Want to Live in an RV Full-Time? Here’s How

So you’re ready to take the leap into living on the road full-time? Nothing but your own imagination to limit the things you do and see. Less tying you down to any one location and more freedom each month than the average person gets in an entire lifetime? Awesome. Here’s what you need to know to actually pull it off.

Start Way In Advance

It’s going to take time to get everything ready to go, and the more months or weeks you have to put things in order, the better for you and anyone who will be living with you. You have more stuff than you realize you do. Read that again.

No matter how minimalist you think you are, there is stuff you need to get rid of. Do your best to donate or resell items that have a second life in them to reduce the amount of landfill waste you’re contributing to (that extra money is great for gas or the occasional restaurant stop when you’re going insane with your limited options from having a smaller than usual fridge). It’s a great idea to go room by room and whittle your possessions down. Use only two drawers in your dresser or a third of your closet space as a test of your ability. Try limiting the kitchen storage and refrigerator storage you let yourself use to get in the habit of buying less and using less. When struggling to get rid of items, ask yourself if you’d rather have more space in the RV or the clown lamp you bought in college. More space is going to win fairly often.

It is completely okay as well to put some things in storage. Maybe you have some family heirloom furniture made by your great grandfather that you want to keep for future generations. If this is the case, research your storage unit options and spend a bit of time learning about how to protect items from mice and other damaging critters. Include the cost of the unit in your monthly and yearly budget planning.

It is also fine to store a select few items at a friend or relative’s house. Maybe your mom would be happy to hold onto a few stacks of well-loved books. Maybe your brother has space in his attic for the family photos and kids’ drawings you can’t bear to toss out. Just be sure that you’re not passing the frustration of clutter onto someone else. Pack things nice and neat so they take up minimal space and make sure both parties understand how long these items might need their new home.

Practice Driving

That’s right, get behind the wheel of your giant vehicle and practice all the driving basics just like you did when you first learned to drive. Whatever type of RV you go with, you can bet that you’re going to need a little brush up on your parking and maneuvering skills if you haven’t driven a motor home or a truck hauling a trailer in a while (or ever). You’re going to be parking often, and you don’t want your days full of avoidable frustrations. It’s stressful moving around your entire life in a vehicle you’re not comfortable driving. Get the practice in now before you need to park at the grocery store during rush hour.

Learn About Your Vehicle

There’s a lot more to living in an RV than driving it. Figure out how to dump waste, check water levels, clean air filters, and all the other maintenance-tasks associated with your new home. If you’re unsure where to begin, you can watch online videos from expert RVers or ask your local RV provider what things you need to be doing to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. 

Plan Your Stays And Look Into RVing Memberships

You might be surprised to learn that many counties don’t allow people to live in an RV on their own property. The ones that do tend to have requirements like being hooked up to a septic system or being connected to utilities. Figure out where you plan on staying and look into the rules, regulations, and costs. You might also want to consider RVing memberships. Many organizations can help you get discounts or deals on nights in RV parks. A night parked in an RV park typically costs around $35, but you can get that price down if you do your research and plan ahead. It is also possible to buy an RV lot within a park. Like buying any other property, this might take some time to organize. It is important to note that not all RV parks accept pets. If you’ve got an animal pal, make sure you look this up when you choose places to stay.

Consider Switching To An Unlimited Data Plan

If you need wifi for work, maps, or travel research on a regular basis, you might want to expand the internet options associated with your phone plan. Many of us think it will be easy and uplifting to live without the internet—and it is—but only after a period of adjustment. Family members and friends might want to be able to contact you via the internet as well.

Read Through Your Insurance Policy

Your regular driver’s insurance might need a switch up. If your vehicle is stolen or damaged, your entire life’s possessions might also be stolen or damaged. Figure out what protection you need and speak to your insurance provider about what policies would suit your needs best.

Get Your Mail Forwarded

Opt for paperless statements whenever possible so that you don’t have as much mail to deal with. You’ll need to find yourself a physical address either at a post office or with a trusted friend or family member. 

Reconsider Your Memberships

Perhaps you’re someone that likes to go to the gym, or you have a membership that gets you deals with your local all-natural grocery provider. Now is the time to look into what options are going to suit your new lifestyle. Some gyms are national chains with memberships that allow you access at any location. Figure out what changes you need to make and get those sorted. You might also want to use this step to cut out all the unnecessary subscriptions and memberships that you have.

The above tips should help get you ready for a life on the road. Freedom and a life of meaning for you doesn’t have to come in the form everyone else prefers. If you feel called to the world of RVing—go for it; just make sure you’re prepared.