Tips & tidbits from a newbie Fulltimer

[Cherylv]

Well we haven't been at this very long, but I have learned a few things and am hoping other FTers will jump in with their tips & tidbits too
Here are some of mine:

1. The only thing we have stored (with our son) is a file box with duplicate files/info that would be important if our MH went up in smoke.

2. Have ample fire extinguishers and don't cook bacon in the oven (like I used to in my S/B) so your MH doesn't go up in smoke...yep, I started a fire in the oven cooking bacon

3. If your budget isn't tighter than a size 14 body in a pair of size 6 jeans, then don't force the boondocking thing until you really have the bugs worked out and know what you are doing a bit. It can cause a lot of stress which defeats the whole purpose of leaving the rat race to reduce stress and heal body, mind, and soul which is our goal.

4. Family and friends who still live in S/B houses know EXACTLY where you should hurry up and go, do, or see...do and see whatever YOU want at your own pace or you will end up feeling like this

5. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the best convenience since sliced bread and ready made tortillas...we would probably starve to death without them since I don't cook much anymore

6. Get a lot of practice driving your rig and toad before you go anywhere near the 1 and/ parts of the 101 (west coast)

7. Be prepared to laugh at yourself and each other on a daily basis Life is just too short not to...happy trails

[Wanabee FTer]

If you plan to full time with your spouse, it helps if you are also best friends

[RickO]

That's some good advice Cheryl but Wannabe really hit the biggest one right on the head IMHO. If you're going to live with someone 24x7 in <350 sq ft you'd better at least be best friends.

Next, I would list a variation of one of yours. Everyone we know... once they got past telling us how crazy and irresponsible we were being... had suggestions on where we should go and what we should see. It took us a while to get out of the "vacation" mode and to develop a mindset that we were actually "living" in many different locales and could live there as long as we liked before moving on.

Rick

[Cherylv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO That's some good advice Cheryl but Wannabe really hit the biggest one right on the head IMHO. If you're going to live with someone 24x7 in <350 sq ft you'd better at least be best friends. Rick

Lucky for me that Wannabe just happens to be my best friend and soul mate...oh yea, we're married too

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherylv Lucky for me that Wannabe just happens to be my best friend and soul mate...oh yea, we're married too

And you left the best friend tip off of your list?

Rick

[Barbaraok]

Good list, but some of the things left with your son should be the originals, like wills, while you carry copies. You can get things overnight if you really need them. Passports and rabies certificates for animals should be with you. Also, make sure to make a bootable hard drive for your computer with all backups that are critical. Back up financial data to an offsite secure location.

Barb