Life on the road may be a dream for some, but not for the Garcia family. Molly and Jaren Garcia, together with their three children, choose to embrace full-time RV life over their house in Joshua, Texas. After selling their three-bedroom, two-bathroom home and downsizing their goods, the Garcias embarked on their full-time RV adventure in 2019.

The family has subsequently gone to 25 states and are currently in their sixth RV, a 44-foot motorhome, after beginning with a Coachman Chaparral. “We’ve cracked the freedom code for us,” Jaren Garcia, 30, said. Everyone has their own definition of what freedom means to them, but I believe we made a good choice.” Domestic travel has increased since the outbreak, especially via camping and RV travel to escape crowds.

Jaren worked in sales and traveled often for business before becoming a full-time RVer. The Garcias chose to undertake this life adjustment as a family in order to spend more time together and have more control over their schedules. “We were trying to figure out how we were going to live our lives apart,” Molly, 29, added. For example, I was at home with the kids while he went out of state.

He’d only come home for a few days a month at first, then for months at a time, and I’d think to myself, ‘Well, I don’t really care for being at home by myself anymore.’ I’d rather be with you even if it means traveling in an RV.'” And so began the Garcias’ once-in-a-lifetime adventure with children Lillie, 13, Jaxton, 9, and Willow, 5.

However, full-time RV life is not a permanent vacation. Molly homeschools her three children and generates material for the family’s blog as well as social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Jaren is the designated driver and works as an independent insurance adjuster after leaving sales. The family also has a side business, having just flipped a 1950s home.

Fortunately, the kids have adjusted well to full-time RV life. “They adore it.” We asked them, ‘Do you want to go back and live in the house?’ Do you want to go to school?’ ‘No, no, we like this,’ they say.” Molly stated. Family costs have also decreased significantly. The Garcias spent roughly $3,000 per month prior to their full-time RV living experience.

The family’s current living expenses, including food, are about $1,000 per month. “When we first began, we lived at an RV park for the full month and it was $650 per month and then we paid power and water, which was approximately $130 per month, so we were close to $800 and then we would pay for our RV payment and then we didn’t have a vehicle payment,” Molly said.

The Garcias have also adapted each of their RVs to their specific requirements throughout the years. “You may purchase a $5,000 RV or a $500,000 RV, it all depends on the individual,” Jaren said. “It’s similar to having a house, but you have to understand that you could sell your home for a decent price and then purchase your RV cash and know, OK, my home is paid for.” I’m fine. So it all depends on the individual, but I wouldn’t say it’s inherently cheaper since your gasoline expenses have increased.

This will be somewhat more costly.” The majority of meals are prepared at home, and the family continuously decides what they want to do and what items they need. Living in an RV full-time necessitates constant downsizing. “When you start into RVing, bringing a lot of weight inside your RV will weigh it down. You’ll spend more money on petrol, and you could damage something in your RV since it’s so heavy.

So, going through everything and truly going through everything is a process,” Molly said. The Garcias’ flexibility to roam around enables them to focus generating unique family experiences. Full-time RVC life has taken them to several national parks, museums, zoos, and libraries. The temptation to spend a little more is always there, but the family attempts to keep their spending moderate and on budget.

“A lot of people can make it cheaper,” says Molly. You can still boondock, and you can buy a Thousand Trails membership [which provides campsites and RV parks to members] and stay for two weeks or more for free because you’ve spent a certain amount every year. You may stay with a friend or family member, so there are options for how to save money.” Full-time RV living may not be for everyone, but it is a lifestyle that individuals may experiment with to see whether it works for them.