|
02-29-2012, 11:09 AM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
2012 31' Classic
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 61
|
Permanent Address for a Wanderer
How do you full-timers handle a mailing address? Having a permanent address is a necessity for obtaining a driver's license among other reasons, but I'm ready to wander about the USA. My options seem to be:
(1) rent or buy into an RV lot,
(2) rent a mailing address from the UPS Store or other provider,
(3) rent a small apartment somewhere cheap, or
(4) buy a cabin.
Any words of wisdom are much appreciated!!
|
|
|
02-29-2012, 11:46 AM
|
#2
|
4 Rivet Member
2009 27' FB International
LA LA Land...
, California
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 290
|
The Escapees RV Club has a mail forwarding service which I hear is quite good. Here's the link:
http://www.escapees.com/MailForwardingService.asp
|
|
|
02-29-2012, 12:03 PM
|
#3
|
Addicted
1971 27' Overlander
Currently In: Skowhegan
, ME
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 703
|
Ditto on the Escapees...we full-time and have been using them for almost a year now (just renewed, actually) and have nothing bad to say about them or the service. The address you get from them is completely legal to use to establish residency in Texas, and a quick trip to Livingston will allow you to do your Driver License, plates, registrations and inspections.
If you just use the mail service, you either call them up or go online and tell them where you want it forwarded to (either general delivery, the camp ground you're staying at, friends/family, etc).
|
|
|
02-29-2012, 02:51 PM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2000 31' Land Yacht
Central
, Florida
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,489
|
Before starting trip get a passport, good id for driver's license renewal, also need proof of getting mail somewhere. New 9 11 rules demand birth certificate and or picture id and passport solves it. Here in Florida you can't use your present drivers license for id to get a new one. I guess they know how it was issued in the past.
|
|
|
02-29-2012, 03:21 PM
|
#5
|
4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Weldon Spring
, Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 463
|
Hi martian, we, too, have been pleased with the Escapees mail service. As exthemius indicated, if you want to establish legal residency as well, a pilgrimage to Livingston is in order. (Subsequent "renewals" can usually be accomplished on line, however, so you won't have to return every year).
Another thing that we've really appreciated is Polk County's reasonable and cooperative attitude about jury duty for those of us who live on "Rainbow Drive", (the longest street in the world, based on the number of us who "live" there....they're aware that, when your name comes up, you might be thousands of miles from Livingston).
|
|
|
03-03-2012, 02:54 PM
|
#6
|
3 Rivet Member
1970 27' Overlander
Sumner
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 113
|
Martain
Getting ready to go on road 'full time' in about three months. We have a mail box and a trusted good friend checking it every week. My monies are direct deposited into our bank and anything important is overnighted to us where ever we are.
__________________
Favorite Bumper sticker:
Yes, this is my truck...
No, I won't help you move....
|
|
|
03-05-2012, 06:11 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,167
|
Ditto on Escapees. We're still three years out from going full-time, but when we do we will be Texans and using Escapees mail service.
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
|
|
|
04-09-2012, 03:55 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
2005 25' International CCD
Fleetwood
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 687
|
Martian,
We used family member's address as our residency address because we wanted to retain residency in our same state as past 50+ years. We wholly agree with all comments about Escapees, we have belonged for more than six years to Escapees and all our mail forwarding is through them. So our mail, too, goes to Livingston TX and waits until we advise, "Please send our mail to" this post office or that one.
So we retained our original residency state and gained a mailing address in Livingston TX. This has worked out really fine without exception for more than four years for us.
|
|
|
04-11-2012, 11:57 PM
|
#9
|
3 Rivet Member
1976 Argosy 26
Lake Wales
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 139
|
I would have to pay $25 to get a new address on my license every time I move here in Florida. I have used my mothers address until recently she passed away. I don't know what I will do when we sell the condo...PO Boxes not allowed.
|
|
|
05-25-2013, 07:29 AM
|
#10
|
New Member
Currently Looking...
East Orleans
, Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1
|
Anyone know of a Massachusetts mail service like the Escapees in TX that also allows use as legal address?
|
|
|
09-07-2013, 07:30 PM
|
#11
|
3 Rivet Member
1986 25' Sovereign
1970 27' Overlander
SoCal
, USA
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 133
|
California Mail Forwarding Service?
I'm starting my search in the Airforums, but will try Google, too. I just don't want to get stuck with a bad service. I'm looking for one in CA.
I can use Escapees, as I only need forwarding, but we will be trailering in CA, mostly, and I'd like to establish residency ASAP and shorten the distance forwarded mail needs to travel. TIA for any tips.
|
|
|
09-08-2013, 02:34 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
|
In Indiana, my drivers license is also a "secure" ID (like first grade, there is a gold star in one corner of the license) and must show an actual physical Indiana address. I had to produce current bills for utilities at that address, the warranty deed to prove ownership, current property tax receipts and a birth certificate and social security card. I also had my passport for a photo ID and an Indiana bank checking account.
They also have on file my Arizona PO Box mailing address to send registration renewals to and an Indiana PO Box to mail the driver's license to. I have no active street mail address in Indiana. You do not walk out of an Indiana license branch with any paperwork other than a receipt. Everything must be mailed to an address in your profile.
I have a friend check the Indiana PO Box every week and forward any official looking documents to my current location. The usual junk mail and bills (which are on automatic pay with a credit card) await my arrival to file in Indiana.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
09-08-2013, 05:09 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
|
One of the reasons several of the larger mail forwarding services are located in Texas, and some other states, is the lack of state income tax.
Specifically, Texas funds itself with property and sales taxes. So if one doesn't own real estate, establishing residency there can substantially lower one's overall tax burden.
Regards,
JD
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
|
|
|
09-08-2013, 03:46 PM
|
#14
|
2 Rivet Member
2013 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 50
|
South Dakota seems to be another state many full timers choose for establishing residency. In addition to state income taxes, one should also consider the cost of insurance, especially health insurance if you're not Medicare eligible. The savings here could outweigh taxes. We currently live and work in Florida and with no state income tax we'll likely keep our residency here when we start full timing next year. However, since we're a good way from turning 65, we might price health insurance in other states before deciding. With ACA pricing becoming available in Oct, it's still a little too early to research.
|
|
|
09-08-2013, 04:30 PM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
1984 31' Airstream310
Ajo
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,649
|
We like the UPS store and our little post box. Been using them for years. It's about $140.00 a year, but they're cool enough to recycle the junk and just send us the first class when we go south for the winter.
|
|
|
01-12-2014, 09:51 AM
|
#16
|
1 Rivet Member
2011 16' International
Walnut
, California
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 16
|
Digging up an old thread here, but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned virtual post mail or earth class mail.
Both will receive your mail and allow you to manage it online. You can scan / shred / trash or forward it.
I've been using virtual post mail for years and love it. It's pricier than other forwarding services but I'm glad to be able to read my mail anywhere (even when traveling internationally).
Earth class mail is pricier, and their service is worse, but they have more mailing addresses (some are in tax-free states).
|
|
|
01-13-2014, 07:04 AM
|
#17
|
2 Rivet Member
2012 31' Classic
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 61
|
Sro, since you resurrected my posting, I'll update with my solution. I decided to use a company called St. Brendan's Isle located in Green Cove Springs, Florida. It provides web-based mail services, mail forwarding, and a legal permanent address. Customer service is top-notch and priced fairly. Check it out at Mail Forwarding Services at St Brendan's Isle.
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|