Blog - Chickery's Travels

What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV

It’s no secret feeling tied down by a checklist of life accomplishments can feel draining. Maybe you’re not interested in the standard; “Get married, buy a house, have a baby” phenomenon. If this is you, young or old, the decision to sell everything you own and move into an RV may be the right choice for you. Look no further for our top things you need to know before selling everything and moving to an RV full-time.

Full-time RV living is definitely a lifestyle change if you’re used to traditional home life. Your first big task will be selling your current humble abode. Here are some top house-buying companies you can consider if you want to sell your house quickly and with less hassle.

Before we dive into the things you should know, let’s discuss what the benefits of RV living are:

The lifestyle can be cheaper than owning a traditional home
Your home is on wheels and can take you to endless places
You’ll inevitably buy less stuff you don’t need
You can still live in the same town you currently do, or not
The ability to travel full-time

1) Make a moving timeline

The best first step to take when you’re wanting to sell everything and move to an RV is to make a timeline for yourself. Although a big adventurous leap, this move certainly requires some planning. Know that your timeline won’t go exactly as planned but having a rough guideline of when you want to be hitting the road in your home on wheels will make the feat seem more manageable.

Have a date of when you want to have all your belongings sold and when you ideally would like to close on the sale of your home. When moving is getting closer, remember to include timeline items like how you plan to school children and logistics regarding remote work.

2) Prepare to sell your home

Want to get top dollar for your current property? Check out these top best fixes to make to get your listing price at the closing table. Once your real estate professional gets photos taken of the home, start selling your furniture. Get creative by selling things online, hosting a garage sale, and donating items to local charities in need. Don’t forget to plan to sell your vehicles as well.

3) Purchase your RV

This one may seem obvious but do your research on the best RVs that will work for you and your family. There are loads of options, each with unique features that can benefit you and your new lifestyle. Take your time to decide which RV is the one for you. It’s a large purchase and will impact your life dramatically if you select one that isn’t the right fit. And don’t forget, there is more to just the purchase price in the overall costs of RV ownership.

4) Downsize and consider a storage unit

Downsize, downsize, downsize is the key to successfully living in an RV full-time. Even if you sell 90 percent of your belongings, you may still feel the need to rent a small storage unit in a home-based location. This could be necessary to keep sentimental items like boxes of photographs, excess tools, special holiday ornaments, etcetera. If you’re struggling, consider these tips for downsizing.

5) Purchase necessary items for RV living

Consider purchasing an RV GPS, electrical management system, tire pressure monitoring system, water filtration system, and other handy tools to have on the road with you. See our list of essential RV gear. When doing this purchasing of larger items, it’s also a good time to set a budget for your monthly living when you’re hitting the road in your new home-on-wheels.

9:20 am by Julie Chickery

How to Get the Most Out of your Next Road Trip

Image of RV in an ad for RV Life Trip Planner

Road trips are a great way to see the country and spend time with family and friends. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your next road trip is as enjoyable as possible. This article will discuss how to get the most out of your next road trip.

1) Plan your route in advance

This will allow you to see what attractions are along the way and plan your stops accordingly. It will also help you avoid getting lost or making any unnecessary detours. Use a GPS to help you stay on track, particularly if you have an RV to keep you from routing to areas with low bridges. Another option is using the RV Life app which has a navigation feature to use on your phone or tablet. It also has the option to download the maps to your device in case you enter areas with no service. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s a good idea to do some research on potential destinations before finalizing your plans. That way, you can make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy at each stop.

2) Plan Your Accommodations

Whether you are planning to stay at campgrounds or hotels, the accommodations you choose while on the road are extremely important and can make or break your entire experience. It would be good to know where you’re going to stay, and it should align with your route. So, for example, if your road trip includes traveling to major East Coast cities like NYC, it would obviously be wise to find the best options along your driving route. The RV Life App in the video above includes a program called Trip Wizard to help you find RV parks and I like using reviews in Trip Advisors to find hotels if you want to get out of your vehicle for a bit.

3) Pack wisely

Be sure to pack enough food and snacks for the trip, as well as plenty of water. It’s also a good idea to bring along any medications you or your passengers may need. If you’re traveling with young children, be sure to pack some activities to keep them occupied during the drive.

This will help prevent them from getting restless and reduce the chances of them causing a distraction. An emergency kit is also a must-have when packing for a road trip. This should include items like jumper cables, flares, and first-aid supplies.

4) Take your time

One of the best things about road trips is that they allow you to travel at your own pace. There’s no need to hurry from one destination to the next. Stop periodically to take in the sights and stretch your legs – you can even get rent your own RV like one of those Austin campervan rentals so you can really take your time. This will help you stay refreshed and focused for the remainder of the drive. And, if you’re traveling with others, it will give everyone a chance to bond and create lasting memories.

4) Be prepared for the unexpected

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong on a road trip. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. Make sure you have enough money to cover any unforeseen expenses, such as an emergency room visit or a tow truck. It’s also a good idea to keep your cell phone charged in case you need to call for help.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your next road trip is enjoyable and memorable. So, get out there and explore all that this great country has to offer!

8:46 pm by Julie Chickery

A Quick Guide to Planning the Perfect US Camping Trip

When you think of the perfect camping trip, what comes to mind? For many people, the ideal camping experience involves spending time in a beautiful location, surrounded by nature. If you’re planning a camping trip in the United States, there are plenty of amazing destinations. In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to plan the perfect US camping adventure!

Image of a tent and camper at a campground in the Pacific Northwest

1) Choose your destination

The first step in planning the perfect camping trip is to choose your destination. When selecting a location, it is important to consider the type of terrain you will be camping on, as well as the climate. For example, are you looking for a place with beautiful hiking trails? Or do you prefer a more relaxed setting where you can enjoy some fishing and swimming? Once you have an idea of what kind of environment you would like to camp in, research different locations that fit your criteria. When choosing your campsite, book one with all the amenities you need, such as running water and electricity. You should also check to see if any restrictions or permits are required if you plan to camp off grid in the area. Follow these three tips for finding the best campgrounds.

2) Pack your gear

Once you have chosen your destination, it’s time to start packing! When packing for a camping trip, it is essential to bring all the necessary items. If you’re tent camping, you’ll obviously need a tent, sleeping bags, and food. No matter whether you’re in a tent or RV, there are also some other things you might want to consider bringing, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit, you can find all your camping gear requirements online at ECOGEAR FX. Also, make sure to pack enough clothing for the number of days you will be gone, as well as extra socks and shoes in case of wet weather. And don’t forget to bring along some fun games and activities to keep everyone entertained!

3) Prep your vehicle

Key to any good road trip, is a vehicle that is in good working order so be sure to perform all the necessary preventive maintenance. You’ll also want to make sure that you have good insurance coverage. Finally, in this day and age, it is also a good idea to bring the contact details of a reputable car accident lawyer with you. You might not like to think about having an accident, but if you’re driving a long way, the chance is always there that it could happen. It’s far better to have the details and not need them than need them and not have them!

4) Plan your meals

One of the most critical aspects of planning a camping trip is to make sure you have enough food. When packing your food, it is crucial to consider both perishable and non-perishable items. Make sure to bring along plenty of snacks and easy-to-prepare meals, such as sandwiches and trail mix. If you are bringing any perishable items, pack them in a cooler with ice packs. And don’t forget to pack some drinks, too! Water is always a necessity, but you might also want to bring some juice or sports drinks.

5) Don’t forget to explore

One of the best parts about camping is getting to explore your surroundings! Once you have set up camp, take some time to wander around and discover all the hidden gems of your location. If you’re camping in a national park, check out any nearby hiking trails. And if you’re near a lake or river, don’t forget to go for a swim! Make sure to bring along a map to find your way back to camp, and always let someone know where you are going before heading off into the wilderness.

Following these tips will help ensure that you have a fun and safe camping trip! Remember to choose your destination carefully, pack all the essential items, and plan your meals ahead of time. And don’t forget to explore your surroundings and have fun!