RVs are often considered a symbol of freedom. They offer the opportunity to pack up and move your home on wheels at any time, providing a constant change of scenery, a never-ending rotation of neighbors, and the absence of HOA fees or mortgages that can be alluring. However, the RV lifestyle portrayed on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok often overlooks some uncomfortable truths.
Becoming a full-time RV’er can require an overhaul of your current lifestyle. One of the first culture shocks that new RV dwellers face is simple living. When we live in homes, apartments, or other housing we don’t realize how much extra clutter we accumulate. Transitioning to the full-time RV lifestyle means you can only keep what you need. Storage in an RV is often limited to the essentials, so making sure you can let go of your possessions is a must. In some cases, a rented storage unit can save some of your items from being sold or given away.
The lack of permanent residency poses another issue for full-time travelers. U.S. law necessitates a physical address to receive mail, even if you live in an RV. Voting, taxes, and other legal matters require an address, which can be a dilemma for some RV’ers. It is common for people to use a friend or relative’s address and have them forward their mail to them. However, in some cases, a mail forwarding service can be useful. To complicate matters, you will need to have a forwarding address for the mail to be sent to. Some campsites permit long-term residents to receive mail through the campgrounds’ address, but not all. To avoid confusion, it is best to confirm the rules of each campsite as you travel.
Planning your routes, stops, and overnight stays is a crucial aspect of full-time RVing that can profoundly impact your life. Unlike homeowners who have a permanent place to park their vehicles, RVers have to plan their daily commutes, grocery shopping, dry cleaning pickups, and more. As we do these daily tasks, we don’t consider what it would be like if we didn’t have the comfort that comes with routine. Additionally, keep in mind that popular campgrounds can quickly become fully booked several months in advance, so it’s essential to make reservations ahead of time. Before you hit the road, make sure you consider all these factors.
Passport Health offers a variety of vaccination and physical services to help you stay safe and healthy at home and abroad. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Written for Passport Health by Brittany Evans. Brittany is a freelance writer and photographer in North Carolina. She has a passion for the outdoors, health information, and traveling. You can find her at her website.
