When it comes to RVs, we know you love adventure. We do too! That’s why we’re so passionate about RVs, whether it’s keeping an eye on the latest models, checking out remodels done by our customers, or learning more about those who live a full-time RV lifestyle.
We often have customers interested in learning more about not just owning an RV and using it to go camping, hunting, and more, but living in an RV full-time. Is it possible? Is it difficult?
In recent years, the full-time RV lifestyle has become more popular. There are entire blogs dedicated to van living, renovating RVs, and the best places to stop across the entire United States. It can be pretty overwhelming to take on, especially if you’re new to the RV world in the first place, but from what we’ve heard, it’s worth all the work it takes!
In this blog post, we’ll go through what the full-time RV lifestyle means, how to make a plan to best suit you and your family, and how to decide on the perfect RV. Part 2 of this blog post will cover everything you need to know about altering your RV to fit your lifestyle needs! Let’s get started.
1. Why Live a Full-Time RV Lifestyle?
There are lots of reasons that people choose to live a full-time RV lifestyle. They might be retired and just wanting to travel for a few years before settling down. They might be young and wanting to see the best parts of the United States. They might be adventure seekers, writers, or young families. Lots of people choose a full-time RV lifestyle and the only thing they have in common is a love of adventure and travel.
There are a few other reasons too. Let’s look at them:
Choosing to live a more simple life. When it comes to living full-time in an RV, there is one fact that is indisputable: you have to downsize. For many, this is an exciting prospect. We all tend to acquire a lot of stuff throughout the years. Living full-time in an RV means you spend less time sorting through things and more time experiencing nature!
More time for what, or who, you love. This is especially true for retired couples who take on a full-time RV lifestyle: they’ve spent their lives working hard and now they want a break. For many, a full-time RV lifestyle gives them the chance to do the kind of work they want (like writing or remote work) without the stress of other bills (like rent).
A love of travel. If you’re someone who has always loved traveling and doesn’t necessarily want to spend their whole life in one place, then the full-time RV lifestyle is for you. You can travel the whole of the United States, visiting the places you’ve always wanted to see.
Less stress. We won’t lie, there are some parts of full-time RV living that are just as stressful as owning a home or renting an apartment. But overwhelmingly, people feel freer when they take on a full-time RV lifestyle.
2. Make a Plan
Many who take on a full-time RV lifestyle might be considered spontaneous—but the truth is, there is a lot of planning that goes into making it work. You can’t just jump into it without making a good plan first. Let’s walk through a few things to consider before deciding if the full-time RV lifestyle is right for you.
Do your research. If you’re interested in the full-time RV lifestyle, we recommend you start reading a few blogs written by those who live it already. We like Gone with the Wynns, Ditching Suburbia, and Technomadia. Learning the ins and outs and reading the stories of others can help you better prepare for what a full-time RV lifestyle entails—and decide if it’s right for you.
What will you do with your current house? One of the biggest issues you’ll run into when you decide to take on a full-time RV lifestyle is: what, exactly, do you do with the house you already own? Many people sell their homes, but some rent them out to cover the mortgage and eventually create another form of income.
Do you have enough in savings? Another thing to consider is how you will make money on the road. If you are still working you can start looking for opportunities to work remotely as you travel. Just imagine working from your RV while camping at the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park. That sounds like a dream, huh!? No matter what, you want to ensure you have plenty in savings to handle anything that might happen because even the best-laid plans can go wrong in a moment’s notice!
Start downsizing. Once you’ve made your choice and you know what you’re doing, it’s time to start downsizing what you own and decide what you absolutely need on the road. This will help you determine what size of RV you need and what features you’re looking for!
Decide on an RV. Once you’re ready, it’s time to research RVs. There are many resources that can help you choose the right RV for a full-time RV lifestyle, but we recommend visiting us here at Guaranty to walk you through the available RV options. You can check out both new and used RVs, see them in person, and talk with an RV expert to learn what your costs will be for travel and more. Click here to contact us.
3. Other Considerations
Obviously, when it comes to taking on a full-time RV lifestyle, there’s more than just those 5 steps! Let’s go over some other important things to consider.
Staying in touch. Just because you’re leaving your old life behind for a little while doesn’t mean you should leave everyone behind too! Staying in touch with your friends and family will be vital. Many do this through ensuring they have Internet access wherever they are, so they can email and video chat. (This is especially important for those with grandkids!) Another thing to remember is to make sure that all of your important accounts have the correct email set up before you leave—so you never miss a bill or important message.
Pets. If you are planning to take your pets along, it’s important to ensure they are up-to-date on all their vaccines, leash trained, and healthy enough for extended travel. Also, familiarize yourself with campsites rules regarding pets.
Handling important documents. You won’t want to do without your most important documents. You should have a specific box and storage location for them. Make sure you keep your bank files, birth certificates, and social security cards (and passports, if you’re planning to cross into Canada or Mexico) in a place that is secure and safe. A fire safe box is a great investment to ensure they never get damaged.
Mail. Some important pieces of mail just can’t be sent via email. So you’ll need a mailing address. Some choose to use a friend’s address to receive mail, but this doesn’t always work. Some states have easier rules for establishing residency and obtaining a PO box; South Dakota, Texas, and Florida are the most popular options.
Conclusion
Well, has your interest in a full-time RV lifestyle peaked? There are many pros and cons to taking it on and we’re excited to help you make your decision. In next week’s blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the right RV and remodeling it to suit your exact needs. Until then, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send them to us.
