- Living in an RV provides the opportunity to travel and explore the open road while saving money over traditional housing costs.
- Doing a detailed layout of an RV is essential for a safe and comfortable experience, including accurately measuring all sections and utilizing 3D imaging software or floor plan apps.
- The necessary fixtures for living in an RV include a kitchenette, bathroom, safety features, and sleeping areas.
- The privacy should be considered before departure, such as purchasing privacy screens or window tint repair services.
Living in an RV is an exciting lifestyle choice that provides opportunities for exploration, adventure, and the chance to live on your terms. Not only is it a cost-effective way to travel and explore new places, but the benefits of an RV lifestyle are numerous.
Living in an RV can provide tremendous flexibility regarding where you want to go and how long you’d like to stay there. You don’t need to worry about finding a place to stay or making sure you have enough money for rent; instead, all you need is gas in your tank and the open road ahead. With no permanent address, you can go wherever the wind takes you and enjoy experiences from coast-to-coast without ever having to commit to any one place.
Additionally, living in an RV can save you significant money over traditional housing costs. According to data from Statista, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in 2018 was $1,088 per month; meanwhile, data from GoRVing shows that full-time RVers spend roughly $2,000 on average each month on their travels—including gas and food—which averages out to just over $500 per month for lodging expenses alone. This means choosing an RV lifestyle over traditional housing costs is nearly 85 percent cheaper.
However, preparations for living in an RV should be thorough. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for living in an RV:
Map the Vehicle Home Layout
Living in an RV can provide an excellent opportunity for exploration and adventure. Still, ensuring the vehicle is appropriately laid out before embarking on any journey is essential. Doing the layout of an RV is integral to having a safe and comfortable experience while living on the road.
Before hitting the road, knowing exactly how much space you have available and where everything should be placed is essential. This means measuring your living spaces, including bedrooms, kitchenette, bathroom, and storage area. Knowing exactly how much room you have in each region will help you plan better for daily life and determine what kind of furniture or appliances are appropriate for the space. Additionally, doing a detailed layout can also aid in identifying potential safety hazards or areas that need extra support or reinforcement due to weight distribution or heavy loadings.
To properly layout an RV, it is wise to start by taking accurate measurements with a tape measure of every significant section within the vehicle. 3D imaging software can map out the different areas and visualize what they may look like once set up with furniture and other belongings. There are also specialized apps that allow users to input their measurements and instantly generate floor plans for their RV home. Once the measures and mapping process is complete, it’s essential to think about how best to use all available space in terms of functionality and livability. Determining which items are critical versus those only occasionally used will help better organize all belongings to maximize comfort levels and overall efficiency when traveling from place to place.
Get the Necessary Fixtures
Living in an RV requires certain fixtures, fittings, and equipment to make the living space comfortable, homely, and safe. Depending on the size of your RV, you should have all the necessary fixtures to accommodate your needs.
Kitchenette
If you plan on spending most of your time cooking inside your RV, the kitchen is one of the most important aspects to consider when fitting out your vehicle. This could include a stove top with gas or electric burners, a sink with running water (either from a tank or built-in plumbing), cabinetry for storage, and countertops for preparing meals. Additionally, many RV kitchens come pre-equipped with an oven and refrigerator; however, these can be added if needed.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another essential component for RV living. This includes a sink with running water, a shower (a handheld showerhead may save space), a toilet (most commonly portable or Cassette Toilets), and any additional storage areas needed to store toiletries and other items. Similarly, heating and cooling systems are essential depending on where you plan on traveling—particularly in colder climates—and should be considered when installing fixtures in an RV.
Safety Features
Finally, safety features are paramount for ensuring comfortable living while traveling in an RV. This means investing in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors/alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency exits (if applicable), fire blankets that comply with local regulations and codes of practice, and appropriate lighting throughout the interior of the vehicle.
Bed Area
Of course, living in an RV means having a place to sleep. This could include beds, bunk beds, dinettes, and sofas, depending on the size of your vehicle. Alternatively, it’s possible to use air mattresses or fold-out couches; however, these options may not be as comfortable as larger furnishings over time.
Ensuring Privacy
Privacy is also essential when living in an RV and should be considered before departure. This could include purchasing privacy screens, curtains, or other barriers to ensure proper insulation for outdoor and indoor spaces. Your window tint will also be vital, but it can be easily destroyed because of weather conditions. You can get window tint repair services to help make sure you have the necessary privacy while inside your RV.
Additionally, if multiple people live in the same RV, creating separate living areas (if possible) can help foster a sense of individuality and provide more personal boundaries.
Final Thoughts
Living in an RV is an enjoyable and cost-effective alternative to traditional housing. Proper preparations can provide an excellent lifestyle choice with countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. By doing the layout of your vehicle home, getting the necessary fixtures, investing in safety features, finding ways to ensure privacy, and selecting comfortable sleeping spaces, you’ll be well on your way to a successful RV experience.
