More and more, Americans are saying goodbye to stationary homes in favor of on-the-go living. Especially for young people or those who are retired, the prospect of being able to pick up and move at the drop of a hat is desirable.

An RV (recreational vehicle) allows for this time of nomadic living, and has become a popular purchase for many Americans. But what benefits does this lifestyle have to offer, and how can you begin to prepare for a life on the road?

Downsize—considerably

For some people, one of the best parts of RV living is the freedom, but you can’t have freedom with a life’s worth of possessions weighing you down. One of the first steps in preparing to live in an RV is to downsize to a very minimal number of items—only what you absolutely need. Think about limiting clothing to a few key pieces for each season, and selling furniture and other items that don’t make sense to bring along. You can also consider keeping valuables in storage temporarily, if you aren’t sure what to get rid of at the start.

Have a plan, but be flexible

If you’re opting for a life on the road, you probably have some sense of adventure already, and it’s important to hold on to that on your new journey. However, it’s also important not to go into this journey blindly. If there are particular places or areas of the country that you want to see, create a strategic route to make the experience most effective. At the same time, you should be prepared for bumps in the road. Any time you embark on a new venture you are bound to encounter road blocks—literally and figuratively.

Factor in the cost of unexpected expenses

Just because you won’t have to pay rent or a mortgage doesn’t mean RV living is always cheap. The average cost of the RV itself can run anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000, depending on the model and type you want, or whether or not you’re buying used or new. Not to mention, the cost of upkeep for your RV, gas, and anything else that comes up. Be sure you are financially prepared so that you can avoid cutting your journey short.

Find a community

You won’t want to feel alone on your trip, and there are plenty of RV communities and groups who can help and support you. Some groups will have a minimal annual fee for members, but offer perks like discounts at campgrounds and gas stations, plus the added benefit of members who can give insight into their own experiences and help you avoid common mistakes.