Are you considering a life of van dwelling? Maybe you are just beginning to learn about it. Maybe you are starting your research, or maybe you’ve been living in a travel trailer for a while now and you’re ready to move on to the next level with an RV. Either way, you’ve come to the right place – because we’re going to help you get started on the road to adventure by providing tips for getting started in van life!
Here are 12 tips for getting started in van life:
1. Think longer term
Thinking longer term is one of the best tips for getting started in van life. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a big road trip and want to just hit the open road as soon as possible. However, there are some important things to consider before taking off on your van life adventure.
One of the most important things to think about is your budget. If you want to be able to sustain van lifelong term, you need to make sure you have a solid financial plan in place. This means thinking about things like how much you’ll need to save for fuel, repairs, and other unexpected costs. You’ll also need to think about how you’ll generate income while on the road. There are many ways to do this, but it’s important to have a plan so that you don’t find yourself struggling financially down the line.
2. Be prepared for the highs and lows
Just like with any lifestyle, there will be times when things are going great and times when they’re not so great. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for both the good and the bad.
This means having a plan for when things are going well and when they’re not. For example, if you know you’ll be spending a lot of time driving, make sure you have a good playlist or audiobook to keep you entertained. And if you know you’ll be spending time in remote areas, make sure you have all the supplies you need before heading out. By planning ahead, you can make sure that no matter what happens, you’ll be able to enjoy your van life experience.
3. Invest in a security system
When it comes to van life, one of the best tips for getting started is to invest in a security system. This will give you peace of mind while you travel and will also help to deter potential criminals. There are a number of different types of security systems available on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find one that best suits your needs.
One type of security system that is becoming increasingly popular among vanlifers is the use of GPS tracking devices. These devices can be placed inside your vehicle and will allow you to track its location at all times. This is particularly useful if your van ever gets stolen, as you’ll be able to provide the police with its exact location.
Another great option for securing your van is to install camera surveillance. This can be done by placing cameras around the exterior of your vehicle, which will then record any activity that takes place near it. This footage can be useful in identifying any suspicious behavior or people loitering around your van.
4. Choose your vehicle to suit your lifestyle
There are a lot of different ways to live life on the road in a van and choosing the right vehicle to fit your lifestyle is one of the best tips for getting started. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading or traveling to remote areas, then you’ll want something that is built for that. A smaller van might be more suitable if you’re mostly sticking to city life or plan on spending most of your time parked up.
Think about what kind of activities you want to do while living in your van. Do you want to go surfing every day? Then you’ll need a place to store your boards and wetsuits. Are you planning on cooking all your meals from scratch? Then you’ll need a kitchen with enough counter space and storage for all your ingredients.
Once you have an idea of what kind of lifestyle you want to lead, it will be much easier to choose the right vehicle to suit your needs. There are so many different types and styles of vans out there, so take your time researching until you find the perfect match for you!
Related Link: Kev’s Vanlife and Travel Essentials
5. Know where are you going to sleep
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually one of the most important things to consider when making the transition to van living.
If you’re planning on converting the back of your van into a bedroom, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration. First, you’ll need to make sure that the area is well insulated so that you stay warm at night. Second, you’ll want to install some kind of lighting so that you can see well inside your van at night. And finally, you’ll need to figure out how to keep your belongings safe and secure while you’re asleep. All of these things are important factors to consider when getting started in van life.
6. Know where are you going to wash
Whether it’s finding a campsite with hookups or planning to boondock and bathe in a stream, being prepared ahead of time will make all the difference. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing how and where to wash while living in your van:
If you have hookups available, take advantage of them! Even if it means paying a little extra, having running water and electricity will make life much easier (not to mention cleaner). If you plan on boondocking often, be sure to invest in some good solar panels so you can keep your batteries charged and have enough power for lights and other essentials.
If you don’t have hookups, consider bathing in a stream or lake. Not only is this eco-friendlier than using precious water resources from your holding tanks, but it can also be incredibly refreshing. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out any soap or shampoo residue so as not to pollute the natural waterways.
7. Have an emergency fund
Having an emergency fund is one of the best tips for getting started in van life. Why? Because it gives you a cushion to fall back on if things go wrong.
No one likes to think about emergencies, but they can happen. If your vehicle breaks down or you have an unexpected medical expense, having an emergency fund can help you stay afloat financially.
Start by setting aside a few hundred dollars into a savings account specifically for emergencies. Then, add to it as you are able. If you never need to tap into it, great! But if something does come up, you’ll be glad you have the financial cushion.
8. Have a money saving plan
Saving money is one of the best tips for getting started in van life because it allows you to live a debt-free lifestyle and gives you the freedom to travel and explore. When you’re not tied down by monthly payments, you can choose how to spend your time and where to go.
Here are some tips for saving money while living the van life:
- Use coupons and discount codes: There are lots of ways to save money on groceries, gas, and other necessary expenses by using coupons and discount codes. Do some research online or talk to other van lifers to find out where you can get the best deals.
- Cut back on unnecessary expenses: Take a look at your spending habits and see where you can cut back. For example, do you really need that daily latte? Could you cook more meals at home instead of eating out? Small changes like this can add up over time and free up more cash for savings or fun adventures.
- Sell unwanted items: Before hitting the road, take some time to sort through your belongings and get rid of anything that you don’t absolutely need or love. Have a garage sale, sell items online, or donate them to goodwill—whatever gets them out of your hair! This will declutter your space and give you a little extra cash in hand as well.
9. Get organized
Organizing your space is one of the best tips for getting started in van life! It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple once you get started. The first step is to declutter your space and get rid of anything that you don’t need. This includes clothes, personal items, and any other materials that are taking up valuable space. Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to start organizing what’s left. Create a system that works for you and make sure everything has a place. This will help keep your space tidy and prevent things from getting lost.
10. Expect the unexpected
Expecting the unexpected is one of the best tips for getting started in van life. Why? Because it helps you to be prepared for anything and everything.
Sure, you can plan your route and your stops. But what happens when your van breaks down? Or when someone offers you a place to stay for the night? Or when you get lost in the middle of nowhere?
If you go into van life with the expectation that anything and everything can happen, then you’ll be much better off than if you go in with tunnel vision. Be prepared for the worst but hope for the best. That’s how expecting the unexpected will help you have a successful van life adventure.
Related Link: Kev’s Vanlife and Travel Essentials
11. Keep the romance alive
If you’re considering van life with your partner, congratulations! You’re about to embark on an amazing journey full of new adventures, memories, and shared experiences. One of the best things about van life is that it allows you to get closer to your partner in a way that few other lifestyles can. However, as any experienced van lifer will tell you, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies – living in close quarters with someone 24/7 can be challenging, even for the most solid of relationships. That’s why it’s important to make sure you keep the romance alive while living in your van.
When you’re busy exploring during the day and dealing with the mundane tasks of everyday life in the evenings (cooking, cleaning, etc.), it can be easy to forget to set aside quality time for your partner. But just because you’re living in a smaller space doesn’t mean you can’t have date nights! Make sure to schedule at least one night per week where you focus solely on each other – cook a special meal together, open a bottle of wine, play cards or board games by candlelight. Whatever makes you feel like a loved-up couple again.
12. Bring the right weather clothing
If you and your partner are planning to embark on a van life adventure, one of the best tips for getting started is to make sure you have the right weather clothing. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors and in different climates, so it’s important to be prepared.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing your weather-related gear:
- Know the forecast: Before heading out on your trip, take a look at the forecast for each area you’ll be visiting. This will help you determine what kind of clothing and gear to pack.
- Layer up: When dealing with unpredictable weather, it’s always best to layer up. This way, you can easily add or remove layers as needed based on the temperature changes throughout the day.
- Pack versatile pieces: Choose items that can be worn in multiple ways or that serve multiple purposes. For example, a scarf can double as a headband or blanket, and leggings can be worn under shorts for added warmth without sacrificing style.
The bottom line
In conclusion, van life can be daunting but it is doable with the right preparation. These are only a few tips to get you started on your van life journey but there are many other great resources out there to help you plan and prepare for van life. The most important thing is to take your time, do your research, and be patient as you transition into this new way of living.
Related Link: Kev’s Vanlife and Travel Essentials
