It's amazing how many things have to be taken care of when preparing to become even a temporary full-time RVer. Selling your home, downsizing all your stuff, deciding what to keep and what to throw away, what to do about the furniture, the list goes on and on. Once you move out of your permanent residence, technically, you don't actually live anywhere, so you have to think about things like: how do I get mail, what about doctors and prescriptions, where is the RV registered and the car or truck? What about insurance for the vehicles?
Fortunately, there are quite a few people that have done full-timing before and a number of businesses exist to help make the process easier. For mail, we're using the GoodSam mail forwarding service. We decided to use that one because it is located in Crestview FL and accepts any kind of mail or packages.
One of the bigger challenges is that banks and investment firms require a "normal" home address. You can't use the address of a mail forwarding service. This is due to the Patriot Act. Apparently, the only solution is to use the address of a relative or friend. Even this gets complicated because new credit cards are only sent to a "home" address, which means your friend has to forward them to you. Be sure to set up ebilling whenever possible so that there is no other mail from these organizations. As a matter of fact, set up ebill for anything you can.
I'm only going to touch on health insurance because I still haven't figured it out. Since you aren't staying in one place, you won't really be able to have a primary care provider and you have to be sure that the insurance provider operates in every state that you may visit. If you have an understanding doctor you may be able to get prescription refills while on the road. However, if tests are needed from time to time, the doctor will need to place an order in a location that you plan to be in. Also, make sure that you use a national pharmacy so that you can get refills wherever you are located.
We're finally getting close to getting on the road. We pick up our new trailer in six days, so there are only a few more details to take care of.
One of the bigger challenges is that banks and investment firms require a "normal" home address. You can't use the address of a mail forwarding service. This is due to the Patriot Act. Apparently, the only solution is to use the address of a relative or friend. Even this gets complicated because new credit cards are only sent to a "home" address, which means your friend has to forward them to you. Be sure to set up ebilling whenever possible so that there is no other mail from these organizations. As a matter of fact, set up ebill for anything you can.
I'm only going to touch on health insurance because I still haven't figured it out. Since you aren't staying in one place, you won't really be able to have a primary care provider and you have to be sure that the insurance provider operates in every state that you may visit. If you have an understanding doctor you may be able to get prescription refills while on the road. However, if tests are needed from time to time, the doctor will need to place an order in a location that you plan to be in. Also, make sure that you use a national pharmacy so that you can get refills wherever you are located.
We're finally getting close to getting on the road. We pick up our new trailer in six days, so there are only a few more details to take care of.
So many things to think about and very busy times. Hang in there, soon it'll be fun in the sun!
ReplyDeleteLove that you two are going to be RV travelers. How exciting!!! This blog will be so helpful to anyone else considering doing this. I'm looking forward to reading about all your adventures. God Bless and safe travels!!!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! So much fun guys!
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam!!!! <3 :-)
ReplyDeleteWow...never even thought about all these things! Sounds like a way lot of work and headaches!
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