The high season is over and the pleasant fall weather is winding up its final weeks. We’re putting the RV into storage, if we haven’t done so already. Even though we’re at this point, there are still things you can do to get ready for next summer, which kicks off on Memorial Day.
Deep clean the RV before you store. There’s nothing worse than opening up the RV in the spring and finding some critters have made a home because of some food left in the cupboards, or a stench from the fridge because it wasn’t cleaned out properly. We have an article about how to deep clean the RV. In short, make sure everything is wiped down, cleaned out, and dried out. Doing this all in the fall before storage will not only save you from using elbow grease in the spring, it’ll save you a lot of anguish.
Plan your updates. Looking to add solar panels, redo the floor, repaint the cupboards, add a new vent fan, add or replace an awning, incorporate an outdoor shower, or replace the toilet? Figure out which projects are DIY and which ones need the assistance of a professional. Make a budget with all of your line items and pick which ones are highest priority or doable in the time you’ll have next season. Identify a shop or professional who can do the work and get a quote as soon as you can; schedule an appointment if possible, even though it’s months in advance. During the off season, organize your materials if you’re a DIYer so that you’re not scrambling to find what you need, overpaying, or unable to get something on time at the time you have dedicated to the project.
Dream. Are there places you wanted to get to last year, and didn’t? Did you learn of new places or events this season and mentally added them to your bucket list? Don’t wait to cross items off your list – get RVing! Start formulating your plans for next season, including vacation timeframes and locating a campground, RV park, or RV resort at which to stay. You’ll want to make reservations as soon as possible, and that may depend on Look up prices for museums, ferry rides, etc., so that there are few surprises in the budget when it comes time to travel and explore.
Stay up to date. Subscribe to receive newsletters from Pure Michigan, the Michigan DNR, and various regional organizations, such as tourism associations, for updates on attractions and outdoor destinations. You may get more ideas of where to go and what to do!
