Once you’ve been bitten by the RV bug, you just might find yourself dreaming about pulling up anchor and cutting the ties that hold you down full-time. And for many of RVers, that’s exactly what they do.
The full-time RV lifestyle doesn’t have to be a fantasy—but you do need to plan for it. If you’re ready to make the switch, here’s what you need to prepare for full-time RVing.
Dream a Little Dream
There are all kinds of ways to do full-time RV living. Do some daydreaming and brainstorming and write down everything you want your full-timing lifestyle to be.
- What will you do with possessions that you’ll leave behind—including your house?
- Will you need to earn an income while you’re full-timing? How will you do that?
- Do you have a bucket list of destinations to see?
- How much will you be traveling?
- Which is more your style: an RV resort or boondocking?
- Will you full-time indefinitely, or just for a time?
Get the Right RV
You might think that bigger is better if you’re full-timing, but a larger RV could actually make it more difficult for you. Different kinds of RVs are better for different kinds of full-timing lifestyles. For example, if you’ve got a 40-footer, it might be more RV than you want to handle, and many campgrounds won’t accommodate your motorhome. You’ll also have travel restrictions.
Consider what kind of lifestyle you want, how many people you’ll be traveling with, and how much room you actually need. Visit as many RV shows as possible to see what’s available, and talk to a trusted RV dealer who can advise you on the right kind of motorhome to fit your needs.
Assess Your Assets
Don’t try full-time RVing if you’re not financially prepared for it. Before you make the commitment, assess your financial situation and figure out what kind of lifestyle you can afford. How healthy are your finances? What will your budget be? Will you need to keep a job?
Check out RV-Dreams.com for some terrific resources to help you plan out your full-timing finances.
Get Your House in Order
Declare Your Domicile
Full-time RVing lets you live where you want, when you want. But you’ll still need to declare a state for your domicile. Don’t get this confused with your residence. Your domicile determines where your motorhome is registered, what state issues your plates and driver’s license, and what your insurance is under. It also has income tax implications.
Update Your Insurance
When you’re full-timing, your RV isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your home. You’ll need insurance that can keep up. Make sure you have full-time RV insurance (required by law) that covers you adequately.
Manage Your Mail
No matter how far off the grid you go, you’ll still need to get mail. But the less you need to deal with, the better. Schedule as many of your bills for online payment as you can. And use a mail forwarding service to make sure you never miss an important delivery.
Do Some Soul Searching
Making the switch to full-time RVing is a big lifestyle change and you will need to prepare emotionally for the change. You’ll be leaving friends and family, your community, your home, and most of your possessions—not to mention your way of life! Spend some time prepping yourself for the changes:
- Life will be more fluid and less predictable—and you’ll have more freedom to do the things you love
- You’ll say goodbye to your community—and hello to new ones
- Your kids will be with you in a small space 24/7—and you’ll get to invest into them in amazing ways
- You’ll need to detach from your stuff—and you’ll find worthier attachments
- New kinds of problems will pop up unexpectedly—and you’ll grow in your knowledge and skillset
Make the House Handoff
Most full-timers sell their home when they hit the road, but that’s not always the best option. If you’ve got a lot of debt or need to pad your finances, selling your house might be the right way to go. If the house is paid for, you could consider renting it while you’re gone—especially if you plan to return at some point.
Purge Your Possessions
This may be the hardest part of preparing for full-time RVing, but just keep thinking about how freeing it will be to cut your ties from the things that hold you down. Many full-time RVers are surprised how little they really need—and how little they miss the stuff they got rid of. You might even find yourself doing a second purge sometime after you’ve started your new life.
If you need to take baby steps, that’s okay. Get rid of all the stuff you know you won’t need, and put the rest in storage. After a year, go back and empty out everything you don’t miss.
Hit the Road, Jack!
And dontcha come back no more. You’re ready to embark on your next great adventure! Have fun, and don’t forget to write.
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