Can I live in a motorhome?

Over the last few decades, taking extended holidays and weekend breaks in a motorhome has become an increasingly appealing way to spend leisure time. Travelling around the UK and checking out the many wonderful places it has to offer, or perhaps even venturing further afield into Europe, can be a hugely rewarding contributor to having a happy ‘human condition’. As a temporary way of living it’s fine – motorhomes are usually kitted out with everything you need to make a few weeks of day to day living very comfortable. But is it something it’s possible to do full time? Is it actually possible to live in a motorhome?

As a lifestyle choice this is not something that will appeal to all, but some will certainly find that the freedom and flexibility which comes with permanent mobile living to be a real boost to their quality of life. Whether you're a part-time motorhome enthusiast or a well-seasoned traveller thinking about making to make the switch to full-time vehicle living, there are various things to think about – and, in this edition of our blog, we’ll look into them.

The legalities

Considering the legalities of full-time motorhome living is very important – in fact, it’s essential. Living in a motorhome on a full-time basis is legal, though certain conditions must be met, including your motorhome having a full and up to date MOT and you yourself holding a valid UK driving licence (including the correct classification if your motorhome is in a higher weight class, ie above 3500kg). 

Your motorhome 

The type and size of your motorhome will play a significant role in determining its suitability for full-time living, as will the number of people travelling. You really don’t want to be on the road for extended periods and find that there is simply not enough space to happily co-exist with the other people aboard. Everyone will need their space from time to time, and so the larger motorhomes (for example A-class models) will offer enough room and better amenities. This means they are ideal for permanent living and, should you have pets, opting for a spacious motorhome is even more crucial so that everyone is comfortable. Smaller and more compact motorhomes can still be suitable for permanent living if you are part of a couple or a solo traveller seeking a more minimalist lifestyle. 

Regardless of the size of your motorhome, it's essential to assess its layout, storage capacity and amenities in advance of a permanent on the road life, to determine if it meets your long-term living requirements. You may find that it is not likely to, and should then consider upgrading your vehicle.

Finances 

As tempting as it is to just take off at a moment’s notice and head towards the horizon, making the transition from a bricks and mortar home to full-time motorhome living should involve some careful financial planning. First of all, if you have (as discussed in the previous section) discovered that your choice of vehicle is not going to be adequate to sustain your permanent on the road lifestyle, then upgrading to a larger motorhome or customising your current vehicle will require expenses which must be budgeted accordingly.

Budgeting is important and, though full-time living on the road will offer some cost-saving benefits compared to traditional home ownership, there are still expenses that you must consider and factor in to your financial planning. These will include vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, insurance premiums, camping fees and occasional upgrades for amenities like electric hook-up and Wi-Fi access. 

Practicalities

When you live in a motorhome full-time there are certain domestic considerations to make – particularly if you have children. Aspects such as education and healthcare – as well as your own employment – must all be seriously thought about and planned out. Staying employed while you are on the road may require a job which allows for full-time remote working, and you may need to explore alternative education options for your kids (such as online learning or even ‘home schooling’). You may choose to settle in one particular location for an extended period of time, and work and schooling could be addressed in a slightly more conventional way.

Additionally, accessing healthcare services could pose serious challenges when living in a motorhome. If you do not have a permanent address, registering with a GP practice or a dental surgery will become more complicated. However, there are medical practices which will accept patients without a fixed address, or it may be possible to access walk-in clinics if you have immediate healthcare needs.

Social connections

One of the great joys of motorhome living is the way it frees you up to connect with like-minded individuals, and this may be a major factor in your decision to travel. Whether you're staying at a campsite, parking up in a spectacular scenic location or staying on someone’s drive, as you go about your itinerant life you'll often gravitate towards fellow travellers. By doing so you will be able to share stories, tips, tricks and solutions for on the road living problems – as well as the welcome camaraderie that often comes with being a motorhome owner. Developing and maintaining social connections on the road can enrich your living experience and provide a sense of belonging within the motorhome community.

The environment

By living permanently in a motorhome, you are giving yourself the chance to live your life in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. Many motorhome owners incorporate renewable energy solutions - such as solar panels - to contribute to powering their lifestyle. In fact, many modern motorhomes come with solar panels (or panel) already included or available as a cost option at purchase. Solar panels are great for those moments you want or need to be ‘off-grid’.

Ultimately, it is possible to live in a motorhome full-time. It’s a viable lifestyle choice if you are particularly keen on experiencing freedom, flexibility and adventure outside the constraints of ‘four walls’. However, living permanently in a motorhome requires careful planning, consideration of legal and practical aspects, as described above. It also requires a seriously adaptable mindset – and you must be willing to embrace the opportunities and challenges that motorhome living will bring. It’s an enriching, fulfilling and exciting way to live, if you do it right! Here at Wandahome you can choose the perfect vehicle for your adventure, from our existing stock of new and used – but the rest is up to you!