Van life is not just a trend. Van life is an affordable and sustainable lifestyle that has been around for many years. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the rat race of modern society or simply seek adventure on their terms.
Van life can be as complex or simple as you like, and the great thing about it is that you can tailor it to suit your own needs and wants. Whether you’re looking for a permanent home on wheels or a way to travel the world on a shoestring budget, van life has something to offer everyone. However, there are some things worth knowing beforehand to make your transition easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we offer you our expert tips for getting started with van life so that you can start living this amazing lifestyle right away. By following these guidelines you’ll be cruising down the open road with all of your worldly belongings at hand.
Finding The Right Van
One of the first and most important steps in starting your van life journey is finding the right vehicle. Not all vans are created equal, and there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration when choosing yours.
Size is an important factor to think about. If you plan on spending extended periods in your van, you’ll want one that’s large enough to comfortably accommodate you. On the other hand, if you just plan on using your van for weekend getaways or short trips, a smaller size might be more suitable. You should also consider what kind of activities you’ll be doing while living in your van. If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or biking, you’ll want a van that has plenty of storage space for all of your gear.
Another thing to consider is fuel efficiency. If you’re looking to save money or live a more sustainable lifestyle, you’ll want a van that gets good gas mileage. This is especially important if you plan on doing a lot of driving.
The price of the van is also a key factor to think about. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider buying an older model van or one that needs some repairs. You can usually find vans for sale at a fraction of the cost of a new one, and with a little TLC, they can be just as good as new ones. Just be sure to get a mechanic’s opinion before making any purchase.
Outfitting Your Van
Once you’ve found the perfect van, it’s time to start outfitting it to suit your needs. This is where you can get creative and make your van feel like home.
If you plan on spending a lot of time in your van, you’ll want to install some basic amenities like a bed, storage shelves, and a place to cook. If you have the space, you might also want to add a small bathroom or shower. These things will make living in your van much more comfortable and convenient.
You should also consider what kind of climate you’ll be living in. If you plan on spending time in cold weather, you’ll need to insulate your van properly to keep yourself warm. This can be done by installing insulation panels on the walls and ceiling or by using weatherstripping to seal up any gaps. You might also want to invest in a good heater.
If you’ll be spending time in hot weather, you’ll need to take steps to keep your van cool. This can be done by installing reflective window film on the windows and doors or by using awnings to shade the van. You might also want to invest in a portable air conditioner.
Living Sustainably
One of the great things about van life is that it’s an eco-friendly way to live. If you want to minimize your impact on the environment, there are a few things you can do.
First, you may consider installing solar panels on your van to power all of your electronics. This will help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and live a more sustainable lifestyle. You can also compost your food scraps to reduce your waste and help fertilize the earth. If you are not sure how to compost, there are many helpful guides available online, so make sure you do your research.
You should try to minimize your water usage. This can be done by taking shorter showers, using less water when cooking, and collecting rainwater to use for watering plants or washing dishes. The best way to conserve water is to use a grey water system, which recycles used water from the sink and shower to be used for flushing the toilet or watering plants.
Minimizing Your Impact
In addition to living sustainably, you should also try to minimize your impact on the places you visit. This means leaving no trace when you camp or hike and being respectful of others when you’re in public places.
When you’re camping, be sure to clean up any trash or food scraps that you might have. You should also stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging any delicate ecosystems. If you are hiking, be sure to stay on the trail and take all of your trash with you when you leave. On the other hand, if you’re spending time in a public place, be sure to be respectful of others around you. This means keeping your noise to a minimum, not littering, and being considerate of others’ space.
Staying Connected
Although van life can be a great way to disconnect from the world, there are still times when you’ll need to stay connected. Whether you need to stay in touch with family or friends or you need to keep up with work, there are a few ways to stay connected while on the road.
One way to stay connected is to use your cell phone as a hotspot. This will allow you to have internet access anywhere that you have cell service. Another option is to invest in a satellite modem, which will give you internet access even in remote areas. If you need to stay in touch with family and friends, you can use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to make calls and send messages for free. You can also use these apps to video call, so you can stay connected even when you’re far away.
Van life can be a great way to live a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s also a great way to travel and see the world. If you’re thinking about getting started with van life, make sure you do your research and plan. With these tips and a little bit of preparation, you can have an amazing experience on the open road you’ll never forget.
