team, and everything we do relies on that partnership. Out here, far from the conveniences of a traditional lifestyle, we’re each other’s most important person — the one constant we can and must fully rely on.
Success in this lifestyle isn’t just about fixing the truck or planning the next route; it’s about making sure the other person feels supported, valued, and comfortable every step of the way.
That means being attentive to each other’s needs, sharing responsibilities, and maintaining a balance that keeps both of us thriving — because when one of us feels off, it affects the entire team. Our journey works because we make it a priority to lift each other up and move forward together, no matter what challenges come our way.
You don’t need to live in a truck to practice these principles. Whether you’re navigating the demands of parenting, managing a busy career, or sharing a studio apartment, these lessons can apply to any relationship dynamic.
It’s about finding what works for you as a couple, making space for each other, and continuing to choose each other every day.
What is Next?
Right now, we’re enjoying a slower pace. This break gives us a chance to recharge, reflect, and prepare for our next adventure. In February, we’ll be back on the road, heading south to explore Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Until then, we’re enjoying life at home — with about ten times the space we have in the truck!
What’s your version of a tight-space challenge? Whether it’s juggling family schedules or sharing a small living area, we’d love to hear how you navigate life as a couple.
Let us know in the comments!
Explore. Dream. Discover.