What Should You Know About Living in an RV?

If the idea of living in an RV is something you dream about, you’re not alone. It’s increasingly common, but it’s not always as easy as selling everything and hitting the road.

For example, there are zoning ordinances and laws for RVs if you want to live in your camper in certain places. You may have limitations to face, such as restricted storage and cooking space.

It can also be risky if there’s extreme weather, such as storms or flash flooding.

The following are some things to know about living in an RV, some of which might make it a less appealing option for you.

Parking An RV

Undoubtedly one of the major logistical issues you’re going to face if you’re thinking about living in an RV is that you’re going to have to park it somewhere.

In some places, it’s illegal to live in an RV full-time. It may vary depending not just on the state but the county where you plan to reside.

Some places mandate that it’s illegal to live in anything with wheels, while in other places, it might be a square foot issue.

Local laws and zoning ordinances dictate if you can live in your RV full-time and where you can park it, and you may also face neighborhood restrictions. For example, in some neighborhoods, there may be a ban on parking an RV on your land if you aren’t living in it.

In other places, you may be able to live in an RV on your property only if you’re going to build a permanent home on the property.

RV parks are the easiest option, although they can be expensive. At an RV park, you can usually choose from both temporary or full-time lot rentals, and the park may include utilities and certain amenities in the price.

Some states are more RV-friendly than others, which should factor into your decision.

What’s It Like to Live in An RV Park?

If you decide to try living in an RV park, there are some things to adjust to.

You will need to research a park before choosing it to ensure it’s safe and has a good reputation. You’ll also want to look at the park’s policies and ensure they align with your lifestyle and preferences.

You’ll have to get used to securing your RV when you leave, just as you would with a house or apartment.

For example, lock your vehicle when you leave, and when you’re not home, make sure you close your curtains and windows. You’ll want to hide valuables out of view and use a safe for your important documents and other items.

You should also get to know your neighbors so that you can all look out for one another.

Not all RV parks have amenities, but the ones that do may include WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool. They may also have BBQ grills, patios, a clubhouse, and utilities like sewer, water, and electricity.

Just the Essentials

If you have it worked out where you’ll park an RV, you still have to prepare for a dramatic shift in your lifestyle. We’re a consumer-driven society, and life in an RV makes you rethink that and only have the essentials.

You may be able to rent a storage unit, but even so, you’ll have to let go of convenient things, and may even have an emotional connection for you.

If you have a camper van, keep your lithium battery for camper van charged and well-maintained.

Day-to-Day Living

There are other things that you might not even consider as part of your daily life that can become more challenging when you live in an RV.

Mail is one example. If you don’t have a permanent address, you’ll probably have to use a mail-forwarding company. A mail forwarding company collects your mail, and then they send it to you at whatever address you need them to.

You might need to include laundry machines in your RV. Otherwise, you’ll need to find laundromats or choose an RV park with laundry facilities.

Finally, the weather was touched on, and it’s essential to understand this risk if you live in an RV. You need to pay attention to the weather and make plans if there are severe weather warnings.

Certain camp features may be riskier than others in the event of bad weather. For example, if you live somewhere with regular severe storms, you might not want to choose an RV park near a body of water, which can lead to flash flooding.