Not everyone can experience or understand what living full-time in a 5th wheel or any RV is like. Over the last year or so I learned a lot from both the internet and from friends I have met along the way. Now I think it is time for me to share some of what I learned.
- I learned that being self-contained is more than just being able to stay somewhere without utility service but a way to stay somewhere for a long period of time without having to really leave the confines of my home. I can be at an RV park or campground and be totally secluded from everyone around me. If I don’t like my current environment, I can just move.
- I learned that using packaged potatoes, rice, pasta and soups can extend the amount of food that is available especially when fresh products or canned goods aren’t available. Most items only require the use of water, so not having milk on-hand isn’t a problem.
- I learned that there are a variety of stores that offer free pick-up and delivery which includes Walmart and others depending on your area
- I learned that outside living and fresh air are really important for not only my health but for social contact.
- I can survive with a toilet that makes my elbows touch the walls when I sit down.
- I learned that only 1ply or 2 ply toilet paper can be used in the toilet. 4ply Charmin doesn’t work.
- I can take a shower in a really small space even when there’s just enough space to wash down.
- I don’t need a huge bedroom. Enough space for a bed, a small cubbyhole to use at night and a closet. I learned that by downsizing using really tiny drawers can work very well.
- I learned that changing the bed linen can be a several hour ordeal.
- I learned that whatever is stored under that bed maybe forgotten and not used. The reason is because it might be winter clothes that aren’t always needed. This is a good place to pack holiday stuff that is only used a few times a year.
- I need less fridge space and more freezer space. Larger freezer is great for being able to stay in one place for a month or so at a time without having to make a food run. This is especially true when the closest grocery outlet is an hour or so away.
- I learned that while making extra food is sometimes hard not do, freezing the left overs is now a good way to preserve part of the meal for another day down the road.
- I learned that having quart and gallon freezer bags comes in handy for all kinds of things. Buying chicken and ground turkey in large packages can be frozen using quart size freezer bags. Cooking a large quantity of chili can be placed in quart size freezer bags which will take up less space than freezer containers. Buying an extra-large pizza and putting slices in a gallon freezer bag will allow for an easy quick meal on travel days. Specialty foods purchased along the way can be frozen to be enjoyed at a later date.
- I learned that weight matters. At home I had a very large library of books on a variety of topics. Books are heavy and can take up a lot of space. I have downsized to one small tote of favorite books however my Kindle has almost a 1,000 books, which about 80% were either free or .99. I do pick up physical books from time to time however they will get read followed by leaving them at a park for someone else to read.
- Storage space is at a premium. It can be annoying from time to time to have to lift, rearrange and move things. Since space is at a premium, sometimes you just have to do some creative packing and organizing. Clear plastic storage units work great because you can see thru them to see the contents.
- I learned that with creative organizing, I can get many things to fit in a cabinet possibly by finding multiple purposes for containers that I might have tossed.
- I learned that having; one medium pot, one large pan and one oversized pan is all that is needed for cooking most meals.
- I learned that having a small 2 cup coffee pot along with a small kettle is all that is needed for heating up water.
- I learned that having a blender; fresh juice in the morning or creating a blended vegetable mix becomes even more important when not living in a brick and mortar building.
- I learned that if you can’t cook pancakes, having a small waffle maker is perfect for doing breakfast.
- My life requires a surprisingly small amount to material things to be happy. I learned the difference between my version of want and need. I still see things that I would love to have but don’t buy for one or more reasons. First reason is space. In order to buy something, something needs to leave. Second reason is that I’m possibly spending extra money that could be used for something else.
- I learned that using a walking stick is not just for the old but can help during those long walks when all of a sudden you feel weak or tired due to unexpected terrain. Walking sticks are also a great way to showcase memories by purchasing walking stick medallions.
- I learned to push my imagination to another level. Now it’s not just my photography, graphics and video creation but in other arts. Music and craft projects are now taking a different place in my life.
- I learned that I can still have all of my priceless photographs, slides and movies; if I either scan them myself or have them scanned for me.
- I learned that the front of my refrigerator/freezer can be used to display photographs and memories.
- I learned that having a digital frame that constantly shows my photos not only allows me to see memories but show them to others.
- I learned that being a techie and having lots of computer stuff not only takes up room but can be extremely heavy. A printer/scanner has been replaced with a very small lightweight scanner. Large backup devices have been replaced with small lightweight models that pack away in a small area.
- I learned that carrying any kind of paper around not only is bulky but in the long run serves no purpose. All paperwork whether it be RV park receipts, brochures and misc. receipts are all scanned and filed for easy access. This serves in getting rid of the clutter and not being able to find anything.
- I learned that having some of my favorite items from home makes my Full-Time Life a lot better since I still have some old memories.
- I learned the difference between my old home sewer system and having to dump and clean my grey and black tanks. I can’t call Roto-Rooter to clean out a plugged drain, I have to figure it out myself or if push comes to shove call a Mobile Tech which can be very costly.
- I learned that having extra hoses and electrical connections are needed because not all RV parks/Campgrounds are laid out the same. Having extra hoses in various sizes is a must because they decide to leak and break when least expected.
- I learned that packing for a move to a new location can take a while since things need to be locked down and breakables secured.
- I learned that in a pinch, doing your laundry in your kitchen sink is possible but using a regular laundry is preferred.
- I learned that not all RV parks/Campgrounds allow clothes to be hung outside however you can certainly put a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on a chair that isn’t in public view.
- I learned that having quarters on hand to do the laundry is mandatory unless the laundry only takes credit cards.
- I learned to always look at the height of everything while pulling the 5th wheel as it needs at least a 14’ clearance because it is very tall.
- I learned that I don’t need regular TV. Purchasing and hooking up a Roku to the TV was a good decision because there is a fair amount of free streaming programming available. Other streaming options include: Sling TV, CBS All Access, Disney+, and Netflex.
- I learned that Amazon Prime is not only an RVers friend but has a variety of programs that can be streamed.
- I learned that BBQing keeps the kitchen cleaner however it does use propane. One green propane canister from Walmart is good for almost 3 rounds of cooking chicken thighs or burgers but using these can get expensive. There are other options including hooking up to the onboard propane tanks however I just purchased a 5lb propane container that is refillable.
I know there was a lot listed however not living in a Sticks and Brick environment does have its challenges along with the fact that my home actually moves. The offset to the challenges is that I can visit new places every year.
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