I have been living and traveling in my tiny home on wheels for one year. It’s been a year of fresh starts, new adventures and beautiful scenery. It has also been a year of things breaking, riding out crazy weather and learning to be flexible. Has it been worth it? Yes! I love this nomadic life. It is a simpler life. Simple is not always easy. There is less comfort and convenience but more peace and freedom. As I reflect on this year, a few things stand out to me.
1. There is So Much Beauty
Living and traveling in my van and has allowed me to witness some incredible places in the United States. From majestic mountains to serene lakes, waterfalls and tree canopies, farms and vineyards, and quaint little towns; I’m in awe of the beauty of God’s creation. I’ve only begun to scratch the surface and am looking forward to many more years of exploring more of the US.
2. I Spend a Lot of Time Thinking About Weather
Weather plays a crucial role in van life. It dictates where I go, how I prepare for the night, and where I park. I find myself frequently checking weather forecasts to plan my route and activities. This past year, I was in the path of a hurricane, several tornados and a snow/ice storm. It is important for me to be in a place where I know I can move to safety if needed. The R Ranch, where I spend much of my time, has a safe place for me to stay if remaining in the van is not wise. There have been times when I have been at a campground and moved closer to the bath house as bad weather approaches. Although I find sleeping to the sound of gentle rain soothing, having my weather app alert me to severe storms in the middle of the night can be unsettling.
3. Downsizing Never Ends
Initially, I thought I had streamlined my belongings significantly, but I’ve come to realize that downsizing is an ongoing process. As I spend more time in my tiny home on wheels, I continually assess what I truly need versus what is just taking up space. It is so easy to start accumulating stuff. From cute trinkets to a new pair of boots that I don’t think I can live without; I am constantly evaluating what things truly are worth the space. I have a one in, one out rule with clothing. If I bring something new in, I donate something else. I have learned that we really don’t need much stuff to be happy.
4. Learn to Live with Uncertainty
Van life is inherently unpredictable. From mechanical issues to unexpected weather changes, I’m learning to embrace uncertainty. For example, there have been times when I had to change my plans due to a campground with no availability, road closures or weather alerts. This adaptability has fostered resilience and problem-solving. I’m learning to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. I’m learning to release control and go with the flow (I still have a way to go on this one). It has been a liberating shift in mindset.
5. I Chose the Right RV for My Lifestyle
After a year on the road, I can confidently say that I selected the right RV for my lifestyle. I spent hours researching class B vs B+ vans, lithium batteries, generator or no generator, Transit van vs Sprinter van vs Promaster. I knew that I didn’t want to tow anything and wanted to be able to explore roads and areas that larger RVs can’t access. I also knew that I wanted the capability to be off grid and run my AC. I needed AWD for the mountains and some beefy tires.
After a year living full-time and traveling in my Crosstrail, I can say confidently that I made the right choice. If you want to learn more about my tiny home on wheels, HERE is a tour.
Living tiny is not for everyone. It comes with its own set of challenges. Some days I miss the comforts of a regular “sticks and brick” home, but those days are few and far between. I love this crazy life and am not ready to change a thing. Here’s to new adventures!