Your Next Steps: A Checklist for a Smooth Transition
Thinking about RV life is exciting. Making it happen takes deliberate, step-by-step action. Rushing the process is the surest way to make costly mistakes. Here is a realistic timeline to guide your transition from a stationary home to a home on wheels.
The Research Phase (1-2 Years Out)
This is your learning and dreaming phase. Immerse yourself in the world of RVing. Go to large RV shows to walk through dozens of different models and floor plans. This is the best way to get a feel for what you like. Watch YouTube channels created by full-time RVers to see the day-to-day reality. Most importantly, rent an RV. Try a Class C for a long weekend. Rent a travel trailer for a week-long trip. This “try before you buy” step is the single most valuable thing you can do. You will learn more in one week of renting than in six months of online research.
The Planning Phase (6-12 Months Out)
Now it’s time to get serious. Create a detailed budget, estimating both your upfront costs and your projected monthly expenses on the road. Begin the difficult but necessary process of downsizing your possessions. Go through your home room by room, deciding what to sell, donate, give to family, or throw away. Research your top two or three potential domicile states. Look into specific mail forwarding services and health insurance plans that will work for you. Have a frank discussion with your doctors about managing your healthcare needs remotely.
The Execution Phase (1-6 Months Out)
This is when the plan becomes reality. Begin shopping for and purchase your RV and tow vehicle. If buying used, always pay for an independent, certified RV inspector to check it for hidden problems. Put your house on the market or give notice on your rental. Once you have a closing date, travel to your chosen domicile state to establish residency. This means getting your new driver’s licenses, registering your vehicles, and setting up a bank account. After you take possession of your RV, do not immediately hit the road for a cross-country trip. Take it on a “shakedown trip” to a nearby campground for a week or two. Use every system, test every appliance, and work out all the kinks while you are still close to home and familiar resources.
