Full-Time RV Life: How Living in a Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler Made Me Love Minimalism

When I first made the bold decision to move into a fifth-wheel toy hauler — downsizing from a traditional home and transitioning to life with my boyfriend and our three dogs — even I wondered if I had lost my mind. I help people create Clutter Free Spaces for a living… but could I actually live it full time? Could I run a business, craft daily, work from the road, and feel cozy — all without four traditional walls and a foundation?

The truth is:
✨ Living small became the biggest gift.
✨ Minimalism wasn’t limiting — it was freeing.
✨ And organizing wasn’t harder — it was smarter.

RV life taught me that we don’t need more space; we need the right systems within the space we have.

The Art of Only Bringing What Matters

Full Disclosure: move in day felt very overwhelming at first while I stared at this mess wondering how this is going to ever feel cozy.

Before moving into the RV, I had to face the same question I ask my clients:

“Does this add value, or does it add noise?”

I learned quickly that RV life doesn’t allow you to hold onto “just in case” items.

I brought:
✔ My favorite crafting materials
✔ My laptop and office must-haves
✔ Thoughtfully curated clothing
✔ A realistic amount of decor that sparked joy
✔ Quality items — not quantity

What I left behind were:
✘ Emotionally-charged clutter
✘ Multiples of the same things
✘ The “someday” or “maybe” items

I wasn’t giving up the things I loved — I was finally making room for the life I wanted.

Turning a Toy Hauler Garage Into a Home Office

One of the smartest decisions I made was converting the toy hauler garage into:

🔹 A full office space
🔹 A crafting zone
🔹 A place that inspires creativity and productivity

Most people see the garage of a toy hauler as storage — but I saw opportunity.

With clear stackable bins, wall-mounted tool racks, and labeled drawer inserts, I built a system where everything had purpose and placement. I could create freely without my space becoming chaotic. Work stayed organized. Crafting stayed enjoyable. And just as importantly — it all packed away quickly when we traveled.

Living Small Doesn’t Mean Feeling Cramped

People imagine tiny living as bumping into furniture or stepping over dog toys.
But the truth is… we felt cozier than ever.

Here’s what made our RV feel like home:

🌿 Warm lighting instead of harsh bright bulbs
🪴 Plants (yes — you can have plants in an RV!)
🧺 Neutral baskets that hid clutter beautifully
🏞 Bringing in textures — blankets, rugs, pillows
📍 Thoughtful placement of decor, not clutter

Minimalist doesn’t have to mean cold or empty — it means intentional.

Three Dogs and Two Humans — Making It Work

If you think RV living is tough… try adding three dogs.

Were there adjustments? Definitely.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.

We created “zones”:
🐕 Cozy dog bed area
🐕 A basket for leashes & dog toys
🐕 Hooks for collapsible bowls & gear
🐕 Outdoor rinsing station to keep dirt OUTSIDE

I found that a round/flexible dog bed does not take up as much room, my chihuahuas LOVE being in front of the electric fire 🐶🔥

Pets adapt quickly when their humans are calm, consistent, and organized.

Working From the Road — My Unexpected Treasure

I didn’t expect one of the greatest blessings to be this:

🛣 The world became my breakroom.
Mountains, lakes, coffee shops in new cities — my environment inspired me daily.

Remote work didn't feel isolating — it felt empowering.

There’s something life-changing about sipping your morning coffee under a new skyline and still being “at the office.”

What RV Living Has Taught Me

Living in a fifth-wheel toy hauler has been my proof that:

✨ Space doesn’t define lifestyle — systems do.
✨ You can live smaller and feel bigger.
✨ Organization creates peace — not perfection.
✨ Home is wherever you intentionally create it.

Pro Tip: If you are ever struggling with pantry space in an RV, get stackable clear bins, you can maximize tall cabinet space (but don’t forget top measure your space first!!!) You can find pre-measured clear bins on my Etsy page www.etsy/clutterfreespaces.com

Thinking About Downsizing or RV Living? Here’s My Advice:

Whether you're considering a tiny home, RV, studio apartment, or simply want less clutter:

🔹 Focus on what you truly love
🔹 Build systems that serve your daily life
🔹 Choose organization over storage
🔹 Embrace minimalism — not deprivation
🔹 Make your space feel like YOU

If I can live, work, create, and thrive in a beautifully organized small space with three dogs and a partner — you can too.

Small doesn’t mean lacking.
Small can be peaceful.
Small can be freedom.
Small can be home. 🤍