“Our FT RV-Life was not fully planned all out, we had additional hurdles and unfortunate things to cope with, but it totally happened! As seniors still wanting to live-the-life we waited for, even on a much smaller budget and one of us being disabled.
In the Picture above was when we first bought our RV, however we weren’t able to embark and to start any journeys or even live in the RV, at that time because we were still in the midst of selling our house and trying to plan our transition from a large-size home to an RV, just under 300 sqtft.
Although this was our third time buying an RV, (we hadn’t been able to utilize the past two) and we had to sell them. The timing just was not good as we had experienced some crisis with aging parents and our children, but this time we were determined and able to make a go of it and did . More on my Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cstarsrvvibes/
In buying an RV, as in anytime making a large purchasing or a purchase of something that has to be maintained (and in this case lived-in), one must not be in a rush, must research, read reviews and look at many different ones at different places . We did, but had still not found one that we really wanted and could afford. Time was crucial and pressing at this point and it was right in the middle of the Covid pandemic, our income had been drastically cut, my husband now had been dealing with his disabilities progressing and could no longer go to work and restricted physically, we just lost our eldest and beloved dog, and then out of necessity, we had to find an RV to live in (fortunately something that we always wanted to do) even if we needed to stay local, get assistance with driving it and I had to do most of the work, as we may never get a chance again..
At that time there was also, starting to be a scarce amount of used RV’s, as RV-ing had begun getting very popular again, but we had to make a decision. My husband and I each, may have wanted a different type of RV, but the cost, availability and the timeframe pressed on. We decided on a used class A 31UL Jayco precept. There are so many different types of RVs and any one of them we would’ve been happy with and made it work, as we’ve had different types years before, but this specific one met our needs (at that time)..
In choosing a class A motorhome we found comfort and ability since we also have two dogs RV-ing with us. Having the Class A or a Class C, (one small enough that I could drive), and we would be able to take the dogs with us when we travel as opposed to having to hatch on to the back of a truck and pull the RV, wherever you go and be inside your truck to travel (we once had one like that) . Yet, it’s just a personal preference in your needs as any-type can be enjoyed. So, now we all can be in the RV, as we travel from place to place, whether we end up towing our vehicle or not..
The type of vehicle, tent or living component that you’re going to be in, what you can afford to have and keep-up and with, where you’re going to choose to park, camp, live and your abilities in doing so and in your income, will have the biggest bearing on what kind of lifestyle you’ll have. Yet, it comes down to your real needs and no matter the budget, everyone can do and see much of the same things…
Although, it could be in various ways, as these choices and situations have different needs and requirements, but they also have similar needs and requirements. Since, RV parks, campgrounds, state and city parks offer utilities and amenities and some don’t. So, everyone will adjust and manage in their own way and for what their needs will be.
There are even RV parks that are just like apartment complexes for RVers with a community of its own and many perks such as WiFi, trash pickup, propane refills, a general store, a fitness center and a laundry room. Some places are just available land, that have resources for parking and camping no matter what type of vehicle or tent set-up you have, but some don’t have any various utilities to use. Boondocking usually falls into a category that you will need to be able to be more self -sustainable and Moochdocking (we’ve done some), where you can be able to stay and park in someone’s backyard or land and are able to plug into electricity and maybe use shower or bathroom facilities!!!
I myself, have moved and changed my residence’s many-a-times. For most of us, each and every time we go through a move, it seems that no matter, how much we plan, how much time, money or help we have nor how much or little of stuff we have, it’s never an easy process..
Moving into this Fulltime RV-ing endeavor had been a bit challenging, moving from a 5/5, almost 4,000 sqft house to a 31 ft, 270 sqft. RV. Yet, moving or relocating in itself can be overwhelming, as it is a process when moving and downsizing and that alone is a process within a process.
Here below I’ve listed just a quick general process. I have other posts that go into more depth of downsizing and moving). One should try and go through this process at least 6 months prior to moving. (I started 2 yrs before and I still had a difficult time) so, the sooner the better!
1. First the uncluttering and this can consist of going through each closet, each drawer and each and every space in each room.
2. Evaluating what all you have, which includes your clothes, your shoes and all your stuff, that means even going through paperwork, papers saved, file cabinets and just everything all around your home. Cleaning out things that are garbage or old and outdated (such as: food, spices, medicines, beauty products etc.) things that are broken (either fix or repair them or if beyond repairing that you’ll ever find the time to do) and things you don’t really need or won’t be really needing (think in terms of what needs for your end goal and what path you are going onto).
3. Re-organize (re-group) all your things according to what they are, where they need to be, put or stored (for convenient usage or easy accessibility or if not being used that often stored away). Example: kitchen (what goes into kitchen area) and what will go in each room, bedrooms, bathrooms, office, closet, drawers and if you have a garage as well. Also, important documents saved or wanting to save (put in file cabinet or file boxes and with file folders marked of the contents or what it is pertaining to.
4. Once all of your possessions and the clutter is being gone through and re-organized (good time to get rid of things you’re not going to use or not going to take with you to your new residence) then getting a storage for things you want to keep ( for gifts, to give to children or to save for a home base to decorate ) or for (seasonal clothing , tools etc.) and organize them for when and if you need them!
5. As you pack things up, it will be a lot easier if you’ve done steps 1-4. I did all of our packing up and had to hire a company to help lift all the boxes and move the furniture to get them to a storage. As time goes on you’ll find what’s in your storage (please mark your box contents). Either by going through it all and using what you kept, getting rid of it by giving stuff as gifts, donating or selling what you can. Hopefully, and eventually not even needing a storage at all!!
There are so many different ways, opinions, opportunities and methods to any of our journeys in life.. just as there are parks, places and people that go camping and RVing. No matter whether one is a part time RVer, camper, weekend warrior or fulltime RV-living. Many people are always willing to offer each other advice and information about transitioning or on certain equipment needs, personal needs, lifestyle needs and about the amenities, utilities, campgrounds, camping sites and more..
“There is no one-way or set-ways to Rv-ing, just tips, tricks & helpful guidelines”
C .Star. V