From Austin Texas, howdy y'all

[Guest]

Hey everybody, I did it!!!!!!!! The house is sold and I found the most wonderful new home, an extended Express 2500 with a high top, I could not be more pleased with how things have gone. This has not been an easy process but I feel so much lighter already. There are lots of things to do to the van to get her ready for the road so I'll be working on those things for the next couple of months. It's just so exciting to be making such headway. I'll post some pictures later if y'all are interested. If anyone is in the process of selling their house or downsizing drastically feel free to contact me if you have any questions. The one thing I have experienced that has caught me a little off guard is the wide mix of emotions during the whole thing. It's like breaking out of a cement shell and jumping off a mountain, it's been very freeing and exhilarating!

 

[ilovemyvan]

Good for you. Amazing what can be accomplished with determination. Congrats. We'd love to see photos.<br><br>All the best to you<br><br>Blue Skies<br><br>Nicole

 

[psytechguy]

Hmmmmm...."drastic downsizing and selling a house." Sounds VERY familiar! ;-)

I've been ridding myself of clutter and possessions since last Fall, and if all goes to plan will put my place on the market in May. In the meantime I'm renovating and doing all the fixer-up stuff my realtor has recommended. Hopefully it will be a fast sale!

Been searching for a van/RV since last summer, and as yet haven't found "The One." I'm starting to feel some pressure as I need to do this before I sell the house and move out.

I know what you mean about the fears and doubts that pop up during this process. I've been having them in spades lately! I'm trying to shut down all the "what if's?" and just move forward into a new lifestyle.

Good luck to you, and maybe I'll see you out on the road!

 

[Guest]

Very exciting! The stage you're at is pretty tough making the decision in the first place but keep in mind your reasons for making the change because that will help you push through the tough times. It's hard to explain all that goes through our minds when doing this. It's different for everyone and I can't even imagine how unique everyone's stories must be. There are brief moments of serious doubt but that goes away quickly. Can I really do this, what in the hell am I thinking mixed in with this is easily one of the best decisions I've ever made. And a big plus I wasn't expecting is the feeling of actually going through with it instead of just talking so much about it for the last few years. I'm proud of myself honestly. Granted, I'm not on the road yet but my house is sold and I am building out the interior of my van. It's happening. My fist piece of advice I feel I can offer is during this time is to make a short list of why you are doing this and go over that list when you have true doubts and concerns. There are real obsticals to consider and things that may or may not go wrong. It's smart to be aware of the possibilities but don't let them stop you. I've thought of a worse case scenario and when I figured out a basic plan how to deal with that I realized no matter what I will be ok and will have lived one of my biggest dreams. Does any of that help? Honestly, I am still living in a house right now with all the comforts that go with it. My advice is limited so far but let's see what lessons are learned over the next few months! Keep on going, it sounds like your almost halfway there.

 

[Guest]

Thank you all for your friendly responses. While on that topic, I'm a member of various forums and easily this forum has the absolute friendliest, sincere, and helpful people of all I am a member. Thanks again for being awesome! So, I will post a few pictures of what I've done to the van to give an idea of the way I'm going about things. There has been a twist to the story, I think it's positive. I called the owner of the company I work with to make an appointment to turn in my official 2 weeks notice, respectfully. Well, he is letting me take 2 months to travel and see the country and is offering my same job position for when I come back! Now, I had no real time frame for how long I would be mobile but I knew I needed to have some sort of income at some point fairly soon to continue. Granted, I lose the freedom (yeah, that's a big deal) but if I really love the mobile lifestyle I can always leave for good but I can't always find a well paying job I enjoy. It's somewhat of the best of both worlds, at least for now. I will be out on the road by the end of June to one; see more of the country and two; get a taste of this lifestyle to determine if indeed it is something I want to continue. Before I risked everything that I used to find important and now I don't feel like what was risked was so important in the first place.

 

[stude53]

<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Glad things are working out so well so far. You have a good positive attitude, and I believe good things happen to good people.</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">One suggestion: Find the best van you can soon to relieve the mental pressure. Make only the minimum changes for livability; only the must haves. This will provide peace of mind that you are prepared to start the new life whenever you need to.</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Once done, You can always search at leisure for the "ideal permanent home on wheels", and sell your first when perfect is available.</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Definitely post pictures. We love pictures!</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Good luck and GodSpeed,</span></strong></span><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bob</span></strong></span>

 

[Guest]

Here is my beautiful ticket to the open highway. I'm very fortunate I found such a wonderful van for me, the price was pretty good too. When I saw her I knew we were meant to be : )

Pictures;
1) first night
2) building the bed
3) the trunk
4) the bed

At this point there is a solid bed, a REALLLLLLY comfortable mattress, storage under the bed (four 15 ? gallon containers)a trunk for more bulk storage, battery box (two 90 AH batteries) and that is it. At this point there are no plans for a sink, no large cooler (I've decided the cooler in the picture is too big at this point) no large solar panels (will be charging up once a week at an RV park as needed) and no additional shelves. I'm telling you my friends, it's pretty simple. And here are the two main reasons; I don't know what I need yet and I don't have many building skills. In fact, what skills I have are being learned along the way.

I skipped some things but this gives you a good idea. There is more to do but being I've never lived in a van I intend to make changes as I have to. I'm a big fan of simplicity so I'm hoping to keep it somewhat "basic." I say basic because the pure size of this beast is huge! It seems to be much bigger than I need at this point but that's fine with me, I'm coming straight from a house.

 

[Guest]

Thank you Bob for your kind compliments and advice. It's funny you posted as I was writing my previous post showing the van with pictures, how funny! I am open to suggestions at any time. Right now I'm figuring it out as I go, I'm already glad I didn't try to assume too much or think that I could think my way through this. It has to be experienced with "plans written in jello!"

Also, I did add one exaust vent on one side of the roof and I will install the next one this weekend. It is a scary process drilling a 3 inch hole in that perfectly fine fiberglass roof. Right now I'm testing a few small coolers to see which two I'm bringing with me. I plan to eat canned food and cook simple foods that don't require refrigeration. I'll also be around cities quite a bit the first month or so. If I find I need something bigger I'll get one as it becomes an issue. I like your advice, it makes lots of sense.