The transition to van life is a big change, both in mental and physical space. Adventure, freedom, and the thrill of living on your terms can be alluring, but there are many factors to consider before finally going for it. In this post, we’re sharing 10 things you should expect if you’re considering living in a van.
Here are some quick overviews of what you should be expecting when living a van life:
1. It will be hard at first
It will be hard at first. You’ll miss your old life and all the comforts that came with it. But you’ll quickly adapt and learn to love the van life. You’ll find yourself making new friends, exploring new places, and living a more simple and more carefree life.
When you live in a van, you’ll quickly learn to appreciate the simple things in life. Things like a warm bed, a hot shower, and a home-cooked meal will become even more special. You’ll also start to appreciate nature and the beauty of the world around you.
The appreciation of the simplicity of life will teach you how to deal with any challenges ahead.
2. You’ll have to find a source of income
Assuming you don’t have a trust fund or wealthy parents to help support your new van-dwelling lifestyle, you’ll need to find a way to make money. For many people, this means getting a job. But if you’re living in a van, that can be easier said than done.
First of all, you’ll need to find a place to park your van while you’re working. This can be difficult in some cities, where parking is scarce and expensive. You may have to get creative or move around frequently.
Secondly, showering and getting dressed for work can also be challenging when you’re living in a van. You may have to use public facilities like gyms or swimming pools.
Finally, it can be difficult to stay focused on work when you’re living in such close quarters with your belongings. This is where having a good organizational system and clear boundaries between “home” and “work” space can come in handy.
3. You’ll have to adjust your diet
If you’re thinking about living in a van, you’ll have to adjust your diet. You won’t be able to eat out as often, and you’ll have to cook more meals at home. This can be a challenge if you’re used to eating out or cooking simple meals. But it’s not impossible, and there are plenty of resources available to help you make the transition.
Here are some things to keep in mind when adjusting your diet: You’ll need to plan your meals ahead of time. This means doing some meal prep on the weekends or whenever you have free time. Planning will help you save money and time. Van life can be hectic, so you’ll need quick and easy recipes that can be made with minimal ingredients. There are plenty of great cookbooks and websites dedicated to van life cooking. You’ll need to get creative with storage. Since space is limited in a van, you’ll need to be smart about how you store food. invest in some good storage containers and learn how to maximize space. Eating healthy is important, but it can be hard to find healthy food options on the road. Stock up on healthy snacks and bring along a cooler for fresh fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated!
4. How to make your van comfortable?
If you’re thinking about living in a van, one of the things you’ll need to consider is how to make your van comfortable. There are a few things you can do to make sure your van is comfortable for both you and your passengers.
First, you’ll want to make sure you have enough insulation. This will help keep the temperature inside your van consistent and will also help reduce noise levels. You can find insulation at most hardware stores or online.
Next, you’ll want to focus on ventilation. This is especially important if you’re going to be living in your van for an extended period. You’ll want to make sure there are plenty of airflows so that the air inside doesn’t get too stale. There are several ways to improve ventilation, including installing windows or vents and using fans.
Finally, you’ll want to think about lighting. Van living can be pretty dark, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of light. You can install LED lights or even solar-powered lights if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option.
By following these tips, you can make your van much more comfortable and livable. So if you’re considering van life, don’t forget to think about comfort.
5. Buying the right kind of van is crucial
If you’re thinking about living in a van, one of the first things you’ll need to do is purchase a van. But not just any van will do – you’ll need to find one that’s the right size and has the right features for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a van:Size: You’ll need to decide how much space you need in your van. Do you plan on living alone or with another person? How much storage space do you need for your belongings? Features: What kind of features do you want in your van? Do you need a kitchenette? A bathroom? A place to sleep? Make sure to check out all the options before making a decision. Budget: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of the van when making your decision. You’ll need to pay for gas, insurance, and maintenance, so make sure you can afford the vehicle you choose.
With these factors in mind, take some time to research different vans and find the one that’s right for you. Once you have the perfect van, living on the road will be that much more enjoyable.
6. How to do your laundry?
Assuming you have a van with a built-in or portable washing machine, there are a few different ways you can go about doing your laundry while living in a van.
One option is to find a laundromat in the town or city where you’re staying and wash your clothes there. This can be convenient if you don’t want to deal with setting up and breaking down your washing machine every time you need to do laundry. It also gives you a chance to socialize and meet other people in the community.
Another option is to wash your clothes by hand using a tub or basin. This is more of an old-fashioned way of doing things, but it’s still perfectly effective. It’s also very low-tech, so if you’re trying to save money or live off the grid, this could be a good option for you.
Finally, if you have access to running water and electricity, you can set up your washing machine in your van. This requires a bit more effort than the other two methods, but it means you can do your laundry whenever you want without having to leave your home base.
7. Dealing with the weather while living in a van is an issue too
Dealing with the weather is an issue to consider if you’re thinking about living in a van. The temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit, depending on where you are in the country, and it can be difficult to keep your van comfortable in extreme weather conditions.
There are a few things you can do to try and make the best of it, though.
First, invest in some good quality thermal curtains for your windows – this will help to keep the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer.
Second, make sure you have plenty of blankets and pillows – these will come in handy for snuggling up when it’s cold outside.
Finally, don’t forget to pack some extra clothes so you always have something warm to wear if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
Living in a van has its challenges but if you’re prepared for them, it can be an incredible experience.
Just remember to take care of yourself and your belongings, and you’ll be able to weather any storm. Get a van that’s insulated. This will help cut down on heating and cooling costs and make your space more comfortable overall. Dress in layers. This way you can easily adjust to changes in temperature throughout the day. Park in shady spots when it’s hot out, and in sunny spots when it’s cold out.
This will help keep your van at a more comfortable temperature.
Use a fan or air conditioner when it’s hot, and a heater when it’s cold. Again, this will help keep your van at a comfortable temperature. Invest in some good quality weatherproofing gear if you’ll be spending time outside in bad weather conditions. This includes things like rain gear, snow gear, etc.
Dealing with the weather is an issue to consider if you’re thinking about living in a van. The temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit, depending on where you are in the country, and it can be difficult to keep your van comfortable in extreme weather conditions.
There are a few things you can do to try and make the best of it, though. First, invest in some good quality thermal curtains for your windows – this will help to keep the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer. Second, make sure you have plenty of blankets and pillows – these will come in handy for snuggling up when it’s cold outside. Finally, don’t forget to pack some extra clothes so you always have something warm to wear if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
Living in a van has its challenges but if you’re prepared for them, it can be an incredible experience. Just remember to take care of yourself and your belongings, and you’ll be able to weather any storm.
8. You’ll need storage space for all
If you’re planning on living in a van, you’ll need to factor in storage space for all of your belongings. You’ll need to be able to store everything you need for day-to-day life, as well as any larger items like furniture or appliances.
One way to maximize storage space is to use multi-purpose furniture that can serve more than one purpose. For example, a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman can be a great way to keep things close at hand without taking up too much space.
Another way to make the most of your storage space is to use vertical storage solutions. This could include hanging shelves or racks from the ceiling or walls or installing cabinet doors that open upward instead of outward.
Of course, it’s also important to declutter regularly and get rid of anything you don’t need. This will help keep your living space feeling open and airy and make it easier to find the things you do need.
9. You’ll have to be okay with living a more ‘minimal’ lifestyle.
If you’re planning on living in a van, you should be prepared for a more minimal lifestyle. This means you’ll have to be okay with living without some of the conveniences and comforts that you’re used to. For example, you won’t have a regular bathroom or shower, and you’ll likely have to downsize your belongings. You should also be prepared for long periods spent alone, as van life can be quite isolating.
10. You’ll need to be comfortable with being constantly on the move.
If you’re considering living in a van, it’s important to be comfortable with constant movement. For many people, this lifestyle is incredibly freeing and provides a sense of independence and flexibility that is unparalleled. However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not used to being on the move all the time, it can be tough to adjust.
If you’re thinking about living in a van, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to have a realistic idea of what van life is like and what it entails. You need to be prepared for the challenges that come with living in a van, such as finding parking and dealing with bad weather.
Finally, remember that living in a van can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you’re willing to put in the work. If you’re ready for an adventure and up for the challenge, then van life might be right for you. Peace ❤️