Embracing the Gain: Progress on Our Journey to Full-Time RV Life
Embracing the Gain: Progress on Our Journey to Full-Time RV Life
As the start of our full-time RV life approaches—just a little over two weeks away—I find myself feeling both excited and a bit nervous. (Shout out to Mel Robbins for the reminder that excitement and nerves can feel the same!) However, instead of focusing on what is still on my to-do list, I’m choosing to reflect on the progress we’ve made, celebrating the gains along the way. As Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy put it in "The Gap and The Gain," “When you measure yourself against where you were before, you’re in ‘The Gain.’” So, instead of being in the gap, which I often do, I want to take a moment to appreciate the steps I’ve already taken to prepare for this adventure.
Choosing the Perfect RV for Full-Time Family Living
At the beginning of the summer, we faced the important task of selecting the RV that would become our full-time home for our family of five, plus two dogs. Reflecting on our past experiences with Grand Design, we knew what we wanted and what to avoid. After careful consideration, we upgraded to the Solitude 370BH for several key features:
1 1/2 bathrooms
A spacious pantry
An outdoor kitchen
Washer/dryer hookups
A super sofa to fit our family of 5
Choosing the right RV requires thorough research, especially if you’re new to the lifestyle. I encourage you to visit RV shows, tour different models, and if possible, rent the model you’re considering to ensure it meets your needs. Our decision to rent the Reflection 311BHS before buying was invaluable—we discovered that it didn’t have enough cabinet space or a large enough shower for our family. This experience taught us the importance of making informed decisions.
Upgrading Our Tow Vehicle for the Journey Ahead
With the decision to upgrade our camper, we also knew we needed to upgrade our tow vehicle. We made the move from a 3/4 ton truck to a 1 ton to ensure we had the power required for our larger fifth wheel. Along with the new truck, we upgraded our fifth wheel hitch because of the system required for the new truck.
Creating a Functional Remote Workspace on the Road
One of the first things I tackled after getting out new camper, was setting up a reliable and comfortable workspace in the RV. As someone who already works remotely, it was crucial to ensure I had a workstation that was readily available. After some consideration, I converted the dresser in the master bedroom into a desk, giving me a dedicated space to stay productive on the go.
Connectivity is key when working remotely. Initially, I tried a Verizon hotspot, which worked well enough for basic tasks like emails and website updates, but it struggled during Zoom calls and video uploads. To solve this, we decided to upgrade to Starlink Roam. We started with the $50 mobile plan but quickly realized we needed more data, so we upgraded to the $150 unlimited plan, which has been a game-changer. I’ll continue to update you on how it performs as we travel.
I was lucky enough to already have a remote position, for those still seeking remote work opportunities, I’ve gathered some resources that might help you find remote jobs or spark ideas for starting your own business on the road.
Decluttering for Life on the Road
Over the past few months, we’ve been diligently working to declutter our lives in preparation for full-time RV living. We categorized our belongings into what to keep, sell, donate, or throw away—a process that took time and thoughtful consideration. You can learn more about the process, I took here. Last month, we completed this journey with a final garage sale, ordered a dumpster for the remaining items, and are now down to about 20 totes that we’ll store while we’re away.
Navigating RV Mail Services
Managing mail on the road is still a work in progress. I initially tried Anytime Mail, but encountered some issues with receiving packages. Thankfully, I tested this before we hit the road full-time. Now, I’m exploring other recommendations from fellow RVers and will keep you updated on what works best. It’s all part of the journey—learning and adapting as we go.
Preparing for Roadschooling
Our kids are ready to begin their homeschooling journey on the road. Enrollment is complete, reports are filed, and the curriculum has arrived. We plan to start once we hit the road at the beginning of September. This preparation is another gain we can celebrate as we transition to full-time RV living.
In addition to the items mentioned above, we’ve also checked off numerous other tasks in preparation for our journey, from scheduling dental appointments and annual physicals to decorating the RV and updating the dogs’ vaccinations. We’ve also planned our travel route and booked campsites. Reflecting on what we’ve accomplished so far puts everything into perspective—it’s easy to focus on what’s left to do, but taking the time to acknowledge our progress is incredibly rewarding. As "The Gap and The Gain" reminds us, by focusing on the gains, we can appreciate how far we’ve come and continue moving forward with confidence.
I encourage you to think about a goal you’re currently working towards. Take a moment to write down everything you’ve accomplished so far in pursuit of that goal, and celebrate those achievements. Remember, as "The Gap and The Gain" teaches us, “When you’re in The Gain, you’re grateful for how far you’ve come.” By focusing on the progress you’ve made, you’ll find the motivation and confidence to keep moving forward. Celebrate your gains, no matter how small—they’re all steps toward your ultimate success.