Staying still versus moving around - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Staying still versus moving around

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have stayed long term in a variety of situations. It began with moving with our motor home from KS to AZ. We happened upon a Mobile/RV park and decided to buy a lot and mobile after some agonizing time in the motor home in the summer heat and it was just nice there and that is how we learned about the snowbird/full timer thing. We stayed long term in NC and in AL where we met vacationers, people coming for medical treatment, contractor's that were traveling with their families (some nurses, some construction workers, etc.), military members and all had different time tables. Given a choice, I would prefer to be in a park that wasn't mostly dedicated to people that just sat or were there for the season since it really takes away from the lifestyle and makes it much, much more like sticks and bricks. In the last park, it was nice to have a very small group of people even though sometimes........that you were familiar with because it was still a sense of a "neighborhood" but it was nice to break away for a walk and talk with those that were here today and gone tomorrow which kept the excitement of the lifestyle alive.

We, too, have winter around the corner and put the house on the market last month so we are reviewing our options since only the bargain hunters will be out in a couple of weeks and we are not giving it away. This is the best time of year to purchase an RV and by spring they will be higher. We just figure that for whatever reason this is supposed to be where we belong and when that changes, we'll be off.

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

Trace, I would think twice about tying yourselves down. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. Say, for instance, you get a contract on your house 3 weeks from now. By the time you close, do you really want to sit for 10 more months because you HAVE to? I'm thinking that would wear on your last nerve, especially if your dream of a full time adventure is what has brought this far! Don't give up hope. Good things happen to those who least expect it. In the meantime, just live one day at a time, enjoy it... and don't forget to breathe! Wishing you and Lee all the very best!!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

When staying still the view never changes, the experiences are always the same.

I'm not saying that is bad, but I rather move.

After living the "American dream" my entire life, I no longer wish to be contractually connected with one location.

It is time to get out and GO!!

You have to do what is best for YOU.

-- Edited by Dog Folks on Sunday 31st of August 2014 07:38:19 AM

TheNewhalls · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Trace,

Hope all is well with you and Lee. Eileen and I still laugh at the story's you and Lee told at the Mini Reunion!

We found we like staying longer at one place. You're right, once you have everything out you don't want to pack up again right away (even one chair). Originally we thought we would like to stay three days to a week and then move on. A week is good, but now we're thinking two weeks to a month is better. More time to thoroughly explore an area or visit with family.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Funny thing is that we still get hitch itch and don't like sitting still too long. We have learned to sit still for longer in winter, but the rest of the year there are so many places to visit that we want to keep going. We do not put a bunch of stuff out when we stop, so it is easy to move on.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm still way too new at this to form an opinion, and the very first place I'm at since becoming F/T is for a month (due to medical reasons), but I'm thinking I may like to stay in a place for at least a week or 2. So far, definitely the whole hitching up part is a huge hassle (then again, we've only done it 3 times; perhaps when it becomes second nature it won't be such a big deal), so I can't imagine doing this every night or even every other night. But on the other hand, I'd like to travel and see the country. That's the main reason we chose this lifestyle, and staying in 1 place sort of defeats the purpose.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lee and Trace: I would ask the owners of the park what the shortest period of time to lease or rent would be. If it is 1-3 months then consider. Other thought are you FSBO or have an agent. Ask about them handling the sale and get on the road. As far as the negativity of the neighbors; I find usually it caused by their fear of pulling up their roots; as complacency becomes comfortable; or just maybe some jealousy sets in.
I went to my old hometown this past July. Went to visit a brother and Sis-in-law. First thing out of their mouth was we have not heard form you in seven year! Where in the 7734 have you been? Our phone number is the same as it always been? I said: "Working and camping up until July 2012 and You have my phone # also!" I have also been the one who always visited them; or called you! "Now it's your turn!" I still have not recieved a phone call since i have been home for 5 weeks. Am I wrong; Maybe and when I take another vacation they might see me again!
In my recent update; I am going to sell my old Class C and find a small teardrop or enclosed 12-14 ft. tag-along and get out next Spring and do some camping ands fishing for 3-5 days at a time. Taking it slow and easy getting my health better; then just maybe I will venture a bit further and finish the old bucket list! PIEERE

-- Edited by PIEERE on Sunday 31st of August 2014 10:28:12 AM

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

We love the variety of mixing it up between being in motion and longer stays. After a few months of only being places a week at most... we just plopped down for 2 months in one location.

Some of the things I look forward to in our stationary times:

- Being able to really 'nest' and get things setup. Deploy the outdoor furniture and lights, decorate a bit.
- Catching up on overdue little projects around the house
- Having a stable mailing address to receive packages at
- Getting to know the local businesses and becoming a regular for a short bit
- Getting into a bit of a routine with exercise
- Keeping our car (toad) clean
- Spending more energy on other stuff than making miles, researching campgrounds & routes and deciding where to go next - it allows my creative energy to flow and be productive
- A place where people can come visit us, instead of us visiting them

I know sometime around 6 weeks from now the itch will start. But for now... ahhhhh.
- Cherie

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

When we are traveling we often don't extend the front slide for the night, just park, hook up electric/water, put out bedroom slide, if pull through we don't even unhook the car. In morning 10 minutes and we are on the road. You develop a rhythm when your moving fairly often. We don't put out stuff unless staying 2 weeks or more. Barb

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yesterday we gained a neighbor, who spent a long time getting everything outside. That included a dog pen. They put it all away this morning and left. We see this all the time, people who can spend a couple hours setting up and only staying one night.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Going to try 1 month at a time.. but already see that may be too long for some areas. After the first 6months..I think we will adjust to the area or sights to be seen. Some areas look good, but may just be restaurants and shopping. While that's ok short term.. I could and can do that anywhere..Thats not much of a "adventure" for me..

I did just find a nice little ice cream shop I like though, today..lol

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

My work dictates how long we stay but I can easily see it is much less money to stay on monthly rates vs weekly rates. We are getting weary with the gulf coast area. Been here too long. Nice area but we miss the northern states.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Glenn West wrote:
My work dictates how long we stay but I can easily see it is much less money to stay on monthly rates vs weekly rates. We are getting weary with the gulf coast area. Been here too long. Nice area but we miss the northern states.

blankstare Think you might want to reconsider the Northern States now! The Old Farmers almanac and most (Meteorologists) Weather people are saying we are in for another cold Winter. bleh bleh

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have so much work here now we couldn't make it up there till next spring/summer. Work normally slows down in the gulf area in summer due to the high temps. That when we normally escapee to northern areas. Just hasn't slowed down here in last two years.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are probably the last people to ask the question of because we have been "static" full-timers since a year after we got our Mobile Suites. However, when we were doing our planning and research, it appealed to us to travel to an "area" where we could find some long-term "camping." Our thoughts with regard to being in the condition of actually moving ever so often was to stay in an area from 1 to 6 months and explore the various attractions that we would want to see before moving off to the next "area" and repeating the process.

That is why we've had the idea of keeping a second vehicle for the exploring. An example is my hope of finding a place in south to south central Utah to stay for up to 6 months or more. That would give us time to see all the National Parks in both Utah and northern Arizona. If necessary, some part time jobs would help with the expenses of doing the "exploring" travel. Also, that period of time of sitting would allow us to "squirrel away" funds for when we need to tow the fifth wheel to a new area.

Personally, we have very little to put outside to give us a sense of "home." All we really have are two reclining chairs (although we have 4 additional chairs for visitors) and the Coleman Roadtrip outdoor grill. It takes me longer to moderate the RV Dreams forums than it does to "set up" the outside area, even when considering the troubles I have with setting up those two reclining chairs.

Terry

JackKim · RV-Dreams Family Member

As a newbie, (we have only been on the road 5 month), I have to say that I am getting itchy to move.

We have been in PA for 2 months and will be leaving this spot in a couple weeks. While I have enjoyed the time to visit family and even go to the same church for a while, I have discovered that this is a little longer than I want to be parked in the same place. At least for this first year or two. I find I am not as excited about getting out and exploring as I am when we are more on the move.

We do not usually stay a long time in one place. 5 days is my preference most of the time if we like the place and there is enough places to walk and explore.

But when it comes to family a little longer is sometimes better and sometimes not. I love the flexibility of this life to be able to stay or not. This was a decision made to really give my hubby some time with his siblings here since it is the first time in 10 years we have been back. They are all getting older so you never know what tomorrow brings. And with that said I am grateful we have stayed this long, but very itchy to go.

I am with others when they said not to make any decisions that would not allow you to change your mind. You never know how you will feel tomorrow. But just remember that whatever decision make it is seemly well thought out and you can sometimes only go with your gut on what you should and then deal with it as it comes.

Best of everything to you as you begin this amazing journey!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our schedule varies based on art shows / work. However, we really like 2-4 weeks. We've had 3 different times this year where we've stayed in 1 place for a month and have really enjoyed the time we were able to spend exploring, visiting family / friends, etc.

I really think it makes a difference if you are working. We've been on vacation for the past 12 days and moved 3 times during the 12 days and it was no big deal. However, moving that often when we are both working adds more stress than we like. I recently shared my thoughts on the fact that we're finding we really like 1 month stays.

rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t58429457/staying-a-month-a-new-optimal-time-to-stay-before-moving-on-/

Neil and Connie · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have found that staying a week or maybe 2 is the optimum travel schedule for us with 175-300 miles between stops. That way we get a weekly rate which is cheaper and still have enough time (since Connie works part time remotely for a college back in northern VA) to get out and do some fun stuff. We never do everything in an area. We do stay Nov 1-April 1 in southern FL for the winter and then do the above travel schedule the rest of the year.

Next year we're going back to New England which is closer to FL than the upper midwest where we are now and the northwest where we were last year so I imagine we'll have more 2-3 week stays.

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:
Funny thing is that we still get hitch itch and don't like sitting still too long. We have learned to sit still for longer in winter, but the rest of the year there are so many places to visit that we want to keep going. We do not put a bunch of stuff out when we stop, so it is easy to move on.

After 5 years, we also still move a lot and don't put out much stuff.

We do stop for a few weeks when visiting family etc.

Sue