Guide to Living in a Motorhome: What You Should Know Before Going Full‑Time

Is giving up bricks-and-mortar and living full-time in a motorhome such a stretch? A steady number of people opt for this lifestyle change each year, particularly now that the world is so digitally connected and working while on the move is possible. In this edition of our blog we’ll highlight the most important things that are essential to consider if mobile living is on the cards for you – beginning, of course, with choosing the right new or used motorhome from Wandahome! 

Picking the right motorhome 

Choosing the ‘right’ vehicle is probably the single most important decision you have to make when you’re planning to live in a motorhome full‑time. Motorhomes range from comfortable and efficient compact models to larger and more luxurious A-class editions, so there is in effect a choice to make about your standard of living. Used motorhomes with moderate mileage may be a better ‘fit’ for some buyers, rather than brand new.  

Motorhomes typically offer a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet (cassette or fixed), plus a kitchenette (sink, fridge, hob and oven), and enough sleeping space for two to six people. Many layouts include a lounge or dinette that converts into a bed, while some will provide fixed beds at the rear.  

It is also worth noting that, in the UK, motorhomes weighing more than 3,500kg require a category C licence to drive, so you should check your exact entitlement before buying – or be prepared to undertake further test etc.  

A good tip for prospective buyers is to, if possible, hire or rent for a few weeks. This will give you the opportunity to test layout, power systems, vehicle handling and your own personal daily routines to see if that particular motorhome model suits you, before you take the plunge and buy permanently. 

Financial planning and ‘the admin of life’ 

Start‑up costs for a full-time motorhome lifestyle include the purchase of the vehicle as well as all legal requirements including MOT, road tax and insurance of the vehicle (each of which must be renewed on an annual basis). Once you’re out on the road, running on a realistic weekly or monthly budget is important. Information is key to staying in control. Keep track of fuel or diesel usage, campsite fees, waste disposal charges, insurance, road tax, food, internet data costs, laundrettes and utilities (gas or LPG, occasionally electricity). 

Not having a fixed address also complicates certain areas of general life admin, including mail, bank statements, doctor and dentist registration, registering to vote in elections and council tax. Many full‑timers use a family member’s address, mail‑forwarding services, or even rent a PO box. 

Parking in a motorhome 

Parking laws in the UK mean you can’t simply park anywhere, especially overnight. Local councils typically prohibit sleeping in public streets, and wild‑camping is not permitted without the landowner's express permission. Overnight parking in laybys in a motorhome is not illegal, but not always permitted either (it’s essential to consider local regulations and signage). Wherever you are, you should always respect local by‑laws, signage, landowner permission and the Countryside Code.  

• Certified locations: There are roughly 2200 certificated locations in the UK (CLs) from the Caravan & Motorhome Club which provide safer and legal options for overnight rest stops. CLs let up to five vehicles stay per night, and many offer fresh water, waste disposal and, occasionally, electric hook‑up. 

• Campsites: Larger campsites typically offer more facilities: electric hook‑up, showers, laundry and Wi‑Fi - plus longer permitted stays. Costs range widely depending on location and season. 

Power, water & waste  

Dealing correctly with your utilities when you’re living in a motorhome full-time is very important.  

• Wi-Fi: If you’re intending to live full-time in a motorhome, touring around but continuing to work remotely (after all, your motorhome will be your home so technically you’ll be ‘WFH’), it’s essential to have good Wi-Fi. Check the specifications of your particular vehicle, and take necessary steps (such as boosters etc) if the Wi-Fi is not quite up to the required standard. You could also use internet cafes etc in towns on your route. 

• Electricity and heating: Most full‑time motorhomes rely on a combination of solar panels, leisure batteries, gas and hook‑up electricity.  Rigid solar panels (typically 100W - 200W) are often installed to recharge batteries off‑grid. This supports lighting, fridge, TV, charging devices and sometimes running a small cooker or water heater. Gas systems power cooking and heating. If you’re using hook‑up at campsites you’ve booked a pitch at, mains electricity is usually available, which reduces the reliance on solar. However, off‑grid living means managing battery usage and conserving power where possible. 

• Water: Fresh water must be refilled at designated points – eg. campsites, service stations, petrol stations or certificated location sites. Potable water tanks (ie. water that is fit for human use) typically hold between 50 and 100 litres. Drinking water may require a separate container or treatment. Always be aware of hygiene for public taps. 

• Waste water: The disposal of waste water and toilet cassette waste must also be correctly managed. Many wild campers stay two or three nights off‑grid, then move to a campsite or CL to refill and empty. Some CLs and campsites charge small fees (from £3–£5) for chemical toilet disposal 

Maintenance and repairs 

Motorhomes need regular maintenance, servicing and attention to associated admin to stay legal and in optimal condition. This means annual MOT, service, insurance renewal, road tax, gas safety checks, battery maintenance and breakdown cover. It’s a smart idea to put aside some budget for minor repairs and replacements (leaks, electrics, tyre wear and even fridge or TV replacement). 

Doing regular preventive maintenance will extend your vehicle’s life and reduce the risk of serious breakdowns. It’s worth learning basic DIY skills, if you don’t have any already, as they will be useful when there is a need to replace filters, check tyres, fix water leaks and so on. Joining a motorhome club may provide you with advice on small fixes or repairs that you could undertake yourself, but important things should be handled by professionals. Additionally, in the event of a full breakdown, it’s a good idea to have some breakdown built in to your insurance policy (if it’s available) or to ‘buy some’ if not. 

Top tips for a smooth transition to full-time motorhome living 

When you make the switch, it’s not quite as simple as locking the door on your old life and zooming off into the sunset. Full-time motorhome living is a big decision to make, and there are various tips you can follow to make the transition smoother. 

• Test the lifestyle: If you possibly can, you could rent or hire a motorhome for a slightly longer period of time (say, a month) so that you can test power systems, living arrangements and routines. 

• Build-up your emergency funds and savings: It’s a smart move to stay a step ahead of fate and anticipate vehicle repairs, seasonal maintenance and unexpected issues. 

• Solar and battery capacity: If your vehicle doesn’t already have one, it’s worth having a strong solar panel and system fitted, using to charge leisure batteries and minimise dependence on campsite hook-up. 

• Plan routes and seasonal strategies: Pick warmer southern sites in winter, and cooler rural spots in summer. If you’re thinking of going further afield, consider ferry crossings and European limits (UK passport holders can spend only 90 days in any 180 in Schengen zones, post‑Brexit). 

• Join clubs or online groups: The Caravan & Motorhome Club, plus groups and threads on Facebook or Reddit offer a great resource. They share tips, CL recommendations and community support on a vast range of full-time motorhome living matters. 

• Stay legal: Ensure valid MOT, DVLA registration, insurance, road tax. Safely dispose of waste. Respect all signage, particularly about overnight parking, and obtain permissions where required. 

• Prepare for winter: Add skid plates, heated hoses, double glazing, reliable heating and more insulation so that you can live comfortably when summer fades and the conditions slide in the potential sub‑zero of winter. 

Full‑time motorhome living in the UK offers a terrific blend of liberation, mobility and reduced housing expenses – but that doesn’t mean it’s without cost, complication or challenge. You must plan your life as carefully as possible. Choose a robust and suitable motorhome, make sure it’s equipped with reliable power and heating systems, budget realistically from the off, and stay au fait with legal and logistical issues. 

Here at Wandahome we offer you your very first step into full-time motorhome living – a great choice of fantastic vehicles. Browse our stock online, or get in touch with us to make an appointment to view in person. Our friendly and helpful team will be on hand to offer you any advice or assistance you might need. Happy full-time motorhome living!