Stay safe and happy travels from New Redwood Insurance Services
Your Guide to Full Time RV Living
We understand what draws you to full time RV living; the flexibility, love for the open road, getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. The “nomad” lifestyle may be calling you. We are excited for your new journey!
While you may be used to your roots being in one place, transitioning to a full-time life on the road doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you are prepared.
Here are some tips to help you for your new exciting lifestyle change:
Become a Minimalist
Going from a normal-sized home to a roughly 270 square foot space takes adapting to a minimalist lifestyle. Ask yourself some questions: “What do I really need?” What can I NOT live without?” To determine this, start by writing down all the things you want to bring with you. Then write a second list of the things you absolutely need. This will help you visualize your possessions and prioritize them.
Necessities may include: clothes, toiletries, shoes, swimwear, cookware, etc.
You won’t need: 10 pairs of boots, 40 different old t-shirts, 20 drinking glasses that sit in your kitchen.
This can be a great opportunity to declutter and make a “take” pile and a “donation” pile.
Go Paperless
No mailbox, no mail! Don’t forget to move all your bills including your cell phone, medical, credit cards, insurance, etc. to automatic billing so you don’t need to worry about it. Once you go paperless, you will receive your notifications via email. You’ll also be helping save the environment. #savethetrees
Sell or Keep Your Home?
Here's a big question for you. Will you be making the commitment to sell your home and solely have your RV as your only residence?
To determine whether or not you should, you should know how much you plan to travel throughout the year. Can you afford to also keep your home while you are traveling?
Remember you will still have mortgage payments, maintenance on your home, and any other obligations. You still want someone to regularly visit your home to pick up mail and check on your property.
If you do decide to sell your home or cancel your lease, you will need to choose a domicile state to receive mail. This state will be your legal residence that is listed on your driver’s license, where you purchase your health insurance, and where you can vote and accept mail. (There are lots of mail-forwarding services that will set you up with a street address so you can officially establish residency. This is helpful because a P.O. Box address will not be accepted as your legal residence)
Note: The best states for full-time RVers are Texas, Florida, or South Dakota (these states are income tax-free!)
For more financial freedom, selling your home would allow this. If you want, get that estate sale ready, or find a storage unit to put the rest of your belongings just in case you want a break from the open road.
Determine a Monthly Budget.
You may be surprised at how much you will be spending on the road. Since your expenses will be significantly different from living in a home, you will need to budget and track your spending.
Remember: Campsite fees, frequently eating out, gas, and any unexpected RV repairs can add up quickly.
Purchase Full-Time RV Insurance.
Since your RV will be your permanent residence and your biggest asset, you may need a specific type of insurance coverage called “Full-Time RV Insurance” This will cover you against liabilities, medical expenses in the case of an accident, and additional living expenses. Call now and get more information on how we can get you covered, so you can enjoy your travels.
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Regular communication with friends and family is key when you are gone. It is a good idea to inform a few people on your current location and where you will be headed next regularly.
Remember: You can always turn on your location sharing on your cell phone with a trusted family member or friend. Just in case of an emergency, this will allow them to see you are safe on your adventures.
Enjoy Every Minute.
With all the amazing things you will see, all the one-of-a-kind people you will meet, and this once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoying yourself will be the easy part. You will always run into some bumps in the road while traveling, but don’t let it discourage your long-term journey.
Remember: You are not tied down to a routine now, just enjoy your freedom and independence that comes with Full-time RV living