While full-time RV living could be a dream come true, it comes with considerable adjustment, which can be challenging. Therefore, if you consider living in an RV, you should at least know what to expect.
Depending on your reasons for choosing RV living, there are budgets to think of, your current family living situation, losing some conveniences you were used to, and how to manage the available physical space.
However, this should not stop you from living the adventure on this side of lifestyle. That is why we have curated a list of common challenges you might encounter in full-time RV living to know what to anticipate and how to deal with different issues.
1. Loneliness
It gets lonely when you live the RV lifestyle as much as life on the road is exciting. In fact, over a quarter of RVers are lonely. When living full-time in an RV, you don't have a permanent home where you can live with people or relatives can visit.
In the event that you get tired of traveling, you basically don't have somewhere to go home to. As a result, RVers often develop feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and more. Solo travelers are hit hard when they long to be around people.
However, you don't have to be lonely. Communicating often with your loved ones or joining a virtual community of other RVers can help. Making friends on the road and attending convergences together will also help fight away loneliness.
You can also indulge in many pastime activities, like playing slots online with Slotastic bonus codes for entertainment.
2. Downsizing
Downsizing is probably the first challenge you will encounter as you transition to an RVer. With years and decades of collecting furniture and electronics in your house, you must decide what goes in your RV.
The reality is that the majority of your furniture, electronics, and items will have to stay behind. So start getting used to not having your huge refrigerator, walk-in closet, garage, and many other items you adore.
Going minimalist is easier said than done; however, it is possible. If you are serious about the full-time RV life, you will discover that you don't actually need most of the things you thought were essential. To simplify the process, start by understanding your RV in terms of how much space it has. Make a list of items you must keep and the items you cannot keep.
Using the list, decide which items you will sell or donate, and soon, you will realize you have only what you need for your new life.
3. RV Driving
RVers feel liberated when driving their recreational vehicles on sunny days on the highway. The views from the surrounding landscapes and the eagerness to get to the next destination make the RV experience unforgettable.
However, you have to stay extra vigilant when driving your RV regardless of how much experience you have. While RVs are safer than other vehicles, they still cause accidents and injuries. However, being watchful for hours causes physical and mental fatigue, which can take away the fun.
Failure to remain attentive, however, has serious consequences, such as having your belongings and RV scattered on the highway, which is why you need to know how to deal with obstacles along the way and how to drive in bad weather.
4. Dealing with Finances
Managing finances when living in an RV long-term can be challenging. While living in an RV often saves you costs, the emergence of new expenses will not go unnoticed. Some people save aside money for a full year of travel, switching up their campsites frequently and making multiple stops in busy tourist destinations.
While having a full-time RV, many individuals opt to keep their residences and must budget for such costs. Others decide to list their homes for sale and make long-term travel plans. They may set aside money for trips to state parks and other less pricey camping areas.
Whatever you plan to spend, sticking to a sound budget plan can help you achieve your goals. Knowing how much money you will spend each month is essential whether you have savings, live on a limited income, or intend to work from your RV.
5. Income Options
The availability of a source of income is a big challenge RVers face. Most people who live in an RV are retired or have saved to experience the lifestyle for some time. The other category of RVers work short-term jobs from one location to the next or work online.
You require income to live in an RV full-time. Luckily, there are tons of seasonal and online jobs to generate money. Become the digital nomad everyone is talking about.
State income taxes are also something else you have to consider when living the nomadic lifestyle.
Wrapping Up
The RV lifestyle has several challenges as it has benefits. However, if you consider living an RV lifestyle, you can always make it work. With a clue of the possible challenges you might encounter, you will mentally equip yourself and devise measures to mitigate them.
Common challenges include loneliness, downsizing, financial management, driving, and getting a job if you haven't saved for the adventure. You can handle all these obstacles, so relax and start your adventure. If it doesn't work for you, remember you can always go home.