Are you ready to join the thousands of people who have made the switch to a life of RV living? It ain’t just for retirees anymore! Especially in this age where solo travelers, couples, and even entire families are making a living remotely and so have the freedom to travel more. Not only that, but there’s a big movement going on where people are giving up most of their material possessions in favor of a “less is more” lifestyle.
With just an RV and the open road, life is yours to live the way you want. But while full-time RV living is fun and adventurous, the decision to transition from a traditional lifestyle should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider (are you prepared to cook in a tiny kitchen?), time away from extended family and friends, not to mention the financial considerations. Full-time RV living is truly a lifestyle.
We’ve broken down some of the big-picture things to consider when making the switch to the wonderful world of RV living.
Your RV Should Reflect Your Needs
If you already own an RV, take stock of its size and features to determine whether you can live full time in it comfortably. If not, now’s the time to go shopping! A common misconception is that in order to live in one it needs to be a massive Class A model. Not so! You can certainly go smaller, depending on your situation. Consider these factors:
- Where will you be traveling? How often? If you prefer lots of mobility, a Class B motorhome may be the perfect fit. If you see yourself spending a lot of time in one spot, such as RV resorts and campgrounds, then a Class A may be better for you. Of course, within each class of RV motorhome, there are many different layouts and styles to choose from. If you want the space of a Class A but the freedom of a Class B, consider a large travel trailer or fifth wheel – it provides the best of both worlds.
- Will you be earning a living on the road? If you need to earn an income, this will weigh heavily on your decision. Class A motorhomes are ideal for setting up a space for a mobile office, perfect for telecommuting from your laptop. However, if you plan to earn money work camping or doing seasonal work, then this may not be much of a concern.
- How many people will be living the RV life with you? You’ll want to make sure there’s enough space for everyone – nothing kills relationships more than not having enough space! A family of four will be difficult to comfortably fit in a Class B, so if you are living with 2 or more people, consider a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, Class A or Class C motorhome.
- Once you’ve chosen your RV, make sure you know it inside and out! Have a professional go through the basics of its upkeep. Know how to fix minor problems and how to maintain all of its systems.
Sorting Out the Finer Details
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and bought your RV. Our advice? Don’t jump into full-time RV life head first! Take a week-long trip, come back home. Then a little later, take a month-long trip. Ease into it.
What will you do with your current home? If you rent, it’s easy to move on. If you own, consider whether you want to sell, or perhaps rent it out to cover the cost of your mortgage or even make some extra rental income.
Then there is the matter of all your worldly possessions. This is the fun part and where you can get all ‘Marie Kondo’ on your stuff! Be prepared for this to be a complete cleansing exercise. Sort out what clothes and other personal items you will need to bring with you for your new RV life. Have a massive garage sale! Then gift or donate everything else, put it in storage, or leave with a trusted family member or friend.
Then, do the following:
- Update your RV insurance to “full-time” status and update your address. Many full-time RVers have a PO box somewhere or make arrangements with a family member as to their mailing address.
- Take your RV in for routine maintenance. This is essential to keep it in tip-top shape. Your pre-transition checklist should include checking: the engine, plumbing systems, generator, and air conditioning system.
- Sort out your financials. If you haven’t done so already, set up your bank accounts for online mobility. Most banks and credit unions have this option now; it’s so easy to make transactions on the road.
Transitioning to RV life can be exciting if you do it right! Once you hit the road full time, have a concrete plan for at least the first few weeks on where you will go. Spring and summer are the best times to transition because the weather is warmer and you have tons of destination options.
Whether you decide to transition to full-time RV life or just want to try it out, come to Campers Paradise for the perfect RV lifestyle setting!