Becoming a Full-Time Rv'er is a HUGE decision to make. It's one that you and your partner must agree upon. However there are a few that want to travel full time, but just can't make the commitment to do it. They can't give up some things in life.

It can be a big sacrifice for some and a big adventure for others. When Brian and I decided to become full time Rv'ers the first year was the hardest on us. I still had teenage daughters (that made the decision to live with their biological father) and Brian had a house that he rebuilt from scratch. So for us to make that leap of faith, took a lot of strength, and we knew the first year out would either break us or make us.

Well, after 9 years (almost 10), I think you can figure out that we made it. We feel that we have bonded closer than ever. We have had some tough times-no doubt about it. But through trial and error, we have gotten a lot closer.

You should NOT become Full Time Rv'ing if : You have your mother's antique china and you just can't find yyourself parting with it. Yes, you could put it in a storage unit, but taking it with you on the road, might not be a good idea. All roads are not smooth as molasses and chances are they could break. Besides where would you put the china hutch? Sorry, no room in RV's!

We have met folks on the road, that have remodified their rigs to allow them to take a few sentimental things with them. We also have met folks that just couldn't part with their household items, therefore they put it all into storage units. Storage Units are great and it gives you the chance to keep your belongings. But some things to think about:

• Depending on where you live and your climate, a storage unit could cause long term affects on your property. If you live in a very wet climate, chances are your belongings in the storage unit could develop mold and mildew; therefore ruining your things. If you live in a very dry area, and you store lots of wooded items, chances are the wood could become very dry and start cracking.
• You could get a climate control storage unit-but they are much more pricey!
• Another thing to consider is your storage unit critter proof? Mice can find their way into just about anyplace! And what about some dangerous spiders who love to hide?
• Is your storage unit safe from thieves? Some storage units have no fencing and easy access for break-ins. There are storage units out there that are fenced and you need a code to get in. But in reality is your stuff still safe

You should NOT become Full Time Rv'ing if : You have a very strong bondage with your children and grandchildren and you just can't part with them for long periods of time. It could get very costly if you are on one coast and you have to rush back to the other coast just to catch your grandchild play a sport.

You should NOT become Full Time Rv'ing if : You just cannot part with your home.

We have met folks that have either rented their home to either a family member or to total strangers. Nice idea and makes good extra income money for you, BUT here are some things to consider:

• Can you trust the family member to take good care of your place while on the road? Even your most trusted child can create havoc on your home!
• If renting to complete strangers-have you had them screened to make sure they are not dealing drugs or maybe an ax murder?
• If renting your place out; make sure you have a written legal bonding agreement between you and the party you are renting your home to (yes, even if it's your favorite son/daughter). Also make sure there is a stipulation in it, about when you choose to stop traveling and want your home back.

You could just close it up. But next question is:

• Who is going to keep an eye on it for you and contact you when something happens?
• Is it safe from burglars?
• Who is going to mow the yard or rake the leaves or remove the snow? Better yet, how do you pay them?

You should NOT become Full Time Rv'ing if :You are still taking care of an elder family member. You would feel awful if you took off, and something happen to the one you are taken care of. Short trips would be the wise idea in this scenario.

Now mind you, Brian nor I are not experts, but since becoming full timers ourselves, we have met many folks with different scenarios to the ones that I just given you.

One couple sold their home to their child, with the agreement that the parents would be allowed to park on the property at various times. Before too long, a feud started and all became a total mess and their bonding was gone.

Another couple's children was to keep an eye on their place. One winter more snow than average fell and upon returning home, they found the roof had totally collapsed, causing it to be a total loss for them. If the kids have been checking on the home, they would have known that the roof would need to be raked to remove the snow.

So you see, you always cannot depend on love ones and when doing so, could cause more problems in the long run....

Until next time-HAPPY CAMPING!!