So over the past year we've had the same questions asked by people over and over. The first question is always "why do you live in a RV" and hopefully I answered that question in the first post. The second question is always how? How does a family of 4 (and 2 dogs) live in less than 350 square feet? The answer is...live with less! When we moved into the RV I had to decide what was really important to have and what we could do without. We eliminated so much stuff that it made me realize how wasteful we had been in the past. We didn't really need all the dishes, silverware, towels, sheets, clothes, shoes, toys, deocorations, etc... that we had in our house. Once we got rid of all that "stuff" it was like a burden had been lifted. In a sense it was like we were free. We were so bogged down by it all and we don't miss it.
This past year we learned how to make good use of the space we do have by using organizers and furniture that has storage built in. For example, we have benches that open for storage and double as foot stools or extra seating. We got rid of the table and chairs and bought a sectional that seats more people and can be rearranged for sleeping on. We use folding trays to eat on that can be put away when not in use. We bought a small deep freezer for our food that doubles as an end table. We use shoe organizers that hang on the door for the kids shoes and a jewelry organizer that hangs on the outside of the shower for hair accessories, nail clippers and polish, scissors, etc... The kids each have their own small hanging organizer on the wall next to their beds for books, i-pods, toys etc.. We use a shower curtain rod on the extra bottom bunk for hanging jackets and coats. We also use that bunk for the dogs bed and storing homeschool books. Under the bottom bunk is a built in toy box for toys and games. The kids both have their own closet and drawer space that is built in under my daughters bed which is one of the main reasons we chose this particular RV. My father built sliding drawers for our deep pantry so I could get to the food in the back. We use towel hooks in the bathroom and each person has their own hook and towel. I only keep one extra towel per person because we do laundry twice a week. In the cabinets we use the little wire shelves that allow you to stack things like dishes. In our bedroom we each have 3 shallow drawers in the built in dresser and a closet with a wire shelf on top for folded pants and shorts.
No matter how many storage tricks we discover, it is so important to choose the right RV for your needs. My husband and I love to look at RV's and compare ours to others but most of them are not designed for full time living and we haven't seen anything that compares to ours in storage space. We feel extremely blessed that we found the one we did. The only thing we would change would be to add a slide out in the kids room, but they are really only in there to sleep.
RV's were orignally designed for camping in and were mainly used by older generations but times are changing and younger families are not only taking vacations in RV's but are going full time. We have several families in our park that are full timers and we meet people everyday that are either considering it or are intrigued by the idea of it. If you have ever considered simplifying your life and love camping with your family, you should try this lifestyle. You won't regret it!
No comments:
Post a Comment