When it comes to retirement, a lot of people think of moving to a new house or buying a new car. So, why not do both?
Selling it all and living in an RV is the new best way to enjoy retired life.
Think about it, having the freedom to live wherever you want at a moment’s notice. You could spend each day waking up somewhere new and have an adventure.
You’re no longer held down by work. Retirement gives you a whole new lease on life and now you can live it to the fullest.
Does retirement RV living sound appealing to you? Read on for 3 steps on how to make it a reality.
3 Steps for Successful Retirement RV Living
If RV life seems right for you, you’re in for one heck of an adventure. There are a lot of things to think about, but let’s start with the basics.
These 3 steps will help you on the right track and get the ball rolling for your new dream lifestyle.
1. Get the Recreational Vehicle
You can’t start the RV life without first having an RV. The first step it to find the right one for you based on how you plan to travel.
Spend some time researching different kinds of RVs. There are Class As, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and more. We can’t tell you which one to get, it all depends on your individual needs. It’s good to make a list of the types of places you want to visit and check out their parking options and space limits. For example, if Yellowstone National Park is on your must-see list, parking spots accommodating a length of 40 feet or more are limited. Or if you plan to visit the Grand Canyon, parking on the South Rim can be challenging for vehicles over 22 feet long during peak season.
The longer you plan on traveling, the more you’ll want the comforts of home and its conveniences. Class As are perfect for long-haul trips, and smaller travel trailers are ideal for camping weekends away.
Figure out if you want to rent or buy. Renting may be the best option if you plan on doing shorter stints. Renting also lets you try before you buy. It gives you a first-hand experience and helps inform your decision when it comes to buying.
When you buy an RV, you have the freedom to pick up and leave at any time. But it is an investment, so think about your budget.
2. Be Prepared
The physical act of downsizing is a big one to consider. If you’re moving into an RV for long periods of time, you’ll need to purge a lot of the extra things from your life.
Decide which possessions you’ll be selling, consigning, donating, or putting in storage. Even if you choose to purchase a 5th wheel or a Class A Motorhome (which have large storage options), an RV often can’t fit everything a home owner has accumulated over the years.
Minimalism in your life has a lot of benefits and can be a much more rewarding way to live. But it’s not for everyone. We recommend going on a trial trip to see how well you can manage life without everything from home.
Emotional preparation is important too. Leaving home means leaving friends and family for extended periods of time. Are you ready for that? How long will you be away for? These are important factors to consider and it’s different for everyone.
Consider any health concerns you or your spouse may have. As we get older we’re more prone to medical issues. Do you need to have regular doctor visits, or is it a case of taking medication with you?
3. Make a Budget
You and your spouse have worked together to save for retirement. Now is the time to enjoy it!
Whether you’re entering RV life or not, now is the perfect time to develop an in-depth budget plan for your retirement.
You want to account for the costs of the RV you choose. Whether you are renting or buying, you need to know how much you’ll be spending.
Buying costs more than renting, of course. However, RVs have a huge range from $20k to $300k, so if you really want to hit the open road and RV full-time there are plenty of options to choose from!
Also consider costs for gas, maintenance, and food. Make sure to plan for other charges you’ll encounter along the road too. For example, there are different costs associated with different places to stay, so be sure to factor in state park fees, RV resort fees, or special memberships you might decide to take advantage of.
RV living can be luxurious or simple – you’ll have to decide which route you prefer to go.
Most important of all, have fun! Make an itinerary, and plan your trip out. You’ll be in for one of the best adventures of your life.
Retirement RV Living: Living the Dream
If you’ve decided retirement RV living is the thing for you, congratulations!
This new way of life could be everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Follow these 3 steps and you’ll be well on your way to full-time RV life.
Interested in learning more about RV living? Check out our other posts for additional tips and inspiration!
