With recent budget changes and a big drop in income, we decided to spend the holidays moochdocking. That’s the RV-world term for parking on family or friends’ property with permission to use their space and sometimes their utilities. It might not sound fancy, but it’s full of heart and it saves a lot of money.

When we first moved into our 2025 Rockwood full-time, we thought the hardest part would be adjusting to the space. Turns out, it was moisture and critters. Both can sneak up fast when you’re living small, and both can make life a lot less comfortable if you ignore them.

We’ve spent the past few months testing solutions, learning what actually works, and sharing it along the way. Here’s what’s helped us keep our camper dry, warm, and pest-free.

When we started preparing to move into our RV, I went into full research mode. I watched countless YouTube videos, dove into Reddit threads, and joined several Facebook groups filled with people already living the RV life. Honestly, I had been following some of those groups for years before we ever made the leap.

This summer, we traded square footage for freedom. We downsized our lives and moved into a 35-foot travel trailer with two dogs, two cats, and a growing sense of adventure. Don’t worry, you’ll meet the whole crew soon enough.

We’re easing into full-time RV living ahead of schedule. Once Pamela wraps up her term on the city council in December, the open road officially becomes home. For now, we’re getting used to life in a smaller space, testing what we truly need and what we definitely don’t. A few trial trips have already taught us plenty about living, packing, and keeping the coffee maker level.