Melissa Ann Goodwin

Melissa Ann Goodwin

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Living Small

Our RV (currently under construction at the Nexus plant in Elkhart, Indiana) will be a 31 foot Class C. Class C means that it's on a truck chassis - in this case, a Ford truck. Class A's are the ones that look like buses - it's not one of those.  I think there is about 400 square feet of living space in our RV.

You can check out the floor plan HERE.

We are biding time in an apartment here in Santa Fe. The apartment, which  we fondly (sort-of) refer to as the Tiny Little Unit (TLU) has about 850 sq. feet. It's a perfectly decent little place, but not very efficient, functionally speaking. So even though the RV will have HALF as much space as the TLU, I think the RV will actually feel more roomy because it is so well-designed. The kitchen area especially will feel like a dream compared to the TLU. Plus it's a lot prettier inside the RV, which has cherry cabinets made by an Amish carpenter from the Elkhart area. It's Amish country there - did you know that? I didn't!

It's a challenge to skinny your life and your lifestyle down to what it will take to live - and still be comfortable - in such a small space. But we are challenging ourselves to be minimalistic. I'm already having fun outfitting the kitchen with things like lightweight mixing bowls that nest, and a collapsible collander and measuring cups. I shall be the Queen of Kitchen Efficiency!

And I figure that if I save some weight in the kitchen, I'll be able to bring more of my shoes  ....

A GIRLS GOTTA HAVE HER SHOES :-)

25 comments:

  1. I find small spaces very satisfying. I cooked for many years in a huge kitchen with hardly any counter space. I did most of my work on the pullout breadboard. Now with a bigger prep area, I still work in a couple of square feet. Meeting the challenge of not having clutter is a little more difficult :)
    Can't even imagine walking in some of those shoes!

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  2. Stephanie, I like cozy too. I always think I want a big house, but when it comes time to choose, I always pick something where I feel more enclosed and sheltered. It's comforting. I actually think I'll like the cozy environment of the RV very much.

    I feel the same way about those shoes!

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  3. Small spaces carefully designed can be very relaxing. I'm sure you can't wait to move into your new home. Then the world is your oyster:-)

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  4. Hi jabblog - I think it will be a delight after the TLU.

    Karen - we've done a pretty good job of it! The "good" stuff is in storage, but much much much has gone. No, they're not my shoes :-) I probably have 10 pair altogether, boots included, that MUST come. Because you need options!!

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  5. I'm sure you'll have a great time on the road. My CP is just coming off years of living in two different motorhomes. The bus kind. She's as excited to be coming back to a house after living her dream. Now it's time for you to live yours. Enjoy!

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  6. Thanks Carol - and I look forward to settling into a home - somewhere - on the other end of the journey, though there is no final destination set!

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  7. I look forward to hearing more about your adventure! And no way, are those really your shoes?

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  8. LOL just read your response to Karen who had the same question I did about the shoes!

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  9. Well DW - I've been meaning to mention this to you so perhaps now is the time since you have brought up the subject. Our 31 foot RV only has about 300 square feet.
    I'm planning on keeping my clothes in a roof top carry unit on top of the car or the RV since you have given claim to all the closet space - all 1 of them. I think you may have to leave 25 or 30 pairs of shoes at home. I can suggest a few if you have a problem picking and choosing. DH :>)

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  10. DH, I don't think I'll need to leave behind any shoes. We can put them where you would have put your tools. Not a problem.

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  11. Wow, what a shoe collection! Your RV trip sounds so exciting and I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures. Thanks for stopping by and for following my blog! It's nice to meet you!

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  12. Hi Marguerite - really, those aren't my shoes! Those heels are WAAAY too much for me. Thanks for returning the visit :-)

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  13. Nice motorhome! And I LOVE your shoe closet. Is your middle name Imelda? ;)

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  14. Anonymous1/04/2012

    I'm looking forward to your journey; this sounds like a fascinating way to live!

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  15. So, whose shoes are those?? I couldn't believe that a writer would have enough time to even buy that many!! :)
    I love small, cozy places, too. We keep talking about downsizing and I do believe this will be the year we really move. I can't wait!

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  16. How did you get a pic of my shoe closet? Just kidding. I wish!
    Whenever I see those practical nesting bowls and measuring cups I wish I had a need for them. They're seriously cool. Enjoy your RVing!

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  17. Hi Donna - yes that is definitely an Imelda shoe closet - but it's not really mine :-)

    Rachel, I can't wait for it to begin. I feel like there will be so much to chat about!

    Becky - more like a writer wouldn't have enough money to buy them ;-)

    Emily - I get a kick out of that nesting stuff too. I'll have to do a Youtube video demonstrating all my very cool RV kitchen stuff.

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  18. My shoe world has expanded just in the past two years. I don't get much above a kitten heel though. What a wonderful adventure you have ahead, I look forward to reading about it. Cheers!

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  19. It must be so exciting knowing that this RV is being built just for you!

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  20. Hi Sally and Paul!

    Sally - nothing over 2 inches - max for me anymore

    Paul, yes, I love that it will be NEW.

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  21. What a wonderful journey you will soon be going on. I will be along for the ride. You sure do love shoes! LOL! Nice to meet you.

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  22. Hi Siv Maria - thanks for coming along!! Pleased to make a new friend

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  23. Your RV is bigger than most apartments in NYC! lol

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  24. Bobby - I guess that's true. That's how I'll think of it - as my roving NYC flat! xo

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  25. Anonymous1/08/2012

    You can always eat out or order in...that would be my first choice.
    Thanks for dropping in on the tormented scribe. Feel free to drop in on my other two blogs, youngish and thefeatherednest.

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