Total freedom: your 7-step guide to rv living

Many people dream of owning an RV and living on the road, but you get to make it a reality soon.

The hardest part is knowing where to start. There are a lot of different routes to go, but these 7 steps will help make the process easier for you as you transition into your new lifestyle.

1. Confirmation

The first step is making sure this is what you want to do. Do your research. Moving into an RV isn’t something to do lightly. There are many challenges but even more rewards once you overcome the initial learning bumps.

Take your time on this step. By listing the pros and cons, you’ll have a clear picture of what you’ll be getting into.

If you’ve talked yourself into the RV life because the pros outweigh the cons, it’s time to plan!

2. Decluttering

Now that you’re sure the RV life is for you, before purchasing the RV, you need to start downsizing. Whether that be a few odds and ins laying around the house or doing a whole room, it’s up to you.

If you’re overwhelmed, simply take it one room at a time. Trying to do the entire house/apartment at once is a big project, and it can be stressful.

You’ll want as much space in the RV as possible, especially if you’re not the only one living in the RV. Getting a storage unit may be useful if you have the extra cash.

3. Shopping For the RV

This part is up to you and your comfort level. There are plenty of RV options, but knowing what you want to buy before you go can point you (and the sales rep) in the right direction.

What size are you comfortable driving/towing? Do you want a towable RV or an RV that you drive? How much do you want to spend?

The goal, of course, is to find the perfect one for your situation. When you use the right dealer, like your local Calgary RV dealer, the experts there will guide you to the ideal RV for your lifestyle.

4. Selling Your House (or Canceling Your Rental Agreement)

Getting out of a lease if you’re renting is easier than you might think. If the rental agreement is almost over, the least problematic thing to do would be to pay for the home until it ends. But if you have a few months left, contact your landlord. Tell them your plans, and find out how you can break the lease without any extra expenses.

Selling your home is another matter entirely. This can take months or longer, so you’ll need to contact a local realtor and have them run a comprehensive analysis.

Next, decide what price to list the house. How much money do you need to walk out with in your pocket? Are you going to be able to go on your adventure before or after selling?

If you can start your adventure with your house cleaned and empty, even if it hasn’t sold yet, then move on to the next step. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait patiently and continue your background preparation.

5. Evaluating Finances

Budgeting will sometimes be challenging, depending on your income and career. This part has to be tackled early enough to help you plan how you’ll pay for living expenses, fuel, parking, and incidentals.

How will you earn money while on the road? What items need to be budgeted?

Join different RV groups on Reddit and Facebook to see what budgeting options others use and base yours on that.

Make sure you have extra money kept for eating out or recreational activities. You’ll always want an emergency fund for any repairs or maintenance the RV might need, as they can get expensive. A spreadsheet is a great way to balance all of this.

6. Making Your RV Your Home

Even with all of the ease-of-life accessories that come with your RV, you will want to add a lot to make it a home. You will live in this, so the goal is to make this comfortable for you, your family members, and any pets.

Google and RV groups are the best place to see what add-ons others are getting and gauge whether you might need them for your situation.

7. Time to Hit the Road

You’ve made the leap and decided to live in the RV full time. You’ve decluttered, purchased your new RV, and modified it. You also have a plan for your finances and are ready to hit the road!

So what’s the next step? Deciding where to go, of course!

This is the fun part. There are a lot of different websites and apps out there to assist with your route planning.

The main thing you should look for will be an app that allows you to input the dimensions of your RV to make sure your route is “RV safe.” Get your directions programmed in, book your RV reservation site, and hit the road to start enjoying your new life!