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“Pack as if you're going out for only a week during the summer. Then add what you'd need if you were going out for only a week in winter. That should pretty much cover everything.” –MrNoodly
1)
“I can't be prepared for everything I can possibly imagine, so I prepare for things that are most likely to happen.” – MrNoodly
2)
Hitting the road: a checklist
thinking
what is my main drive for full-timing in a van, car, or RV?
travel?
live frugally? (often incompatible with extensive travel)
solitude?
independence?
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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
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
toilet?
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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 choose to live in a van.
renew or
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.
3) The passport card (seen at right) may be a good choice for some folks.
4) There are reports that getting a passport may be easier while you still have a sticks and bricks residence.
5)
obtain originals or certified copies of birth certificate and other critical documents
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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.
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one year out
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. It also means you can get up to speed on core skills like cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.
decide if you are going to buy
a camper, build one out of
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).
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
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.
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research
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.
practice “camp cooking” (making simple one-pot meals, etc) while still at home.
8)
practice cleaning
pots and utensils without running water
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consider downsizing the number of clothes you own, focusing on clothes that are comfortable and easy to
launder in a laundromat. Start wearing your new wardrobe.
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.
9)
one month out
This section includes items that are best done while you still are in a physical residence.
set up the account with your chosen mail forwarder
start giving everyone our mailing address, letting them know you do not receive mail at your 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
10)
refill any prescriptions, get copies of medical records
test-run your generator, if so equipped
set termination dates for utilities, cable, etc.
make specific plans about your first route or destination. Many new nomads travel widely
11) in their first year, then
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.
one week out
fill out a
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.
12)
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
google offline maps, etc.
one day out
launch date
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.
disconnect 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