Life on the Road: How to Start Van Life
Beginning a van life is not easy and definitely not meant for everyone. Consider this - you are leaving behind your entire stable life and moving to new places in a van. While the idea of exploring and living in new places sounds exciting, enduring van life is not easy, especially in the beginning. However, once you get acquainted with the new lifestyle, you benefit from plenty of freedom, flexibility, and the joy of living with simplicity. Another major advantage is financial relief; since you are no longer located in one place, you can save money on rent, utilities, and mortgage debt.
If you are excited to start a van life, consider these aspects before you jump right in.
Buying a Van
You can choose among several types of vehicles to begin your van life, mainly RVs (recreational vehicles), cargo or panel vans, classic hippie vans, camper vans, 4WD or SUV, and trailers. The vehicle you choose should fulfill your needs and reflect your personality. More importantly, it should suit your daily lifestyle, interests, likes, and hobbies. Another factor to consider when choosing a vehicle is the number of members traveling with you. How big is your family or group of friends? Do you need extra beds for your kids, or are you traveling alone? Prepare a list of your requirements and choose a vehicle accordingly.
Building Your Van
Once you choose your vehicle type, it is time to build it by integrating technical specs to make the van comfortable and ready for use. When building a van for your trip, consider the number of days you will be traveling. Is it temporary, or are you planning to spend more than a year in your van? To make the process easier, hire a local mechanic to build your van according to your needs. You can also take it up as a DIY project and save money. Lastly, if you have a bigger budget, buy a fully integrated van with all technical aspects as it saves a lot of hassle of building one and spares time and effort. Some necessary tools and equipment are a sink, fridge, built-in generator, and a lithium battery.
Maintaining Your Van
The next step is to ensure the maintenance of your van. This can be done by getting your van regularly checked and learning how to fix issues in case of emergencies. Make your van sustainable to fulfill your power needs and reduce costs. Since you have maximum solar power access, consider fitting solar panels on your van to power your vehicle. Keep a tool kit and a spare tire in your vehicle. More importantly, learn how to change a tire if you notice a flat wheel while traveling in a remote area.
Things to Consider
Apart from building and maintaining your van, you must consider certain aspects to make your van life comfortable and efficient.
Weather will rarely be your friend. Being stuck in a damp and cold spot inside your van is the last thing you’d want. To avoid such situations, consider venting and insulating your vehicle.
Making money to cover your fuel and day-to-day needs is also crucial. The only options are finding part-time jobs or working remotely. For the latter option, you must prepare a designated space within your van to work comfortably. Additionally, make sure that you have an adequate power supply to charge your devices.
Pack light. Your van will barely have any extra storage for unwanted stuff. Carry the bare minimum and travel with absolutely essential items. This will include 3 to 4 pairs of clothes, undergarments, cooking utensils, blankets, important devices, etc.
Stock up on food. At times, traveling through tiny towns and villages may keep you hungry due to limited food options. To avoid this, stock up on as much food as you can. Stop by grocery stores or visit farmers’ markets to load up on fresh fruits and snacks.
Determine your fuel requirements and calculate costs accordingly. The last thing you want on your trip is running out of gas on a deserted road. Since gas prices vary across different states, you must also estimate a figure to stay prepared.
Get a membership at a gym that has various branches across the country. By doing so, you can access the shower facilities at these branches and continue on your journey.
As mentioned, embarking on an adventurous journey and living a van life is not for everyone. If the idea of starting a van life excites you and you have the courage to experience it, you must go for it. It is an opportunity of a lifetime; by revamping your van, you can endure a comfortable journey and make it worth your effort and time.