What would I do differently? Hummmm, that is a good question. We started full timing last August, but we did not get our house sold. We put off what we should have done before we took delivery of our unit. Once that new fifth wheel was sitting in front of the house, well that was our focus. Anyway, now we are actually back in the house getting it ready to put on the market. I can't tell you how frustrating that is---I love our new lifestyle and our fifth wheel---so being back in the house even for a short time is less than desirable. So, I guess I would have to say I wish I would have gotten everything done before we took possession of the fifth wheel. It sounds like you are doing just that! Good luck and we hope to see you out on the road in the near future!


Debbie

Looking back, I don't think we would have done anything differently.  Of course, if we'd known then (18 months ago) what we know now, we would not have kept a storage unit.  We just emptied it when we were back visiting family last month.  When we walked into that storage unit, I looked around, amazed I held on to some of that stuff.  We're glad to not have to worry about that anymore!

We all do things in our own way, having our own unique style.  We all have to figure out what we need for ourselves.  I love this lifestyle, but it's not for everyone.  For me, it's a learning, freeing experience and I'm grateful every day that we have the ability to do this now.

Good luck, and whatever you do, enjoy it!

Happy Travels,
Ellie
 

Thanks for your thoughts. I guess I should have added that we have to sell the house as we've only been in it for 7 years (moved around alot - company transfers) and it is too expensive for us to keep if we're not working. However, we have a small trailer and lot on the Chesapeake Bay, so if need be we will come back to it sooner rather than later. Right now we (me) are thinking a max of 10 years and then come back and build a little house. We'll be used to little by then...right?? My parents live across the street from our trailer/lot and so we may need to be back early to take care of them.
We did lots of research before deciding on a 5th wheel and then when we found a used Excel we jumped at it. I"m a little nervous about the amount (or lack of) storage space. I'm trying to decide what 'things' I need to put inside to make it look like a home...ideas?
We are also nervous about all we have to learn - feel like we forget something or make a mistake almost every time we go out. However, the learning is something we are excited about!
Thanks again for all the thoughts...everything helps as we get ready for the big plunge!!

Loralie wrote:

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I"m a little nervous about the amount (or lack of) storage space. I'm trying to decide what 'things' I need to put inside to make it look like a home...ideas?

We are also nervous about all we have to learn - feel like we forget something or make a mistake almost every time we go out. However, the learning is something we are excited about!
Thanks again for all the thoughts...everything helps as we get ready for the big plunge!!

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As to making it "home", you'd be surprised at how easy that is. I have a small painting from my neighbor, she painted it specifically for my RV (she normally does LARGE canvas paintings). I have a couple of special wall hangings, etc. and I definitely have a few frog things. Look for unbreakable when you can...I found some neat little fake cactus plants at Pier One (on clearance) that fit behind my kitchen faucet.

Your favorite bedspread can be used to replace the "stock" one. Favorite sheets & towels, a few fake flowers, if space is at a permium then maybe a digital frame for photos.

Now on the learning, you read a lot, attend as many conferences (RV Life on Wheels, Gypsy Journal Rally, RV-Dreams Rally, Escapade, FMCA & Good Sam rallies....look, learn and ASK questions. RVers are the best helpers!!!

 

We've been on the road for 8 years now and feel that what has been said above is true....you have to do what is comfortable for you.  We kept our house when we started, but were gone for almost a year before we got back to it.  At that point we decided to sell it as kids and parents were located elsewhere and we wanted to stay on the road.  We had an auction and got rid of most everything at once. but our biggest mistake was getting a storage unit for a few things.....money down the drain!!!!  We finally took the time to clean out the storage unit and donated most of it to charity.  Whenever we build/buy another house it will not be in the same town and I'll want all new stuff anyway.  But, I know its hard to get rid of you "former life."  We have enjoyed furnishing the RV with meaningful things we've picked up on our travels...small art pieces, photos, special linens, souveniers, etc.   Good luck getting ready for your adventure!

The only thing we would have done differently would have been to not buy the RV before the house sold.  We bought the RV, then put the house on the market.  We would have never thought it would take almost 2 years to sell.  We got a good deal on the RV with no money down and 3 months before we had to make a payment.  The dealer agreed to store it for us until the house sold.  I don't think they thought it would take that long either.  The real estate market literally died overnight.  Our rig sat on the dealer's lot for 20 months and we couldn't use it because we didn't have a truck and couldn't afford payments on one.  We needed the cash to buy the truck.  Needless to say, our rig was out of warranty by the time we actually took possesion of it and we had never even used it.  I love our rig and luckily we haven't had any major problems with it but if we could do it over again we would have waited to buy.

Well, if our contract goes through this week we will be homeless...and I do not regret that . Sherri and I have built 5 homes in our marriage and sold 4...maybe 5...PLEASE...and we have not regreted their passing. We will not regret this one either. All our married life we have wanted to travel and see other places...I got that chance in in 1969 after I graduated college...got to travel around the world...on an all paid 3 year extended vacation from hell and returned to the world knowing that life is very short. You need to experiance all you can in that short period of time. Setting on a street surrounded by sticks and bricks just don't cut it for us. We want to see more of this country and we will do it no matter what the price of fuel goes to. Do what you want to... that is what is important...when you lay your head down for that last time and look back be sure you can do it with a smile on your face and a memory full of friends and adventures.

Speedy

While we were cleaning out the house we were taking things we thought we wanted to put in the RV and putting them into a storage facility so when we picked up our RV and moved it to a campground close by we brought the stuff from the locker to the RV and began sorting it. We wound up keeping about 1/4 of the stuff we had put into storage, the rest went to Good Will and the storage unit was emptied. I can't think of anything I miss!

WE agree with Travelinbob & Southwest Judy.
We sold our home and most everything in, fortunately just as the market began its decline. We were able to buy a new 40' Teton & Freightliner, bamk so cash in case things didn't work out.
We winter in Arizona (our former home) and travel about six months, full timing has turned out to not be the answer to our lifestyle. First off fulltiming is NOT necesarilly cheaper than a stick home. RV rent is expensive, not to mention additional fuel & living expenses. If you boondock or become workcampers like our hosts Howard & Linda that will help. I feel if I have to work on the road than it is now a job not a lifestyle.
Thus said we bought a home in Ariz while the market is depressed, will probably sell the Teton & truck, go back to a smaller RV and still travel the summer months.
As we always return to Arizona in the winter where all our family reside this to us makes more financial sense.
So as others are said -BE SURE b efore you sell all your belongings and travel on.