Tag: RVliving

What I’ve learned in my second year of RV-living

We are closer to nature, away from the rat-race living, somewhat off the grid, in a much smaller living space and with a lot less. Who knew that we could live in and a 31ft RV, amongst nature and with less than we ever thought we’d need and be thrilled about it? C .Star. V

Now in our second full year, of full-time RV-living with our 2 dogs. I have continued to learn that there is no wrong or right way to do RV living. As we see and watch many people come and go, we see them in all sorts of RV’s, vehicles, tents and whatever’s. Some travel a bit and then there’s other people that don’t travel at all, but live in their RV, some travel here and there and others just do part time, some do just weekends, holidays, family get togethers or just get out whenever they get a vacation or time to do so..

As for the transitioning to RV-living, I feel it’s an ongoing transition.. As many of us still have a storage (among other places) to clear out. There’s much we also think about in how to rearrange some things or some situations and be able to travel more and to visit family, friends, enjoy other places and make new friends.

I basically feel it is as if we have traded and bartered for a different way of doing some of the same things we did each day in our house, but in a smaller space and get to experience much more. Some people also feel it can be for personal growth and knowledge, for others it is for peace, privacy and serenity, less chaos and/or residential needs. Others find revolving adventures, but it can be all of this as well…it’s all in what you need, want or make out of it.

Some other things I’ve learned:

*No matter how well you plan, organize or progress, chances are there still will be some unpredictability that can go hand and hand with any lifestyle. There can be struggles sometimes in making reservations in places to park and camp or in deciding and finding somewhere as well. Along with staying on a budget, figuring out income and next destination as well as possible needing or doing maintenance on your RV.

*We re-adjusted planning and learned to plan ahead, making reservations 4-6 moths ahead of time (usually just a very small deposit to reserve), this helps with the flexibility and the unpredictability in getting or finding availability.  

*While living the RV-lifestyle, you might be moving your things around several times (a day) to get to things you want or need. So, prioritize and organize for your daily needs, keep those things most at hand in upfront places or easy-to-get-to places and get rid of things you don’t need (well, after all it is suppose to be more of a minimalist life-style, as much as possible anyways). However, we keep a storage to rotate things out such as summer then winter stuff, holiday things, etc. and this all can also make more space and help. . 

*Keeping organized is a must. Measure inside the cabinet, closet or wherever and get some plastic clear (easy to see inside) boxes that will fit, possibly stack and can easily be taken in and out. Then make labels for general contents, so you’ll remember what’s in them and where. Believe me you won’t ‘ always recall.

*In your travels, you may come across some things that are familiar to you and other things not so familiar, even if you’ve revisited the same desired places.

*It’s customary and almost an etiquette to say hello or wave to another rv-er, camper or host, whenever walking by each another or passing by their camp site. Even though many people are friendly, helpful and we greet each other, we can create some additional campite privacy, but pulling up our truck (or vehicle) across the campsite a certain way.

*Pulling my truck across the campsite a certain way also helps us with our dogs when taking them out of the RV, as in coming out of the RV, it helps to block-out from the dogs view for a moment and gives us a chance to see if people or other dogs are coming or going to be passing by.

*We had started a trend at one campsite area that has the beach down the way on one side and the port on the other (it can get really windy), so instead of parking by pulling straight in, we parked the RV sideways. It helped cut down on the wind and give us some more privacy, as we try to book reservations on the water side so, we can set-up our things and sit and face the water.

*You won’t get much privacy, unless you go to places that have sites a bit secluded by trees or further apart from each other or farther spread apart out from each other, learn ways to create privacy. There are also more remote and spacious areas to checkout, but you will need to know or learn being able to manage without running water, sewer options and even no electric, but (not always) most have set-ups have at least electric hook-up.

*We have stayed at semi- primitive places that have only electric hook-ups, no water hook-up and no sewage hook-ups, but have potable water to fill tanks or whatever and bathrooms and showers in campgrounds. At out age ( and with my disabled hubby) we don’t need to take chances at real remote areas. We would consider more remote areas, if we were traveling with others meeting-up and staying at the same time in those remote places.

*You will possible encounter many creatures, animals, harmful small cactus or other weird plants that a human or animal, could step upon or come in contact with and some germs. So, you’ll need to take precaution and be aware of your surroundings, even ones you may walk by or under your stepping and remember to wash your hands often. 

*You need reliable internet gadget for traveling, we found one, has worked well. 

*Staying in your comfy clothes and PJ’s are always an option and possibly for several days at a time (you may not do laundry or have a laundry facility around, unless one inside your RV), but others don’t notice because they are doing the same too. Plus, many-a-times your neighbors won’t be around for too long anyway to remember what you were wearing nor do they care. 

*What you eat or cook may not be that fancy, yet you can have a choice of area or atmosphere. You may buy less and keep less food, depending on your plans and eating fresh to me, is always better anyways.

*Refrigeration can be tricky sometimes. It would be nice, if stores sold (at more reasonable prices) smaller sized and/or packaged in smaller sized grocery items For years raising a large family, we’d buy in bulk and large sizes, now with less people to feed, smaller sized food-stuff keeps fresh (better) as we use it up and have another not-opened one waiting to use and it doesn’t take up additional space when on the road or in an RV.

*We use a mini heater if it gets too cold instead of using our propane, we plug it into the outside electric hook-up box.

*We have learned how long we can last on our tanks before there’s ever an issue of an overfull black or grey tank or to run out of freshwater tank. We calculate what our water consumption needs are daily to help us gauge the water in our fresh water tanks water better (I always bring or fill up extra purified gallons of water to have on hand), but can only travel with a few because of weight . 

*We cut down on having to buy purified water, by purifying our own with a countertop system and keeping bottles filled in the refrigerator to have when needed. I also saved several water gallon jugs to fill-up when we are going to a campsites that do not provide water hook-ups, but has free potable water spouts to obtain water. We purify this water for cooking and drinking, with our water filters also. 

*We have learned to better live on a budget and a better budgeting method, we have too many expences, we also spent more than expected the 1st year at full-timing and if we were to do it all over again, we would do things somewhat differently, but we did not have much time to plan and do so, nor did we have many options, when we set-out on this journey.  

*We have become so much more comfortable, at ease and adjusted to outdoor living. The weather may have some control over us, but we have had more control over-all, of our own life. 

*We have used so much of our own resourcefulness, all that we learned over the years and it’s all come in handy. I have learned so many tips and tricks in preserving water usage, using natural products for cleaning and bug repellants, to what products and items we enjoy using & having.

*Learned to pack and store things better for traveling, personally and in a moving vehicle as well as having a good routine with my dogs.

*Learned of all we have and wanted, and about more of what all, we really need.

*We are reminded daily, the reason we enjoy the RV-lifestyle so much is because of the peaceful, private nuisance and the freedom feeling.

*We have been told, life is a journey and it couldn’t be more true than when you are out Rv-ing…

*In all reality it’s not all perfect, fun and cheery like on instagram and such. There are things about the RV-lifestyle one may dislike very much, but if you have your exspenses at a minimum when you start (any vehicles or RV paid for) and keep on a good budget, it surely helps a lot. Especially since many RV and Camping places charge to stay at a site or spot.

However, within it all we don’t want to think about having to ever go back to living in a stationery home, at least not yet (and if we did, it would be a home-base) as we’d want to be planning on more rving, camping and traveling away from it and get to be living more than just living for (having to work and make payments on a bunch of stuff collected in life).

More < positive living experiences and >Less of collecting more things…

Have You thought about RV-ing? Let me know.

RV-living: What I’ve learned (just in 1st year)

As time goes by, some things may change, as in the world of gadgets and technology and as well, so can one’s needs, routines and wants. C .Star. V

Whether you are looking forward in traveling, going camping (with tents, rv or any other) taking some time to enjoy the outdoors or even in having living in your RV as your residence, there’s no set-way to do so, only guidelines. It’s what-ever can work for you and what you need, are trying to accomplish or enjoy. Learning how to adjust and adapt to living an RV-Life, can be exciting and fun, but also could be overwhelming.

In fact, for many it’s not just: “Hey let’s sell most of your possessions, put some stuff in storage, purchase an RV of some sort and travel all over”. Yeah, that’s not always how it all goes down (well maybe for some, but not for most). There are those (like my husband and I and our 2 dogs) that actually had two other RV’s and had never gotten a chance to use them, one had issues that never got resolved by dealership (after we bought it, before we removed it from dealership), so it never left the dealership and because of dealing with family crisis’s and an abundance of responsibilities. Yet, we still dreamt of someday having an RV-lifestyle, but not in the way we had gotten thrown into it real fast! We did what we could to make good decisions and continue to support ourselves and plan things out as much as possible. We live in our RV at local city parks and such, in the same city our last home was in and nearby where our 2 youngest children live. I know a few things by now about how to do things more efficiently, with a much easier transition, a lot less stress and struggle, but success in doing anything will still be up to the individual and what they are tying to accomplish. I say this because against all odds, with everything we had to cope with and against us, we still manage and made it work. We do have a family member that helps us from time to time as needed and we made RV friends that help as well because of my husband’s disabilities.

There are differences from living in our “sticks and bricks” (a nickname for a traditional house) than living in our RV-home, but there’s several things that are similar. I had done a bit of RV-ing, camping with tents and traveling within the United States in my younger years and I also lived on a sailboat (with 2 of my eldest children) for almost 2 years. My husband had parents that were also RV-ers, so we both already had some experience in living, travel and outdoor life. Yet in life, you never stop learning..

After my first year of RV-living and lifestyle, I’ve learned a lot about how to make the process easier and as comfortable as possible (from the home maker’s point of view), even though I do know some mechanical, electrical and physical knowledge about the Rv-life. I manage what I do, as my husband and I are a team (he has disabilities), so I have to assist and help-him more. I’ve learned a lot more about RV-ing and it’s community, but I also learned more about myself, what my needs are, what’s important to me and how the weather, can tremendously dictate our plans, among several other things.

Here’s some additional things I’ve learned just in the 1st year of RV life:

*Having patience, planning, being organized and disciplined, is not only a virtue, but could be a necessity.

*Taking care of yourself (health) is not a selfish act, but mandatory.

*One may not seem to have much, but could have everything (they really need).

*Even though we may not always be stationery and may or may not have a different destination, it’s not always a vacation…

*I loved my homes that I’ve had and lived in for years, but I like being in the RV better (don’t miss cleaning and fixing the big house nor trying to keep up the lawn, among other things).

*Time is truly most precious in life and most importantly, how you spend it, as well as with and around whom. Read and learn about something consistently. Make time, don’t waste it and don’t rush it (especially when you’re on the road, take the time to enjoy, do not rush to the next destination).

*Having clean water is crucial as you can’t carry a lot of water with you because it is a heavy load. Having dry-wood is good and needed for making a fire in fire-pits or grills to cook food and always check your propane levels (if you use propane).

*Being able to estimate how many gallons of water you need or use each day, is vital (as we have and use 3 different tanks). There’s a fresh water tank that holds your fresh water you fill into the RV fresh water tank that’s used for washing, flushing toilet, showers (I purify all incoming water that we fill our fresh tank from wells or city water etc.) and use to have for cooking or drinking. There’s a grey water tank that holds all the water used from sinks and shower and a black water tank that hold the sewer form your toilet. So it is very helpful to know your usage in a timeframe and/or adjust it, for your travels to areas with or without water and sewage hook-ups (along with knowledge of battery, electricity & amp usage)!

*There’s many nice people out enjoying camping and all levels of RV-living, not all want company, some just want a friendly chat, hello or get to-gethers. A lot of people have pets with them (many are dogs), some treat their pets like family and really care about them, others will leave their dogs barking in their RV and don’t seem very caring to their dog/pet (which makes me sad). Some bring a plastic bag with them when taking their dog for a walk, clean-up after their dog and some don’t.

*Often we do errands, go exploring, go visiting and do other things away from the RV and campsite. Most of the time, we take our dogs as they love being with us, even if they sit in our truck with the windows down (to get fresh air, but not all the way down for them to jump-out). We don’t like to leave them and if we have to leave them in the RV, we always take them out and make sure they get to go potty, right before we leave. We turn the a/c on and turn gas and water off. We often arrange the timing to be out, usually around their napping time and only if we know, we will only be gone no more than a couple hours or so.

*Campgrounds are not just for weekend warriors (of friends, family) camping in tents and such or part-time or full-time RVers. Campgrounds can be a place where people call their home, for a short time or longer times. It’s a place people go to relax, get away, visit friends and family and have get to-gether’s to have fun, enjoy their time and it shouldn’t be a place for those to leave trash, waste, dog’s poop or destruction after they visit or leave.

* Comfy clothes are very in-style as a camper (and wearing more than once), as you may not get to do laundry or shower as often as you normally would, but still get your things and yourself washed.

*I’ve learned to appreciate paper towels, paper plates, bamboo utensils, clean water, showers, and having clean clothes.

*The importance of taking off your shoes when coming into the RV and having the right shoes for different terrains. Waterproof shoes to wear for using public showering and during rainy weather. Also, liking to wear socks when in the RV!!

*Living in close quarters, (ours is about 270sqft), you will need to really like the person a lot, that you share that space with…

*Our lifestyle has changed dramatically in that, we live by the weather more, but also by what area we will be at and the ever changing scenario’s and terrain.

*Getting Mail hasn’t been difficult because we have stayed close to one area (as our youngest grown children and grandchildren live in those vicinities), so we use their address or another close dependable relative, for now.

*Over the course of life, we seem to collect so much more than we really ever need or may even use. Often having to end-up giving it away or getting rid of it, just to have what we want or really need.

*Collecting things and to think we need all kind of stuff, isn’t necessary. Need to just save your money for something more beneficial. We always seem to have what we need anyways or can make do and if we don’t or can’t, we get it. We have given away over half or more of our things.

*Plants don’t like to travel. They like being stationary (for the most part, maybe moved to sunlight or a window), after all they are plants and unlike humans don’t need, nor desire to venture out or move much.

*Bigger is not always better, neither is having more (that pertains from food to things), happiness is very possible with less, a lot less. Experiencing more pleasant memories, over having things.

*I’ve learned that all my recycling habits, water and energy saving habits, food preparation and healthier eating habits, have all been so useful and helpful. Also, there’s less of a need for buying a lot of foods all at once.

*Rinsing off or cleaning anything in the sink (even hands), can be done just as good with the water running softly (not blasting).

*Living closer to and with nature is much more healthy mentally, physically, spiritually and more natural.

*Occasionally when parked in the woods and surrounded by trees, either sticks or small branches could drop also small animals (birds, raccoons and such), could hop onto the top of your RV and it can sounds like someone knocked on your door. Even though it’s coming from the top it may cause movement to the front door.

*I learned about what products to safely use to keep the bugs and pests out of our RV and to make my own and effective repellents. Also, even if you love the outdoors, camping and nature, there are many bugs that will love you even more!

*Camping & RV living may not be for everyone, but for many it can be rewarding and enjoyable.

*We all could be wanting, looking or waiting for something and this is true, but most likely we already have most of what is needed or at least enough to life happier, its just possibly, one is not on or can’t see the road, instead, just spending time thinking of what they think are obstacles”. C .Star. V

I’ll be posting real people and real RV-life, tips and tricks on this blog and on my instagram @cstarsrvvibes.

As always, if there is a question or information I can help with or you want to tell me about your RV or camping experiences, let me know.

C .Star. V

Now is our Someday

“RV-Living, can be for anyone, if you like the outdoors, don’t mind being mobile & likes to travel, respects nature & camping rules, often living by the weather, learn having less can be best, do planning & can be resourceful and can manage yourself wherever you go”. C .Star. V

This picture above was in 2021, we finally started our full-time RV-living journey, as we may never would have had a chance to, unless we just took the jump. We had some experience and know how, but now with everything against us and only a start in plans, it wasn’t exactly the way we had thought it would be (as in having more time, money, travel and options) in doing this transition, but all of our children were old enough and able to get on their own (had my last 2 late in life). After raising all the children (having to give-up any career to do so) and after my husband whom had worked the majority of his life, had progressive disabilities from his past years in the military and injury while at work, which had prevented him from being able to continue his employment and/or various physical abilities and limited on what he can do. We also had no where else to live, as not only did we have the dream of RV-life, we had to sell our family home and other properties to get out of debts from years of all our family responsibilities, some mismanagement of our finances and my husband’s parents had to move-into our home we used to rent out. So with little or no funds or plans we needed to find and purchase our RV months before we ended up selling our home in 2021, due to all of this and various other reasons, we possibly would-never be able to or it would take awhile for us to be-able to ever purchase an RV and we aren’t in our 30-40’s or 50’s anymore!!

My husband served in the Navy for 14yrs, then became employed as an IT and worked on an oil-drilling-ship for many more years. We always talked about, “Someday “ getting an RV and doing some traveling and live in it (after we raise our children). My husband worked all his young adult to senior life. He always went to work and worked hard at his job, supported his large family and paid his bills, but he didn’t always know the most beneficial way to utilize his income (even while he was finally earning better income), but we survived through much drama and turbulent times. Meanwhile, raising a large blended family with 2 sets of aging parents.

During our marriage, at one point I had a chance to start my career and finally earn an income of my own, but chose to be a stay at home mom, “Since I never found any type of employment that ever needed me, more than my family”. Within all those years, I had to learn how to budget and live on one paycheck (of my husbands). While practicing this., I became pretty good at creating a fulfilling life, with a full house of children, while keeping on a tight budget. People always thought we had a lot more money then we did, but it was just finding how-to’s and being resourceful by being creative, keeping things simple, yet useful and making-do with what I had. I am now implementing my knowledge and know-how’s, in tips towards a simpler, calmer, less cluttered and enjoyable lifestyle.

**Our Rving journey, had been long awaited. Raised last set of children in my 40’s and when they were all (almost), all grown-up, we bought several RV’s (hoping to do some weekend fun or mini trips), but never had a chance to use them and had to sell them both times (family dilemmas with aging parents and children), but didn’t give up the dream. Even though, our income was shrinking, not solid, with a much tighter budget then ever before, with everything else going on within our life, family and right in the middle of Covid, lost our beloved dog and my husband wasn’t able to continue working because of his injury and progressive disabilities. It all changed from being a dream to feeling more of a total challenge. After deciding to sell our home ( that had a quick sale), then it was out of necessity to live in our RV (for several reasons) and start our someday, if not now, then when or possibly, never.

*So, in this as writing this it will be a full year of full-time-RVing for us and our 2 dogs, this was our 3rd RV and 3rd try and the turn of events had us sad at first. Even on our much smaller budget, not as young anymore and with my husbands disabilities, we made a go of it. At this point, we had to live in our RV and put it to use, but have to stay a bit stationary (hubby in physical therapy) and needing assistance in driving, hoping to one day do more traveling, but grateful for being a part of a super RV-ing community, have met some really great people (that help us with even driving our RV and other needs) and made new friends. So, there’s no “one-way” to RV-living and camping. No matter if you are part-timers, weekend warriors or full- timers. “Find-out now, that happiness doesn’t require as much as one may think”.

On this blog I will share some tips and tricks that could be helpful and a glimpse of the things we’ve experienced along the way of our journey so far and as our adventure continues. Also more on my http://www.instagram.com/cstarsrvvibes/

I have always loved scrapbooking, but today we have blogs, Instagram and other platforms that our children, grandchildren and family can see and share.. As well, that possibly could help others, upon their journey or surviving getting to their life goals. Whether they might be thinking about RVing or already in the midst of it.

Meanwhile, keeping our ongoing RV-living and dreams of travel, even with all we’re coping with ..“Aiming to, Send and Receive Good-Vibes Only”.

C .Star. V

RVing

“There are far better things ahead, than something’s we leave behind”.

There is much information out there about RV-ing, camping, travel and more with so many articles, blogs, social media platforms (such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook) and sometimes it seems there is such a lot to take in, but it is super to have such access, to all kinds of information. Within all the beautiful and captivating pictures, shown of beautiful people without-a-care-in-the world, traveling and having a beautiful life in a beautiful place, all displayed on these platforms and it may all looks so interesting. Yet, many of the displays and portrayals on the internet of these feelings and lifestyle goals, could be of companies and marketers advertising or selling something. Although! Yes! The experience and the goals for this lifestyle (realistically), may look a little different then some photos or stories we see, but it can be very possible, inviting, very enjoying, relaxing, rewarding and for some very economical.

There are also opportunities as well for bloggers and others on social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube and Facebook) that can suggest and recommend items and earn a small percentage, which can help support them in and on their journeys and that’s great !! Most of us on this planet, needs to earn an income in order to survive and get the needs we need. As well, with all the technology today, it has provided many ways to achieve that.

Yet, just like any other decisions that any of us make in our lives, it’s a choice and how you choose to live it, use it and enjoy it, all can vary. I will be sharing my stories, ideas, & information, about RV-ing from our experience and give realistic-life advice & suggestions, on this blog and my http://www.instagram.com/cstarsrvvibes/

I do enjoy many pleasures from the analog days vs. todays fast pace, as when people told their stories and gave realistic simple advice, before there was a lot of technology and gadgets. Life just was a little less hectic and living simpler, seemed more meaningful and I grew up in those days (tried to keep as much of valuable traditions, as I could in raising my children) and I was very happy to be able to do so. I also enjoy all or any good vibes, coming from today’s world and today’s insights, so I value both as there’s so much information out there to be shared and much to be enjoyed.

So, whether it’s just for a couple of days, for a weekend or Full-time RV-living, there’s no one way that makes it better or it right.. Just read up, make plans and get yourself out there!

C .Star. V

Transitioning to FT-RV-life

“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