If you're prepared for the change, living in an RV can be a dream come true, but it can easily become a nightmare if you aren't.Before you set out, make the decision carefully and prepare for your new lifestyle.
Step 1: Evaluate your reasoning.
To make the experience of living in an RV a success, you need to make sure that you have a good reason to stay committed.A reason that seems solid to you will usually be enough because there are no definite right or wrong reasons.Retirees and individuals who frequently relocate due to their jobs are some of the people who choose to live in an RV full-time.This can be a good life choice for you if you want to live a simpler life and travel across the country.
Step 2: A consensus can be achieved.
The truth is that you will be living in close quarters with your family and spending a lot of time with them.If anyone is against the lifestyle, there will be tension in your life.Make sure your kids agree to the idea with your spouse if you have kids under the age of 18.The entire family should prepare for the challenge.
Step 3: It's a good idea to practice before you commit.
It's a good idea to try before you buy if you've never been in an RV before.Try to stay in an RV for a week to a month.It will give you a better idea of what a long-term RV life might be like.You need the experience of living in an RV to be able to drive or haul large trailers.Get a good idea of what it's like to drive the vehicle, organize and schedule your drives, budget for life on the road, and live day-to-day with only the necessities.
Step 4: Licensing laws can be learned.
You don't need a special driver's license to drive or haul an RV, but there are exceptions.Before you make any other preparations, you should research the licensing laws in the state of your permanent address.Check with the state to find out the legal requirements.You don't need a commercial driver's license for an RV since it is a personal vehicle.
Step 5: There is a backup plan.
There are a lot of things that could go wrong and prevent you from continuing RV life for a long time.If there is an emergency, have an alternate way of living planned out.If your RV breaks down, you will need to figure out where to stay and how to pay for the associated costs.Make sure that you have adequate insurance for yourself and your RV.If you keep a savings account, you will be able to live without your RV for a year.It is possible to stay with relatives or friends for one or two months in case of an emergency.
Step 6: Pick the best RV for you.
RV types used for full-time living are travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.What you can afford and what you don't will determine the best choice.Campers are pulled by travel trailers.They're the cheapest option, but also the smallest.You can hitch fifth wheels to the bed of a truck.They're larger than travel trailers and less expensive than motorhomes, but you'll still need a separate truck to tow it.The most convenient option is a motor home.You can drive the motorhome directly, instead of hitching it to another vehicle, because they offer more storage space.
Step 7: Read the fine print before you make a decision.
Some RVs are not approved for full-time use, so if they break down, the cost of repairs may not be covered by your warranty.Before you make a purchase, read all the fine print.
Step 8: You should downsize your stuff.
You won't be able to have as many possessions in an RV as you can in a conventional home.It's a good idea to get rid of anything you don't need or put it in storage.Go through your belongings and take what you need.This is probably not the right lifestyle for you if you can't give up your belongings.The best option is to get rid of your excess stuff.Donate or discard anything you don't need after you sell as much as you can.For things of personal value, give them to other family members or keep them in storage.If you rent space, you'll need to factor storage fees into your monthly budget.If you plan on keeping your apartment, you can always keep the excess stuff there.If you think there's a chance you'll change your mind about living in an RV, this is the most expensive option.
Step 9: The address should be permanent.
You don't need to maintain a fixed apartment or house, but you do need a permanent address for tax purposes.All states require proof of residency before you can get a driver's license.You will need an address to open a bank account.You may need an actual permanent address if you don't have a post office box.If you can't afford to maintain a fixed apartment or house, consider using the address of adult children or other family members.The necessary street address will be given by some mail forwarding services.
Step 10: You can get a mail forwarding service.
Depending on where you are, mail forwarding services will collect your mail and forward it to you.Look at different companies and service plans.The prices start as low as $9 per month, but can vary depending on complexity, so pick one that fits with your budget and needs.Depending on the service, you may be able to separate mail into different categories.The mail gets shipped to your location at certain frequencies.You can use a physical street address for the shipment of packages with some services.
Step 11: You can switch to online banking and online billing.
Internet-based billing and banking can be used for important mail.If you do this, your bills will not get lost in the mail and you won't have to pay late payment fees.
Step 12: Stay up to date with what's happening.
Nowadays, many RV parks offer some form of internet service, but you shouldn't rely on that service to stay connected to the outside world.To maintain a more consistent connection, invest in a reliable cell phone plan.If you need consistent access to the internet, you should invest in a MiFi system since free access points can be unreliable.You can find the best cell phone plan.One of the most important points to consider is coverage reliability.A plan that covers a wide range of locations is required.
Step 13: Don't let your income get out of hand.
RV life isn't free, so you need to know where your money will come from.If you have flexible employment, you may need to supplement any savings or savings plans.The most suited jobs for this lifestyle are those that allow you to work online or on a freelance basis, but you can also consider alternative forms of income like craft fairs and bartering.Find out what your options are with others who live in the RV lifestyle.There are online services that match employers with travelers.
Step 14: You should budget your costs.
It's a good idea to keep a budget after you've begun.To determine your average monthly expenses, subtract the cost of living in a fixed home and RV from what you currently spend each month.The average cost of living in an RV is between $1,500 and $3,000 a month.Property taxes, mortgages, rent, and certain utilities are some of the costs you won't need to worry about.RV insurance, propane fees, laundry, RV dumps, utility fee, and certain camping costs are some of the extra costs you will need to include.Your daily living costs will not change.The cost of food, entertainment, and health insurance is included.
Step 15: Find legal parking areas.
There are many areas where you can legally park for free, even though you won't be able to park anywhere and everywhere.You can usually park and camp for free on public land.Some districts will require you to choose a site with an established campfire ring, and other restrictions may apply.The ranger's office in each district has more specific guidelines.You can park for free overnight at some commercial parking lots and truck stops, but you will need to clear out after a day or two.If you want to search for campgrounds and RV parks, you may have to pay a fee.You need to make sure that the places you choose to stop allow you to bring pets.
Step 16: Choose your stops carefully.
Make sure that you're close to a town that will give you access to the facilities you need to meet your daily needs.You need to stop in towns with a grocery store and restaurants.You will need to locate nearby laundromats if you don't have laundry facilities in your RV.
Step 17: There is a second vehicle.
Even if you don't need a second vehicle to tow your RV, you should still maintain one in case it falls into disrepair.You can either tow your car or keep it in a central location.Cars are more fuel efficient than RV's so having your car with you will allow you to take more scenic drives.If your RV needs to go in for service, you can use your car as an alternate transportation.