Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

Home is Where the Heart Is- #SundayStills #Lifestyle


Where is your happy place?

Terri Webster Schrandt invites us to share our homes on this week’s #SundayStills challenge. You can see Terri’s photos and join in here.

For many years hubby and I dreamed of downsizing our home to an RV and traveling wherever the wind took us.

In 2012 we bought our 5th wheel garage hauler and began the process of bringing our dream to reality.

Spacious master bedroom with pull-out closet
Marble countertops and stainless steel sinks
Fireplace and entertainment center next to double-door fridge
Garage with full back screen and two dropdown queen-size beds

It took a lot to give up most of our ‘stuff’ in order to downsize to a 45 foot trailer, but we were determined.

We put the house we loved up for sale…

Our home

And gave away or sold our furniture and knick-knacks. I had a beautiful fountain outside (you can just see it at the corner of the house) but it was too big and HEAVY to bring with us. Hubby had a garage FULL of stuff to go through. Mom lived in the basement and made the decision to move with us instead of going to a senior’s apartment (Yay!), so we had to go through her things, as well.

Me on our back deck with a crabapple and lilac in the foreground

Do I miss our home? Yes. We worked hard to make it beautiful. We had the basement renovated for Mom. Ripped up the carpeting and installed gorgeous wood flooring. We removed the old, tired siding and replaced it with fresh, white vinyl siding. The deck and fencing were replaced with stronger, better versions. DH built flower beds front and back and we planted trees. It was our home.

But our dream beckoned…

We made the move to Vancouver Island, bought Mom a trailer so she could have her own space (right next door) and haven’t regretted it for a minute!

It didn’t take us long to fill up the new yard!

40 Replies to “Home is Where the Heart Is- #SundayStills #Lifestyle”

  2. Jacquie, I didnt realize you are a full time RVer! Your previous home looked lovely, but the road beckons many. That is quite the RV you have, it’s huge and you have amazing amenities. I think it is amazing your mom lives next door. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle and home with us! Technically our mfg home could be moved but we own the land. Our 27ft travel trailer will keep us happy on the road. I have a lot of Washington to explore!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lol, it’s in the same place! But we’ve moved to an easier lifestyle and winter is a thing of the past, so we’re happy. In the future, we still have the option to hook on and hit the highway 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  4. We did something similar when we sold our home in Tsawwassen, BC, and moved to a much smaller place in Spain. Now we can explore Europe and have all the sun we ever wanted. (and I love the sun!) Vancouver Island is a great place to live as well.

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  5. I love what you did, Jacquie. I’m not sure I would have the bravery to do it, but I am blown away by your choice. How wonderful to look forward instead of staying cemented in the past. Best of all? I love that your mom went with you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s why we originally made the move, Shalini. My daughter was starting university here on the island, and needed help with caring for our grandson-5 at the time.

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    1. There have been hiccups along the way- it can be chilly during the winter living in a holiday trailer- but we get maybe 2-3 days of snow here compared to 6+ months of it in Alberta. I wouldn’t want to go back to that!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jacqui, How awesome that you realized your dream and your Mom is with you in her own space. When there is a will, there is a way. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Your trailer is so comfortable, Jacquie! I’m glad the decision was easier for you because your mom wanted to come and that you could help out your daughter with your grandson. It’s family that counts, not the location, or the house. Nothing beats no mortgage and no stress. The weather seems to be better for you. Your heart tells you when a right decision is made. ❤ 🙂

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      1. I know what you mean, Jacquie. I worked full time plus a side job most of my life. I missed some precious time with friends. I’m glad we don’t have to worry about writing anymore. 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Your RV is gorgeous Jacquie and I would choose that lifestyle any day. My dream was to live in a tiny home but those dreams were shattered when half my divorce money was stolen. Now I will never have the money to do that BUT for now I’m taking care of my health, as you know it was one thing after another for a while and I just had more surgery so just taking it easy for now. Fortunately I have never been materialistic so living simply has always been a goal of mine. Good for you for bringing your mum along too. ❤️

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  17. Isn’t RV life the best!? My husband and I full-time RV as well and couldn’t be happier. Good for you for following your dreams! 😊

    Liked by 2 people

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