Living the van life is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to travel. You get to meet interesting people, visit different places, and become more self-sufficient. However, it can be difficult to get started especially if you are a teenager.
In this article, we will be sharing with you 10 tips that will help you achieve van life even if you are a teenager.
1. Don’t go for a new van or RV
One great way to save money while still achieving van life is by using an old campervan or RV that someone else has already outfitted. You can find these vehicles for sale online or through classified ads, and they can be a great option if you’re looking to save money. Just make sure that you inspect the vehicle thoroughly before making any purchase, as older models may have more wear and tear than newer ones.
Another cost-effective option for those seeking van life is to convert an existing vehicle into a campervan or RV. This could be anything from a minivan to a school bus, and there are plenty of resources available online to help with the conversion process. Keep in mind, however, that this option will likely require more work than simply purchasing an old campervan or RV. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can definitely be done on a budget!
2. Get creative with how you furnish and decorate your space
One of the great things about van life is that you can really get creative with how you furnish and decorate your RV. This can be a great way to save money, especially for teenagers who are just getting started with van life.
There are a few things to keep in mind when furnishing and decorating your RV. First, you want to make sure that everything is secure and won’t shift around while you’re driving. Second, you want to maximize space so that you’re not cramped while living in your RV. And third, you want to choose items that are durable and easy to clean since they’ll likely get a lot of use.
With those factors in mind, here are some ideas for furnishings and decorations:
- Mount shelves on the walls to store books, dishes, or other items.
- Hang tapestries or curtains for privacy and/or decoration.
- Install track lighting or string lights for a warm ambiance.
- Use area rugs or carpet tiles to cozy up the space (and keep your feet warm!).
- Repurpose old furniture or buy secondhand pieces from yard sales or thrift stores.
- Make throw pillows from fabric scraps or vintage tablecloths.
By getting creative with how you furnish and decorate your RV, you can save money while still making your space feel like home sweet home.
Related Link: Kev’s Vanlife and Travel Essentials
3. Cut down expenses by living minimally
One of the best money saving tips for teenagers who want to achieve van life is to cut down on their expenses by living minimally. This means living with less stuff and focusing on only the essentials. For example, instead of buying a new outfit every time you go out, try wearing something you already have in your closet. Or, if you’re going to be cooking in your van, only bring the ingredients you need for that meal and nothing more.
Living minimally doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your comfort or style. In fact, by cutting down on your possessions, you can actually end up feeling lighter and freer. And, when it comes to van life, having less stuff means there’s less to worry about – which can help you relax and enjoy the ride even more.
4. Use money saving apps
There are ways for teenagers to save money so they can hit the road sooner than they thought. One of the best ways is to use money saving apps.
There are a ton of different money saving apps out there, but we’ve compiled a list of our favorites that are perfect for anyone looking to live the van life on a budget:
- Acorns: This app helps you save and invest your spare change from everyday purchases. It rounds up each purchase to the nearest dollar and invests that change into a portfolio of ETFs. Over time, those small investments can really add up!
- Digit: This app analyzes your spending habits and income to automatically set aside small amounts of money every day into an FDIC-insured savings account. You can also choose specific financial goals to save for (like a down payment on a van!), and Digit will help you get there by transferring small amounts of money from your checking account each day. Plus, if you ever need access to your savings, you can always withdraw them without any fees or penalties!
- Trim: Trim is sort of like a personal assistant when it comes to finances. It will negotiate your cable and internet bills for you (and often gets great results), cancel unwanted subscriptions, helps you find better car insurance rates, etc. Basically, anything that requires dealing with customer service or complex financial jargon – Trim takes care of it so you don’t have to waste your valuable time (or energy). And it’s completely free!
5. Carefully plan your route and gas expenses ahead of time
The best way to save money while living in a van is to carefully plan your route and gas expenses ahead of time. By doing this, you can avoid wasting money on gas by driving aimlessly around or by running out of gas and having to pay for expensive emergency fill-ups.
To save money on gas, it’s important to know what your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is and plan your trips accordingly. If you’re driving a van with poor fuel economy, it may be beneficial to avoid carrying any unnecessary clutter. You should also try to avoid congested areas as it will reduce your idling time and also regularly check your tire pressure.
6. Be mindful of how much you’re spending on activities and entertainment
One of the best money saving tips for teenagers to achieve van life is by being mindful of how much they’re spending on activities and entertainment. This can be done by setting a budget for these expenses and sticking to it. Additionally, teens should look for free or low-cost options when it comes to activities and entertainment. For example, instead of going out to the movies, they could watch a movie at home. Or instead of going out to eat, they could cook their own meals. By being mindful of their spending and looking for cost-effective options, teenagers can save a lot of money which can be used towards achieving van life.
Related Link: Kev’s Vanlife and Travel Essentials
7. Take advantage of free camping opportunities whenever possible
One of the best money saving tips for teenagers hoping to achieve van life is to take advantage of free camping opportunities whenever possible. Whether you’re boondocking in the middle of nowhere or staying at a friend’s house for a few nights, free camping can help you save big on your overall travel budget.
Of course, free camping isn’t always an option, but when it is, be sure to take advantage!
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of free camping opportunities:
- Plan ahead and do your research: Not all campgrounds offer free camping, so be sure to do your research beforehand and plan accordingly. A little bit of planning can go a long way in helping you save money on your journey.
- Take advantage of online resources: There are a number of great online resources that can help you find free campsites near you. Free Campsites and Campendium are two great options worth checking out.
- Utilize primitive camping areas: Primitive camping areas are often overlooked but can offer some great opportunities for free camping. Be sure to check with the local land management agency before setting up camp in any primitive area to ensure that it is indeed open for public use.
8. Create a budget and stick to it
If you’re a teenager wanting to save up for van life, one of the best things you can do is create a budget and stick to it. By knowing how much money you have coming in and what your regular expenses are, you can make informed choices about how to best save up.
One key tip is to avoid impulse purchases. It can be tempting to spend money on things you don’t really need, but if you stick to your budget, you’ll be able to save up more quickly. Another tip is to set aside money each month for savings. This way, you’ll have a dedicated amount going towards your goal each month, and it will be easier to reach your target savings goal.
Of course, there will be times when unexpected expenses come up or when you want to treat yourself to something special. That’s OK! Just adjust your budget accordingly and get back on track as soon as possible. By sticking to a budget and being mindful of your spending, you’ll be well on your way to achieving van life in no time!
9. Do odd jobs to earn some extra income
Van life can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. One way is to do odd jobs to earn some extra income. This can be a great way for teenagers to make some extra money to help offset the cost of van life.
There are a number of ways to find odd jobs. You can start by asking family and friends if they know of any work that needs to be done. You can also check online job boards or classifieds websites. There are usually many people looking for workers for odd jobs such as yard work, moving furniture, or cleaning gutters.
Odd jobs can be a great way for teenagers to make some extra money and learn new skills at the same time. They can also be a great way to meet new people and see new places. If you’re considering van life, make sure to add odd jobs into your budgeting plans!
10. Cook your meals at home
Van lifers are always looking for ways to save money and one of the best ways to do this is by cooking your meals at home. Not only will this save you money on groceries, but it will also allow you to control what goes into your body.
Cooking at home gives you the ability to know exactly what ingredients are in your food and how they were prepared. This is important for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. By cooking at home, you can be sure that your food is fresh and free of any unwanted additives.
Another great reason to cook at home while living in a van is because it allows you to have more control over portion sizes. When you’re eating out, it’s easy to overeat or order too much food. But when you’re cooking for yourself, you can make exactly as much as you want and avoid wasting any extra food.
Not everyone loves cooking, but if you’re trying to save money while living in a van, it’s definitely worth considering. Even if you only cook simple meals, like pasta or eggs, doing so will still save you money compared to buying takeout all the time. And who knows, maybe with a little practice you’ll find that you actually enjoy cooking after all!
The bottom line
In conclusion, these are our tips to help you save money as a teenager so you can begin your journey into van life. You don’t need a ton of money to get started, but every little bit helps.
Related Link: Kev’s Vanlife and Travel Essentials
