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We Live In Our RV Full-Time!

BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 104 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Nearly right after we started RVing, we fell in love with the lifestyle and decided that we would eventually make the switch to full-time RVing.

However, we had some things holding us back, so we decided to wait until 2016 to make full-time RVing a reality. While we only went home for a total of 3 weeks in a 7 month period, we technically weren’t full-time RVers because we still had a house full of stuff.

Well, that’s all changed now! We now live in our RV full-time, and it’s great.

We love the life we’re living, and we can actually picture ourselves doing this for many years.

It’s still weird to think about, and I still wake up every morning and say, “Wes, we LIVE in our RV full-time! Weird, right?”  That’s followed by some giggles and a huge smile.

I’m sure he’s tired of me doing that.

Here are some full-time RVing updates and how our life has changed since we started RVing full-time.

 

We're Full-Time RVing!We bought a new RV!

Okay, so this will definitely sound crazy, but we bought a new RV. Yep, we traded in our first and got a new one.

Already.

Yes, I know how that sounds.

Now that we are living in our RV full-time, we needed something bigger and one that can tow a car.

Our last RV was great, but a 24 foot RV with two people and two dogs is just a little too small for full-time RVing.

We now have a 2016 Winnebago Brave 31C. It’s just under 33 feet and has a ton of space. Plus, it can tow a car, meaning we don’t have to drive our home around town whenever we need to get something.

We love it, and we are so much happier now that we are in a larger RV. It has a big living area, an oven (YES!), a residential fridge, a separate bedroom area, and a big bathroom.

 

Moving everything into storage was a fun task – not!

Even though we had spent hardly any time at home since we bought our first RV, it still felt weird to put everything into storage.

And, it was something we were not looking forward to at all. We were dreading it nearly all of January and the beginning of February.

We donated and gave away more than half of our belongings, but we still had quite a few things we wanted to store.

Most of the items we were storing had to be placed in climate control storage, which is expensive, so we promised ourselves that we would fit everything into one storage unit. The problem with that was the biggest climate controlled unit we could find was a 6×15.

That’s quite small!

Plus, it was $185 a month.

Due to the cost, we did not want to get more than one, because that would be a lot of money spent yearly on things we would never touch.

We ended up hiring a moving company so we didn’t have to play Tetris in our storage unit. We came very close to needing two, but they made it work!

I’m so glad we no longer have a house, because we no longer have to worry about those extra bills and all of our stuff.

 

Explaining to people that we don’t have a house is interesting.

As young RVers, we often get asked questions about our situation. Makes sense, I would want to know too!

Some people look at us like we are insane. If we go to the store and someone asks us where we’re from (for some reason, this comes up a lot) and we tell them we live at an RV park or campground, we get some interesting stares. Some people even feel bad for us.

Ha, if only they knew that we chose this lifestyle, and we are having a blast!

It’s completely different when we’re asked this question at an RV park or campground, though. I have passed out so many business cards, and I already need to order more.

Working on the road is possible, and I wish more people realized this.

This leads to my next update…

 

Working on the road is still going well.

Being able to travel and work at the same time is a fantastic thing.

I almost feel like I am somewhat retired because of how much I love my business and that we travel full-time. It’s a great feeling!

I am still working on two main things: working ahead and affiliate income. I’ve fallen a tad behind when it comes to working ahead, with me only being around two weeks ahead of my blog posting schedule. Affiliate income, on the other hand, is going very well, and I have no complaints about that.

Overall, I have really enjoyed working on the road, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I am having a great time seeing new things, meeting new people, spending more time with Wes and our dogs, and more.

In case you’re new here, you can read more about how I earn a living on the road.

Do you think we’re crazy for living in an RV? Are you interested in full-time RVing or traveling full-time?

 

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About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. Pamela Car says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:40 am

    Here’s another vote for you to keep it up. I’m 65 and preparing to stop working. I don’t want to just sit in a house and wait to die! Looking for a coach and preparing to hit the road. My wife is less than enthusiastic (so far) but I think once we get into it, the light bulb will turn on. We have always enjoyed traveling together, even our camping trips. Thinking about all the changes of scenary makes me all the more enthusiastic. I can cook a meal and clean a floor just like anyone else so that we can both enjoy our time seeing the country.

    Reply

  2. Sarah Noelle @ The Yachtless says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:51 am

    Whoa, I don’t think I realized that you had two dogs in the RV as well! 🙂

    I’m so curious to know where you’re traveling. Have you considered creating a map here on the blog and dropping pins for places you’ve been? I realize you may not necessarily want to post your whereabouts publicly, but I think it would be really cool for people to see the general areas you’ve been to — maybe you could time-lag it by a few weeks? Just a thought!

    Reply

  3. Haley @ Hobson Homestead says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:09 am

    Once we are full-time RVers I anticipate a lot of questions and strange looks, especially with three young kids. Heck, we’re already getting them! So encouraging to hear that working on the road is going well. Hoping it will be as easy for my husband, except for the distraction of kids 🙂 hope it feels liberating to move all your stuff out of your home. We recently accepted an offer on our house and close in a few weeks. Selling our house is a major step to becoming a Fulltime family. Excited to keep following your adventure!

    Reply

  5. Christopher says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:14 am

    I am enjoying every time I read about your RVing adventures. Nice upgrade too. The picture of your new RV looks like it has a side extension. It reminds me of my folks RV that increase the walks space inside. Anyway look forward to future adventures!

    Reply

  6. Kalie @ Pretend to Be Poor says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:18 am

    I think RV living sounds super fun. We love tent camping because we spend so much more time in nature that way. I imagine RV living might be similar. With two kids we need to stay settled for now but your adventure sounds awesome!

    Reply

  7. Holly@ClubThrifty says

    March 16, 2016 at 7:11 am

    Awesome, Michelle! I think this sounds like a lot of fun without kids, but a possible disaster after kids! It would be hard to make it work with a family, but my husband has a secret dream of traveling around the country in an RV. I’ll make sure he doesn’t read this – he’ll be jealous!

    Reply

  10. Diane says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:00 am

    Michelle,

    When I was very young, every summer vacation my siblings and my parents went to different areas of the east coast with a pop up trailer. Mostly for historically reasons by visiting well known places, like Lake Champlain for one. I feel that is one reason I like to travel whenever I can. A very close friend of mine travels to Florida in the winter with their RV and I have mentioned to my friend that she should start writing about her adventures. Last fall her and her husband went to Michigan all the way to Upper P.I. in their RV. Before they bought their RV, they would spend the winters on their sailboat sailing to the Caribbean.
    I wish I had started writing when I was taking the summer trips with my family, it would make a good story. I would love to travel more and make a living at it with my interest in photography. Just a small RV would suit me fine. Just take off on the spur of the moment and know that there are places interesting to visit and make a living at it.

    Reply

  12. Heather says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:15 am

    Congratulations on your new RV – it’s lovely! I think your lifestyle is very romantic and what better time to live so freely than when you are young and free? : ) Enjoy yourself and thanks for sharing the good times!

    Reply

  13. Fred says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Good morning Michelle,

    I would love to see you put out a You Tube video with a step by step on affiliate income. I have read about it, but I am one of those men who need to see a demonstration to truly understand what in the heck is going on. To see you click on your screen and explain what each link is and how it can help you.

    My partner and I are going to be retiring soon and want to live the life fantastic in our RV, but would like some additional income to boot. You and Heath Padgett are such an inspiration to us!!!!

    Just a suggestion… I would even pay for an interactive online class from you.. Just sayin’.

    Thanks for the info and for sharing your new and exciting life with all of us envious people.

    Much luck to you, your, and the pooches!!!!

    Fred & Chuck
    Phoenix, AZ

    Reply

  15. Little House says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:42 am

    I don’t think you’re crazy at all, but that’s probably because we also seriously considered it, too. It was on our “possibilities” list for housing options. Our reasons were different, however. Since we were trying to save up for a house in Los Angeles, we thought living in an RV for a while might save us money in the long run. I also liked the idea of being able to travel in the summer (one great benefit of being a teacher!) However, we’ve opted for something else that others might think is a little strange: a manufactured home. I enjoy reading about your RV adventures!

    Reply

  16. Crystal S. says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:09 am

    This is so cool!! I’m so glad you’re having a blast. I have to tell you, your updates and lessons on becoming a full time RV’er have inspired me to do the same! I still have a ways to go before I’m ready to jump, but I’m already working on getting my plan in place. I can’t wait!! Going it alone is a little daunting, but I want to travel all over, and I’m tired of renting. I’ve always said that I prefer a nomad lifestyle – I never stay in the same house for more than two years, so this is quite perfect for me.
    Now, I just need to get rid of a 3/2 house worth of stuff, and figure out how to actually RV single! 🙂

    Reply

  17. Brittany Graham says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:12 am

    My husband and I live in an RV too. We bought our house young (at age 22) and lived in it for 4 years. We live close to the beach but found that anytime we had off work, we were cleaning or doing house projects and not really enjoying life. My husband has always wanted to live in an RV but when he first mentioned the idea to me I wasn’t so sure about it. After thinking about how much money we could save and how much easier it would be to maintain, I quickly got on board with the idea. People look at us funny when we tell them too. I’ve finally started replying with “We figured why wait until we retire to travel? We are going to do it now why we are young and able to enjoy it”. That usually shuts them up! It was one of the best decisions we have ever made.

    Reply

  19. Monica says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:23 am

    I think it is super exciting and I applaud you for just doing what works for you and your husband (and your dogs.) You can always go back to living in a “fixed” home but not everyone can make the transition to live on the road. Good for you! Enjoy!

    Reply

  20. Tiffany says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:25 am

    So happy for you and your hubby Michelle! I think what you are doing is awesome. I’m currently in the beginning stages of starting a career that will allow me to be location independent so that my hubby and I can travel more or even consider moving away from pricy San Diego! Love these update, keep em coming!

    Reply

  21. Abigail @ipickuppennies says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:22 am

    It’s definitely not for me, but I don’t think you’re crazy to live in an RV. It’s a great way to see new places without the heavy expense of hotel rooms. And if you’re in love with RVing that much, why would you keep a house on the side?

    I definitely envy your freedom a bit (especially when something in our house breaks).

    Reply

  22. Sarah says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:41 am

    I’m am amazed you live like this! I think I’d like the idea of RV life. It’s something that’s not greatly popularised in Europe but I can only imagine how great it must be just to travel from one place to the next in the U.S. whenever you feel like it! It’s such a big country and so much to see! It’s a distant dream for me to be on the road travelling for an extended period of time. My situation just now does not allow for it, but hopefully that will change in a few years time!

    Reply

  24. Charlotte @charlottescornercafe says

    March 16, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    Michelle,
    I loved your post. I have such fond memories of RV-Ing from my childhood. My grandparents had an RV and my family vacationed with them a lot. It was such a fun way to travel!
    I’d love to hear more about your RV adventures! You are living the dream 🙂

    Reply

  25. Lisa says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    I LOVE this! I don’t know if I could ever do RVing specifically, but I do love the idea of being a digital nomad. You’re KILLING it girl!

    Reply

  26. Andrew@LivingRichCheaply says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I don’t think it’s crazy at all…it sounds exciting. The freedom of having a job that is not location dependent is awesome. Do you have any goals like going to every state in the continental US with the RV? I’ve been to most of the states in the east coast and some in the west coast but would love to see the rest of the country.

    Reply

    • Kristine says

      November 6, 2017 at 6:51 am

      I do not think you are crazy at all! My husband and I are on the path to doing the same thing. We’ve downsized from a 3,000 square foot home to a 1,000 square foot apartment. We worked for months to downsize and reduce our clutter. We now have a 10×10 storage unit with a great portion of the boxes going to our children when the settle down. We are making the transition to a RV next fall when our son moves out…he is taking the remaining furniture with him. I am so looking forward to the RV life!

      Reply

  30. Janie Fox says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Hi Michelle! I live in my 5th wheel, although I am stationary! I live on a beautiful lake near Austin, Texas! My husband and I travelled extensively in our 1963 Airstream before he passed away. Now I am still in our wonderful RV community, or should say family! We have some young friends who also have a Brave! They are awesome! I love the vintage look they have also. You should follow their blog HourlyAmerica.com. They posted their map because as they filmed their documentary Hourly America, they travelled to ALL 50 states (flying to Hawaii)! I have been trying to figure out what to do from home for my income (life insurance money will only last so long)!! I have been wanting to blog and do some of the other side gigs you post about. Anyway, keep up the good work and if you EVER get to Austin, let me know. Would love to meet you! Janie Fox

    Reply

  31. cece says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Sounds awesome! It’s so cool that you are able to save all the money and do this. Maybe it won’t be forever, but you are going for it because that is what you want to do and can do RIGHT NOW. My retired parents have actually been thinking about getting a small one. They won’t give up their house, but would like to be able to take long comfortable road trips since they have the time to do so. It sounds ideal-the only thing that still scares me off from even renting one is driving it and the poop!!

    Reply

  33. Jason says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:32 pm

    I love reading your RV stories. It keeps me motivated. I want to do some extended travel once my debt is paid off. I know it will be fun.

    Reply

  35. Maria says

    March 17, 2016 at 1:47 am

    Hey Michelle,

    I’m just curious – what do you do for your internet connection on the road-how much does it cost? I think I read somewhere you answered that but I can’t recall. It really sounds super fun and like you guys are beating the system in some way – you’ve worked so hard to get to this point.

    Congratulations and enjoy!
    Maria

    Reply

  37. Michael says

    March 17, 2016 at 11:50 am

    Hi Michelle,

    I am amazed that you are able to live full time in an RV. Wise decision on selling your home if weren’t living in it anymore.

    I have a few curiosity questions – since you are constantly on the move, which state do you claim to be a resident of? How do you receive paper mail?

    –Michael

    Reply

    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      March 17, 2016 at 11:58 pm

      We switched our residency to South Dakota. South Dakota is what most RVers switch their residency to as they make it super easy with mail, renewing plates, and more. We belong to a mail company there and we use their address for everything, such as driver’s licenses, license plates, and more.

      Reply

      • Michael says

        March 18, 2016 at 8:45 am

        Thank you for sharing the details, I just learned something new today. Wow, there is an ecosystem behind RV living. Glad to see that you have all this figured out.

        Reply

  38. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    March 17, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    This is amazing! I’m really envious – I just posted about our 2 week RV trip through NV and AZ. By the end of it, I was begging to just stay with the RV… and we just have a 20 ft travel trailer.

    There’s just so much to see! That, and I am OVER having all of this stuff. It’s just too much. I have a whole closet I haven’t touched in a year.

    Now to figure out how to make a living remotely…

    Reply

  39. Natalie says

    March 17, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Hi! Im reading your blog coz its nearly the same niche as mine blog.I just wanted to ask which pligin do you use to appear RELATED POSTS inline in the middle of posts?
    And second,what can you recommend for NOT native english bloggers?Im struggling with content writing coz im not native english speaker even nearly))and my problem that i cannot write perfect and grammar right articles in english….or i thinks so…))If there are any tools to help not native english bloggers?

    Reply

  40. Kimmy Burgess says

    March 17, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    Rv is truly an answer to all those who have been finding it tough to reside in a posh area or residency. Since this method is not only cost effective, but at the same time gives the freedom to get located anywhere without any staying cost involved.

    Reply

  41. Andrea says

    March 19, 2016 at 9:23 am

    My husband has been mentioning this idea of living in an RV or converted van (too small!) for a while now. I guess it’s big with the youtubers he follows. Before that the suggestion was moving in a sailboat. I’m intrigued by both ideas and it’s inspiring to see one of the bloggers I follow doing it. I’ll be keeping up with your journey. Planning to read about how you earn a living from it but also curious at the moment what your wifi situation is?

    Reply

  43. Rob @ Money Nomad says

    March 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    Hahaha! I love it. My great aunt/uncle cruised around the country in an RV for years – it’s awesome to see younger people doing it (and having the means to do it).

    I’m inspired by your blog and your story. And enjoy the road! If you ever decide to cruise down to Costa Rica this summer (going through Mexico may be risky) let me know!

    Reply

  44. Roz at Real Food Family says

    March 22, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    I’m so excited to have found your site!! My husband and I…and our 3 homeschooled daughters….are thinking about taking the plunge and full-time RV’ing. Part of me thinks this is crazy, but then part of me thinks it’s PERFECT for us. I want to be a minimalist, explore other places in the US to settle down, and more about ourselves as a family. I’m so excited to “get to know you” more. 🙂

    Reply

  45. Lindsey says

    April 15, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    I’m so jealous this seems like it would be so much fun! I wish I could RV full time like you are! The places I would go ^_^

    Reply

  46. Geoffrey Schrader says

    October 29, 2016 at 1:26 am

    I, too, live full time in my RV. A 38’fifth wheel. Spent 20 years living on a sailboat. After all summer in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado me and my cat, Luna are wintering in the Southern Arizona desert. My fifth wheel is a toy hauler with a garage. Keep a motorcycle and bicycle for exploring. See ya’ on the road!

    Reply

    • Geoffrey Schrader says

      October 29, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      I am not certain how these comments work, and find it slow to respond, but someone asked where Luna, the RV kitty, and I are this winter. We are in our Raptor fifth wheel at KOA Tucson. It is a very pleasant KOA so far.

      Reply

  47. Joyfulchica says

    February 2, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    I am so excited to come across your blog. My family and I live in the north and are tired of the long cold winters. We have talked about traveling in an RV for a few years and it’s exciting to read that it can be successfully done!

    Reply

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