If you're like us, you've taken a couple of trips, and have decided to commit to living the full time RV lifestyle. However, it's not necessarily something that you can do overnight. There's going to be a transition period, and we hope to help those making the decision through their transition.
You'll need to be able to deal with the old quarters. This is going to depend on your situation. If you own a house or something similar, you're going to need to get that on the market, especially if you live somewhere with habitation requirements. If you rent an apartment or equivalent, you'll need to look at your contract, since there are usually early termination fees. Maybe you live with family, or are newly married or engaged and are ready to move together, and that may seem easier from that standpoint. Maybe you aren't ready to give it up right away, but remember you'll still have to pay all the associated taxes and costs, not to mention winterize if that's needed in your area. Figure out what's best for you, make a plan, and have some contingency options in case things don't work the way you'd like them to happen.
Just like when you pack for your first adventures, you'll need to still be able to live in both places. Some pack things as soon as possible because of the daunting move, while others may wait for the last second because they don't want to end up in a situation where something they need has been moved. A compromise will make this smooth. Go room by room in your old quarters and take an inventory. Everything you come across, figure out how it was last used, and place it into any of several categories:
Remember that these categories are going to overlap. Common items, such as clothes and kitchen utensils, are things you're going to pack, but you'll also need at your old place. Keep them around, but make sure there's room. Furniture items, like your couch or kitchen table, you'll still need during the transition, but you aren't going to take with you. Decorative things, like the knick-knacks on the window sill, are typically something where you can make a decision and act right away. Don't feel like you have to give up everything, either. Very commonly, when someone gives away something, they'll recognize the need for it within a week. We're not saying that everything you have should be hoarded, though. Find a balance. Hopefully some family is willing to help you store what you want to hold, or you may need to rent a small garage in the multitude of storage services across the country. Yard and garage sales are also a good way to help get rid of what you're not taking, and can generate a small amount of income.
Your other affairs are things you'll need to keep in mind. If you're in a physical location job, there will be a time you'll have to resign. Maybe you have memberships with various stores or clubs, and you'll need to think about how those are going to be used. Utilities are something you'll need to be ready to cancel. How are you going to deal with your vehicles? Do your bank and/or credit union accounts allow for good online access, and how accessible are they should you need brick-and-mortar services, such as cash deposits? Make sure to have a plan, but remember you'll have to still live with all of these through your transition.
Transition is hard, but with careful planning, you can ease the stress of change. Once you're through these tough times, you'll finally be freely able to follow your internal compass.
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