Starting Van Life Full-Time: You might have watched all the YouTube videos and read the articles about how to live the van life lifestyle. But what about before you start on your full-time adventure? How do you prepare?
Embarking on a van life journey offers the freedom to explore the open road, live more simply, and embrace a nomadic lifestyle. However, jumping into full-time van life requires thorough preparation to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. This guide covers all the essential things you need to do before starting van life full-time, from financial planning to outfitting your van for the road.
Key Takeaways: Essential Things to Do Before Starting Van Life Full-Time
- Plan Finances: Budget for van conversion and create an emergency fund. Have a stable income plan for life on the road.
- Downsize Belongings: Reduce possessions and prioritize essential, multi-purpose items.
- Choose the Right Van: Select a van based on size, budget, and comfort. Test the experience before committing.
- Build Your Van: Insulate, install solar panels, create a water system, and maximize storage.
- Health & Safety: Have health insurance, emergency kits, and security measures in place.
- Learn Van Maintenance: Know how to handle basic repairs and consider roadside assistance.
- Research Campsites: Use apps to find free and safe overnight parking spots.
- Connect with Community: Join van life groups and attend meetups for support and advice.
- Stay Flexible: Be adaptable to unexpected challenges like weather, breakdowns, or changes in plans.
These steps will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition into full-time van life.
1. Plan Your Finances
Transitioning to van life can reduce your cost of living, but there are still many expenses to account for, especially in the beginning.
- Budget for Conversion: Whether you’re buying a pre-built van or doing a DIY conversion, create a budget for all the essential van build costs, such as insulation, solar panels, a bed, and a kitchen setup.
- Emergency Fund: Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected costs like van repairs, medical emergencies, or unplanned accommodations.
- Income Strategy: Decide how you will earn money on the road. Whether it’s through remote work, freelance jobs, or passive income, ensure you have a consistent financial plan.
2. Downsize Your Belongings
Living in a van means living with less, so downsizing your possessions is a key step before you hit the road.
- Sort Essentials: Go through your belongings and determine what you absolutely need in the van. Focus on multi-purpose items that take up less space.
- Sell or Donate: Sell items you no longer need for extra cash or donate them to charity.
- Storage Solutions: If there are items you want to keep but can’t fit in your van, consider renting a small storage unit or leaving things with family or friends.
3. Choose the Right Van
Your van will be your home, so choosing the right vehicle is crucial for your comfort and safety.
- New vs. Used: Decide whether you want to buy a new van with fewer maintenance issues or a used van that may need repairs but is more affordable upfront.
- Size and Layout: Consider how much space you need for sleeping, cooking, and storage. If you plan to live with a partner or pet, factor in their space requirements.
- Test Drive: Before committing to a van, rent one for a short trip to see if van life is truly for you. This experience will give you insights into layout preferences and driving comfort.
4. Build or Customize Your Van
Once you have your vehicle, it’s time to outfit it for full-time living.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Proper insulation keeps your van warm in winter and cool in summer, while ventilation prevents condensation and improves air quality.
- Power and Solar Setup: Install solar panels and batteries to power your electronics and appliances. Research how much energy you’ll need based on your devices and habits.
- Water System: Set up a water tank, pump, and filtration system for drinking, cooking, and showering. Make sure to have a grey water tank for wastewater.
- Storage Solutions: Maximize your storage with built-in cabinets, under-bed storage, and hanging organizers.
5. Consider Your Health and Safety
Health and safety are paramount when living on the road. Make sure you’re prepared for the unique challenges of van life.
- Health Insurance: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage, especially if you’ll be traveling between states or countries.
- Emergency Kit: Pack a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and basic tools for van maintenance.
- Security: Install locks, a security system, or a GPS tracker in your van for added safety. Be mindful of where you park, especially at night.
6. Learn Basic Van Maintenance
Knowing how to maintain and fix your van can save you a lot of money and stress on the road.
- Essential Skills: Learn how to change a tire, check fluid levels, and handle minor repairs. Carry essential tools like a tire jack, wrenches, and jumper cables.
- Roadside Assistance: Consider subscribing to a roadside assistance service for emergencies.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep up with oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks to avoid breakdowns.
7. Research Campsites and Overnight Parking
Knowing where to park overnight is a critical part of van life. Research free campsites and parking options ahead of time.
- Free Camping Apps: Use apps like iOverlander, Campendium, and FreeCampsites.net to find free and safe places to park.
- Parking Laws: Learn about overnight parking regulations in different areas to avoid fines or tickets.
- Paid Campgrounds: Occasionally, you might want the amenities of a paid campground, such as showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi.
8. Build a Support Network
The van life community is a helpful and welcoming network of travelers, so don’t hesitate to connect with others.
- Online Communities: Join Facebook groups, Instagram pages, or forums dedicated to van life. These platforms are great for getting advice, sharing experiences, and meeting fellow travelers.
- Attend Meetups: Look for van life gatherings or festivals where you can meet like-minded people and learn from their experiences.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family while on the road. Regular check-ins will keep you grounded and give your loved ones peace of mind.
9. Prepare for the Unexpected
Van life is full of surprises, so being adaptable and prepared will help you handle the challenges.
- Weather Changes: Be ready for changing weather conditions. Carry extra blankets, have proper insulation, and plan your routes based on weather patterns.
- Breakdowns: Keep an emergency kit and spare tire in the van at all times. Know who to call in case of a breakdown.
- Staying Flexible: Van life often doesn’t go according to plan, so stay flexible with your schedule and destinations.
10. Shower Less Often
You don’t have to shower daily to stay clean. Try going a little longer than usual between showers, even if you have a shower in your campervan. Water is sometimes hard to refill, and there will be times when you will need to save every last drop.
Find body wipes you like and start using them between showers to get your skin used to a different routine. Try washing your hair in a sink. If you shave, figure out the best method to do
11. Understand Laws Surrounding Living in a Vehicle
Research local regulations regarding overnight parking in the cities you visit. Many municipalities have laws making it illegal to sleep in a vehicle overnight.
Remember that not all Walmarts and Cracker Barrels allow overnight parking. Always call ahead to ask if you can park in their lots overnight.
There are different laws for camping in different areas. Obtaining proper permits and respecting local laws are crucial. We suggest asking for information about local camping at a visitor center or calling the local Forest Service or BLM (Bureau of Land Management) office to ask about dispersed camping or boondocking on nearby public lands.
Still have questions? Watch this video of our friend TRENT
FAQs: Starting Van Life Full-Time
How much does it cost to start a van life?
Initial costs include buying a van, converting it, and gathering essential gear. This can range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on your choices. Ongoing costs include gas, food, campsites, and maintenance.
Do I need to sell all my belongings?
You don’t need to sell everything, but downsizing is essential. Only keep what you can fit in your van or store the rest in a storage unit.
How do I make money while living in a van?
Many van lifers work remotely in fields like writing, programming, graphic design, or social media management. Others take on seasonal work or freelance gigs.
Is van life safe?
Van life can be safe with the right precautions. Research safe parking areas, install a security system, and keep emergency supplies on hand.
How do I stay clean on the road?
You can use solar showers, campground facilities, gym memberships, or public showers. Wet wipes and sponge baths are also convenient options for staying clean when water is scarce.
Conclusion
Starting van life full-time requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth transition into a nomadic lifestyle. By planning your finances, outfitting your van, learning essential skills, and building a community, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges and embrace the rewards of life on the road. With the right preparation, van life can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure.
