Is Long-Term RV Living a Good Option During a Home Renovation or Move?
A major renovation, delayed closing, or cross-country move can necessitate a temporary living situation for several weeks or months. Hotels can be cramped, and furnished rentals come at a premium, particularly if you have pets, belongings to store, multiple people in your party, or need to keep up your old routine while you finalize a new one. Long-term RV living can be a viable option that accommodates your belongings, pets, and possessions while letting you keep up your old routine.
Keep these considerations in mind when living in an RV before, during, and after a housing transition.
Why Can an RV Work Well During a Housing Transition?
An RV allows you to unpack and leave your things in one place for the entirety of your transition. You won’t have to worry about storing your belongings between hotel stays or living out of a suitcase. An RV can be a good option during a renovation as well because you might still want to view the progress being made or make decisions in person while still being able to minimize disturbances and have your own sleeping and kitchen quarters. During a move, an RV could give you the chance to see the area and possibly test it out before making a more permanent decision.
A More Predictable Temporary Home
Monthly RV sites can be more predictable than nightly or weekly hotel stays. With an RV, you know where your stuff will be and how far it is from your job, place of worship, children’s schools, stores, and the renovation or future home. At Southern Belle Ranch and RV Park, long-term residents have access to water, sewer, trash, basic Wi-Fi, lawn care, laundry, a fenced dog park, and on-site management. Prospective residents should confirm what is included with their site and monthly plan.
What Costs Should You Compare?
When comparing a monthly RV site to a hotel or furnished rental, make sure to factor in the entire cost of RV living. These costs include the site rental, electricity, propane, insurance, fuel, laundry, storage, upkeep, and any RV payment. Ask about deposits, applications, or additional monthly fees for utilities if those aren’t included in the base site rent. If you already own a suitable RV, the numbers might surprise you. Buying an RV solely for a short renovation can be a pricey endeavor. There’s the purchase price, tag, any needed financing, maintenance, and the inevitable loss of value when it comes time to sell or trade the unit. Run the numbers before you buy.
The Reality of Living in a Smaller Space
RV living requires organization and planning. Storage is a premium, so consider how your family and pets can share sleeping quarters, or whether a separate tent or lodging is an option. Work schedules and child care arrangements may need to change. Pets might need more oversight with fewer square feet to roam. There’s also the question of how the HVAC works and if electricity is billed as a flat rate or per kilowatt.
Texas weather can be unforgiving, both in the summer and in the winter. Make sure your unit has the proper air conditioning for the summer temperatures. You might want to inquire about how the electricity is billed and have a plan for heating the RV in the winter, particularly if you have small children or elderly family members.
“Long-term RV living can give buyers and homeowners valuable breathing room during a renovation or move. Instead of rushing a project or settling for the wrong home, they can stay nearby, maintain a steady routine, and make important housing decisions with less pressure.”–Kristen, Management
How Do You Choose the Right Long-Term RV Park?
It’s critical that you ask about and research the stipulations and requirements of a particular long-term RV park. In addition to the base cost of the site, ask about dimensions, electricity, sewer, any towing or parking restrictions, guest policies, age requirements, pet rules, and packages. You might want to find out if cell coverage or Wi-Fi is available if you need to stay in communication or work remotely while you’re staying at the RV park.
Location is equally as important. A lower-cost site might not seem that way if you factor in the drive to get to work, school, stores, restaurants, or the construction site. Visit the park and look over the layout, entry roads, spacing between sites, and any potential noise issues.
Temporary Living Near Terrell and Dallas
Southern Belle Ranch and RV Park is a local, family-owned and -operated park located off Highway 80 in Terrell, about 30 minutes from downtown Dallas and two miles from shopping and restaurants in Terrell. The location offers the feel of the country without the remoteness.
This can be an excellent option for those looking to stay close while renovating their current home or moving to a new home in Terrell or the surrounding areas. The property is more ranch- than vacation-oriented, and the friendly, family-focused atmosphere is conducive to those staying for an extended period of time.
What Should You Arrange Before Going into an RV?
When it comes to move-in and move-out dates, it’s best to be flexible if at all possible. Delays happen, and construction schedules are frequently unpredictable. Ask about extensions and what those would cost, or if the site could possibly accommodate you if your plans change.
You should also think about what to bring in the RV and what to store elsewhere. You’ll want your daily essentials but also enough space to move around. Pets and children might need their own sleeping area, and arrangements for getting them to and from activities and school should be made ahead of time. Make arrangements for any medications, deliveries, and larger vehicles or towing your RV.
A Flexible Bridge Between Homes
Living in an RV can be a good option during a move or renovation and particularly for those who already own an RV and want something more predictable than a hotel. Long-term RV living can be a flexible solution that keeps you near friends and family, your job, and the property or neighborhood in which you’re interested.
Choosing a park that caters to extended stays and understanding the full cost of doing business there can make an RV a compelling option for your temporary living needs. Contact Southern Belle Ranch and RV Park to inquire about availability, requirements, costs, and policies before your move or during your renovation.
What Should You Know About Temporary Long-Term RV Living?
Q: How long can I stay at a long-term RV park?
A: Depending on the park, some site types have a limit on the number of consecutive months a guest may stay. If you’re considering an RV for a renovation or move, be sure to let the manager know your anticipated arrival and departure dates and ask what would happen if your plans changed. It’s wise to leave a little cushion on either end of your projected dates.
Q: Is an RV cheaper than a furnished rental?
A: It can be, particularly if you already own one. It depends on a multitude of factors, including the site rental, utilities, propane, site upkeep, and whether you have another vehicle or trailer that you’ll need to keep fueled. Buying an RV for a short stay might not be a financially sound decision. The purchase price, tag, and any financing add up to a considerable expense that might outweigh the benefits of an RV during a move or renovation. Always consider the total cost. This comparison can be a starting point for your budgeting.
Q: Can I live in an RV with children or pets during a renovation?
A: Lots of families and pets stay in RVs for a renovation or transition. However, it’s a good idea to confirm with the park whether children or pets are allowed. Set up sleeping and eating spaces that work for everyone, and plan how you’ll meet your child care and errand needs. If you have pets, an RV or dog park, nearby restaurants, stores, and entertainment are all valuable considerations.
Q: What size RV is best for temporary long-term living?
A: The size of the RV is a personal choice based on the needs of the family, pets, and length of stay. Larger RVs have sleeping space for more people and additional storage, but they also might not be able to fit around a construction or renovation site or on the towing vehicle. Inquire about the site dimensions and slide-out length before buying or renting a larger unit.