I have to admit, initially I dealt with a lot of fear and apprehension when it came to renovating my Airstream. I've never taken on a project this large, and I don't know the first thing about it! I'm learning as I go. There has also been the fear of destroying something original. Would I regret it later?
Progress slowed as I spent 2 weeks in California on vacation. I knocked off a few bucket list items, experienced some firsts, explored new parts of the west coast, and since the trip, I am forever changed. I discovered an empowering independence. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what motivated me. It could have been the whole experience, or it could have been the people I met. One instance in particular, I had a conversation with a person who has no idea the impact in which the simplicity of their words inspired and motivated me. It's important to cling to whatever may motivate you to become better. Even if it is the memory of a stranger. Suck it dry of all it's worth. It's important, though, to discern the time to let go and move on to other motivators. Otherwise, it will become your comfort and you will become stagnant. Growth can only happen when you're moving!
While on a layover in DC and with my new found high, I was reminded of my initial dream for the Airstream. I left all that apprehension in DC! So, I developed a plan for renovation. The built-in twin beds had already been removed so that I could use my normal bed. Thus, I continued to remove all the built-ins I did not want. Then, I would be able to prep the walls for painting while replacing the sub flooring in the front and back. Painting the wall panels is going to make a huge difference in the feel of the camper which I'm excited about. Currently, I have removed the built-in couch, closet, wardrobe, side board, and dinette. I've also taken out some overhead storage, all the curtain tracks, spice/medicine cabinets, and sliding accordion doors. Guess what, NO REMORSE! Each piece that leaves the camper brightens my horizon a little more. Currently, I have stuff EVERYWHERE. It's driving me a little mad, but also serves to motivate me to hurry! I now understand why home renovations are so stressful. In addition, I have extremely limited space in the Airstream!
I'm doing as much of the work myself as I can. Removing old crews is easy.. well sometimes they are too rusted for my muscles.. some of the pieces are too heavy for me to carry.. I'm not that great at removing rivets.. so I recruit in help! I love that the people who are willing to aid in this dream are becoming a part of the memory. This Airstream is telling a story and we are the characters.
Progress slowed as I spent 2 weeks in California on vacation. I knocked off a few bucket list items, experienced some firsts, explored new parts of the west coast, and since the trip, I am forever changed. I discovered an empowering independence. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what motivated me. It could have been the whole experience, or it could have been the people I met. One instance in particular, I had a conversation with a person who has no idea the impact in which the simplicity of their words inspired and motivated me. It's important to cling to whatever may motivate you to become better. Even if it is the memory of a stranger. Suck it dry of all it's worth. It's important, though, to discern the time to let go and move on to other motivators. Otherwise, it will become your comfort and you will become stagnant. Growth can only happen when you're moving!
While on a layover in DC and with my new found high, I was reminded of my initial dream for the Airstream. I left all that apprehension in DC! So, I developed a plan for renovation. The built-in twin beds had already been removed so that I could use my normal bed. Thus, I continued to remove all the built-ins I did not want. Then, I would be able to prep the walls for painting while replacing the sub flooring in the front and back. Painting the wall panels is going to make a huge difference in the feel of the camper which I'm excited about. Currently, I have removed the built-in couch, closet, wardrobe, side board, and dinette. I've also taken out some overhead storage, all the curtain tracks, spice/medicine cabinets, and sliding accordion doors. Guess what, NO REMORSE! Each piece that leaves the camper brightens my horizon a little more. Currently, I have stuff EVERYWHERE. It's driving me a little mad, but also serves to motivate me to hurry! I now understand why home renovations are so stressful. In addition, I have extremely limited space in the Airstream!
I'm doing as much of the work myself as I can. Removing old crews is easy.. well sometimes they are too rusted for my muscles.. some of the pieces are too heavy for me to carry.. I'm not that great at removing rivets.. so I recruit in help! I love that the people who are willing to aid in this dream are becoming a part of the memory. This Airstream is telling a story and we are the characters.
BYE BYE BUILT-INS!
A few things I've learned while living in a camper full-time:
If you don't like the neighbors, they will be gone by tomorrow or the next day. Most people aren't long term residents of campgrounds!
In the Winter, keep jugs of water handy in case of a frozen water hose!
Propane really isn't expensive. Keep muscles in tact for the heavy lifting during refills!
Hot water conservation. Necessary with a 10 gallon hot water heater. (I will be replacing that!!)
Organizational skills must be on point!
Let the toilet water run longer than a normal flush. Be sure your friends/guests do the same. It can get messy otherwise.
The importance of keeping up with laundry, dishes, and trash. There's just no room (literally small living space) for error on these types of things!
Hoarding of any sort is bad news. Don't buy or keep anything "in case you want it later." Just don't.
Some of these things may come naturally to you.. if so, HIGH 5! Lucky you!
In the Winter, keep jugs of water handy in case of a frozen water hose!
Propane really isn't expensive. Keep muscles in tact for the heavy lifting during refills!
Hot water conservation. Necessary with a 10 gallon hot water heater. (I will be replacing that!!)
Organizational skills must be on point!
Let the toilet water run longer than a normal flush. Be sure your friends/guests do the same. It can get messy otherwise.
The importance of keeping up with laundry, dishes, and trash. There's just no room (literally small living space) for error on these types of things!
Hoarding of any sort is bad news. Don't buy or keep anything "in case you want it later." Just don't.
Some of these things may come naturally to you.. if so, HIGH 5! Lucky you!
If you're thinking about renovating a camper, it's important to decide if you're going to do so while living in it too. I hadn't originally planned on it, but due to an unfortunate situation at the house I was renting, I decided it was best to go ahead and move into the camper while working on it. Because of this, I had to increase my purchase budget and look for an Airstream in livable condition. In my case, the upside is that some of the renovation work has already been done by the previous owner. If you're not going to live in it during renovation, you can get an older and less expensive camper and do an entire gut job building from the ground up. This type of labor is more expensive and complicated. Whichever route you may go, the end result will be the best result!