Living Large in a Tiny Home

Even after such a short time, our RV feels like home already! It’s only been a month, but I find myself looking around with an accomplished, satisfied sigh – we have everything we need. When we returned from our family vacation by the river on Friday (part of the kid’s Christmas presents last year), it truly felt like coming home. We had been staying in a beautiful home and we thoroughly enjoyed it. But as we stood in our tiny space once again, hubby took me in his arms and said, ‘I mean, having all that space was nice – but I kind of like our little house, and the woman in it.’ (Heart melt! <3)

Since we now live in 190 square feet (that includes the engine and the steering wheel), there’s no room for clutter! When we get back from a trip, we need to unpack right away or trip over the bags. Everything must have a place and be returned to that place after use. I’m already evaluating whether we need everything I brought with us – that’s the beauty of small spaces. You don’t forget about what you have and you’re always checking to make sure you’re using each space efficiently. Stay tuned for some more organizing tips coming soon – I’ve rearranged a few things. 😉

My goal, as I packed for this move, was to live a large life in a small space. We often put too much focus on making do and sacrifice and RVs tend to be about camping. But, this is our life now, so I want this to BE home and to include enough extras to create special moments for just the two of us. There are so many ways to do that as we embrace our new lifestyle, but here are a few we’re doing so far.

• I packed two goblets (wrapped in fuzzy socks) and two fancy plates for special meals.
• We’re taking advantage of the full spa experience at the gym(Planet Fitness) where we shower – I’m spoiling myself!
• We take long walks along the river, enjoying fragrant flowers & plants on one side and the gorgeous homes on the other.
• Making use of the outdoors – it might be tiny inside, but we have cathedral ceilings over our patio!
• Day trips and outings to places close by.
• Travel – between work shifts, we have several trips planned for the summer months already. It’s a thrill to me each time we leave and then return as we make the turn in the RV park and see our little home parked & waiting for us.

It’s not all fun and games. I still can’t wash dishes in my tiny sink since we discovered a cracked faucet was leaking water under the sink (another ‘gift’ from our deep freeze last January). As with any major life change, there’s a learning curve and adjustments to be made. Still, we’re having a great time figuring it all out together! The simplicity of this lifestyle is refreshing to my soul, especially after a few years of so much busyness, multiple moves and construction projects.

Today was my first Mother’s Day with an empty nest, so hubby did what he could to make it special and the kids called and sent sweet words.Tonight, we sat outside and sipped our mocktails as we watched the sun set before a thunderstorm chased us inside. Some evenings, we sit in our recliners in complete silence like two old folks. But we’re together, this feels like HOME and that is enough!