The RV lifestyle is growing in popularity every day. There’s no doubt it can be rich, rewarding and fun. However, most veteran RVers would agree that full-time RV life is not for the faint of heart — it does come with its own set of challenges. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules on how to live in a motorhome year round. However, there are some things you can implement to make the experience more enjoyable.
If you are ready to make the leap, take note of the following tips that will help you be successful with your new lifestyle:
For You
Have a flexible attitude.
As with anything worth pursuing, your mental outlook makes a difference. Full-time RV living requires a flexible attitude. Expect the unexpected and be willing to adapt to whatever situation comes your way. It’s important to view challenges that arise as opportunities to build character and learn, rather than reasons to throw in the towel. Not only will being flexible help you enjoy the journey, it will also help you to grow as a person. So, recognize that plans are great, but life happens. Go with the flow and you’ll be able to sustain this lifestyle forever.
Simplify and stay organized.
It’s no secret that space will be limited in an RV. No matter the size of your camper, you’ll have to be strategic about how you use the room you have. Because of the reduced amount of space, you’ll want to reduce clutter and disorder as much as possible. Doing so will help to avoid feeling claustrophobic. It may be difficult to decide what you really need, but the benefits of minimalism are definitely worth it. Even in small spaces there are plenty of tricks for keeping things in order. To make life easier, try to downsize, donate and sell unnecessary items before you make the transition to your new home on wheels.
Have fun.
RV living is supposed to be enjoyable — so don’t suck the fun out of it. Yes, there is work involved, but when you weigh the pros and cons, the good tends to outweigh the bad. One of the highlights of RV life is the opportunity for spontaneity. When your home doubles as your means of transportation, the options for fun are limitless. Not only can you join RV clubs to assist in making friends on the road, you can also enjoy checking items off your bucket list. With so many activities for RVers, it’s unlikely that you will run out of ways to have fun.
For Your RV
Choose the right RV and floor plan.
There are a lot of different RV types to choose from. Beyond aesthetic, it’s important to consider what works best for you and/or your travel companion(s) based on size, cost, and conduciveness to travel.
As you are choosing your RV and interior setup, you also need to think about how you will afford everything. Some purchase a motorhome that’s ready to move in. Others decide to completely renovate it to suit their style and needs. The most obvious ways to fund your purchase or renovation include using your savings or taking out a personal loan. If you are a homeowner, you can take advantage of the home equity you’ve built. The loan will pay itself off if you sell or rent your home once you are ready to hit the road.
Know your motorhome.
Just like you know what to do when something goes wrong in your home or apartment, you want to have the same level of expertise with your RV. Unlike a traditional home, it’s not so easy to call up a plumber or electrician when you experience a problem with your motorhome. You can seek out the help of mechanics and other RV professionals, but if you’re travelling, it may be more challenging. So before you hit the road, make sure you thoroughly inspect and understand the ins and outs of how your camper functions. That includes electricity, plumbing and even how to properly clean your RV. Remember, user manuals and online maintenance guides are your friends. Read them!
Purchase the correct gear.
Making sure your RV is properly equipped is a must. You can’t simply move everything from your current living space into your home on wheels. In fact, you’ll need some things you didn’t need in a traditional home and vice versa. In addition to a water filter, generator and wifi source, there are a number of other useful tools that every RVer needs, like leveling blocks so your house doesn’t roll away. Chances are you never had to worry about that in your house or apartment! Having the right tools can really make or break your experience. Full-time RVing comes with enough of its own challenges, you don’t want to add to that by being ill-equipped.
Starting this new journey is one that is certainly filled with both excitement and nerves. It may not be a conventional way of life, but keeping these six tips in mind will make it an exceptional experience!
