RV Life 6 Months of the Year: What to Do With Your House While You’re Gone

Have you been dreaming of splitting your time between your home and life on the road? Buying an RV can be the perfect way to satisfy your appetite for adventure without giving up the stability of having a home base, so it's no surprise that it's a dream lifestyle for many people. If you are ready to move past the dreaming phase and start making a plan for your RV lifestyle, you’ve got some options to consider. 

RV Life 6 Months of the Year What to Do With Your House While You’re Gone

For part-time RVers who spend 6 months on the road, one of the most common questions isn’t just about travel routes or what to pack; it’s what to do with your house while you're gone.

Whether you're snowbirding down south for the winter or escaping the summer heat, your home still needs attention, protection, and planning while you’re out exploring. We've been in the RV world for many years, hosting everyone from first timers to seasoned experts at Southern Belle RV Park, and want to help you navigate the options with clarity and confidence.

Why It Matters: Your Home Is Still an Asset

Even though you're living the RV dream half the year, your sticks-and-bricks home remains a major financial investment, and maybe your plan is that it will be your full-time residence again in the future. It's essential to protect it, both physically and financially, while you’re away.

Here are some of your best options:

Option 1: Lock It Up and Leave It

If you’re not ready to rent or share your home, one of the simplest approaches is to secure it and monitor it remotely. This works best for those who have trustworthy neighbors or nearby friends and family, low-maintenance properties, and a reliable home security system.

Here's what you'll need to do:

• Install a monitored security system with remote access

• Use smart home tech like thermostats, lighting, leak detectors for remote monitoring and protection

• Shut off water to prevent burst pipes or leaks

• Forward your mail or use a mail forwarding service

• Hire a landscaper or snow removal service to keep up appearances

• Ask a neighbor or friend to do periodic checks

This low-effort option keeps your home available for visits or emergencies. However, it doesn’t generate any income so some RVers feel that this option is a missed opportunity.

Option 2: Rent It Out While You Travel

Many RVers are offsetting their travel costs by renting out their primary home when they’re gone. You can do this as a short-term rental (like Airbnb or VRBO) or as a medium-term rental for traveling nurses, professionals, or snowbirds coming the opposite direction.

There are some obvious benefits:

• Passive income to cover your RV expenses

• Keeps the house lived-in and maintained

• You may qualify for tax benefits depending on how long it's rented. If you only rent it out for 14 days or less per year, that income may be tax-free under the IRS "Masters Rule" (so talk with your tax professional to see what applies to you).

There are also some things to consider:

• You'll need to clear out personal belongings and prep the home for guests, so that may mean getting a storage unit and a lot more work to prepare to leave, and to move back in

• Property management may be necessary if you're not nearby and regularly within cell phone coverage limits

• Check local regulations and HOA rules for short-term rentals

Option 3: Let Family Use It

Some part-time RVers prefer to keep it in the family. Maybe your kids need a place to stay during college breaks, or aging parents could benefit from temporary housing. As with anything, this options comes with some pros and cons.

Pros:

• Peace of mind knowing someone you trust is in your home

• The joy of meeting a need for a family member

• Often easier than dealing with unknown tenants or property managers

Cons:

• Family arrangements can be tricky, so it is essential set clear expectations and timelines just like you would with any tenant

• You may need to maintain homeowner’s insurance as if it's a second home, not a rental. Talk with your insurance agents before you make any decisions

Hire a House Sitter

For long-term peace of mind without giving up your home’s availability, you might consider a professional house sitter.

They can:

• Keep your home occupied

• Water plants, take care of pets, and manage mail

• Notify you of maintenance issues immediately

You can find house sitters through trusted platforms like TrustedHousesitters.com or through local referrals.

Plan Ahead, Travel with Peace of Mind

Living in your RV 6 months of the year is an exciting lifestyle, but what you do with your house in the meantime is just as important. Whether you decide to lock it up, rent it, share it, or have someone stay in it, taking steps to protect your home will give you peace of mind as you chase sunsets, scenic highways, and open skies.

Your home is your foundation. Keep it safe while your heart (and RV) wander.

Looking for a place to stay in your RV in the Dallas area? Check out our Southern Belle RV Park, where we offer our guests:

• A friendly and welcoming community

• Fenced dog park

• Wash house

• Fire pits

• Picnic areas

• On site laundry

• Vending machines

• On site management

Learn more or book your stay today!