R.V. Life Taking the Leap
You’ve been camping a time or two, maybe more. It is always pretty relaxing and a good time, but would it still be that wonderful if you did it full time?
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY TERMS OF USE POLICY FOR MORE INFO. You’ve been camping a time or two, maybe more. It is always pretty relaxing and a good time, but would it still be that wonderful if you did it full time?
That's a big question with a lot of variables. Surprisingly enough, thousands of families are living full time in their camper. I would estimate about 50% love it and 50% hate it. There are so many things that play into if you really can make it work and enjoy it or not.
5 years ago my husband begged me to move into our 32ft Travel trailer with ZERO slides and travel with his work. To say I was skeptical would be an understatement. I flat out said no. It wasn’t even an option in my book. However, rent was high and our landlord sucked, so we started looking for a new place to live. We had no pets and we only had 4 kids at the time. Absolutely NO ONE would rent to us. They either never responded or said we had too many kids.
In the end my husband got his way.
We moved in our camper over about 45 days. We painted and found a place to stay nearby. We had about 4 months in our hometown before we would embark on a journey to South Carolina where my hubs would finish his apprenticeship with the Union Ironworkers.
That was one hard summer. From heat and storms to being over crowded and repairs. It was a huge learning curve.
Over our experience it ultimately took us several years to figure out how to make it work and how to actually enjoy it. But we did get there!
So what exactly should you do to make it a pleasurable change? I'm so glad you asked!
Downsize…..A LOT
Downsize to move in and then do it again…. And again… and probably again. Really the purging never stops unless you never buy anything and never get any gifts. From dishes and decor to clothes and medicine, you will always have too much. HAHA! Read all about what you really need when living in a camper here.
Change Your Perspective
This is what breaks a lot of families and what causes so many rude comments to families living in a camper. Everyone thinks you should have a “normal” life. But what is “normal”? Who gets to define that? We get ONE life here on earth. If we are lucky it's a long and happy one. So living life as it is an adventure is a true gift. If you expect your life to be exactly the same as it was in your sticks and bricks.. Think again! It’s going to take a bit to change your perspective and accept your new “normal”.
Make Plans but Don’t Expect Them to Work Out
Make plans like how long you plan to live full time in a camper, if you will be stationary or travel, and what size camper do you really need? Then you can work on the next plans such as where will you stay, how will you move the camper, what will you take with you, how will you spend the holidays? If you’re anything like me, having lists of what needs done with each move will really help! You can get that here! Everyone's plan will vary slightly, but this will give you a good idea.
Making plans is a great way to keep you going and to not find yourself completely lost and scared. However…. Plans do not always work out. You probably won't get the truck and camper you want or it might break down 10 minutes down the road. With kids you may not make all the checkpoints or destination goals. Gas prices change frequently or ya know virus’ shut down the entire country. The truth is sometimes you gotta grab life by the horns and push forward no matter what. And how you handle these moments will determine how much you enjoy life in a camper.
Stay Positive
As a Mom or Dad, you must have figured out that your attitude affects everyone's attitude. If you’re grumpy everyones going to be grumpy by the end of day. So, if you are whining and complaining about life in the camper, those around you will as well. But just the same if you teach yourself to stay positive even on the harder days, your children and spouse will follow your lead.
Live Within Your Means
This goes for wherever you live, but don’t think just because you live in your camper you have to live some luxurious lifestyle. There are so many ways to save money on the road! From gas savings, campground memberships, repair rewards, grocery savings, boondocking and more! Unless you can afford it of course this life is still life, not some lifelong vacation.
This life can be sooo amazing and it took us about a year and a half to really feel like we had a grip on things and then still we didn’t always! But if you're not really on board then it can really suck too.
Life is what you make it! So make it GREAT!
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