This isn't our first time full-timing in an RV. We did this 10 years ago and loved it, but it had challenges. The greatest challenge of full-timing in an RV is finding the space for all the items you'll need to have with you at all times.
Most full-timers don't need two offices, sleeping arrangements for eight, or enough natural remedies to solve all medical emergencies except the loss of a limb. Those were the first challenges we had to overcome. I think we've accomplished that first goal. Now, our most challenging problems are cooking for a crowd for every meal and having the space to hold all our belongings even after we've paired down to the bare minimum.
Going into this adventure, we knew that whatever RV we purchased would need serious upgrades. Well, they're upgrades for us because, ultimately, they will make our lives easier.
The upgrades we worked on this weekend included permanent modular closets for the children and the beginning of a kitchen remodel, starting with removing the microwave.
We bought this travel wardrobe off Amazon, hoping it would fit our need to be lightweight and large enough. It worked for a few weeks, but ultimately, it came crashing down one too many times, and we weren't even traveling. This came with a cover, so their belongings weren't out for all to see. At first, we were all disappointed, but...
A quick trip to Home Depot solved our problem. Bill picked up heavy-duty modular closet shelving and began the permanent installation.
We haven't solved how to keep their things discrete, but this opened up their bedroom and gave them much more storage space.
Cooking for a crowd with this ginormous microwave above my head caused me to verbalize many "choice" words. It drove me bananas; I haven't used a microwave in almost two decades. After hours of research and trying to find a wall-mounted toaster oven or air fryer to swap it out with, I finally begged Bill to "Just get rid of the beast." I'll figure it out later.
There's so much room now! I plan to leave it exactly as it is for a while; good planning takes time. For now, I am loving all the extra space.
Bill's biggest pet peeve is that every square inch of space isn't always utilized in an RV. I took this photo just as he discovered an extra 4 inches of unused space behind every kitchen drawer. In time, he plans to extend each drawer to fill the gaps. He also discovered that the wooden panel by his left shoulder covered a vast space. Once he cuts into that false cabinet facing, I will have a cutting board and cookie sheet storage spot. Woot!
Things are moving nicely as we continue to homeschool daily, making this our home slowly but surely.
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