Paperwork is one of the least fun, but perhaps, most necessary parts of preparing to travel long term. Taking care of the paperwork doesn’t have to be a hassle, though, if you have a step by step guide to the paperwork needs of long term travel.
- Passports, visas, and other government mandated necessities. This is the first step in getting together your paperwork for long term travel because these are the details that have the longest lag time. I am a big proponent of everyone (children included) having a government issued passport, even if you will not be crossing any borders in your travels. For one thing, a passport means the possibility of going somewhere foreign and everyone should have the ability to dream that way. More importantly, a passport is a highly reliable form of identification that is accepted anywhere. It also makes a terrific back up form of identification should you lose your license.
- Check your expiration dates on your debit cards, credit cards, and driver’s license. Will any of these things expire before or during your travels? Now is time to get them renewed. Also, check your vehicle inspection sticker and registration. If either of those things are close to needing renewal, take care of them now so you don’t have to worry on the road.
- Gentlemen, Start your Scanners. Once you have proper identification and unexpired credit cards, you want to have a backup copy. Scan and save into your computer a picture of both sides of your credit card, driver’s license, medical insurance card, passport, blank check, and any other documents you might lose or have stolen that would need to be replaced. If you have a Smartphone, make sure you have a copy of these pictures on your phone for immediate access, but you might also give a copy to a friend or relative in case they need to help you from afar.
- Where will the mail go? For the cheapest (free) option, US mail can be forwarded to a family member or friend who you trust to look through your mail and alert you of any mail that might need immediate action. If you don’t have a place to forward your mail, you can use a mail forwarding service in your area. For a reasonable monthly fee, they will collect your mail and send it to you in bulk, or scan and email your mail to you.
- Paying Bills. There will be some bills that will need to be paid each month if you are maintaining a home base. Setting these bills up to pay automatically will be the easiest method of taking care of the payment while you are gone. Be sure to make a note of each bill you will be paying online, so that you can update these accounts should your billing information change.
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Great tips for anyone looking to hit the road. Heck, just having kids made me put all our bills on auto pay. Who has the time or the brain power to deal with that every month 🙂
I so dislike paperwork, but most of these are good tips for whether you are planning to travel long-term, short-term, or not at all. It's a good idea to have all the important documents and IDs in the same place in case a natural disaster strikes and speedy evacuation is needed.
Very useful post! I equate paperwork with Insurance. Most people aren't interested until they need it, and usually that is an emergency situation.