How To Live In A Van And Travel
The van life movement has really taken off in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. From achieving a cheaper way of living to the opportunity of seeing the world, more and more people are considering making the change to van living for good.
If you’re ready to commit to travelling and living in a van full time and believe you’re prepared and have the right mindset, then this post is for you! We’ve delved into the ins and outs of what it takes to live and travel in a van so that you don’t have to. Read on to discover what’s involved in living and travelling in a van.
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The van life movement
What began as a simple way of travelling has become something of a phenomenon around the world. Many people are seeing the benefits of living and travelling full-time in a van, and many, it seems, have the means and the opportunity to do so.
You might think this alternative way of life lends itself to nomadic people and nature lovers only, but many business owners and city dwellers are feeling the pull to this more holistic way of life too. It gives us the opportunity to experience freedom, adventure and a minimalist lifestyle, something many of us strive for. But more than that, van life can be seen as a resistance to the mainstream and gives people the option to carve out a life away from societal norms and create their own path. To top it off, it’s slowly becoming more and more socially acceptable as a lifestyle!
Getting started
There are a few different ways of starting your van life journey, but which one you opt for will mostly depend on your budget. You can either buy a van and kit it out yourself with the necessary facilities, or purchase one that has already been built for van living and maybe even used before. Quirky Campers have a range of preloved camper vans you can purchase, all with varying price tags if you’d like to check them out. If you’re buying your own van, there are loads of resources now on the market that can help you kickstart your journey too.
Things you should always have in your van
Whether you’re converting your own van or you’ve just purchased a pre-loved one that’s already kitted out, there are a few things that you should always have to hand before heading out on the road. These include:
Security and safety products
No matter where you are, you will always want to feel secure and safe in your van. So having things in and on your van will help provide that peace of mind. Things like a wheel lock for nighttime, a fire extinguisher in case of emergencies, a vehicle alarm and other safety products will help ensure your van life is as stress-free as possible.
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Chargers and backup battery pods
This is a no-brainer, but always have an emergency backup charging dock in case you lose power in the middle of nowhere. They’re great to have if you’re lost, broken down or in the case of an emergency where your phone or tablet has died.
Solar panels/energy
Not everyone who lives the van life lifestyle has solar panels. However, they are a good investment as it means you’ll have power essentially all year round. If you don’t have solar panels, ensure you have backup gas and electricity that you can utilise in a pinch. Although not always cheap, it’s worth saving and installing solar panels on your roof so that they can soak up the sun (whenever the weather allows it!).
Cooking essentials
Being self-sufficient is one of the attractions of van living, but if your van doesn’t have built-in facilities you’ll need portable cooking facilities such as a gas stove or worktop cooker, and the utensils to use with them such as pans and cutlery.
First aid kit and wet wipes
This is probably a given, but these are essential to life on the road, both for you and your passengers should an injury occur. Wet wipes are also a great all-rounder for cleaning surfaces as well as skin. If you hike a lot while traveling in your van, ensure that your backpack has additional first aid supplies.
Maps
These can be tucked away for whenever you may need them on the road. Most van lifers will opt for a sat nav or phone navigation, but traditional maps are great in a pinch.
Clothing for different weather conditions
Weather, especially in the UK, can change quite quickly. Whether you’re facing a heatwave or a torrential downpour, ensure you’re equipped for the ever-changing weather here in the UK or further afield.
Important documents
From van insurance documents to your driver’s licence, make sure you have all documents ready to grab at a moment's notice, after all, you never know when you’ll need them. Keeping them secure is important too, you can buy small portable safes to keep those documents secure whilst you’re out enjoying nature at its finest!
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Build a good van life routine
If you’re just starting out, it helps to create a routine while you’re on the road. Not only does this help with your mental health, but it can help you to adjust to van life more easily. An example of a good routine on the road is waking up early and making your bed. If you have a side hustle, carve out some time throughout the day to dedicate yourself to it too as part of your routine!
Where to park your van at night
Unsure of where to park your van at night? Luckily there are plenty of options for you to choose from in the UK and further afield. With that being said, however, not all of them are free or will work with every type of van, so keep this in mind.
Before choosing your space for the night, it’s always a good idea to check what needs you’ll have either throughout the night or the next day. Will you need somewhere with a toilet or somewhere where you can grab a coffee the next day? Would you like to wake up to a view? Are you breaking any local laws with your choice of parking spot? Do your research before leaving for your destination and find our in advance where you’re going to stop whenever visiting somewhere new for the night.
Problems with living in a van
Although the van life movement has many positives and is made out to look beautiful on the likes of Instagram, there are some cons to choosing the van life. These might include:
Weather extremes
Unless modified, many van models do not have the insulation needed to keep you warm during winter months. And, if it rains during the summer it can be tough to get the best ventilation around the space. With that being said, there are always ways to enhance your situation, such as stocking up on warm blankets in winter and installing side windows or vents that help regulate airflow and keep the water out.
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Parcels and no postcode living
This can be tough, especially when you have no fixed address and need to collect mail. Although you can get things delivered to friends and family, the hassle that comes with no fixed address can sometimes grind you down.
Limited water and gas
With van life also comes limitations when it comes to water and gas supply. You’ll always need to top up your additional stores, and this can be tiresome.
Money limitations
One of the biggest pros of van life is the financial freedom that comes with it. However, that being said, you may also have financial difficulties in the long run. You might be able to fix this with side hustles, but unless you dedicate time to them, you may have fluctuations in your income over time.
Minimal space
Van life can sometimes mean a minimal life, which means saying goodbye to some of your most prized material possessions. Although some people can find it easy to do, it can be an emotional toll having to sell or give away a lot of your items in order to fulfil your van life goals.
Benefits of van living
Now, although there are cons to van living, there are plenty of benefits to adopting the lifestyle too. These include:
Embracing the unknown
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be totally free, then van life offers you that experience. You’re essentially diving into uncharted territory, and you might not wake up in the same part of the country each night. If you’re driven toward adventure, then van life could just be the lifestyle for you.
Personal growth
Whether you know it or not, van life will change you. It gives you space for personal growth outside of societal norms, and although this can be uncomfortable, it could help you grow as a person.
Everyday adventures
If you like to travel, then van living gives you the opportunity to see nature, meet new people and maybe enjoy new and exciting things each and every day.
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Your cost of living could be reduced
Whether you’re trying to save money for a house, want to reduce your cost of living, or simply don’t want to rely on money to live your best life, van life could be a great way of living. If you have financial goals, then travelling in a van for a short time might help cut costs and help you see the world at the same time!
You learn to appreciate the smaller things in life
Although decluttering your life can be exhaustive and upsetting, the reality of living a minimalist life can also be quite freeing! You have fewer items to think about, and all of your belongings you can take with you wherever you are in the world!
