Life on the road is always exciting! But sometimes, even the most seasoned RVers get the urge to put down roots and set up shop somewhere for long periods. And why shouldn’t they? Living the stationary lifestyle provides all the joy of RVing without worrying about travel logistics. You should do a few things to prepare for your new life as a stationary RVer. Read about some of them in this comprehensive guide.
#1. Select an Excellent RV Park or Campground
When you’re considering becoming a full-time stationary RVer, it’s crucial to think about where you want to set up shop. After all, wherever you park your rig will become your neighborhood, community, and environment. For this reason, being selective about the RV park or campground you choose is essential. Figuring out what you need from a park or campground is an excellent first step to finding the perfect place to call home.
For instance, would you like to be close to a city, or would you rather live somewhere more rural? You might also consider which amenities you’ll require to live comfortably. Perhaps you need full electric hookups and on-site tank draining features. Further, it’s imperative to compare prices and ensure that wherever you choose to live offers extended stays.
#2. Don’t Forget About the Wi-Fi
It’s no secret that we live in the internet age, which means we all need a strong Wi-Fi signal. Fortunately, most RV parks and campgrounds offer free Wi-Fi. But be mindful because that doesn’t always mean services will be dependable. If you’re thinking of staying awhile, it’s essential to inquire about other available options. In other words, ask the parks you’re interested in if installing your Wi-Fi service is something they permit.
Ideally, you’ll want to find a place that allows you to do this, as it gives you the best chances for a robust and dependable Wi-Fi signal. But if you find that your first choice doesn’t allow individual installations, don’t worry! You still have a few other options that can help ensure you always have internet access, such as:
Wi-Fi boosters
Mobile hotspots
Regardless of how you do it, Wi-Fi is a necessity these days. So make sure you account for it when you’re looking for places to live long term.
#3. Be Prepared for Every Season
You need to be aware of the seasonal weather of the surroundings you choose. Moreover, you need to prepare your RV to endure said weather. To illustrate, perhaps you decide to set up shop in Massachusetts, where each season is fully felt. In this case, you’ll want to stay on top of roof and sealant maintenance for those summer showers.
It also wouldn’t hurt to install maintenance accessories like RV water pipe heaters for those frigid New England winters. On the other hand, if you choose to settle in a place like Texas, you’ll need to figure out how to best prepare for the blistering heat and higher humidity. Knowing what kind of weather to anticipate and preparing for it will ensure that your RV remains functional throughout the year.
#4. Maximize Your Space With Storage
RVs are compact living spaces, and that comes as a shock to no one. After all, a fully equipped home on wheels can only be so large before its size becomes a complication. But that is a part of the RV lifestyle and one you can become acclimated to with the right solutions. In other words, you need to get clever about the way you store all of your things.
Luckily, RVing has become an increasingly popular mode of living. And because of that, storage solutions are becoming more innovative every day. There’s a wide variety of ingenious storage solutions to keep your RV spacious, organized, and aesthetic. Some of these options include:
Ceiling cargo holder nets
Wall-mounted window pocket organizers
Closet tension shelving
Basket shelf storage bins
If you notice, most of these selections focus on maximizing both space and storage. So it’s essential to look for solutions that offer these things when you’re trying to figure out how to maximize your RV’s space and storage capacity.
#5. Learn To Cook More Efficiently
Finding adequate storage to maximize your space is only part of becoming a full-time stationary RVer. If you want to get the most out of your new lifestyle, using that mobile kitchen efficiently is crucial. Like most other features, your RV kitchen will be more compact than what you’d get with a brick-and-stick abode.
Sometimes, this can make it difficult to cook large meals for your family, company, and even yourself. For this reason, it’s imperative to learn how to work smarter rather than harder. And with an RV, the best way to do this is to invest in kitchen tools and appliances that can help simplify your cooking experiences.
For example, crock pots and air fryers are excellent alternatives to some of their more cumbersome counterparts. Plus, using efficient appliances and tools makes cooking large meals simpler. Smart kitchen storage here is a key as well. After all, nothing’s worse than knocking over your spice rack and utensil holder as you craft a lovely meal.
#6. Figure Out How You’ll Receive Your Mail
As you move into your stationary RV lifestyle, something else to be aware of is how you’ll receive your mail. Some RV parks will allow you to receive your mail on-site through their offices. However, not all will permit this or even have the structure necessary to facilitate it. In these cases, it’s best to look into some alternatives.
For instance, suppose you’re close to a city or town. If so, signing up for a PO box can give you a designated space to pick up any critical paperwork or documents. This is an incredibly beneficial option for those looking to stay somewhere for six months or longer. If that’s not quite the direction you’re headed in, you can also inquire about mail forwarding services. There are various services like this available, especially for RVers.
#7. Consider Investing in a Larger Rig
If you’re able to do so, it’s a good idea to invest in a larger rig. Any RV you select will be more compact than a typical house. However, specific RV models are much bigger than others, making them better suited for large family units or folks who enjoy a more spacious environment. This is most assuredly something worth considering if you plan to live a stationary life.
After all, you won’t have to fuss with packing things in regularly. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy much more square footage as you live out your mobile dreams. Large fifth wheels and park-model RVs are ideal for those looking to remain in one place for an extended period.
Putting down roots in your RV is a worthwhile adventure, no matter how you choose to do it. However, when you’re prepared for it, the experience can be much simpler and more enjoyable from the jump. Hopefully, we were able to provide some valuable information on some of the things you should consider as you plan your new life as a full-time stationary RVer.
