Do you ever find yourself staring out of your office window, longing for something more? The thought of trading the daily grind for the open road and embracing the freedom of full time RV life is a dream for many. But how do you actually make it happen?
For most people, this journey starts long before they buy an RV or plan their first route. It begins with a shift in mindset—a transformation that allows you to see new possibilities and take control of your life.
In this article, we’ll explore how to cultivate the right mindset for RV living and share practical steps to transition into this lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting to dream or you’re ready to hit the road, this guide is your roadmap to turning your dream into reality.
Start with Mindset
When people think about transitioning to full time RV life, they often focus on the logistics: What kind of RV should I buy? How will I make money on the road? Where will I park? But the real work starts in your mind.
Making the leap into a nomadic lifestyle requires letting go of fears, embracing uncertainty, and opening yourself up to the idea of living life differently.
Overcoming Common Fears
It’s natural to feel hesitant about leaving the familiar behind. Some common fears include:
- Financial Security: What if I can’t afford this lifestyle?
- Loneliness or Isolation: Will I miss my community?
- Uncertainty: What if something goes wrong?
While these concerns are valid, they don’t have to stop you. The key is to reframe your thinking:
- Instead of focusing on what you might lose, think about what you’ll gain—freedom, adventure, and personal growth.
- See challenges as opportunities to grow and learn rather than as obstacles.
Embracing Minimalism
RV living is about simplicity. It’s a chance to strip away the distractions and focus on what truly matters. You’ll need to let go of excess belongings, but you’ll gain clarity, freedom, and the ability to live more intentionally.
When we first decided to buy an RV it was just for the weekend camping trips. But when the opportunity to move to Alaska, from Colorado, knocked on the door our outlook changed. Every time I went shopping I would ask myself, “Will this fit in the trailer?” This quickly squashed all of my shopping habits. The thought of adventure overtook the need to shop out of boredom.
Pro Tip: Start practicing minimalism now, even if you’re not hitting the road yet. Decluttering your home and mindset can be a liberating first step toward RV life.
The Mechanics of Full Time RV Life
Once you’ve cultivated the right mindset, it’s time to focus on the practical steps that will bring your dream to life.
1. Research and Choose the Right RV
Your RV will be your home, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs. When choosing an RV, consider:
- Size and Layout: Will you be traveling solo, with a partner, or with a family?
- Features: Do you need workspace, off-grid capabilities, or extra storage?
- Travel Style: Are you planning to stay in campgrounds, boondock, or a mix of both?
Spend time touring different models, talking to RVers, and watching online walkthroughs to find your perfect fit. There are many RV shows around the country that you can attend. Plus the many types of RVs to choose from and many differences in quality. It’s not time to buy just yet, but you can get enough information to know what you truly need and create a vision board with those qualities. Including adventure outside the RV.
After having the 19 foot travel trailer for 19 years, I knew that I wanted more closet space and a larger refrigerator when we were looking for our current motorhome. It doesn’t have to take you that long!
2. Plan Your Finances
Living on the road can be affordable, but it requires planning. Create a budget that includes:
- Start-Up Costs: The price of your RV, insurance, and any modifications.
- Monthly Expenses: Campground fees, fuel, groceries, and maintenance.
- Emergency Fund: Unexpected repairs or medical expenses can happen, so it’s good to be prepared.
Many full timers support their lifestyle through remote work, freelancing, or seasonal jobs. Think about your skills and how you could earn an income while traveling.
Wayne and I began our current journey in July of 2019. We were doing freelance work which relied on the tourism industry. Well, we all know what happened in March of 2020. Our work ended in one day. It was sudden and we had to pivot fast. That’s when we did the work camping gigs around the country from California to Washington, to Vermont and in between.
We moved into sales for RV parks and we make more money plus still get free rent and get to move around every two weeks. This is what we like. Your vision may be different.
3. Downsize and Simplify
Transitioning to RV life often means saying goodbye to many of your possessions. Start by:
- Sorting your belongings into categories: “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Sell.”
- Experimenting with small-space living to get used to what you’ll need on the road.
Remember, the less you bring, the less you’ll have to clean, organize, and worry about. Plus, RVs have weight limits. Be sure you know what is so you can stay safe.
4. Plan Your First Trip
The beauty of RV life is the flexibility to choose your own adventure. To ease into the lifestyle, start with a short trip to a familiar destination. This will help you get comfortable with your RV and work out any kinks before diving into full time travel. Even better, rent an RV before you buy and take a weeklong trip.
If you plan on working while on the road, try that out as well. I have an article that includes a sample letter to approach your boss about working remotely. Check it out.
A Journey Worth Taking
Full time RV life is about more than just travel—it’s about freedom, discovery, and creating a life that aligns with your values. While the journey may feel overwhelming at first, breaking it into manageable steps can make it feel achievable.
Remember, the hardest part is often taking the first step. Once you commit to the idea and start working toward it, the pieces will begin to fall into place.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re curious whether full time RV life is right for you, we’ve created a quick and insightful tool to help. Take our Are You Ready for an RV Lifestyle quiz to discover how prepared you are for this exciting lifestyle and get personalized tips to help you on your journey.
