The Do's and Don'ts of Living in an RV
Have you been thinking about buying an RV and hitting the open road? There are plenty of pros to choosing this lifestyle, but there are also some challenges you may not expect until you're actually on the road.
Many people dream of living in an RV while they travel the country, but few can do it. RV living can be a great experience, and if you're planning to do it, we've prepared this list of the dos and don'ts of living in an RV to help you make this experience as enjoyable as possible!
When deciding how to use and maintain your RV, keep in mind that an RV, like any other vehicle, needs regular care and maintenance to keep it in good condition. After all, running an RV can be complicated and dangerous if you aren't prepared, so here are some things you shouldn't do while living in an RV to have a safe and fun time when living on the road.
Space and comfort
Before you embark on living life on wheels, think about what your daily routines will be like. You will need space for dining, sleeping, showering, washing your clothes (you'll have a washer but no dryer), doing homework, or anything else that makes your regular day at home more accessible. Make sure you have enough room so that these activities are comfortable. Also, consider how much space is needed for each activity: how many seats do you need around a table? How big should your bed be? How long should it take to shower? The more time you spend thinking through these details before making a purchase, the less likely you'll regret them later.
Cooking and Dining
Using a full-size kitchen while living on wheels is like living at a country club. You can even get a stove that doubles as a grill, so you don't have to go outside (or buy extra propane tanks) to prepare your meals. If you're used to cooking large quantities, ensure your new rig has enough counter space for storage and preparation.
Safety and security
When you live full-time in a recreational vehicle, your safety is just as crucial as when living in your regular home. Here are some helpful security tips to help keep you and your belongings safe:
Securely fasten all windows and doors with locking mechanisms or safety bars.
For extra protection, invest in window film or a window guard kit. These will make it more difficult for someone to break into your RV through windows while you're away from it, giving them time to react if they notice someone trying to break in.
Health and hygiene
One of your biggest concerns will be maintaining personal hygiene. Bathing is best done at campgrounds with showers, but for long road trips, it might make more sense to visit a big-box store or Walgreens on your way out and stock up on travel-size bottles of shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste. Investing in a shower bucket will save you a lot of time and space.
Use multipurpose products to limit space.
You'll live in a smaller, more confined space than usual, so it's essential to keep things as simple as possible. Multipurpose products are great because they can fill several needs. A multipurpose cleaner will let you clean up messes when cooking or cleaning your bathroom. Similarly, a multipurpose laundry detergent can let you wash your clothes at home or on the go.
Check for leaks after heavy rain.
A leaky roof is no fun, but it's not that difficult to fix. Often, patches can be placed over small leaks with simple roofing cement. If you discover a significant crack or hole, ensure you're in a safe area before fixing it—you don't want to get injured by falling debris. Also, inspect your roof after any natural disaster (like heavy winds or snow) to ensure nothing has happened while you were gone.
Never compromise on comfort or style.
You'll have to make certain sacrifices when living in an RV. You can't exactly live like a king—or queen—when every corner is filled with appliances, there's a folding bed where your couch should be, and there's not much more room than a walk-in closet. But having an RV doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or style. You can customize a recreational vehicle just like any other home.
Don't stay inside RV all day.
When living in a Recreational vehicle, you want to enjoy life outside too, and it would help if you got out at least once or twice a day. To keep yourself active, find something around your place that would be great for walking, like a park or other recreational areas. Also, if you have pets, there is no better way to take them on walks than through your Recreational vehicle.
Don't buy bulk and store it in RV.
Are you planning to buy bulk products and then store them? Make sure that you use as much as possible before they go bad. People love having lots of granola bars around for snacking, so at first, glance, buying a box for $10 seems like a good idea. After about three months, however, it's time to throw them out (or give them away) because most have gone rancid. Space is a limited commodity in an RV, so use it wisely.
Regularly clean your RV
Make it a habit to thoroughly clean your RV after every trip. RVs are known for collecting dust, dirt, and even mold that can prove harmful to your health over time. It's important to schedule routine cleanings at least once a month (or even more if you live in hot or humid climates). Whatever you choose to use in your RV, ensure that everything is secure, or you will end up cleaning the messes each time you arrive at a new location.