WELCOME!!!
John and I full timed in our 2552 for a year and half before we were temporarily grounded by family issues. We absolutely loved it, miss it, and plan to hit the road again as soon as things are settled here and then stay on the road until we can't do it anymore. You can click our name to see our posts on this site and our blog name is below my signature on this post. We have not put our first year up on the blog yet mainly because we've been lazy and consistent blogging feels too much like work. There seems to always be something more fun to do.
I do have a few basic things that make it work for us: We carry two weeks worth of clothing... PLUS. So two weeks of slacks and tops, two weeks plus a few extras of everyday socks and undergarments. So far we've always been able to hit a laundromat in a town or campground before we ran out of clean clothing. We also carry the "specials":
Cold weather - thin base layer/long underwear, wool sweater or fleece top, warm socks, winter jacket, gloves, warm hats;
Hot weather/water sports - wide brim hat, swimsuit and light beach towel, flip flops (double as shower shoes), strap on water shoes (rafting/kayaking), wicking shirt, pants and underwear:
work clothing: one set each of something that can get all the goo on it and you are willing to wear crawling under the vehicles - we recently bought Tyvek overalls for something else and think those will be our work coverup when we go back on the road;
rain gear - we each have a full rain suit;
hiking: hiking boots, socks, trekking poles.
Our kitchen has a full set of decent knives, nesting pans, nesting bowls/colander/strainer/measuring cups, a set of silicone bakeware that mostly nest, etc. The nesting items save an enormous amount of space and it is easy to find things. Most of what we have on board can serve more than one purpose.
One thing I did for months before moving into the RV was to put a paper and pencil in each room of the house - usually taped to the wall or set on a bedside table. Pack or stash all but what you think you will need in the RV then live with it. Pull things out and add to your active items only if necessary. After a while, look at what you started with, what you used and what you added and make sure your "zone" lists are up to date and contain only what you actually need. For example, my bedside table had tissues, chap stick, water bottle, e-reader, neck brace, bandanna (eye cover). All the other stuff that cluttered my night stand weren't necessary so when we moved into the RV, only those items I used regularly went with us and I planned in advance for where they would be stored. We did this for every room. You would do it for your animals also (we did this for our cat - she had a long list and we wound up dedicating a full shelf, plus, to her).
I am working on a cabinet by cabinet, bin by bin inventory of what we carry in our 2552. If you are interested in receiving a copy when I am done, I will be happy to share it with you. Everyone is different but sometimes seeing someone else's list will trigger a thought and plan for your own.
I really like the term "Pilgrimage to Elkhart". Evokes a feeling of wonder and hope.
Enjoy your PC planning and have an awesome life on the road.
Holly
