Living Unencumbered | Minimalism and RV Living in Arizona Heat
Note from the Publisher:
This post was created during a time when I was experimenting with emerging AI tools. As both a business owner and a creative person, I’m always learning and refining how I show up in my work. Since then, my understanding of these technologies—and their impact on artists, labor, and the broader creative ecosystem—has evolved. While I’m leaving these posts as they are to reflect where I was at the time, I no longer use or support generative AI tools that rely on unconsented data or that compromise human-centered creative practices. At Unencumbered Press, we prioritize ethical creativity, fair labor, and the value of human-made art, and future work will reflect those commitments.
A Summer Like No Other in the Valley of the Sun
It has not been just another hot summer in the Valley of the Sun—it’s been a record-breaking season, reshaping what’s considered “normal” in a region already accustomed to extreme temperatures. Triple-digit days were always part of the deal here, but the intensity and duration were unprecedented this summer. Last year, a report from NPR’s Here & Now highlighted that cities like Phoenix are mapping the heat to pinpoint the most affected neighborhoods, exposing how dangerous these conditions have become. This year, the heat feels personal—testing the limits of what the environment and the people can endure. And, of course, this was the summer I moved here from the cool comfort of the Pacific Northwest.
There’s a kind of freedom in living in a 24-foot motorhome parked along a dusty stretch of highway in Mesa, Arizona, during the hottest summer on record. I’ve traded the predictability of walls and a roof for the constant hum of air conditioning, the chime of shaved ice vendors, the clatter of highway traffic, and the distant roar of planes in the sky near Sky Harbor. This is my home now, and it’s nothing like I imagined—but maybe that’s the point.
Downsizing: A Journey of Letting Go
I share this life with my partner of seventeen years. I’ve always had a touch of wanderlust, and he’s always been game to make a move. Downsizing didn’t happen overnight; it evolved gradually through each chapter of our lives. Every move taught us to let go, revealing what we truly needed versus what weighed us down.
We began in a small apartment, then bought a little house and filled it with things we loved. Two years later, we moved from Washington to Oregon, sharing space with roommates before cycling through a series of apartments—followed by a short stint in a house share that didn’t last long.
Over time, we realized how much stuff we were dragging with us, and we started to let go, little by little. Each move nudged us to part with more belongings, peeling back another layer and bringing us closer to a simpler, more intentional life.
The Turning Point: On the Road
A turning point came when we moved from Oregon to Colorado in 2022. We bought an old minivan and converted it into a camper. For six months, we lived on the road, staying with friends and family when we could. That time on the move solidified our desire to live with less. After a year in a hotel provided by my partner’s company, buying the RV felt like the next natural step.
Redefining Home: Living with Intention
For now, we live at the entrance of an RV park on U.S. Route 60. The ground is a stubborn blend of rocks and dust, capped with a deep, uneven layer of gravel. Maneuvering the car is challenging, and leveling the RV is a damn battle. Here, the harsh terrain bakes under the sun and radiates heat back into the air. When rain does fall, it’s fleeting, almost evaporating before it reaches the earth. Tall, slender palms line the park’s main road—lazy sentinels offering little shade or respite from the unforgiving desert.
Our evolving lifestyle is driven by some necessity, a ton of curiosity, and a craving for something different. In questioning our possessions, we’ve reimagined daily life and learned to focus on what living means.
Living in the RV requires creativity and resilience. Space is a luxury; every inch counts. I’ve learned to cook in the tiniest kitchen. I own substantially fewer books than ever and exactly three pairs of shoes. I have discovered that you don’t need an iron or martini glasses to live comfortably. This lifestyle is far from glamorous, but it’s deeply rewarding in its simplicity.
And as the mornings stay cool just a little longer and the sun dips out a bit sooner each evening, the intense grip of summer finally feels like it’s letting go.
People ask me what it’s really like to live in an RV, usually with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. I hear comments like, “Oh wow, you must really like each other,” or more pointedly, “I could never do that.” Their remarks often reveal unspoken assumptions about space, comfort, and closeness that this lifestyle demands.
It’s true—living in a small space means constant compromise, adapting to tight quarters, and being comfortable with each other’s presence in the most intimate ways. But it also means stripping life to its essentials, finding joy in shared adventures, and redefining home.
Do I miss the comforts of a traditional house? I miss the bathtubs! But what I’ve gained outweighs anything I’ve lost. Living this way has replaced much of my attachment to “stuff” with space and room to breathe.
Lessons Learned
After less than 90 days of living in a 24-foot motorhome under the relentless Arizona sun, we’ve learned some hard lessons. If you’re considering RV life in the Southwest, here are a few insights we’ve picked up along the way:
- Never Leave the Awning Out
One Saturday morning, we were getting on the freeway for an escape to Flagstaff when we realized we’d left the awning out. We shrugged it off, thinking it would be fine—we’d be back the next day. When we returned, the awning was mangled from a windstorm. Never leave it out—no exceptions. - Be Prepared to Install a Second AC Unit
The standard AC units aren’t built for this kind of extreme heat and unbearable conditions, so we installed a second unit. It was expensive but necessary and has made a world of difference. - Secure Everything Before You Drive
Anything can become a projectile on the road. We’ve learned to secure everything with bungee cords and padding to avoid items flying around while driving. - Know Your Plumbing
There’s a lot of nonsense happening underneath, so it’s essential to set aside time to study the manual and understand the RV’s plumbing. - Find Your Favorite Places
As the weather cools, I’m motivated to create an outdoor space that extends our living area beyond the RV’s walls. Until then, I’ve located the nearby gyms, picked my favorite laundry mat, become familiar with the local libraries, and know where to catch live music and get the best pizza in town.
Embracing a Mindset of Minimalism and Freedom
Have you lived the RV life, or are you curious about it? Got burning questions, tips, or stories from the road? Whether you agree, disagree, or just want to share your own experiences with downsizing and embracing minimalism, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
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