Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Full-Time RV Living
🚐 How to Get Started with Full-Time RV Living
Dreaming of life on the road but unsure where to begin? Transitioning to full-time RV living can be exciting but also overwhelming. From finding the perfect domicile state to deciding what to take with you, there's a lot to consider. As we made the leap to living in an RV full-time, we learned some valuable lessons along the way, and we're here to share them with you!
💡 Making the Decision: A Personal Journey
For a long time, I (Lori) had been dreaming about full-time RV living, but my partner Jason wasn't sure about taking the plunge, especially with our two big dogs in tow. However, when I suggested we pursue this lifestyle while we're still young enough to enjoy it, Jason agreed to explore the idea. After his work transitioned to fully remote, the decision became a lot easier. We were both on board and ready to experience the open road.
🏠 Domicile, Residency, and Taxes: Navigating the Legalities
One of the first things we had to figure out was our residency and domicile situation. For those living full-time in an RV, establishing a legal state of residence is a must. While you can stay in your current state if you’re still working part-time or have a permanent home, full-timers need to decide on a state that suits their needs.
Three states—Texas, Florida, and South Dakota—are popular for full-time RVers, especially because they don't have state income tax. After some research, we settled on South Dakota, as it’s very welcoming to travelers and offers easy registration services for vehicles.
📬 Receiving Mail on the Road
If you’re wondering how to handle mail while living on the road, you're not alone. We use a mail forwarding service called Anytime Mailbox, which provides a real address in South Dakota (our domicile state). This service scans our incoming mail and sends us digital copies, letting us decide whether to recycle, shred, or forward the mail to wherever we are. It’s a convenient way to stay on top of mail while constantly moving. The cost? Around $38 a month for the service we use.
🩺 Healthcare on the Road: Finding Your Doctors
Staying healthy on the road requires a little more planning. We’re fortunate to have health insurance through work, allowing us to see doctors across the U.S. if they’re covered by our plan. We also visit our primary care physician and dentist regularly when we’re back in Wisconsin, where we’re originally from. For those with pets, finding veterinary care can be trickier, but we’re still figuring out the best solutions.
📦 Downsizing: Deciding What Stays and What Goes
Downsizing is one of the hardest parts of transitioning to RV life. Living in such a small space means evaluating everything you own and determining what’s essential. For us, this process happened in three phases:
Storage – We rented a storage unit for items we couldn’t part with.
Essentials – The second phase involved deciding what to take into the RV itself.
Selling and Donating – Finally, we held an estate sale to get rid of the rest, donating anything left over. It’s a personal process, and everyone’s experience will be different, so share your downsizing tips in the comments!
🌐 Staying Connected: Internet and TV
Connectivity is key, especially when working remotely. We rely on multiple services to ensure we always have a solid internet connection, including an unlimited cellular data plan and a Starlink satellite system for backup. For TV, YouTube TV lets us watch local channels while we travel, as long as we re-sign in every few months. Staying connected to the world (and your favorite shows) is easier than ever with the right tools.
🛻 Choosing the Right RV: New or Used?
Before hitting the road, we purchased our RV, and while it was an exciting step, it also required thorough research. Whether you're buying new or used, it’s crucial to have the RV inspected, even if it’s brand new. This ensures that you don’t run into any unexpected issues after moving your life into it. Think of it as the same process as buying a house—don’t skip the inspection!
🛡️ Insurance: Protecting Your Rolling Home
Lastly, don’t forget about insurance. You’ll need coverage for your RV, tow vehicle (if applicable), and personal belongings. While RV insurance typically covers the vehicle, make sure you also have protection for your personal items. Contact your insurance company to ensure you’re fully covered.
🌟 Conclusion: Ready to Hit the Road?
There’s a lot to think about when starting full-time RV life, but with careful planning and research, you can make the transition smooth and exciting. Whether it’s dealing with residency, healthcare, or the nitty-gritty of downsizing, every step will lead you closer to living your nomadic dream. Have questions? Leave a comment below, and if you’re already living the RV lifestyle, share your tips and experiences with the community!
