The Beginning of Our Journey
We’re Jess and Maddy, the faces behind Our Wandering Pack, along with our two adventure-loving dogs, Moia and Dakota. If you had told us a few years ago that we’d be ditching the traditional home setup and hitting the road in a travel trailer full-time, we might have laughed. But here we are, making the leap into a lifestyle filled with adventure, flexibility, and the freedom to explore.
So, why did we choose full-time RV living? It wasn’t an overnight decision. After years of working in the nonprofit sector, feeling burnt out, and craving a lifestyle that aligned with our values, we realized that a travel trailer was the best way to embrace the life we truly wanted. Here’s how we got here and why we made the switch.
The Factors That Led to Our Decision
1. A Desire for More Adventure
We have always been happiest outside. Whether it’s hiking, trail running, or camping, being in nature recharges us. But with traditional jobs and a stationary home, our adventures were limited to short trips and weekends. We wanted more—more mountains, more trails, more sunsets in new places.
RV living allows us to take our home wherever we want to go. No more waiting for vacation days or cramming trips into long weekends. Now, we can wake up to a mountain view one week and a lakeside retreat the next.
2. Escaping Burnout & Embracing Remote Work
Both of us spent years working in the nonprofit world—rewarding, but exhausting. Long hours, emotional labor, and little work-life balance took a toll. We realized we wanted a career shift that allowed us to prioritize our well-being while still doing meaningful work.
Transitioning to remote work gives us the flexibility to travel, set our own schedules, and build a lifestyle that prioritizes our happiness. If you’re considering remote work, some essential tools we’ve found helpful include:
- Portable Laptop Stand – Keeps our work setup ergonomic no matter where we are.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones – Perfect for focusing in campgrounds or coffee shops.
- Booster – A game-changer for staying connected on the road.
3. Financial Freedom & Minimalist Living
Let’s be honest—owning a traditional home is expensive. Between mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance, the costs add up. While RV life still comes with expenses (fuel, campground fees, insurance), it offers us a way to live more intentionally and reduce financial strain.
We also embraced minimalism in the process. Downsizing our belongings felt overwhelming at first, but it’s been incredibly freeing. Now, we only keep what truly adds value to our lives. If you’re in the process of downsizing, these storage solutions helped us stay organized:
- Space-Saving Vacuum Storage Bags – Perfect for storing seasonal clothing and blankets.
- Collapsible Kitchen Gear – Saves cabinet space while still being functional.
- RV-Sized Hanging Organizers – Helps maximize vertical storage in a small space.
4. More Time Together (and With Our Dogs!)
One of the biggest reasons we chose RV life was to spend more quality time together. Our previous lifestyle often felt rushed—long work hours, commutes, and squeezing in time for each other and our dogs. Now, we’re present for the little moments: morning hikes with Moia and Dakota, slow coffee-filled mornings, and uninterrupted time together.
For fellow travelers with dogs, here are some must-haves for making RV life easier with pets:
- Collapsible Dog Bowls – Ideal for travel and hikes.
- Portable Dog Bed – Gives them a cozy spot anywhere.
- Pet GPS Tracker – Provides peace of mind when exploring new areas.
What Excites Us Most About This Journey
🏕️ New Destinations & Unforgettable Experiences
We’ve barely scratched the surface of where we want to go. From national parks to hidden gems, the possibilities are endless. Some dream destinations on our list include:
- Utah’s red rock deserts
- The Great Smoky Mountains
- Cactus Forest
- The entire Blue Ridge Parkway
🛠️ Learning & Growing Along the Way
RV living isn’t always glamorous—it comes with challenges like learning to fix things on the go, handling unexpected weather, and adjusting to life in a small space. But we’re ready to embrace it all, knowing that each obstacle will make us more resourceful and adaptable.
🌎 Sharing Our Journey & Helping Others
One of our biggest motivations for starting Our Wandering Pack is to share our experiences and knowledge with others considering this lifestyle. Through our blog, Instagram, and Pinterest, we hope to inspire and educate fellow adventurers, whether they’re planning a weekend camping trip or transitioning to full-time RV life.
Ready to Follow Along?
We’re just getting started on this adventure, and we’d love to take you along for the ride! If you’re interested in RV living, traveling with dogs, or embracing a more intentional lifestyle, follow us on Instagram (@OurWanderingPack) and Pinterest for real-time updates, tips, and inspiration.
Do you have any questions about RV life or our journey? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to chat!
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Our Wandering Pack 
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