RV Living
When someone finds out we live full-time in our motorhome, one of the questions Dave and I are frequently asked is, “How can you live together in such a small space?” For us it was a relatively “easy” transition. We had spent weeks at a time on our 34’ sport fishing boat and for 8 years we shared an office suite where our offices shared a common wall. We already knew we were compatible for long periods of time.
But we understand the question and understand where it is coming from. Whether you are spending a weekend, a couple of weeks or a lifetime in 400 square feet or less it is likely your relationship will be affected.
Thrive vs. Crumble
RV living and/or traveling in 400 square feet or less for long periods of time will not strengthen or weaken your intimate relationship.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I can tell you from personal and professional experience that this new living situation will only push your intimate relationship faster into the direction it was already heading. Relationships built on trust, respect and communication will likely survive, while some will even thrive.
Relationships that were on shaky ground before setting out to travel will likely crumble. The emotional toll of being away from family, friends and community can be overwhelming if you do not feel you can rely on your traveling companion.
For more information on this topic, go to RelationshipsRelearned.com and my article titled What is a Healthy Relationship, you also may be interested in my book: Why Didn’t I Know That? About Relationships (chapter 6 – Identifying How Certain Situations Affect Your Relationships)
Sleeping vs. Living Space
A fellow RVing Nomad who lived and traveled in her van probably gave us the best response to what it is like to live in a small space. Just as Dave and I had been asked how we could survive RV living in 400 square feet, we were curious how she could so comfortably live in her much less than 400 square foot RV van.
Her response? “I sleep in my RV van. I live outside.”
In thinking about her comment, it is so true!!! We spend a lot more time exploring, being active outside and interacting with others as RVing Nomads than we ever did when we lived in our 4 bedroom house in Maine!
In reality, being together in 400 square feet or less only occurs:
• driving from one location to another
• from dusk to dawn when much of that time is spent sleeping
• rainy and/or really cold days
Our time as RVing Nomads is focused on doing what we want to do, when we want to do it. Traveling full-time provides us with an opportunity of not being confined by 4 walls. The world is ours to explore. Understanding that, and traveling together, can be relationship enhancing!!
Selecting the proper campground and/or RV resort for the area you wish to visit will make your traveling experience more enjoyable and might be easier on your relationship. Please see our previous blog on How to Choose RV Campgrounds.
Tips for Success
While living in 400 square feet or less will not strengthen or weaken your intimate relationship, there are tips that might be useful to keep the relationship running as smoothly as possible:
- Be kind
This may seem logical, but sometimes taking just a little more effort to be understanding and kind can make all the difference. Traveling with all of its benefits can also be stressful. Both people have a change of lifestyle they are adjusting to.
- You are a team
While both people may not equally share the driving, hooking up the 5th wheel, cooking or making reservations, to maintain mutual respect you both should be familiar with the process of “doing it all”. And in the event of an emergency you just might have to do the other person’s “job”!
- Schedule alone / away time
Even though you travel together, it doesn’t mean you have to spend 24/7 together! One person can go for a solo walk while the other goes off to play golf. Or ear plugs always help if one wants to read and the other watches a movie!
- Check in
Check in with your travel partner to see if this lifestyle continues to be enjoyable. Asking the question will not change their opinion. Knowing your travel partner’s thoughts in real time can help avert a crisis later on.
- Technology
Staying in touch with family and friends via phone and Skype/Zoom will help with home sickness. Invest in a good hot spot and a cell phone booster for those remote areas with limited cell phone service.
- Bad days
Everyone will have bad days with RV living and/or traveling in 400 square feet or less. Three rainy days in a row can be a lifetime in an RV! Or if you are full-timing it may be the first time you will miss a family holiday. It will pass. Remember, be kind and check-in.
Summary
Living in 400 square feet or less has its benefits. For example, meeting new people and seeing new places. With a little bit of kindness and communication it can be a very pleasurable way of life!
Your partners in travel,
Kathryn, Dave and Lucky
RVing Nomads
It’s a Lifestyle!
To be notified of future posts, please enter your email address and click on the Subscribe button.