The Beginning

 

 In the Beginning

What started out as a concept on Thursday, turned into reality on Sunday. My husband and I purchased a 5th wheel that we would not call our home for the next several years. It was extremely fast and slightly unplanned but overall we are very happy with our choice, and become happier as the trailer comes to life with us!

I have decided to start a blog, because in my adventure thus far (which as only been 5 days), blogs have been the greatest source of information for information about living in a trailer or RV year round.

Context

Here is a bit of context to assist you in determining if small living, specifically RV style, is appropriate for you. My husband and I live in Alaska and intend on living here for a few more years until I am accepted into a Neuropsychology PhD program. We are unsure of where we will end up as there are several programs I am interested in. Further, we are uncertain if we will stay in the city after I get my degree.

Variables at Play

With the general context set in place my husband and I began talking about looking into apartments because we are currently living with his parents. One of the greatest issues with Alaska is the cost of living. The most disgusting apartment in the worst part of the city will still run you approximately $1,000 with only some utilities included. To make matters even more difficult we have a cat, which no where allows pets. Plus, I must admit, that I am extremely picky when it comes to my living situation. I want tons of counter space, we must have a washer/dryer, and dishwasher. To get the perfect apartment we were looking at, at least $1,500 excluding utilities. This was not possible as we both make less than $20 hourly and were interested in saving for a house, however, with knowing that we would be moving shortly it is impractical to purchase a house.

Last week, we began talking about purchasing a fifth wheel for our move in order to make life a bit easier on us. We stopped in at an RV dealership and began the hunt, determining important aspects that we both required for a fifth wheel, especially if we were going to be living in it for several months. During this same time, my parents were in the process of looking at an RV in which they were planning on living, permanently.

After seeing several fifth wheels, my husband and I had several requirements listed, including washer/dryer, large kitchen, and a garage. Most of these amenities come standard in a house but definitely not for a trailer.  We talked about how much we would spend and decided that $40,000 would be an appropriate amount but we would likely not be able to get a toy hauler (garaged trailer). Most toy haulers, even used, were upwards of $75,000. I was not very happy.

Finding Our Fit

One evening, as I lay in my soft warm bed searching items on my phone. I decided to pull up craigslist. There was trailer after trailer with many different features. Some trailers were ugly with rotting insides, while others were far more extravagant  than one could imagine. Then I saw it. The perfect trailer! It was beautiful! I could see it's overall robustness and all important pull outs. I was in love, there was just one issue was it as amazing in person?

After talking with my husband we decided to meet with the owner and look at the trailer. The next day we were out viewing it. In a matter of moments we decided to purchase the trailer, however, we were racing another couple who had also agreed to purchase it but had not provided the money. I said a quick prayer as we raced to the bank. Within 20 minutes...WE HAD OUR HOME! It felt amazing to know that we had just purchased our first home. I felt no fear, it was right, it was perfect!

The overall cost was only $5,000 over our budget, but... the trailer was worth $10,000 more than we paid!!!!! :)  PS: it's a 2009 Keystone Fuzion 403

Finding Your Fit

Now our story worked out pretty darn well. Within less than a week we had discussed, looked, and purchased our trailer. It is not likely that it will occur for you in this amount of time, or at this stage in your life. It is most definitely a commitment in many ways, financially (although cheaper than a house or apartment), relationally, and space. Here are several things to consider:

• What are absolute necessities you are looking for in your tiny home?
• Once looking, are there any new things to consider?
• Is it what is best for you financially?
• Are you willing to live in a small space and become ninja organizer? 
• What aspects of a trailer are you willing to compromise on?  (For example, I could compromise not having a garage, but was not willing to give up a large kitchen).
• If you purchase a trailer will you be staying at a year round RV park, purchasing land, traveling, or staying on a family or friends property?

These are a few thins my husband and I thought about before purchasing and they may help you make your decision as you begin to look at what your future plans, and goals are.

Anyways, I most definitely need to sign off; Ive been to excited to sleep this past week :D

Good luck on your tiny endeavor!
Victoria