In 2020, my husband Kendall and I made a huge life change. We packed up our lives, left Canada, and moved to Mexico in our RV. We were ready for adventure and eager to experience a different way of living. But as thrilling as it was, the move had its fair share of surprises. Here are the things we wish we’d known before setting off and some tips for future RV expats considering a similar journey.
It Takes Longer to Pack Up Your Life Than You Think
You might think you’ll be ready to hit the road in a few weeks. It ended up taking us months to get everything packed up. Downsizing was a monumental task—sorting, selling, and donating years of accumulated belongings. Deciding what to take, what to store, and what to let go of was exhausting. There is also the timing to contend with since there are some things you need to keep until the very end.
Tip: Start downsizing as early as possible. Give yourself time to process the emotional weight of letting go. Organize a garage sale or list items online. Don’t underestimate the challenge of fitting your life into a small space. And if you’re working remotely, sort out your workflow before you go. It’s much easier to set up a functional space ahead of time than to try and figure it out once you’re on the move.
On top of that, preparing family and friends for the move took more energy than we expected. While we were excited, they had a lot of questions and concerns. It took time to reassure everyone and make plans for staying in touch.
Tip: Be prepared for emotional conversations with loved ones. They might not fully understand why you’re choosing this path, and that’s okay. Focus on what feels right for you.
It Costs More to Get Set Up Than You Think
Photo by Kendall and Jennifer
We budgeted for the move, but the actual expenses were higher than anticipated. There were so many unexpected costs, from last-minute RV changes and fixes to buying outdoor furniture. When we first got to Mexico, we also spent a little more on fun things like going out to eat, being generous with tips and donations, and excursions to celebrate the new chapter.
Tip: Add at least 20-30% to your initial budget to cover unexpected costs. Things you assume will be cheap can add up quickly, especially if you need specific items for your RV lifestyle. Plan for RV maintenance before you hit the road. Get a thorough check-up to avoid dealing with costly repairs once you’re in a new country.
Expect Culture Shock and Be Ready for Different Bureaucracy
We knew Mexico would be different, but we were surprised at just how different. Culture shock hit us in waves—some big, some small. Little things, like how long seemingly simple things take to get done, like setting up a utility account or how road signs aren’t always where you expect them, took some getting used to. And the language barrier, though manageable, was still a challenge, especially when dealing with official documents.
Local bureaucracy was nothing like what we were used to. Processes that would take minutes in Canada could take hours or days in Mexico. From getting vehicle permits to finding a mechanic, it often felt like a game of patience. We learned that “mañana” (tomorrow) doesn’t always mean tomorrow—it’s more of a “when we get to it” concept.
Tip: Embrace the slower pace and bring patience by the truckload. Things won’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Keep an open mind and prepare for a learning curve. Download language apps or take a few Spanish lessons before you go—it’ll make interactions much easier.
You’ll Miss Aspects of Life Before—And That’s Okay
As much as you love the adventure, there are days when you’ll miss home. I miss the predictability of our old routines, the reliable Amazon delivery, and our favorite local spots. At first, I felt guilty about missing these comforts, as if it meant I wasn’t fully embracing our new life. But I learned that it’s okay to feel that way.
Homesickness is part of the expat experience, especially when you’re in a place where the language, culture, and daily life are so different. It doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice—it’s just a reminder of what’s familiar.
Tip: Bring a few comforts from home, whether it’s a cozy blanket, your favorite coffee, or a few family photos. It’s okay to hold on to little things that make you feel connected. Create new routines that give you a sense of stability amidst the unknown.
Tips for Future RV Expats
Now that you know what we wish we’d known, here are a few practical tips to help your move go smoother:
Take Your Time to Prepare
Don’t rush the move. Spend the time you need to downsize, save, and prepare. Create a timeline for the tasks you need to accomplish before hitting the road. This includes arranging finances, sorting out work, and saying goodbye to friends and family. Moving too quickly will only add stress to an already emotional process.
Budget for Extra Expenses
Build a financial buffer into your budget. Unexpected costs will arise, whether it’s additional paperwork, last-minute RV needs, or settling in expenses. Consider signing up for a budgeting app to track spending. It’s easier to manage your budget when you have clear categories for expenses.
Learn to Go With the Flow
Embrace a flexible mindset. Plans will change, and schedules might get delayed – don’t let that discourage you. Part of living abroad is accepting that things move differently. The sooner you adapt, the smoother the transition will be.
Research Before You Go
Before moving, research everything you can about the region you plan to settle in. Facebook groups for RVers and expats were a lifesaver for us. These communities often share reliable recommendations for services, repair shops, and safe camping spots. It’s worth joining and asking questions before you arrive.
Build a Local Network
The local community will become your lifeline. We found that fellow RVers and locals were always willing to share advice. It’s easier to navigate a new country with a network of friendly faces who have gone through similar experiences.
Last Tip for Future RV Expats: Embrace the Adventure
Moving abroad in an RV is an adventure like no other. It’s exciting, challenging, and full of surprises. While it wasn’t always easy, we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Our time in Mexico taught us flexibility, patience, and how to find joy in the unexpected. If you’re dreaming of making a similar move, prepare well, expect the unexpected, and enjoy every moment of the journey.
There will be bumps along the way, but they’re all part of the adventure. As RV expats, we learn to love the journey, no matter where it takes us.
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