We get asked this question all the time: “We want to do what you’re doing. We want to travel full-time. But should we sell everything and just hit the road?”
It’s a big question – and the truth is, there’s not one right answer for everyone. But what we can do is share what worked for us, what we’ve learned from other full-time RVers, and some pros and cons to think about before making the leap.
What We Did With Our House
When we hit the road (the second time around), we chose not to sell our home. Here’s why:
- We knew the housing market in our area would keep appreciating.
- We had confidence that we could rent our home and turn it into extra income.
- We’d met so many RV friends who had sold their homes, only to struggle later when they wanted to settle down again. Property values had gone up so much that some couldn’t afford to get back in.
So for us, keeping the house gave us peace of mind. Do we see ourselves getting off the road anytime soon? Nope. But having that backup plan feels smart, especially as the housing market just keeps climbing.
For you, the answer might depend on a few things:
- Do you need the proceeds from selling to buy your rig?
- Is your home in a profitable rental market?
- Would you want to move back to that area if you stopped RVing?
These are all important questions to consider before deciding whether to sell.
What We Did With Our Stuff
The next big question we hear is: “Should we put everything in storage or get rid of it?”
Again, it’s personal – but here’s what we did. We sold or gave away almost everything.
Vern had a huge butterfly collection that filled a whole den – we donated it to the University of Utah. We let our kids take what they wanted, sold a ton of items on Facebook Marketplace, and held a couple of big garage sales.
The only things we kept were:
- Family pictures
- A few heirlooms
- Christmas decorations that held special meaning
That’s it.
Why? Because the first time we hit the road, we made a huge mistake. We kept everything. We rented a massive storage unit and paid $385 a month- for 9 years. Do the math – we could have bought all new furniture twice over for what that storage cost us.
Our advice: really think through what’s worth keeping. If it’s deeply sentimental or impossible to replace, keep it. But if it’s just a couch or an appliance, ask yourself if it’s worth paying hundreds every month to hold onto it.
In our experience, we’ve never heard anyone say, “Man, I’m so glad I kept everything in storage.” But we’ve heard plenty of people say the opposite.
Our Recommendation
At the end of the day, this decision comes down to math and mindset:
- Weigh the cost of your new rig and vehicle.
- Look at the cost of storing your items long-term.
- Be honest about what you really need and what brings you joy.
RV life is about freedom, simplicity, and experiences over stuff. Downsizing is part of the journey – and for us, it’s been one of the most freeing parts.
So, should you sell everything and hit the road? Only you can answer that. But hopefully, our story and a few of these lessons will help you make the choice that feels right for you.
And hey – whatever you decide, we’d love to hear your story. Drop us a message or connect with us on social media. Because at the end of the day, this lifestyle isn’t just about where you go… it’s about who you meet along the way.
Hi! We’re Vern & Kati – young(ish) empty nesters living and traveling full-time in our RV. After over 11 years of nomadic living, we’ve learned that the best time to live your dream life is right now. Follow along for RV tips, downsizing advice, full-time RV living insights, and unforgettable travel itineraries – plus encouragement for your empty nest years and a reminder to dust off your bucket list and start chasing those dreams.