Living in a motorhome is quite an experience. It takes a little ingenuity and a
One of the first obstacles faced in living in a motorhome is getting used to small spaces. There are livable areas — a living room, a kitchen, a bath and a bedroom — that are open and flow into each other. Adjusting to these different, compact areas and turning them into an actual space in which to live is the secret to successful motorhome living.
That said, there is a place for everything and everything has its place.
The dashboard is used as a desk. Maps, tablets, pens, a calculator and the laptop computer are scattered on top. The natural light streaming through the windshield and the spacious, flat surface makes this the ideal place to write letters, balance checkbooks and surf the Web.
Seating is limited to a small couch, the captain's chairs in the cockpit and a recliner. Don't get me wrong — these seats are comfortable, just limited and placed closely together. Cupboards and drawers are arranged throughout and within easy reach. Good organizational skills are important in filling these spaces with useful items.
Meals are eaten at a small dinette, located across from the propane stove, microwave oven, sink and refrigerator. Counter space is limited to a small pull-out, so the dinette table doubles as the counter when preparing meals. The small refrigerator holds less food than that of a stationary home. Frequent grocery shopping and the ability to pack foods in like a puzzle solve this problem.
The bedroom area consists of a bed that lifts for surprisingly ample storage space underneath. Large items like a sweeper, bulky blankets and extra shoes can easily fit in this area.
Closet and drawer space is limited in this room as well, so careful packing is needed. The number of outfits is limited to the types of clothing needed for the climate. Off-season clothing can either be stored under the bed or in basement compartments under the motorhome. Casual, wash-and-wear clothing and those that require no ironing are ideal for the motorhome lifestyle.
Sharing the bathroom when getting ready in the morning turns into a song-and-dance routine, of sorts. Careful water sharing is a must, so as not to "surprise" the one in the shower with the lack of it. We have learned to be more considerate of each other's grooming needs. Communication and careful timing allows us to accomplish this and live harmoniously.
Living in a motorhome is a wonderful, simple lifestyle. We have come to realize we don't need all the "bells and whistles" to be comfortable. We travel with our own bed and eat our own food. Our possessions are always within easy reach.
We see the sights from an unobstructed, bird's-eye view, and our views have been magnificent. We love living in our motorhome and wouldn't trade this life for anything in the world.
