It’s Not About Where You Are, But Who You’re With

December 19, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Home is wherever your heart is

Rich and I have lived in a lot of places since we met in 1985.

We both grew up having lived in the same house our whole lives. Rich may have moved one time when he was a young child but doesn’t remember much about the house before.

My mother still lives in the same house my dad was born in. He died in that house and so will she. She says that no other place could ever feel like home to her.

It’s not that I don’t have a home mentality, it’s just that I like change and so does Rich.

We started out in an apartment and then moved to a mobile home in a trailer park. We went to Florida and lived with friends for a few months before renting our first house. We rented a second house in Florida before moving back home to Ohio.

We bought our first house in Ohio after our first child was born and lived there for five years.

Having outgrown that house with three children, we bought a larger one. We lived there for sixteen years when we had to declare bankruptcy and give it up.

At that time we moved to a town twenty miles away where we both worked and rented a house. When they sold the house we were renting, we lived in three separate apartments until we found the house we were living in when we decided to become full-time RVers.

We lived in that house for nine years and now have been in the RV since April of 2022, not quite two years.

Since moving into the RV we have lived in many places. Each place is different but our home is the same. It’s really great to just close up and take our home with us wherever we go.

It is comfortable, and it is home. As long as we are together, we are happy with whatever type of dwelling we live in. I can make any place feel like home. I wonder where we will live tomorrow.

What does home mean to you?

 

Tips For Making Your RV Feel Like Home

November 26, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Home is wherever you lay your head to sleep.

Transforming our RV into a cozy and inviting home on wheels didn’t require extensive renovations or expensive decorations. With a few simple touches and personalization, I created a comfortable and inviting space that reflects our unique style and makes us feel at home wherever our travels take us.

One time in the state of Washington the neighbors wanted to see the inside of our motorhome. As soon as the wife came in she commented on how cozy it felt. She noticed the family pictures on the walls and she saw my hand crocheted blankets on the back of the couch and chair.

A few days later we were invited to see the inside of their RV. I noticed how all of those personal touches were missing. No wonder she didn’t feel at home on the road.

Here are some tips to help you make your RV feel like home.

Hang artwork and photos

I have decorated the RV walls with meaningful artwork, family photos, and sometimes travel souvenirs, which add a touch of personality and create a sense of familiarity.

I have even taped drawings from the grandkids on the refrigerator door.

Add throw pillows and blankets

I layer the seating areas with plush throw pillows and blankets to enhance comfort and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

I have crocheted my own to match the color scheme in the RV.

Incorporate greenery

I love plants and had several when we lived in a house. Bringing the outdoors in by adding plants and flowers to the RV improves my mood. Sometimes when we set up for a month I will buy some of those cheap flowers at Walmart for the kitchen table.

Choosing low-maintenance varieties that can withstand movement is best. I still want to get a cactus or two. Providing a touch of nature to the living space enhances the area and gives it a homey feel.

Currently, I have just one live plant on the kitchen counter by the window.

Enhance the lighting

Replace the harsh overhead lights with softer and more ambient lighting options, such as dimmable bulbs, string lights, or table lamps.

I don’t like bright overhead lights but they are there if we need them. I feel more cozy with softer bulbs and lamps on.

Utilize natural light

I maximize natural light by opening windows and curtains during the day. It brightens up the RV and creates a more spacious feel. Daylight is important for us, especially during the short winter days.

Create a cozy bedroom

We upgraded the bedding by investing in a better-quality mattress that was comfortable. Sleep is important. I purchased some new bedding, including pillows, sheets, and a comforter I liked that matched the RV colors.

Adding personal touches with things like bedside lamps on our side areas, pictures of the grandkids, and a cozy throw blanket at the bottom of the bed makes the bedroom feel like home.

Optimize the storage

We utilize every inch of space. In the old RV, we took advantage of vertical space by installing shelves, hanging organizers, and using over-the-door storage solutions.

We implement storage containers, baskets, and drawer dividers to keep things organized and prevent clutter from overwhelming the limited space we have.

When we lived in the smaller RV we had to be more creative with space, but this newer one has plenty of room so far.

Incorporate scents

I use essential oils in a diffuser in the bathroom and burn scented candles in the living area. It creates a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere in our RV. Now at the holidays, I enjoy cinnamon and pine scents. In the warmer months, I like fruit scents like cherry and ocean scents.

Keep it fresh

We regularly air out the RV by opening windows as much as possible and use natural air fresheners to eliminate musty smells and maintain a fresh and clean environment.

Add rugs and floor coverings

We have laid down throw rugs to add warmth, texture, and visual interest to the floor. These are easy to throw in a washer.

Remember, making your RV feel like home is an ongoing process that involves personalizing the space to reflect your unique style and preferences.

I hope you embrace the journey and enjoy the process of creating a comfortable and inviting home on wheels.

Just like we have.

Thanks for reading.