Full-timing

MartianTom

Guest
It's just something that's going through my head, that's all... the practicalities, the problems, the possibilities...

Hypothetically, then...

....I give up my rented flat and start to live full-time in my motorhome. I don't have any other address I could use - no family address, anyway. Technically, then, I'd have no fixed abode, so would have to set up a PO box for mail. Practically the only mail I receive anyway is for household bills, which I would no longer have. All my banking is done online - though of course I'd need some sort of address to register my accounts. Would a PO box be sufficient for that?

Next, work. I'm between jobs at the moment, having left my last one on health grounds. I'm currently living on savings, and rent and council tax are swallowing that. In seeking a new job, though, I'll need an address of some sort. What then? The alternative is to stay on the road, picking up casual work as and when, just to keep myself going.

I know, I know.... I'm just thinking aloud, really. Maybe the whole thing is impractical. But it would, on the other hand, save me a lot of money. And I desperately need some radical change - not just another sideways shift. I have no commitments - no mortgage, family, work ties, emotional anchors.

And I'm used to living a minimalist life. Until recently, I lived in one room for six years and managed. I don't have very much in the way of possessions. Mostly, it's books. Apart from that - a bed, some bookcases, a wardrobe, a desk, a fridge, a PC, a sofa, an easy chair. That's it. It can all go.

Like I said... just thinking aloud.... :confused:

PS And damn... I'm sorry. Did I just post this in the wrong forum?
 
Last edited:
You could get a friend or a relative let you use their address as a fixed abode. Now, that will enable you to get a job, make any claims you are entitled to and a host of other things you need to do. Just a thought. perhaps some other member will come up with a better idea.
 
Surely a friend MT would agree to allow you to use their address for mailing etc, and be agreeable to forward on
your mail to whatever address you tell them?
 
Really... honestly... there isn't anyone I could ask. That's the size of it.
 
Would there be a problem in terms of not being able to prove residence at an address?
 
caspar said:
Would there be a problem in terms of not being able to prove residence at an address?
Click to expand...

Exactly... that's what I'm thinking. I suppose it depends how completely I want to go off the radar, so to speak. Work would be the main problem.
 
Interesting until they check the Electoral Roll!

If you want to appear to have a local presence somewhere for the telephone try Flextel - they are very good and the cheapest out there I can find!
 
how do you get mail forwarded to you if you havent got an address to send it to. po box to po box?
you need an address for registering vehicles and driving licences . they need an address to send fines penalties etc.
 
These services give you a UK address but look after all your mail....you get something like, Apt. 7, 20 Chester Way, London WE2 and
it's then sent to a post office in a town near you for personal collection on a given date at your convenience.
 
Hi Tom

It is very difficult not having an address for all kinds of reasons - from TV licences to driving licences to bank acounts. I'm not sure what the answer is if there is no-one you can ask but unless you want to completely drop out of the system (think very carefully before you do that) then you really need to find someone who will let you use their address (and remember to get them to put you on the electoral roll so that you can argue it is your main abode).

Viktor's suggestion is an interesting one but because, in the example they give on thier website, the address includes a box number I doubt you would be able to use it for registering your vehicle, your bank account etc - anything for which you need to prove residence. The more I think about it the more I come to the conclusion that you need a friend in a house. Sorry not to be of more use.
 
Last edited:
We plan to use my daughter's address when we go full time very soon. I guess we're very lucky we have someone.

I'm sure I read somewhere (perhaps on motorhome365.com ?) that a PO address is acceptable for registering a vehicle; surely the 'Apt. 7, 20 Chester Way' type address would be better still, wouldn't it? The problem, as I see it, would be how much it would cost.

There have been lengthy discussions on motorhome365.com about exactly this problem; perhaps a search on there would be worthwhile MartianTom?

Good luck!
 
Marilyn said:
I'm sure I read somewhere (perhaps on motorhome365.com ?) that a PO address is acceptable for registering a vehicle; surely the 'Apt. 7, 20 Chester Way' type address would be better still, wouldn't it? The problem, as I see it, would be how much it would cost.
Click to expand...
Sorry to keep putting a dampner on it but a PO Box is only acceptable by DVLC if the vehicle is being registered in a company name and my reading of the website that Viktor recommended is that there will always be a box number preceeding the address - so, useful for some purposes but not for most. I'm still thinking about ways round it though!
 
Another thought (though, admittedly, I haven't thought through all of the implications) - if you haven't got a relative or friend who is able or willing to let you use their address, what about "buying" an address - for example, find a friendly B&B with whom you could come to an arrangement? I have to admit that, apart from this idea, I have found it difficult to see a way round the problem.
 
you can continue to use your address by having your mail redirected,for up to 12 months,at about8 quid a month,use this time to find an alternative
 
My van Insurance [ COMFORT} states quite clearly that the Insurers have the right to inspect my vehicle at my claimed address in the event of a claim and in addition they also state that they may want to see two utility bills in my name at the address I claim to live at again in the event of a claim, so if you think you can get one over on the Insurance companies you should think again.Daughters address etc. may be OK for registering,and licencing a vehicle,Bank accounts etc, but not for Insurance, why not buy Full Time Insurance which is available ,Comfort do it, it costs more but at leas you have peace of mind if your van is stolen or written off.
 
Thanks

Thanks everyone for your input.

Stuff to think on.

One way or the other, it seems, 'the system' has you! :scared:

Crazy though it probably sounds to most of you, the idea of falling off the radar completely is very appealing to me.
 
Last edited:
MartianTom said:
Thanks everyone for your input.

Stuff to think on.

One way or the other, it seems, 'the system' has you! :scared:

Crazy though it probably sounds to most of you, the idea of falling off the radar completely is very appealing to me.
Click to expand...

I can understand your wish to drop off the radar but you will have to sacrifice, among other things, your bank account, your passport, your right to vote and your insurance - as well as not being able to legally tax your vehicle. Maybe these things don't matter to you but think very carefully before you go down such a road. Whatever you do, I wish you good luck.
 
John H said:
I can understand your wish to drop off the radar but you will have to sacrifice, among other things, your bank account, your passport, your right to vote and your insurance - as well as not being able to legally tax your vehicle. Maybe these things don't matter to you but think very carefully before you go down such a road. Whatever you do, I wish you good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks, John. Yes, they do matter as things stand now.

Without the van, they wouldn't matter so much. Maybe that'll go one day, too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Back
Top