2 years of full-time Motorhome living; would we go back to a House?

We have been living in our motorhome permanently for nearly 24 months but recently, we moved out and in to a Static Caravan. Our ‘van was having routine maintenance work so it was easier to move out completely. 

This was the first time that all 5 of us (2 humans & 3 cats) have resided in anything that resembles a ‘traditional’ house since selling our bricks and mortar house back in March 2019.

We weren’t in need of a break from full-time Motorhome living, but we can’t deny that we were excited to stretch our legs. Like many others, we’ve been sat still for so long due to lockdown and the change of scenery was welcome.

What immediate differences did we notice?

‘House life’ is definitely one of convenience and this was evident within a couple of hours of moving in to the caravan. 

It wasn’t just the obvious things like a flushing toilet and large living area. It was the little things we hadn’t thought about in 2 years like a microwave and an electric kettle that boils quickly (I make a point of this as someone who drinks a lot of hot beverages). 

We also noticed a change in habits. For example, in the Motorhome you don’t have the space to leave chores undone. The washing up is done that day. Everything you use, you put back in its designated place. 

In the static, however, the washing up was done the following day and things piled up slightly. We also had the TV on a lot because it seemed to fill up the void of space we had gotten used to living without. 

One quirk that did make us laugh was how quickly ‘the chair’ came in to use. You know the one. It’s where your clothes go that are too clean for the wardrobe but not dirty enough for the washing bin.

Have we missed modern conveniences?

We can say in complete honesty, no we haven’t. One thing we (ok, I) have learnt since selling the house, is that we are much more adaptable than society would have us believe. 

To most people, the thought of giving up so many luxuries is too much. ‘How will I cope without a microwave? I don’t have time to cook everything over the hob!’ What do you do about laundry? I can’t be without my washing machine!’ ‘What do you do about a TV?’ ‘What if we can’t shower everyday?’ ‘Where will I put all my stuff?’

We are more adaptable than society has us believe

Admittedly I said these same things once upon a time but since living full-time in the Motorhome, I don’t see them as issues at all. There is always a way around a perceived ‘problem’ and it usually involves removing the convenience element. 

Overcoming the ‘obstacles’

Yes, cooking food or making hot drinks takes a little longer now in the Motorhome but somehow, tastes better. Maybe because its cooking process hasn’t been artificially accelerated. 

Also, you don’t need a shower everyday, being able to have a flannel wash is just as sufficient. In fact, we’ve both noticed our skin is slightly better for it. It feels less dried out! Plus, because we have the Eco Camel shower head in the Motorhome, we are hard pressed to find anything as good elsewhere.

We’ve also noticed that once you don’t have a TV, you don’t feel obliged to have it on all the time. It’s also easier to manage the amount of time spent watching programmes. With streaming services available to phones & laptops now, you can avoid aimlessly watching and easily keep up with anything you really want to see. Plus we’ve both read more books!

A bonus point

A unexpected advantage we’ve found is with our laundry. Even though you have to be cautious with the settings you use on launderette machines, (so you don’t need up with clothes fit for a doll house), there is a huge time saving bonus. 

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You can do a full wash and dry in the space of an hour and be on your way again. This is a particular benefit when it comes to bedding as it means we only need to carry one set. We are slightly different because we actually favour sleeping bags over duvets in the Motorhome. 

This is a personal preference mainly down to a) not wanting to faff about with duvet covers in a small space and b) if the cats throw up on our sleeping bags, they can be refreshed and back on the bed in one go.

Surely there must be something about a house we miss?

I won’t lie, having a constant supply of electricity and running water was a total dream in the Static Caravan! Not having to check the water level every time you wash up or wash your hands was nice.

That, along with carpets and a huge sofa, are probably the only aspects of our house dwelling lives that we truly miss. 

So, are we ready to swap the Motorhome for a House?

The short answer is absolutely not.

Our initial plan when we first set off was to travel for 12 months and then purchase a property somewhere cheap. We would either live in it with little or no mortgage or rent it out to continue our travels.

As it stands 2 years later, we want neither of those things. We are not ready to commit to one place for living and we don’t want the added responsibility of a property to worry about if we are 100’s of miles away. 

For now, we are hungry to get out and see more of our own beautiful country, and beyond, when travel restrictions lift.

The break in the Static Caravan was definitely a welcome treat but when it came down to it, we really missed our little home on wheels. Its not just a place to live, its a lifestyle and one that we intend on living for as long as we possibly can!