How To Prepare To Live Full-Time in a Motorhome

March 6, 2025

Essential steps on how to prepare to live full-time in a motorhome, from choosing the right motorhome to creating a comfortable lifestyle.

The Freedom of the Open Road

The decision to live full-time in a motorhome offers an unmatched mix of freedom, adventure, and simplicity. The RV lifestyle continues to grow in popularity as remote work options expand. Thousands have traded their stationary homes for a life on wheels, seeking travel opportunities and lower living costs. Many newcomers find the transition challenging yet rewarding. This guide will walk you through the key preparations needed before you permanently leave home.

Starting With the Right Mindset

Beginning your full-time RV journey with the proper mindset makes all the difference in your experience. The transition from stationary living requires mental preparation just as much as practical planning. Many successful RVers report that attitude determines their daily satisfaction more than any other factor.

We went from stationary living to full-time RV living in a matter of 6 weeks, and it is the best decision we ever made.

A-D-V-E-N-T-U-R-E: Preparing for Full-Time Motorhome Living

Let me introduce you to the ADVENTURE framework. Something I created and personally used to transition to full-time RV life!

A – Adaptability: Life on the road is ever-changing. From shifting plans to unexpected detours, being adaptable ensures you thrive in your new home on wheels.

D – Diligence: Preparing for motorhome living requires research, budgeting, and a solid understanding of RV systems. The more diligent you are now, the smoother your transition will be.

V – Versatility: Space is limited, so everything you own should serve multiple purposes. A versatile mindset will also help you embrace changing weather, routes, and plans.

E – Education: Learn the essentials: driving a motorhome, handling maintenance, managing resources like water and power, and navigating campground etiquette. Knowledge is power on the road.

N – Navigation: Plan routes carefully, understand height and weight restrictions, and always have a backup plan. The right GPS and a bit of foresight will save you from low-clearance disasters.

T – Tenacity: Things will break, plans will fall apart, and some days will be hard. However, with tenacity, you will push through every challenge and come out stronger.

U – Utility: Maximizing space and efficiency is key. From multi-functional furniture to smart storage hacks, thinking in terms of utility makes small-space living much easier.

R – Resourcefulness: Whether it is fixing a leak with duct tape or finding an overnight parking spot in a pinch, resourcefulness is a must for life on the road.

E – Excitement: Preparing to live full-time in a motorhome is an adventure in itself! Stay excited, stay curious, and embrace the journey ahead, because the best memories are yet to come.

The right mindset prepares you for both the joys and challenges ahead. Most experienced RVers agree that mental preparation ranks just as important as practical skills. Keep this framework handy as a reminder during your transition and beyond. Are you ready to hit the road?

Choosing the Right Motorhome

Your motorhome will be your home, office, and transportation all in one. Take time to research different types of RVs before making a purchase.

Class A motorhomes offer spacious living areas but use more fuel. Class B vans provide better mileage and easier parking options. Class C models strike a balance between space and efficiency. Our Jayco Seneca Prestige Super C is the perfect size for us and has everything we could want or need. With its powerful diesel engine, we can tackle steep mountain passes and long highway stretches with ease, all while enjoying a smooth, comfortable ride. The spacious interior gives us plenty of room to live, work, and relax, with residential-style amenities that make full-time RV life feel like home.

Visit RV shows to tour various models in person. The layout matters more than you might think. Test how you feel moving around inside each vehicle. Step into the shower, relax on the couch, try out the bed, and yes, sit on the toilet. As silly as that sounds, we previously had an RV where we could not use the half bath because our knees hit the wall rendering it useless. Storage space is crucial for full-time living. Look for models with ample cabinets and compartments. Many recommend getting slightly more space than you think you need. Do you want a designated pantry? Are pass-through compartments a requirement? Think about where you plan to travel. If you want to visit national parks with tight roads, a smaller rig might work better. For stationary living with occasional movement, larger motorhomes provide more comfort.

Financial Preparations

Living in an RV can be cheaper than a traditional home, but costs add up quickly. Create a realistic budget that accounts for fuel, campground fees, and maintenance. Consider your budget carefully when shopping. Many full-timers spend between $2,000 and $4,000 monthly, depending on their travel frequency. Insurance requirements change when you live in your vehicle full-time. Contact multiple insurance providers for quotes on full-timer policies. These specialized plans cover your RV as both a vehicle and a residence. In addition, NEVER lie about living in your RV full-time when applying for insurance. If something happens, they CAN and WILL deny your coverage.

Consider your income sources carefully before committing to the road. Remote work provides flexibility for many RVers. Some people pick up seasonal jobs at campgrounds (work camping) or tourist attractions. Build an emergency fund specifically for RV repairs and unexpected expenses. Things like a flat tire and being stuck in the mud can happen anywhere, and service calls to remote locations cost more. Most RVers recommend having at least $5,000 set aside for emergencies. Banking becomes different on the road. Set up online accounts and paperless billing before you leave. Find banks with national coverage.

Tax situations vary for full-time RVers. Consult with a tax professional about establishing a domicile in a tax-friendly state. Many RVers choose South Dakota, Texas, or Florida for their favorable tax laws.

Downsizing Your Belongings

Moving from a house to a motorhome requires significant downsizing. Start this process at least six months before your planned departure date. Begin with items you rarely use or have duplicates of. Create separate piles for items to sell, donate, store, or take with you. Be honest about what you truly need. Most find they need far less than they initially thought. Clothes take up valuable space in an RV. Pack for versatility rather than variety. Focus on items that layer well and serve multiple purposes. Many full-timers follow the "one in, one out" rule for clothing. Consider the weight of your belongings. Heavier items affect fuel efficiency and may exceed your RV's carrying capacity.

Digital versions of books, movies, and documents save significant space and weight. Getting your RV 4-corner weighed can be a lifesaver. Having the weight evenly distributed also helps with the motorhome's handling. Family heirlooms present special challenges when downsizing. Consider giving meaningful items to family members now rather than storing them. Take photos of sentimental objects you cannot keep. Storage units seem tempting, but add monthly costs to your budget. Most long-term RVers eventually eliminate storage units altogether. If you do use a storage facility, choose climate-controlled facilities for valuable items. Getting a storage unit can seem like a great idea at first. However, think about how often you will be in the area where your items are stored. And how will you get rid of the items when you eventually decide you don't want to pay that monthly fee anymore that goes up every year? (Don't ask me how I know.)

Mail and Domicile Preparation

Establishing a legal domicile remains essential even without a permanent address. Most full-time RVers choose one of three states: Texas, Florida, or South Dakota. These states offer favorable tax situations and simple residency requirements.

We signed up for MyRVMail even before full-time RVing was a thought because we traveled a lot even when we had our sticks-and-bricks house. Mail forwarding services provide a permanent address for legal documents, packages, and regular mail. These services can scan your mail and forward it to wherever you are currently staying. Driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and voting registration all depend on your domicile state. Research the requirements for your chosen state before making the move. Some states require you to visit in person to establish residency. Banking relationships often rely on having a permanent address. Inform your bank about your new lifestyle before hitting the road. Some financial institutions have special provisions for full-time travelers.

Planning for Connectivity

Internet access has become essential for most RVers. Research mobile hotspot plans from major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Many full-timers use multiple providers for better coverage across different regions. Cell signal boosters help maintain connectivity in remote areas. Products from WeBoost and other companies can significantly improve your signal strength. These devices represent worthwhile investments for remote workers. Public WiFi exists at many campgrounds, libraries, and coffee shops. However, security concerns make public networks problematic for sensitive transactions. Consider using a VPN for protection when using public WiFi. Streaming services provide entertainment on the road. Check if your favorite platforms allow downloading content for offline viewing. This feature helps during times without reliable internet access. Satellite internet offers coverage almost anywhere but costs more than cellular options. Services like Starlink have changed the game for remote RVers who need reliable connections in isolated areas.

Healthcare on the Road

Medical care requires advance planning for full-time travelers. Establish relationships with healthcare providers who offer telehealth services. Many doctors now accommodate remote patients through video consultations. Many choose plans with telehealth options for routine care. I'm lucky enough that my Doctor knows I am a full-time RVer and works with me when an issue arises.

Prescription medications need careful management on the road. Work with your pharmacy to get 90-day supplies when possible. We use Walgreens and have never had an issue finding a location or getting our prescriptions filled. Apps like GoodRx help find affordable medications at pharmacies nationwide. Keep digital copies of your medical records accessible from your phone or computer. This information helps new healthcare providers understand your history during unexpected visits.

Dental care often gets overlooked by new RVers. Schedule checkups during visits to your domicile state. Some dental insurance plans offer nationwide coverage through specific provider networks. Emergency care locations deserve research before visiting new areas. Note the locations of hospitals along your planned routes. The RV LIFE app and similar tools can help identify medical facilities near campgrounds. Health insurance considerations vary by state. Research available plans in your domicile state that provide nationwide coverage.

Practical Living Skills

Basic maintenance skills save money and prevent emergencies. Learn how to check your motorhome's fluids, inspect belts, and monitor tire pressure. Simple preventative maintenance prevents costly breakdowns. Driving a large vehicle requires practice before hitting the highways. Find empty parking lots to practice turning, backing up, and parking. Consider taking an RV driving course offered by organizations like the FMCA. Camping skills develop with experience. Practice setting up and breaking down your campsite efficiently. Learn how to level your RV, connect utilities, and manage your water and waste systems. Power management becomes crucial in an RV. Understand your electrical system's limitations, especially when boondocking without hookups. Many full-timers add solar panels for additional power independence. Water conservation techniques make boondocking more enjoyable. Simple habits like navy showers and reusing dishwater for flushing extend your freshwater supply. Most experienced RVers develop systems that minimize water usage.

Building Community

The RV community welcomes newcomers with open arms. Join online forums and Facebook groups focused on full-time RV living. These communities provide advice, friendship, and sometimes assistance during emergencies. RV clubs offer rallies and gatherings throughout the year. Many lifelong friendships begin at these events. Establishing a social routine helps combat isolation. Regular video calls with family and friends maintain important connections. Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp make staying in touch easier than ever.

Volunteer opportunities provide meaningful experiences and social connections. Programs like Workamping and Habitat for Humanity connect RVers with service projects across the country. These experiences often include free camping in exchange for volunteer hours. Local experiences enrich the travel lifestyle. Engage with communities you visit through farmers' markets, local events, and community centers. These interactions create authentic connections beyond tourist attractions.

Embracing the Journey of Full-Time in a Motorhome

The transition to full-time motorhome living brings both challenges and rewards. The learning curve sometimes feels steep in the beginning. Most new RVers make mistakes and face unexpected situations. These experiences build resilience and problem-solving skills. The RV community stands ready to help when you need advice or assistance. Remember that your plans will change as you discover what works best for your lifestyle. Flexibility becomes your greatest asset on the road. Some travelers find they prefer slow travel with extended stays, while others enjoy frequent movement. Both approaches work well with the right preparation. The decision to live in a motorhome full-time opens doors to experiences you might never have imagined. National parks, small towns, and scenic byways become your backyard. The freedom to change your view whenever you wish creates unmatched opportunities for personal growth and adventure.

With careful planning and an open mind, the road ahead promises a fulfilling lifestyle filled with discovery.

Mary and Tim Walker

@lifeinthervblog

Traveling became a way of life for Mary and Tim in June 2017. They had recently moved to be near the grandkids, but they quickly realized that they saw them more when they traveled to visit. With family scattered all across the U.S. - it just made sense to them to give full-time RV living a try. When they first embraced the RVlifestyle, they had a few goals in mind: the freedom to travel without being tied down, the opportunity to spend more time with family, and a chance to explore new places on our own terms. Their Jayco Seneca Prestige 37M provided them the ability to meet all their goals.

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