Part 8 -Introduction to the Series

After months (or even years) of dreaming, planning, and preparing, it’s time to take the first steps to full time rv life.  This pivotal moment is where all your hard work comes together. From purchasing your RV to planning your departure day, these first steps set the tone for your new life of freedom and adventure.

In this series, “RV Life Without the RV: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Full Time RV Living,” we’ve explored whether RV life is right for you (Part 1), the mindset shifts required (Part 2), ways to test the lifestyle (Part 3), financial preparation (Part 4), downsizing (Part 5), building your vision (Part 6), and mastering the logistics of RV life (Part 7).

In Part 8, we’ll guide you through the first actionable steps to living full-time in an RV. With these steps, you’ll transition from preparation to living your dream.

The First Steps to Full-Time RV Life

Transitioning to full-time RV living is exciting, but it’s also a big change. For us, the pace seemed so fast because we were selling our house and most of the things inside the house. We were heading to Alaska from Colorado in our first little 19-foot travel trailer. We had no time to think about anything but the big task in front of us.

I am proud of you for taking the transition to full-time RV life in a methodical way, and with a support group behind you – our community! You don’t need to learn things the hard way.

This article will help you take those first steps with confidence, from choosing your RV to setting your departure date.

Choose and Purchase Your RV

The RV you choose will be your home, so it’s important to select one that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Remember from a previous story that my requirements for the motorhome we are in now were to have more closet space and a larger refrigerator. Those were areas that were challenging in the first trailer. The next RV for us will have an office space because I am currently taking up the dining table full-time.

What are the things you need to be the most comfortable, but also practical? Do you need to stow a canoe? Bicycles? Pets? Spend some time thinking it through before you head out to the RV show or dealer. Don’t let them decide what you need.

First Steps to Full Time RV Life – Choose Your RV:

• Decide on the Type of RV:
  • Motorhomes: Class A, B, or C for those who want an all-in-one vehicle. Know that you will probably have a car as well, which is towed behind. Not all cars work for this, so do your homework.
  • Towables: Travel trailers or fifth wheels for flexibility and separate towing vehicles. Now you are driving around in a truck everywhere you go.
• Evaluate Size and Layout:
  • Consider sleeping arrangements, kitchen space, and storage needs. Where will guests sleep? Do you like to cook elaborate meals? Where will your shoes and coats be stored?
  • Visit dealerships or RV shows to tour different models. I still love to do this even though we are not in the market yet.
• Buy New or Used:
  • New RVs come with warranties but are more expensive.
  • Used RVs are more affordable but may require repairs. Well, all of them need repairs! Buying new does not take that fact away.
• Inspect Before Buying:
  • Hire a professional to inspect used RVs to avoid potential issues. Best to hire an independent inspector versus one at the dealer.

Actionable Tip: Create a list of your must-have features and start researching RV models that meet your needs.

Prepare for Your RV Purchase

Once you’ve chosen your RV, it’s time to handle the financial and logistical aspects of the purchase.

Financial Preparation:

• Set a Budget: Factor in the cost of the RV, insurance, registration, and any upgrades or repairs.
• Explore Financing Options: If you’re financing, shop around for the best interest rates and terms.
• Plan for Additional Costs: Include expenses like a tow vehicle (if needed) or RV gear. This may include the tow bars that are installed on the RV and the vehicle you are towing. Or special racks to carry bicycles, kayaks, or canoes.

Logistical Steps:

• Register Your RV: Follow your state’s requirements for registration and licensing. Explore the counties that allow you to claim domicile status. Some are in states that do not collect income tax, so that might be important to you if you are still working. But if you still own property, then that is where you will claim your domicile. Check with legal counsel to be safe.
• Get Insurance: Research RV insurance policies to find one that provides adequate coverage.

Actionable Tip: Meet with a financial advisor to review your budget and financing options before making your purchase.

Plan Your Departure Day

Choosing a departure day gives you a clear goal to work toward and creates excitement for the journey ahead. I’m getting excited for you! We only took one weekend trip about 100 miles away before we took the big trip to Alaska. It was enough to learn how things worked. If your first outing is a big one, maybe you, too, can find a weekend to try it out first. We don’t want big surprises while traveling through remote locations, right?

First Steps to Full-Time RV Life – Plan Your Departure:

• Set a Realistic Timeline: Give yourself enough time to finalize your preparations, but avoid overthinking or delaying too long.
• Create a Countdown Checklist with Things Such As:
  • Finalize RV purchase and registration.
  • Downsize and pack your belongings.
  • Notify your employer (if leaving your job) and handle any final work obligations.
  • Set up mail forwarding and update your address.
• Celebrate the Moment: Plan a small send-off with friends and family to mark the start of your adventure.

Actionable Tip: Choose a departure date within the next six months and outline the steps you need to complete before then.

Take a Practice Trip

Before heading out full-time, as mentioned above, take a short practice trip to test your setup and gain confidence.

Benefits of a Practice Trip:

• Learn how to drive, park, and set up your RV. If you travel with a partner, both of you should learn everything.
• Test your systems (water, electricity, propane) and adjust if needed.
• Get a feel for daily RV life, including cooking, sleeping, and organizing in a small space.

Actionable Tip: Plan a weekend trip to a nearby campground and treat it as a trial run for full-time RV life.

Build a Support Network

Having a support network can make your transition to RV life smoother and more enjoyable. That is why we are building this community at The Life We Designed. RV life is much more enjoyable when you have others to talk to about it. Family members tend to get tired of hearing about all the fun you are having and often don’t understand the challenges you may face.

Ways to Build Your Network:

• Connect with Other RVers: Join Facebook groups, forums, or RV clubs to meet like-minded travelers. Check out @TheLifeWeDesigned on Instagram to learn more about our community for new RVers.
• Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Use technology to stay connected with friends and family back home. I like to go old school and still write letters, but I only get my mail every month, so the return letter is often delayed. Sending postcards is fun for a while, but as I mentioned earlier, their enthusiasm fades quickly. If you post to social media, then your family and friends can keep up, but that is often a one-way communication.

Actionable Tip: Join one online RV community and introduce yourself. Share your plans and ask for advice from experienced RVers.

Pack and Organize Your RV

Packing your RV for full-time living demands meticulous planning to optimize space and functionality. In a smaller motorhome or trailer, you’ll quickly discover that only a limited amount of shoes and clothing can fit. Then there are seasonal items to consider. What truly matters? Do you need seven pairs of shoes?

One rule we have adopted is that if we buy a new pair of shoes, an old pair needs to go. And every season, we evaluate our clothes to see if we really want to pack them up or donate.

Packing Tips:

• Start with Essentials: Bring only what you truly need for daily life.
• Use Space-Saving Items: Look for collapsible kitchenware, stackable storage bins, and multi-purpose tools. One of the best changes I made was to buy Turkish towels. They take up a lot less space, dry faster, and eliminate a full load of laundry each week.
• Stay Organized: Label storage bins and keep frequently used items easily accessible.

Actionable Tip: Create an RV packing list and start gathering essential items. Test your organization system during your practice trip.

Embrace the Adventure

The moment you drive away for your first full-time RV adventure will be unforgettable. Embrace the excitement, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey.

As we climbed into our truck, ready to embark on our journey to Alaska after countless yard sales and preparing the house for sale, we looked up to see a flock of cranes soaring high above us. Their distinctive song, once heard, is unforgettable. These majestic birds were migrating north, just like us. We took it as a wonderful omen, bringing wide smiles to our faces. Throughout our journey, the cranes gradually gave way to sightings of eagles, bears, and moose.

Final Reminders:

• Be patient with yourself as you adjust to RV life—it’s a learning process.
• Celebrate small victories, like navigating your first campground or cooking your first meal in your RV.
• Keep your vision in mind to stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Actionable Tip: Write down three things you’re most excited about as you begin your RV journey. Keep this list handy to remind yourself why you took the leap.

Closing: Take the Leap

Taking the first steps into full time RV living is both exciting and empowering. By choosing your RV, planning your departure, and embracing the adventure ahead, you’ll be on your way to living your dream.

In the final article of this series, “Embracing the RV Lifestyle: What to Expect on the Road,” we’ll explore what it’s really like to live full time in an RV. From the joys to the challenges, you’ll learn how to make the most of your new lifestyle.

Stay tuned, and take the leap toward your RV dream today!