The Life on Wheels

After spending some time on Youtube this weekend, I am inspired to do something crazy, something insane, something that my siblings would say "Come on, you are not serious? You can't do that, that's completely insane." What if I sold everything I owned or bought a storage unit and lived in an RV? What if me and my husband could do it? live in an RV travel to south America? experience life? Sell everything and just live with a few pieces of clothing? Would I be able to let go the materialistic things? It seems like a hard learned life lesson at the same time of being the best experience that you can ever have. Then, after doing more research there seems to be a very large downside:

1. Limited Space: RVs are small, so living in one requires careful organization and a willingness to downsize. Lack of space can feel cramped, especially when multiple people are living in the RV or if you're trying to store personal belongings.

2. Lack of Privacy: With limited space and often no dedicated rooms, privacy can be hard to come by. Whether you're sharing the space with family, friends, or even pets, finding personal space for quiet time can be a challenge.

3. Maintenance and Repairs: RVs require regular maintenance and repairs, just like a house or car. Issues like plumbing problems, electrical malfunctions, or tire wear can arise unexpectedly, and finding repair services while on the road can be tricky and costly.

4. Weather and Temperature Control: RVs can be difficult to keep comfortable in extreme weather conditions. They can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter, especially if they're not well-insulated. In such cases, additional heating or cooling systems may be necessary, adding to the complexity and cost.

5. Limited Resources (Water, Power, and Waste): Most RVs rely on tanks for water, waste, and electricity. Managing these resources can be tricky when you're off-grid, and you may need to frequently stop at RV parks or service stations to refill water, empty waste tanks, or recharge batteries.

6. Internet and Connectivity: Depending on where you're located, it can be difficult to maintain a reliable internet connection, especially if you rely on the internet for work or entertainment. Wi-Fi can be spotty at campgrounds or remote locations.

7. Cost of RV Living: While it may seem like an affordable option, RV living can be costly, especially when factoring in the price of the RV itself, maintenance, fuel, insurance, campground fees, and any necessary upgrades or modifications.

8. Cooking and Meal Preparation: Cooking in an RV can be challenging due to limited kitchen space and appliances. It might be difficult to prepare elaborate meals, and there may be less storage for food and cooking supplies.

9. Social and Emotional Adjustments: The nomadic lifestyle can be isolating for some people. Constantly moving from place to place means leaving behind familiar faces and routines, which can lead to loneliness or homesickness.

10. Driving and Parking: Maneuvering a large RV can be difficult, especially in tight spaces or urban areas. Finding places to park overnight that are safe and legal can also be a challenge. Not all areas are equipped for RVs, and you may need to plan ahead.

11. Legal and Safety Concerns: Different places have different laws regarding where you can park or camp overnight. Additionally, if you're not in a designated RV park or camp, it can be hard to find safe, legal places to park for extended periods.

12. Health and Fitness: Keeping a healthy lifestyle can be harder in an RV due to the lack of access to gyms, limited space for exercise, or the need to prepare meals in a small kitchen. This can lead to challenges in maintaining physical and mental health.

Then, I decided to look up the positives of living in an RV and shockingly there are more positives than negatives to this life adventure:

1. Freedom and Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of living in an RV is the freedom to go wherever you want. You can travel across the country (or even internationally, depending on the RV) and change locations whenever you feel like it. It allows for spontaneous adventures and exploring new places on your own terms.

2. Cost-Effective: For some people, RV living can be more affordable than renting or owning a traditional home. There's no rent or mortgage, and while there are initial costs for purchasing the RV, maintenance, and gas, you can save money on accommodation, especially if you're able to boondock (camp without hookups) in free or low-cost locations.

3. Closer Connection to Nature: Living in an RV can immerse you in natural surroundings. You can wake up to scenic views of forests, mountains, lakes, or beaches, and have the freedom to park in beautiful spots. It provides an opportunity to live closer to nature and experience outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or stargazing.

4. Minimalist Lifestyle: RV living encourages a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle. With limited space, you must prioritize what you really need, which can lead to a more intentional way of living. Many people find that it helps them declutter their lives and focus on experiences rather than material possessions.

5. Community: The RV lifestyle often brings people together. There are tight-knit communities of RVers who share tips, advice, and even friendship. RV parks and campgrounds can provide a sense of camaraderie and offer opportunities to meet people from all walks of life.

6. Work-Life Balance: Many RVers enjoy a better work-life balance. Remote work, freelancing, or owning an RV-friendly business allows people to travel while still earning an income. This gives the flexibility to combine work with the exploration of new areas and experiences.

7. Comfort of Home on the Road: An RV is your home wherever you go, offering the comforts of cooking, sleeping, and relaxing without the hassle of packing and unpacking like you'd do in hotels. Many RVs are equipped with modern amenities like full kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable beds, making it a cozy living space.

8. No Landlord or Property Maintenance: Without the need to deal with landlords or homeowners associations, you have complete control over your living space. Plus, you don't have to worry about property maintenance like lawn care or unexpected repair costs typically associated with owning a house.

9. Personalized Space: RVs are customizable to suit your preferences. Whether it’s adding solar panels, upgrading the furniture, or organizing the space to fit your needs, RV living allows for a personalized living environment that’s entirely your own.

10. Sustainability: RV living can offer a more sustainable way of life, especially if you make eco-conscious choices. Many RVers choose to install solar panels, use energy-efficient appliances, or even live off the grid to reduce their carbon footprint. Living in a smaller space naturally reduces resource consumption.

11. Adventure and Exploration: If you love to explore new places, RV living provides the ultimate opportunity for adventure. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip, visiting national parks, or discovering hidden gems in rural areas, the possibilities are endless.

12. Pet-Friendly: For pet owners, RV living can be an excellent way to bring pets along on your travels. Many RVs are designed with pets in mind, allowing you to have your furry companions with you as you explore different locations.

13. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Many people find that living in an RV allows them to disconnect from the stress of modern life. Being on the road, away from city noise, or surrounded by nature, can promote a sense of calm, mindfulness, and relaxation. It also offers a break from routine, which can enhance creativity and personal growth.

14. Self-Sufficiency: Living in an RV requires you to become more self-sufficient. You may have to handle minor repairs, manage your water and waste systems, or find places to park. This sense of independence can be empowering and rewarding.

So then, what is holding me back? It's a very simple answer and that's fear, fear of being stranded, fear of not making money, fear of the unknown, fear of doing this and immediately regretting it. This all because we all prefer living in a routine life because that is our comfort zone and to do something like this would mean quitting my job and knowing I won't be able to go back to it, it would be mean that all of our savings would be funded for this. If I was serious about this, I can do it...yet I think of getting rid of everything that we worked hard for and that includes my job. It's an interesting dream, but I know that even after a week's worth of camping I can't wait to take a warm shower and to be somewhere to call home. So, will I embark on this journey? Most likely not. Maybe there is another dream to pursue? Maybe there is something waiting there for me like a month-long trip or three months of living in an RV. That I can see, but to do it for a year, I somehow cannot see it.

Have any of the readers done this? Did you have regrets?