Nomadic insight for a move/transition

So I'm by no means a nomad, but could probably use some nomadic insight for an upcoming life transition. This seemed like the most appropriate forum.

Say you wanted to live on a relativelyl visible (to neighbors and therefore authorities) property (10+ acres) for at least a month or two before actually building your home there, you know, to try and observe a bit before interacting, and then probably for yet another 6 months or so once you pull the trigger on building a permanent home as anticipated. You own the land free and clear, and you're bringing a flock of ducks with, so there will be no secret that you're there, in fact that's half of what you're trying to determine early on -if you and your premie ways are going to be an audabile nuisance to neighbors in such a peaceful valley, with a lack of noise "pollution" like you've never known.

I could build a shed/garage that I would eventually probably build anyway, and live out of that but that would take some time to erect and is something of a commitment in itself that might be better to wait on until after observing for a bit. Or maybe I buy and live out of that RV for a while, that I can sell when done?. I'd have to level a site, it's a rugged spot. I can filter water from the stream, and would just learn to compost the poo as it's on the to do list anyhow. Any other structure, shelter, technique, or strategy ideas worth considering? Should I be concerned about or cautious of any potential legal problems in doing something like this, even if only for less than a full year, and even on my own land? Location is western Wisconsin. Thanks for any insight!

It's gonna be all about the neighbours... Dropping in with some duck eggs might work wonders...

In my own case, I'd probably go ahead and squat on my own land, doing my best to get along with the neighbours, and if the authorities came down on me I might take that as a sign that the place ain't really where I want to live.

If you wanted to be stealthy, the trick would be getting something up quickly, then making it appear you aren't actually *living* there. A big workshop-tent type structure would do to hide an RV from casual notice.

No point hiding the ducks, so of course you come out every day to care for them and work on the place, but you live in XYZ until you get your house going, as far as anyone official is concerned...


I have no idea about the local legal issues. It might be legal to live in an RV once you are officially building a house. Some places around me, it's legal for a year. But this means building permits and general Department of Sad involvement.

Here, it's totally not legal other than that circumstance, but it's widely done anyhow. For that matter a huge percentage of the rental units are illegal, because zoning forbids them... but people have to live somewhere, and there is no enforcement at all unless someone complains...

I wonder if you do have anything come up you could say you are camping for a while to make sure the areas you are lookin to build are going to be good spot(s)?

Hi Nathan,

In many locations, according to local law of course, a person can live in a 'temporary' home whilst they are building a 'real' home. some places
this can be two to three years.

Check with local authorities to find out about that type of thing.

I'd be fairly surprised if you had any issues with camping on your land for the summer as you build your house (at least in rural WI).  If the neighbors have issues with that, you're in for years of issues so it's better to figure it out sooner.  Talking to them may also be worthwhile.

Bare land usually has good resale value if it has a shop/garage on it so if that's your first project, you'd still be able to sell and move on at that point.  Once you have an "alternative" house built the resale options may decrease.  Code officials may be your biggest obstacle to building what you want, not the neighbors.

Of course your post is a year old so you probably undertook your adventure already.  How'd it turn out?