There is something wildly satisfying about the first swing of a hammer.
Demo Day #1 has officially begun for ME Gone RVing Adventures, and I can honestly say it went faster and better than we planned. When you start tearing into an RV, you never really know what you’re going to uncover. Hidden screws. Strange wiring choices. Mystery adhesives from 2006. But this time? Things moved.
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Our goal was ambitious. We ripped out the couch, the dinette section, the entire three-bed bunkroom, and all of the old aged molding. On top of that, we removed outdated hardware, knobs, fan blades, basically anything that screamed “mid-2000s RV.”
And let me tell you… that couch was a BEAST.
It fought us every step of the way. Bolted. Wedged. Determined to stay. But once it finally came out, we stood there looking at each other like we had just conquered something big. Not only did the space instantly feel more open, but we also dropped some serious weight. When you’re planning long-term travel and solar upgrades, weight matters. Every pound we remove now gives us more flexibility later.
After demo, though, comes the reality check.
The RV looks… ugly.
There’s no sugarcoating it. It looks torn apart and tired. But strangely, I love that stage. Because the ugly stage means progress. It means I’m not just dreaming about transformation, I’m doing the work. Every exposed wall and missing trim piece is proof that we are building something intentional.
I’ll be taking a couple of days off before the next phase begins. Then it’s time for prep mode: plastic, taping, sealing, cleaning, getting ready to paint the entire RV.
White is the color for now.
I want a clean, bright, fresh canvas. White opens up a space and reflects light beautifully, especially in an RV where every inch counts. The cabinet color? I’m still deciding. I’m allowing myself time to dream before committing. This isn’t a rush job. This is our long-term home on wheels. Every decision needs to feel right.
One upgrade I’m especially excited about is adding butcher block to all of the counters. There’s something warm and grounding about real wood. Paired with white walls, I think it’s going to create that cozy-modern feel I’m envisioning, practical for full-time living but still inviting.
Now, let’s talk about the wish list.
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| Our NEW Shower Head |
I wish we could replace the stove this year. I wish we could replace the refrigerator too. Both are big-ticket expenses, and while they’re absolutely part of the long-term plan, they’re not happening just yet. They’ll get done either at a later date or when extra cash flow shows up, whichever comes first. (We’re open to blessings and side hustles over here.)
This remodel isn’t about maxing out credit cards to get it done fast. It’s about doing it smart. We’re picking and choosing intentionally. We’re building slowly and wisely because this RV is not a flip. It’s not temporary. It’s our long-term travel home.
And speaking of long-term changes… our new mattress arrived.
We’ve always slept in a full-size bed. Always. We’re that kind of couple, we love being squished together. The queen mattress is going to feel huge. I joked that we might have to meet in the middle on purpose. But in all seriousness, better sleep on the road matters. If we’re going to travel and live this lifestyle fully, rest has to be part of the equation.
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One of the most meaningful parts of this process for me is that my husband is letting me do the remodel myself. He trusts my vision. He trusts my work ethic. But I had to promise something important: if it gets too hard, I will ask for help or hire help.
And I will.
There’s strength in doing it yourself. But there’s also wisdom in knowing your limits. This project is too important to let pride get in the way of quality or safety.
Right now, the RV looks rough. Torn apart. Unfinished. But I’m grateful for that. Because every messy stage makes me appreciate the final product even more. Every hour of sanding, removing trim, scraping adhesive, and prepping walls builds a deeper connection to this space.
We aren’t just remodeling an RV.
We’re building the foundation for future miles.
For solar-powered living.
For adventures with our three cats.
For mornings with coffee at new trailheads.
For community on the road.
For a life lived intentionally.
The ugly stage is temporary.
The vision is permanent.
And this is only Demo Day One.
