Big Changes: Hello Small Town

The incredible support that we’ve received regarding selling our house and moving into an RV has been nothing short of amazing. We’ve made huge, life-changing decisions in less than a month and sometimes I’ve thought that we’re crazy, so the fact that no one is in agreement with that really puts my mind at ease. We began talking about buying an RV on February 9th and as of today, March 4th, we are under contract with our house, have purchased the RV, and have a date for our huge garage sale. There are still several puzzle pieces that are waiting to find their places but for the first time in a really long time, my hands are off of this situation and Jesus has literally taken ALL the wheels!

Many people assumed that when I said we were moving into an RV and “living small” that it meant we would be starting adventures traveling the country and visiting RV parks all over. As wonderful as that would be, it would defeat the entire purpose of us selling our home and most of our belongings to free ourselves from debt and save money. Most RV parks are around $500 or more per month to stay (still cheaper than a mortgage I suppose!) but that doesn’t include the gas money to get to where you’re going plus other travel expenses that arise. Not to mention we have two German Shepherds that I can’t imagine staying at an RV park with long term. Additionally, my husband’s job requires him to work in a brick and mortar office with hard-wired internet. So, although he works from home, it’s not as remote as people may think.

Our conclusion? Family. My husband’s mom and stepdad live on beautiful acreage in Iowa and they are so gracious to allow us to come and be their neighbors. It checks all the boxes of the things that we need: our dogs will be living their best life, Nick will work inside of their home, there is a perfect place for the RV to be parked and hooked up, a place to do laundry right next to us, no costly monthly fees like an RV park, and we will also have an area to store our belongings that we want to keep for a future home or things that just won’t fit in the RV. I also like to think there might be a mutual benefit here, too, with some extra grandbaby cuddles for them!

Despite all of the perfect things about this move and this beautifully perfect location, it doesn’t make it easy. We will be in southern Iowa, about five hours from where home is now, Springfield, Missouri. It is a small town and I am not a small-town girl. I say that because I thrive off of community like my friendships and our church. I also love being near fun events in the city, having restaurants to choose from, and getting a really good latte. You won’t find that in Keokuk, IA.

But, when you realize your monthly cost of housing will go from around $1,300 (mortgage, utilities, gas, internet, TV) to around $280 (RV loan payment, RV insurance, and utilities) you make the sacrifices for the time being and for the future of your family. We are so incredibly thankful for this opportunity to set our family up for success, whatever that may look like when this season is over.

We also have plans to travel back home monthly to get those lattes and most importantly, to see our friends and family in the Springfield area. I keep saying, “We’ll make it work.” but I realize that sounds a little less than enthusiastic. Since everything has moved so fast, I’m still processing everything and I know it won’t truly set in until we’re on the road to Iowa with our new house in my rearview mirror. I plan to document our journey all along the way because that will bring me some of that community even though it will be online rather than in person. Keep following along for part three for one more change happening for us that we want to share!

Leave a Reply