Life on the road can be appealing for many reasons. For starters, it allows for freedom and flexibility, which is ideal if you happen to be a digital nomad and are able to take your job with you wherever you go. Moreover, living in a home on wheels also forces you to think more carefully about your purchases and what you bring into your ‘home’ since you’re working with a limited space. This is why many RV families practice minimalism, which can be a great way to save money since you’re only buying stuff that you need.
With so many restrictions being imposed due to the spreading of COVID-19, RVing currently seems to be one of the safest traveling options available. If you can see yourself living on the road full-time, this article will provide you with handy tips you will need on your quest of becoming a full-time RV family.
Choose an RV that fits your needs
First things first, you need to understand that not all RVs are created equal, and what may work for one family may not work for you. This is why the first thing on your to-do list should be coming up with another list that will contain all your needs as well as some wants.
The RV size and available space should be able to accommodate all your family members. Depending on how many members there are, it might be challenging to find an RV that will provide everyone with their own bedroom, but if you don’t want to give up space and comfort, consider looking into large fifth-wheel RVs. Smaller children probably won’t have any trouble sharing a bedroom while older children may want a room of their own, in which case you may want an RV with as many separate rooms as possible. Whether you’ll buy new or used will depend on your budget, but definitely make sure that the whole family is included in the process.
Go for regular maintenance
Experiencing issues with your vehicle can be nerve-racking enough when you’re taking a short trip, but things get even more overwhelming when you’re living on the road full-time. To prevent any mechanical issues from arising while traveling, make it a priority to take your RV for regular maintenance.
Aside from having your vehicle routinely maintained by an expert technician, you should also make an effort to familiarize yourself with the inner workings of your RV and learn how to fix some common RV problems. That way, in case something happens to your vehicle while on the road, you can easily tackle the issue yourself.
Invest in electronics that make life easier
You’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, so you want tomake sure that this is a place where you can feel comfortable and safe. From laptops and phones to tablets and RV GPS, gadgets like these can make life on the road so much more convenient, while installing a safety RV camera system will keep you safe on the road, providing you with a full range view and making maneuvering and parking your vehicle that much easier. This piece of equipment will also come in handy when you need to leave your vehicle, acting as a surveillance system and giving you peace of mind wherever you are.
Aside from these, some other electronic devices you should consider investing in include Wi-Fi booster, Bluetooth speakers, Walkie Talkies, cell signal boosters, portable generators, fans, etc.
Maximize available space
When it comes to organizing your RV and utilizing the available space to the max, moms will need to get very creative. Start by giving each item a home and finding storage for everything from utensils and pantry items to books and electronic devices.
Also, make use of vertical spaces by relying on nifty add-ons such as over-the-door organizers, wall hooks, holders, and shelves, and try to reduce the number of possessions as much as you possibly can so your items aren’t taking up more space than they need to.
Make your mobile home more comfortable
While the idea of escaping the city to enjoy the great outdoors is certainly appealing, transitioning to a life on the road full-time also means adapting to a space that usually lacks home comforts.
As a mom, you will probably have the tendency to make your new living space feel more like an actual home. To do this, consider bringing in textiles for added comfort. Rugs, pillows, and blankets will up the coziness factor and come in handy when the temperatures drop. Decorations will add personality to your RV while small physical comforts such as candles will add a touch of home and make you feel more anchored – even though you’re constantly on the move.
Wrapping up
The hectic pace of a modern lifestyle has many of us aspiring to live a simpler life, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Life on the road gives you a chance to do just that – live slowly, simply, peacefully, and on your own terms.
It may be challenging, but it’s also very liberating, and once you decide to take the leap and transition to a mobile lifestyle, giving up certain material possessions won’t seem so daunting as you’ll slowly start to realize just how much you’re getting in return.
About the author
Lilly Miller is a freelance writer, who focuses on interior design, well-being and sustainable living. She loves to experiment on daring new home decor trends and write about it as a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator blog. You can find her hanging out on Twitter.