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lifestyle:hitting_the_road [2019/03/04 12:16] frater_secessus [launch date] |
lifestyle:hitting_the_road [2021/03/20 23:14] frater_secessus [thinking] |
====== Hitting the road: a checklist ====== | ====== Hitting the road: a checklist ====== |
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===== planning ===== | ===== thinking ===== |
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- FIXME | - what is my main drive for full-timing in a van, car, or RV? |
| - travel? |
| - live frugally? (often incompatible with extensive travel) |
| - solitude? |
| - independence? |
| - necessity? (would otherwise be [[lifestyle:involuntary|homeless]] |
| - will I pay to camp in sites with amenties like [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] and [[water:start|water]], or will I be [[camping:dispersed|boondocking]] off [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|solar]] or a [[electrical:generator|generator]]? |
| - how long do I expect to full-time? |
| - what is my present and future financial situation? |
| - how is my physical and mental health? Will I require ongoing [[lifestyle:medication|medication]]? |
| - am I easily bored? |
| - can I recognize danger when I see it? |
| - how much reading and research am I willing to do? |
| - can I use my existing vehicle, at least for now? |
| - can I cook for myself? |
| - do the foods I like require refrigeration? |
| - am I squeamish about bodily functions? How will I use the [[lifestyle:faq_toilet|toilet]]? |
| - will I require [[hvac:solar_ac|air conditioning]] or can I [[camping:snowbirding|follow mild weather]]? |
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===== laying the groundwork ===== | ===== laying the groundwork ===== |
This section includes items that take a long time to do and/or that are beneficial to you whether or not you eventually hit the road. | This section includes items that take a long time to do and/or that are **beneficial to you whether or not you choose to live in a van**. |
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* [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/passport/|{{ https://boondockplan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ppt_card_new.jpg}}]][[https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html|renew]] or [[https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html|apply for]] a passport. Having a passport makes getting a Real ID drivers license, etc, simpler. If your passport has expired, don't let it go more than 15 years from issuance for easiest renewal.((https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html)) The passport card (seen at right) may be a good choice for some folks.((https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/passport/)) There are reports that getting a passport may be easier while you still have a sticks and bricks residence.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-What-Needs-to-be-Taken-Care-of-Before-Hitting-the-Road?pid=286350#pid286350)) | * [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/passport/|{{ https://boondockplan.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/ppt_card_new.jpg}}]][[https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html|renew]] or [[https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html|apply for]] a passport. Having a passport makes getting a Real ID drivers license, etc, simpler. If your passport has expired, renew before 15 years from issuance for easiest renewal.((https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html)) The passport card (seen at right) may be a good choice for some folks.((https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/passport/)) There are reports that getting a passport may be easier while you still have a sticks and bricks residence.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-What-Needs-to-be-Taken-Care-of-Before-Hitting-the-Road?pid=286350#pid286350)) |
* obtain originals or certified copies of birth certificate and other critical documents | * obtain originals or certified copies of birth certificate and other critical documents |
* move check/savings/whatever to [[http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Forum-Money-Matters-Jobs-Banking-Budgeting|a bank or credit union that will meet your future needs]]. Services to consider: free ATM withdrawals nationwide,((Schwab and Ally do this as a credit for ATM fees at the end of each month)) usable website. | * move check/savings/whatever to [[http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Forum-Money-Matters-Jobs-Banking-Budgeting|a bank or credit union that will meet your future needs]]. Services to consider: free ATM withdrawals nationwide,((Schwab and Ally do this as a credit for ATM fees at the end of each month)) usable website. |
* shred unnecessary documents, save critical originals, and scan the rest. | * shred unnecessary documents, save critical originals, and scan the rest. |
| * stop buying (or accepting) physical objects that will not be going on the road with you. |
* start [[lifestyle:downsizing|selling, donating, or discarding nonessential possessions]]. | * start [[lifestyle:downsizing|selling, donating, or discarding nonessential possessions]]. |
| * keep or purchase only those [[lifestyle:necessities|items you will need on the road]] |
* request that direct mail marketers [[https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email|take your mailing address off their list]] | * request that direct mail marketers [[https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email|take your mailing address off their list]] |
* [[http://www.directmail.com/mail_preference/|directmail.com]] | * [[http://www.directmail.com/mail_preference/|directmail.com]] |
* [[https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t|optoutprescreen.com]] - credit card offers | * [[https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t|optoutprescreen.com]] - credit card offers |
* [[https://dmachoice.thedma.org/register.php|Direct Mail Association registration]] - $2 for 10 years. Recommended as "fastest way to see results" by the FTC.((https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email)) | * [[https://dmachoice.thedma.org/register.php|Direct Mail Association registration]] - $2 for 10 years. Recommended as "fastest way to see results" by the FTC.((https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email)) |
| * start planning out your [[rv:build:cardboard|van living space]] |
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===== one year out ===== | ===== one year out ===== |
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This section assumes you are planning to hit the road sooner rather than later. | This section assumes you are planning to hit the road sooner rather than later. Starting a year out means you can test out your van in all four seasons with your "home base" resources at hand. |
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* decide if you are going to buy [[rv:intro|a camper]], build one out of [[rv:cargo_van|a cargo van]], or use something you already own. | * decide if you are going to buy [[rv:intro|a camper]], build one out of [[rv:cargo_van|a cargo van]], or use something you already own. |
* if you are buying/building a camper: do the research, find a good one, buy it, and start your build (if required). | * if you are buying/building a camper: do the research, find a good one, buy it, and start your build (if required). |
* [[rv:testing|stress-test]] your camper with short outings | * [[rv:testing|stress-test]] your camper with short outings: an overnight in your driveway. A weekend in your driveway. Overnight away from home. Several days away from home. A week away from home, etc. |
* choose a [[lifestyle:domicile|domicile state]]. If you already live in a nomad-friendly state like Texas, South Dakota, or Florida, consider keeping it. Establish residency if you pick another state. | * choose a [[lifestyle:domicile|domicile state]]. If you already live in a nomad-friendly state like Texas, South Dakota, or Florida, consider keeping it. Establish residency if you pick another state. |
* decide on an address of your [[lifestyle:residence|legal residence]]. | * decide on an address of your [[lifestyle:residence|legal residence]]. |
* research [[lifestyle:mail_forwarding|mail forwarders]] to find one that meets your criteria. It may be simpler to choose one in your domicile state. | * research [[lifestyle:mail_forwarding|mail forwarders]] to find one that meets your criteria. It may be simpler to choose one in your domicile state. |
* **make general plans** on where you would like to travel (or stay) in the first year of your RV life. | * **make general plans** on where you would like to travel (or stay) in the first year of your RV life. |
| * practice "camp cooking" (making simple one-pot meals, etc) while still at home.((https://vandwellerforum.com/showthread.php?tid=2681)) |
| * start paying more attention to weather on the news and what it looks like outside. Think about how you would react to that weather in the van.((https://vandwellerforum.com/showthread.php?tid=2681)) |
===== one month out ===== | ===== one month out ===== |
This section includes items that are best done while you still are in a physical residence. | This section includes items that are best done while you still are in a physical residence. |
* If you want a P.O. Box get it before you move into your camper. USPS requires a mailing address to get a P.O. Box((https://poboxes.usps.com/poboxonline/search/landingPage.do)) | * If you want a P.O. Box get it before you move into your camper. USPS requires a mailing address to get a P.O. Box((https://poboxes.usps.com/poboxonline/search/landingPage.do)) |
* refill any prescriptions, get copies of medical records | * refill any prescriptions, get copies of medical records |
| * test-run your generator, if so equipped |
* set termination dates for utilities, cable, etc. | * set termination dates for utilities, cable, etc. |
* **make specific plans** about your first route or destination. Many new nomads travel widely((wildly?)) in their first year, then [[camping:snowbirding|move more methodically]] after that. Remember to limit driving to safe and relaxed intervals. **The 3-30 rule** is a common one: travel no more than 330 miles or after 3:30pm on any given day. | * **make specific plans** about your first route or destination. Many new nomads travel widely((wildly?)) in their first year, then [[camping:snowbirding|move more methodically]] after that. Remember to limit driving to safe and relaxed intervals. **The 3-30 rule** is a common one: travel no more than 330 miles or after 3:30pm on any given day. |
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| * fill out a [[https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm|change of address form]] for the post office, pointing to your mail forwarder. Note: **if you call it a permanent change of address the USPS will sell your new address to junk mailers**. If you mark it a temporary change the USPS will not sell the address, and you can renew the temporary change for another 6 months.((https://www.businessinsider.com/opt-out-of-direct-marketing-2013-7)) |
| * change oil |
| * check automatic transmission fluid, if applicable |
| * check tire pressure, etc as needed for your camper and/or tow vehicle. Remember to check air pressure in the spare, and ensure all the parts of your jack kit are present. |
| * while you still have broadband, update your phones/tablets/PCs. Update [[communication:bandwidth_conservation#navigation_frugality|google offline maps]], etc. |
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===== one day out ===== | ===== one day out ===== |
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* **prepare the camper the night before** so all you have to do is leave. Top off water supply, charge devices. | * **prepare the camper** so all you have to do is leave the next day. Top off water supply, charge house batteries and all devices. |
| * **move refrigerated foods** to the camper's [[food:refrigeration|fridge]] |
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===== launch date ===== | ===== launch date ===== |
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| * **take a long shower** that morning! Showers are a rare luxury on the road. |
* **take a long shower** that morning! Showers are a rare luxury on the road. | * **do a final walkthrough** of your sticks & bricks home: stove off, refrigerator emptied and powered off with door[s] cracked. |
* **do a final walkthrough** of your sticks & bricks home: stove off, refrigerator emptied and powered off with door[s] cracked. | * **disconnect [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]]**, water lines, etc. from the camper |
| * **do a walk-around** of your camper. Anything out of place? On top? Underneath? |
| * **check your mailbox for anything that missed forwarding** |
| * **pull away and start your new adventure** |
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