So you have finally retired and are now free to try out frugal lifestyles that you always read about when you were working full time?
Your decision to spend the rest of your retirement in an RV is both financially sound and courageous. Not everyone has the spine to leave their comfortable three-bedroom home and live in the open; without any comfort or certainty.
But there are a few things that you have to go through before purchasing an RV. Living on the road is not always as fun or as simple as you may think.
Here are the 4 things you should consider before retiring in an RV.
1. Personal safety
Personal safety is the biggest concern while retiring in an RV. It is one thing to get attacked by a grizzly bear but there are many more things that can harm you. Ask any camper and they will tell you that “other human beings” are the biggest threat while you are out there in your vehicle alone or with a partner.
However, you are less likely to get in a dangerous situation if you park your RV at campgrounds, truck stops, national parks, or storefronts. Your decision to retire in an RV can become successful if you follow the basic rules set by experienced campers.
2. Choosing the right vehicle
Choosing the right RV is harder than you think. Unless you are going to purchase a customized RV, you may have to browse through hundreds of options to pick the one that is most suited for you.
If you’re reading this article, I’d say it’s safe to assume you are either considering full-time RV life or have recently retired. That being said, this new lifestyle you’re about to embark on gives you a lot of freedom to experiment with a more frugal lifestyle if you so choose.
When choosing the right RV for you, consider that when you were a full-time employee, your expenses were more than they are now. Also, the number of items you own goes down as your expenses decrease. RV living is typically quite simple. Hence, you might not need all the items you previously owned. Choose your RV according to your needs.
3. Workspace and internet connectivity
An important thing to consider is internet connection when deciding on RV life. For those who are still going to be doing part-time or remote-jobs, living in an RV can be a problem. Not all camping grounds offer high-speed internet service. So ask yourself, how are you going to send your emails and communicate with your employer/clients? Some part-time jobs also need you to have uninterrupted internet access. If this is going to be an issue for you, you may need to reconsider or look into your options such as a mobile hotspot.
4. Legality
Living out in an RV does require you to follow certain rules and regulations set by the city/town. Every state has its own rules when it comes to setting a camp or living in a public place. In general, rules are strict in big cities and tend to be more lenient in smaller towns.
Legality only comes into the picture when you decide to or have to park in a place other than camping grounds or mobile home parks. The camping grounds are administered by people who maintain the zoning standard in that area. You will never get into legal trouble for parking your RV in a designated area. So, before stopping for the, do a little research on where you can park along your route.
How does it feel to live full time in an RV? Should I consider retiring in an RV as well?
RV retirement is often a great option for those who want to visit their family members who may be spread out across the country or those who just want to see more of the world. It is true that many people who live full-time in RVs reach a point where all they desire is a comfy brick and motor house. If you are on the fence about it, consider renting an RV and taking a test road-trip in it! If you loved it, jump in and get one of your own. If not, reconsider your options and see what will work best for your lifestyle after retirement.
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