Your complete guide to vanlife! Everything you need to know about living in a van, from sourcing your vehicle to making money on the road.
In 2019 we decided that after over a decade of working ski seasons and summer travelling, it was time to try living in a van. 🚐
We knew this was not going to be a quick process. Our ideal van would take time and money, ⏳ we took the time to save and plan our dream home. In 2022 we set off in our LWB Mercedes Sprinter for full-time vanlife.
In recent years, van life has transformed from a niche lifestyle choice into a mainstream movement.
With the freedom to travel wherever the road takes you, the ability to live more sustainably, ♻️ and the chance to embrace a simpler, more intentional way of life, it’s no wonder that vanlife is growing in popularity.
Whether seeking financial independence, a deeper connection with nature, 🌿 or just a break from the conventional 9-to-5 grind, vanlife offers a unique path to fulfilment.
This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about living in a van.
From choosing the perfect vehicle and converting it into a cosy home on wheels to navigating the challenges of daily life on the road, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll also give you the nitty gritty on the reality of van life and share invaluable resources to help you get started on your own journey.
What is Vanlife?
Vanlife is a lifestyle choice that involves living and travelling in a converted van or similar vehicle, offering an alternative to traditional fixed-location living.
This way of life emphasises freedom, mobility, sustainability, affordability and a closer connection to nature.
What We’ve Learned from Living in a Van
Vanlife is an enriching lifestyle, but with anything great, also comes hard work. These are our key takeaways from campervan living over the past two years. 🧐
Time > Money
When we fully committed to vanlife, we reduced our income to gain more free time. We felt like we needed time ⏰ to get used to the lifestyle and more freedom to explore.
This has been valuable for two reasons, firstly we’ve had the time we wanted to explore and settle into full-time travel. Secondly, we have become comfortable living on a dramatically reduced income.
By prioritising time over money, we have been able to live more sustainably and affordably. With our van being our home, we are constantly aware of our impact on the environment.
We have become experts at conserving resources and living with less, which benefits the planet and saves us money. 💰
Embrace Flexibility
Plans rarely go to plan. Vanlife requires adapting to unexpected challenges and changing plans quickly.
This can be minor problems, like always having backup routes and parking options to ensure you’re never stranded, or big decisions like completely changing your schedule and destinations for the next six months.
We’ve learned to have ideas💡rather than plans. As well as avoiding disappointment, being flexible allows us to make last-minute decisions based on how we feel in the moment.
For instance, after five months of harsh winter, including three spent ski touring in Norway with temperatures dropping to -20ºC, ❄️ we longed for a warmer climate away from the van.
It’s OK to Take Breaks from Vanlife
Just because you’ve decided to live in a van, doesn’t mean you have failed if you need to take regular breaks from the lifestyle.
Vanlife can be tough, especially if you are a particular breed of crazy like us and wish to spend winters skiing from your home on wheels. ⛷
We balance our time in and out of the van based on the seasons and how we feel. To do this we spend time with loved ones, travel to countries with more affordable living costs and use Trusted Housesitters to house and pet sit in exchange for accommodation.
If you’d like to know how to thrive and not just survive Winter Vanlife, check out our in-depth guide here!
Value Minimalism
With limited space, you learn to prioritise essential items, ones that serve multiple purposes are especially valuable. We regularly declutter to keep the van light and our living area organised and functional.
In the beginning, we set off with too much gear, guessing what we would want and need on the road, a lot of which we have now sold. Start basic, you can always add things as you go.
Resourcefulness
Van life will naturally help you to become more resourceful. Whatever your starting point, over time you will develop more DIY skills for repairs and installations and get better at using creative problem-solving to handle challenges.
Resourcefulness is key to overcoming obstacles on the road. But fear not, we started with absolutely zero DIY or vanlife knowledge. ⚒️
Why We Chose Vanlife
As two travel junkies who struggle to sit still, vanlife felt like the next natural step for us.
After many years of working ski seasons and summer travelling, we decided we wanted our home and all our possessions to travel with us.
We were drawn to the freedom and flexibility vanlife offers, allowing us to continuously explore new places and have new experiences. 🧭️ We also loved the idea of minimalism and simplifying our lives by living in a small space.
Is Vanlife All it’s Cracked Up to Be?
While Instagram and #vanlife can make you believe that you move into a van and wake up daily to serene and stunning scenery, the reality is often far from this.
Van life takes planning, preparation and hard work. You really earn those pinch-me moments. Having said that, there are more than enough of them to make all the hard work worthwhile. 💟
Why We Love Van Life
There are so many rewarding factors about vanlife, here are a few of our faves. 😻
Freedom to Roam
Van life has given us the ultimate freedom and mobility. We can go wherever we want, whenever we want, within the limitations of each country’s entry requirements.
This flexibility has allowed us to truly experience different cultures and immerse ourselves in each place.
Connect with Nature
As adventure sports lovers and outdoors enthusiasts, vanlife has brought us closer to nature.
We can wake up to breathtaking views, ski tour from our van to a mountain summit or hike through stunning landscapes. 🏔
Being surrounded by nature daily has brought peace and grounding to our lives. 💚
Appreciation for Simple Things
Living in a small space has taught us to appreciate the simple things in life. We have downsized our possessions to only the essentials and have found joy in the little things.
Slow mornings, a homemade latte, or even just the sound of rain on our roof are all moments we cherish now. ☕️
Cost-Effective Lifestyle
One of the biggest perks of vanlife is its cost-effectiveness. By living in a van, we have significantly reduced our monthly expenses compared to living in a traditional home. 🏡
This allows us to save money for travels and experiences instead of spending it on rent or mortgage payments.
Minimal Living
Van life also means living with minimal possessions. We only keep the essentials and prioritise experiences over material items.
This minimalist lifestyle has not only decluttered our physical space but also our minds. We no longer feel weighed down by belongings and can focus on the present moment. 🧘
The Pros & Cons of Living in a Van
Any lifestyle choice has its ups and downs, these are the main positives and negatives we have felt about vanlife over the past two years.
The Pros of Living in a Van
- 🗽 Freedom and Flexibility: Travel anywhere for any period and change locations easily. We love the fluidity of vanlife.
- 💰 Cost Savings: Reduces expenses on rent and utilities, freeing up more money for experiences, investments or savings.
- 🤗 Minimalist Lifestyle: Encourages a simpler, clutter-free life, which is also great for mental wellbeing.
- 🌻 Closer to Nature: Spend more time outdoors in beautiful locations. Vanlife allows our schedule to be dictated by the weather rather than work deadlines.
- 🐢 Slow Down: Van life has allowed us to enjoy slow coffee mornings and be more flexible with our day.
- 💪 Challenges and Growth: Various challenges have helped us grow and learn new skills. We have become more resourceful, adaptable, and resilient through our experiences on the road. Vanlife helps you to become more self-sufficient and independent.
The Cons of Living in a Van
- ❌ Limited Space: A small living area can feel cramped and sharing with a partner can be tough, there’s no privacy in vanlife.
- 😵 Time-Consuming: Vanlife chores are extremely time-consuming, you spend a lot of time keeping on top of the battery, fresh water, grey water, fuel and LPG gas levels. Not to mention the constant tidying of your tiny space.
- 🚽 Vanlife Toilets Are Grim: No matter what toilet setup you go for, dealing with your own mess in any capacity isn’t fun and public toilets are often questionable.
- 🔒 Security Concerns: It’s not always easy to know if a location is safe to park.
- 🏙 City Driving: Zoning laws may restrict entry or parking options and generally driving in cities is hard enough, let alone in a large vehicle.
- 🔨 Maintenance and Repairs: Stuff breaks…..A LOT. Repairs can be time-consuming and costly.
The Reality of Van Life
Wondering what it’s really like to live in a van? It’s not all pretty park ups by the beach and community gatherings. Vanlife can be tough and often isolating.
We underestimated how time-consuming the day-to-day chores of van life would be and are so grateful to have given ourselves the time we needed to settle into the lifestyle.
Having fewer big commitments or time restraints allowed us to focus on the planning, prepping and settling phases of full-time life on the road.
The weather can have a huge impact on your experience, prolonged wet weather is hard work in a van, we learnt this the hard way by spending a winter in Scotland. 🏴
Having said that, the freedom to roam is completely unmatched and with all the hard work also comes the rewards and we believe vanlife is one of the best ways to live.
Some of the Biggest Challenges of Life in a Van
These are some of the biggest challenges we’ve faced while living in our van in extreme climates over the past two years.
Lack of Connection with Others
Not everywhere will have a thriving vanlife community and often meeting other travellers can be difficult, especially if you’re off-grid camping or moving around a lot.
We don’t drink anymore and we like early nights and early starts, this takes meeting people in bars out of the equation for us too. 🚫
We have to make a conscious effort to join local community Facebook groups to meet other skiers, climbers, backpackers, surfers etc, even this isn’t always fruitful.
This means we spend a lot of time just the two of us, good job we get along! 👩❤️👨
Van Maintenance Sucks
When your micro home moves, things are going to break. Houses and cars both require maintenance, this is twofold with vanlife. Not only do you have to maintain the mechanics of your van, but also the living space within it.
You never know when something will go wrong and it can be a real challenge to fix things on the road. This can also be quite costly. 👩🔧
Campervan Living Can be Expensive
A van and conversion can be done within any budget depending on your goals and need for comfort, but a conversion can be pricey if your comfort levels are pretty high.
Our conversion went WAY over budget and the unforeseen costs of things going wrong in the first two years have taken us by surprise. 📈
Not only that, but some countries are more expensive to travel than others and where there are strict no wild camping rules, the cost of campsites will rack up quickly.
We do tonnes of research for each country, set aside an emergency pot of money 💲 and remind ourselves that these expenses are investments in our freedom. We couldn’t travel as much as we do if we had a house and a vehicle to pay for.
Day-to-Day Chores Are Time-Consuming
Where are we going? What are we doing? Where are we going to park tonight? Do we have enough electricity, water, fuel and LPG? Do we need to empty the grey water? Is there a bin at this park up? Bonus if there’s also a toilet! 🚽
These are all the questions we have to ask ourselves daily, and that’s before cooking, cleaning, organising and washing dishes (3 times a day), Oh! and working. 💻
These tasks don’t include driving or doing any of the adventure sports we love, which makes balancing our schedule difficult. To counter this, we travel as slowly as possible in the van.
Finding Your Flow Can Take Time
We naively thought we’d move into our dream home on wheels and it would all fall into place, life on the road would be nothing but adventures.
We quickly realised that this was not reality, we had to figure out how to live in a van and the balance of what worked for us, particularly in extreme climates. 🥶️
After eighteen months of testing our van and ourselves in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to +40ºC, we got the hang of things and are now ready to cross continents with her. 🚢
Van Life As a Couple
Sharing a tiny space can be quite difficult, there is no privacy in a van, so you must be uber comfortable with each other. Communication is key, if you’re two headstrong, independents like us, you’ll also need to factor in alone time.
We live and work in a tiny home and do most of our hobbies together. If we weren’t proactive we would be attached at the hip 24/7. To counter this we seek out individual activities whenever possible. 🥁 For example, as Sam is not a city person, I often spend a day city-exploring alone.
Exploring together comes with perks too. You have a built-in travel partner who shares your sense of adventure and can support you through any tough times on the road.
Plus, living in such close quarters forces you to communicate effectively and can strengthen your relationship. 💛 It’s also a great way to learn how to compromise and balance alone time and shared experiences.
Is Vanlife Worth It?
There are many challenges to face when living in a van, but for us, the reward is worth the effort. 🙌
The freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want, living without excess, and the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature are just some of the benefits that make vanlife worth it.
The experiences we have had, like ski touring in The Arctic Circle, surfing the West Coast of Ireland and climbing in the French and Swiss Alps, have been a dream come true and this is only the beginning! 🔥
How Do I Know if Vanlife Will Be Worth It For Me?
Just because vanlife is worth it for us, doesn’t mean it’s for everybody. It might be worth asking yourself these questions:
- What are my reasons for wanting to live in a van?
- Do I have the necessary determination to make vanlife sustainable?
- How will van life impact my current lifestyle and relationships?
- Am I willing to sacrifice certain comforts and conveniences for the freedom of vanlife?
- Can I handle the challenges and potential risks of living on the road?
- What is my long-term plan for vanlife? Is it a temporary adventure or a permanent lifestyle change?
- Do I know how to make my vision for vanlife work financially?
- Am I prepared for the potential social stigmas or judgment that may come with choosing vanlife?
Even though we haven’t experienced this directly, I know friends who’ve dealt with judgment for living in a van. I told them to remember that we’re all different.
If others don’t get it, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is doing what’s right for you. If it makes you happy, keep at it. If not, change it.
Being away from loved ones can be hard for many, but as an orphan who’s travelled solo since 19, 🌏 it’s never been an issue for me.
Sam, has been doing ski seasons since he was 18, so also often spends long periods away. ⛷
So, although we both have close friends in our hometowns, we’re accustomed to seeing them infrequently.
Our loved ones can always join our adventures, and modern tech like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and social media keep us connected. However, if you prefer having your loved ones close, consider this when planning your trips.
Getting Started With Van Life
It can be hard to know where to begin on your vanlife journey, a lot of your decisions will come down to budget vs requirements and this may also determine the size of the van you need.
You can either buy an already converted van, buy an empty van and tackle a DIY conversion or hire a professional company to take care of the conversion. 🧰️
Once your van is underway, whether you own or rent a house and its contents, you’ll need to decide what to do with your stuff.
Buying a Van To Live In
You will spend a lot of time in your van, driving, sleeping, eating, and chilling, so you want to ensure you have everything you need for your lifestyle. After a tonne of research, we knew we needed a big van.
As a couple who wanted a kitchen, a shower, a convertible bed/couch and storage space for skis, snowboards and climbing gear, 🧗♀️ we realised we needed as much space as possible.
We also knew we’d be driving around tiny European roads, spending lots of time in the mountains, and wanted the ability to stealth camp. So a van was also the biggest vehicle we could get, anything bigger would be impractical.
- How many people will live in the van?
- Do you require an indoor kitchen and countertops?
- Would you like a shower?
- How much storage space do you need?
- Are you looking for a fixed or convertible bed?
- What climates and countries will you be travelling through?
The answers to these questions will determine what you will ask of your van in terms of performance and size.
Choosing the Right Van
Selecting the right van is crucial to your van life experience. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right vehicle for your lifestyle.
Van Specifications
These are the general terms for van sizes, most companies have different measurements for each. After answering the questions above, you can determine what specifications you need.
SWB – Short wheelbase (also L1)
MWB – Medium wheelbase (also L2)
LWB – Long wheelbase (also L3)
XLWB – Extra long wheelbase (also L4)
H1 – Standard height
H2 – Hightop
H3 – Extra hightop
FWD – Front wheel drive
RWD – Rear wheel drive
AWD – All wheel drive
4X4 – Optional 4-wheel drive
XLWB and H3 vehicles are a little like mythical creatures, 🦄 you may never come across one. You also need to decide between manual and automatic.
Automatic vans aren’t as common in Europe as in North America. We opted for a manual van to give us more control on mountain roads and in icy conditions. 🌨
Popular Types of Vans
Mercedes Sprinter
Best all-round van for a campervan conversion worldwide 🏅
Known for reliability and ample space, these are a favourite among van lifers. Every mechanic, car and van salesperson told us that if you take care of a Sprinter, they will go forever.
They are more costly to buy and maintain than other vans, but they are known to be more reliable and can hold their value 💷 better than other vans.
Sprinters are the vehicle of choice for many delivery companies, this makes getting repair parts easier worldwide, although it can be costly if the only mechanics willing to work on it are Mercedes garages.
We opted for a hightop, long wheelbase (170”) Sprinter, which gives us room to stand up and plenty of storage space. Our van is a used 2016 RWD and has no problems on steep mountain passes in snowy conditions.
Sprinters come in SWB, MWB, LWB, XLWB, H1, H2, H3, RWD, AWD and 4X4 options.
The one thing we wish we knew before starting our conversion, is that a common problem with older vans is rust.
To completely rust-proof a Sprinter is a very timely DIY project or can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £10,000 to have done professionally. We would advise considering this before any other stage of the build.
The best way to rust-proof your Sprinter is by taking it to a specialist who can remove, treat, and respray all panels and the van’s underside. Rust significantly impacts older vans.
Sometimes, buying a new van may be more cost-effective than rust-proofing an old one, though it’s uncertain if newer models are more resistant to rust.
Volkswagen Crafter
Best European contender to the Mercedes Sprinter 🇪🇺
Another popular option for van conversions is the Volkswagen Crafter. This vehicle is often seen as a direct competitor to the Mercedes Sprinter and offers similar options in terms of length and height.
The Crafter is known for its sleek design and is often touted as being slightly more fuel-efficient than the Sprinter.
However, like the Sprinter, the Crafter can be costly to purchase and maintain. 💸 Finding repair parts for this vehicle may also be challenging. Similar to the Sprinter, the Crafter comes in RWD and 4X4 (known as 4Motion) options.
Crafters are more widely sold in Europe than in other parts of the world and are rumoured to face more engine issues than Sprinters.
Ford Transit
Best worldwide budget option 💶
Another option is the Ford Transit, which has become increasingly popular. The Transit offers a wide range of options in terms of length, height, and engine choices.
It also tends to be more affordable than the Sprinter or Crafter, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
However, there are more issues with the reliability of the Transit compared to its German counterparts.
Volkswagen Transporter or California
Best for worldwide SWB DIY or off-the-shelf campervans 🚐
If you’re looking for a reliable short-wheel base van with many customisable options an empty Transporter or a converted California can be a great option.
These SWB vans are manoeuvrable and easy to park, with great sleeping options like pop-top roofs and many other customisable features.
Classic Volkswagen Buses
Best for aesthetically pleasing worldly campers 😍
If you’re looking for a cosy classic, these vans have a cult following and are known for their iconic look. However, they can be expensive to maintain and are much smaller than other vans. They make the perfect weekend campers for those who travel locally. 🚌
The most popular options are the T1, T2 and Westfalia. My favourite is the T1 split screen, they are just stunning buses.
Dodge Ram Promaster
Best budget option in North America 💲
If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable van, consider the Ram ProMaster. This van has a front-wheel drive system, giving it better traction in inclement weather conditions. ⛈ However, it won’t perform well fully laden on steep mountain roads.
Additionally, its lower floor compared to other vans simplifies loading, unloading, entering and exiting the vehicle. Unfortunately, this means less ground clearance.
The Dodge Ram Promaster comes in two lengths—136” and 159” wheelbase. While this vehicle enjoys widespread usage in North America, sourcing parts and finding mechanics in other regions can pose a challenge.
Budget, Cargo and Minivans
The Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato in Europe 🇪🇺 are also excellent options, providing ample space and efficient fuel consumption.
The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana in North America 🇺🇸 are known for their affordability and ease of maintenance, making them solid choices for budget-conscious builders.
The Toyota HiAce is one of the most popular choices for campervan conversions in Oceania. 🇦🇺 It’s known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability. With its boxy shape and ample interior space, it’s ideal for a functional living space.
Whether you’re converting a large van into a studio on wheels or a minivan into a basic space to sleep in, this is not a one-size-fits-all project. Vans and vanlifers come in all shapes and sizes.
Your Dreams + Your Budget = The Limit
Factors to Consider
- Size: Think about the interior height, length, and how much living space you need.
- Fuel Efficiency: Affects your travel costs significantly.
- Reliability: Research models known for durability and low maintenance needs.
- Budget: New vans can be pricey; consider used options or budget for necessary repairs.
Buying a New or Used Van
Buying a brand spanking shiny new van sounds dreamy for vanlife, it will have that new van smell, the latest gizmos and come with a warranty. The downside is the hefty price tag. 🏷
Even buying an almost new van with low mileage can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying one fresh out of the workshop.
If you’re looking for a used van, it’s good to research how badly each model rusts. Spending more on a newer model now could save you money on rust treatments for an older model in the future.
You can also buy already converted vans, this will save you time and possibly money, but you won’t get a bespoke living space. Furthermore, without professional conversion by a trusted company, it’s impossible to gauge the quality or anticipate potential issues that may arise.
The downside to buying any used vehicle is unknown mechanical issues or general wear and tear.
Our Tips for Buying a Used Van
At the start of our buying journey, people in the motor trade lived up to that ‘used car salesman’ reputation. To reduce the stress and time searching, we decided on a few rules:
- Only buy from a reputable dealer who will allow us to bring a professional in to check the van. ✅
- After our surface-level checks and a test drive, pay for a used vehicle check service. 👨🔧
- Only if the report comes back glistening do we buy the van. 💴
- It’s okay for the van to have a good amount of mileage as long as it has been taken care of, Sprinters will keep going if they’re looked after. 🚐
These rules made our van a little pricier but it was worth it for the peace of mind. After all, we were about to plough all of our savings into converting this van into our home on wheels, the base vehicle had to be reliable.
Buying privately without thorough checks can be risky, especially if you don’t know a dipstick from a fan belt.
But if you’re mechanically minded and comfortable buying from private sellers, there are endless forums, websites and Facebook groups to search for used vans online.
Some private sellers may even agree to a professional vehicle check before you strike a deal. 🤝 Given the expense of these inspections, it’s wise to conduct thorough due diligence before deciding to dispatch a mechanic.
What is a Used Vehicle Check?
A used vehicle check, also known as a pre-purchase inspection, is a thorough evaluation of a used vehicle’s condition by a certified mechanic or technician.
The goal of a used vehicle check is to identify any existing or potential issues that may affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle.
In the UK you can have the RAC or the AA inspect a used vehicle, they will be able to tell if it has been in any undisclosed accidents, and how the van has been taken care of. They provide a full report to help you make an informed decision. 📒
Try Before You Buy!
To get a feel for different vans and layouts of living spaces, we strongly advise renting campervans before taking the plunge into buying your own.
Some dealerships will also let you take vans out for a test drive, this can be a great way to get a feel for different models.
Budgeting for Van Life
Understanding the costs involved in van life will help you plan effectively. We spent almost three years saving and planning for our dream van because we wanted something high-spec to call home and be debt-free.
If you want to get on the road asap, there are simpler and cheaper options than the way we did it. Key expenses include:
Initial Costs
- Van Purchase: Prices range from under £5,000 for an older used model to over £50,000 for a new, high-end van. Sprinters from the past 4 years can start from around £12,000 depending on their mileage.
- Conversion Costs: How long is a piece of string? 😆 Depending on whether you DIY or hire professionals, expect to spend between £2,000 to £40,000+ on a conversion. For a big electrical system, plenty of solar, heating, hot water, shower, kitchen, captain chairs and cosy living space, you’re likely to spend at least £10,000 to 15,000 for new parts, or £25,000+ with a professional conversion company.
At one point we contemplated buying and converting our van in the States as we plan to travel The Americas extensively. This was quickly kiboshed when we discovered that Sprinter and conversion costs in the USA are almost double what they are in the UK.
Ongoing Expenses
- Fuel: This varies depending on your travel frequency and the fuel efficiency of your van. ⛽️
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs. We set aside a maintenance fund each month.
- Insurance: Campervan insurance is expensive. Shop around for the best rates.
- Living Expenses: Groceries, camping fees, and other day-to-day costs. Budget conservatively to accommodate unexpected expenses. 🍕
While all of these expenses seem daunting, we remind ourselves that after a long time saving and a big outlay of cash, we are now rent/mortgage free, our general expenditure is much lower and we have the freedom to travel as much as we like.
How Much Does Living in a Van Cost?
This will vary from person to person based on your lifestyle and the country you are living/travelling in.
For two people we spend roughly £1,600 per month on day-to-day expenses – including food, fuel, cosmetics, 💅 clothes, experiences, van insurance, travel insurance, and the money we put aside each month for van maintenance.
To keep these costs down when travelling to more expensive countries, we cook most of our meals and because we don’t drink, we don’t need an alcohol budget.
Eating and drinking out quickly adds up, keep this in mind when creating your expenditure budget for each location. 🍔
By planning and understanding the essentials, you’ll be better prepared to embark on your van life journey. Ready to start building and converting your dream van?
Converting your Van into a Camper
Planning Your Van Conversion
Before you start the physical conversion, careful planning is essential. Here’s how to get started:
Creating a Layout
- Assess Your Needs: Consider your daily activities and prioritise the space accordingly.
- Functionality: Plan for multifunctional spaces
- Flow and Accessibility: Ensure there’s easy access to all areas, think about storage solutions and cab access.
Essential Features
- Sleeping Area: Comfortable bed setup, possibly including storage underneath. 🛏
- Kitchen: Compact but functional kitchen with a stove, sink, and refrigerator. Can you live without an oven?
- Storage: Maximize vertical space with cabinets, under-bed storage, and overhead compartments.
- Working Space: 💻 If you work remotely, it might be important to include a dedicated workspace.
For the best Vanlife jobs, check out our in-depth guide here!
To Shower or Not To Shower?
Assessing your lifestyle helps to fine-tune the layout of your van. For instance, lots of vanlifers forego a shower, we knew we needed one for three reasons:
- We wanted the option of a shower. 🚿
- As a couple, we also liked the idea of somewhere private to go to the toilet.
- As skiers, snowboarders and surfers 🏄 we needed a heating vent fitted in the shower to become a drying room for our wet gear.
If you don’t think you need a shower cubicle, you can save a lot of space and having no shower at all will save a lot of water.
Gyms, campsites and other public showers are often easy to find in most locations. If you plan to spend most of your time in warm climates, outdoor showers are a great alternative.
Read our full guide – The Best Van Shower Options: From Washcloths to Cubicles here!
Is a Toilet a Necessity?
An actual physical toilet, no it’s not a necessity, there are plenty of options to do your business while living in a van. We were not keen on dealing with built-up mess, or how campervan toilets smell. 😳
We have stainless steel pee bottles and a pop-up camping toilet for #2, which requires no cleanup aside from discarding the bag, and packs away small enough to fit in a cupboard. But most of the time, we use public toilets.
DIY vs. Professional Conversion
Deciding between taking on a van conversion project yourself or hiring professionals boils down to evaluating your skills, budget, and how much time you can dedicate to the endeavour.
When it comes to DIY Van Conversions, there are several benefits to consider. Firstly, tackling the project yourself is significantly more cost-effective than hiring a team. You can fully customise every aspect of your van to meet your specific needs and preferences, making the result incredibly rewarding.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. DIY conversions are time-consuming, it’s best to set aside far more time than you think you need. Moreover, they demand specific tools and skills; without which, the risk of making costly mistakes increases. 🔧
On the flip side, opting for Professional Conversions comes with its own set of considerations. Hiring professionals means leveraging the expertise and experience of individuals who specialise in van conversions.
Hiring professionals will be more expensive, but can significantly reduce the likelihood of errors and ensure a high-quality finish.
We recommend doing thorough research into campervan conversion companies. 🤓
With the vanlife trend on the rise, conversion companies are too, newer businesses won’t have the all-round expertise to provide a quality product.
We suggest opting for older, more established companies. Even if they cost more at the outset, it could cost you a fortune in future repairs. 💸
The decision between the two options will heavily depend on your circumstances, including your confidence in your DIY abilities, your budget, and how much time you’re willing to commit to the project.
Our Biggest Build Tip
Don’t scrimp on your solar setup and leisure batteries!
For full-time living, no matter how basic you want to go with your build or how “off-grid” you want to be, in this day and age, it’s hard to survive without a bunch of electronic devices. ⚡️
Constantly finding places to charge up would be a huge additional chore to add to the mounting vanlife tasks. Plus, you’ll want to keep the lights on.
Having 300W of solar and a Fogstar Drift 280Ah Lithium Leisure Battery that also charges from the alternator, keeps us fully charged all year round.
We have never had to worry about our electricity levels and never needed to pay for a campsite to plug in. 🔌 This saves us a tonne of time and money on the road.
The Fogstar Drift was the best price for a leisure battery of that capacity. We also found having one 280Ah battery, is lighter than having multiple smaller Ah batteries. Weight is a constant consideration during your build.
Our only heat-generating device is a low-wattage electric blanket. By avoiding heat tools like hairdryers and air fryers we can have a smaller inverter and use less electricity.
But if you’ve got the budget, go for the bigger inverter, it would be nice to have the option.
Preparing for Vanlife
Choosing to sell, store or keep your belongings will depend on the goal of your vanlife adventure.
If this is a fling, you may want to look for a temporary solution for your stuff. But if you’re ready to embark on a new lifestyle indefinitely, it could be time to let go of a few things. 👋
Moving from a house into a van can seem like a mammoth task, but with planning and organisation, it can be a smooth transition.
The first step is to declutter and minimise your belongings. Remember, space in a campervan is limited, so only bring the essentials.
How to Downsize
Sell Your Belongings
If you’re ready to give up life as you know it to head off on a new path, the best way is to become clutter-free.
Not only will selling your stuff help bump up your vanlife budget, but it will also feel liberating, clearing out the closet gives you fewer items to think about, which in turn can also clear out the mind. 😌
Sell your stuff on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Depop, Vinted and other online platforms. Keep an eye out for car boot sales in your local area, this can be a great place to shift those last items.
Donate What You Can
Anything you deem not worth your time selling could be a great item to donate, from clothes and books to large furniture. 📚 Some charities offer home collections to save you the trouble of taking them anywhere.
Put Everything Into Storage
If you’re unsure if vanlife will be for you or if you’re only after a short-lived affair, take a look at your local storage solutions.
For items of sentimental value that you’re not ready to part with, consider entrusting them to a loved one for safekeeping temporarily. 💜
But What if I Own My House?
Property owners have a few options, the first being to rent out the house to a contracted tenant. You can act as your own property manager, have a loved one take care of it for you or hire a rental agency to look after your home.
This can also be a great way to earn an income while on the road. 💰
Another viable option is renting out a room. This approach allows you to maintain your home’s current state while hosting a trusted tenant during your absence.
🏡 Not only does this strategy generate income, but it also enables you to retain access to your home base.
If you don’t want the stress of dealing with a property and would prefer the money back in your savings, selling your house is a great option.
What Should I Do With My Car?
We sold our car as soon as we bought the van, we didn’t see the need for two vehicle expenses and the money we made from the sale went towards our conversion.
If you’re not sure if you want to sell your car, keep it for now or put it into storage. 🚗
If you’re travelling for a year or more and can store it off the road, you can notify your local vehicle registration department to ensure you don’t have to pay tax or insurance.
Be mindful that vehicles don’t like being sat still for too long, leaving a car undriven can cause mechanical issues when you return. 😢
When we leave our van for long periods, we ask a loved one to drive it every couple of weeks to keep everything in working order.
What Gear You Need for Living in a Van
It’s less than you think. The gear you need for living in a van will come down to what you use the most in your daily life.
You’ll want small, light and versatile things as much as possible. Things like pans with a single detachable handle and only enough plates and cutlery for the number of people living in the van are key. 🔪
As we had lots of planning and saving time, I used this time to reduce my wardrobe to capsule size, keeping only my favourite non-iron, versatile items.
Our sports gear takes up a lot of room so keeping items that can be used across multiple sports is helpful.
Each season I reduce my wardrobe further and keep only what I wear regularly. 👗
Most of us tend to keep a large selection of clothes and wear the same few favourite items on repeat, so anything I haven’t worn in the past 6-12 months has to go.
Packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes organised and easily accessible.
If you don’t plan on a big inverter and use heat tools on your hair, get used to air drying before you start vanlife to make the transition easier.
You can always pick up things as you go. 🛒
We over-planned and over-bought before moving into our van, our rule now is not to anticipate what we need but to buy it when it’s required.
How To Get Started With Full-Time Van Living
Now you’ve sold your stuff and are ready to hit the road! But where do you even begin? An epic adventure, a weekend tester, or a journey to faraway lands? Here are our tips for your baby steps into vanlife.
Stay Close To Home
Figuring out how to live in a van is equally daunting as it is exciting, there’s a lot to learn about your tiny home on wheels and a lot that can go wrong.
We spent the first week parked outside our house, just to get used to the inner workings of the van as we didn’t self-convert.
After this first week, we headed straight to Ireland, close to home but a ferry ⛴ journey away.
Within our first few weeks, we realised we had a leak in the roof or window. In rainy Ireland, in Autumn, this was not ideal. ☔️
We plugged the leak as best we could and returned to the conversion company to fix the source of the problem.
These things can happen and being in familiar surroundings or close to your conversion company can make it far less stressful. 🍁
Be Flexible With Your Schedule
One of the key lessons we learned during our first few weeks on the road was the importance of being flexible with our schedule. Although we had planned and prepared for this trip, we faced many unexpected challenges.
It’s best to make a loose plan but be ready to make changes along the way.
In addition, slow travel allowed us to embrace and appreciate each destination without feeling rushed. You can tackle problems calmly when you’re in no rush to get anywhere. 😌
Go Gently
Vanlife is a huge lifestyle change, even if you have crafted your dream home on wheels, it will take an adjustment period. Go easy on yourself, figuring this lifestyle out can take time.
We needed 18 months in multiple countries and a variety of climates before we truly mastered our flow. 🌦
Test Out Climates
With the plan of spending many ski seasons in our van, we needed to be prepared for harsh winters.
We started with the mild temperatures of Scotland 🏴 and then progressed to the much harsher environment of Norway. 🇳🇴
These were our stepping stones to being prepared to live in a van during a Canadian winter. 🇨🇦
Embrace Minimalism
Reduce, reduce and reduce again. There is something liberating about living a minimalistic life. It forces you to choose carefully which belongings are necessary or just excess weight.
Storage Solutions and Meal Prep
If you have the space, dedicate it to food storage. Who wants to spend more time at the supermarket? Not me. Our tall food larder, fridge and window shelf can hold around 10 days’ worth of food. 🥕
If you don’t have a tonne of space but do have a fridge, food prep is a game changer. In cooler climates, to save time, we batch cook weekly.
Vanlife Essentials and Tips for the Road
From where to park and shower to everyday necessities, here is what you need to get started with vanlife and tips for the road:
Campervan Insurance
Campervan insurance is generally more expensive than car insurance, so shop around for the best deals.
If you have a home base that you plan to return to regularly, it can work out cheaper to register your campervan as a holiday camper, 🏖 not your permanent home.
This will depend on each company and how long they allow ‘per trip’, some offer six months per trip, which is easily doable if you plan to return home twice a year.
Getting a plan with breakdown cover is a bonus, this can be an absolute lifesaver on the road.
Do I need to register my van as a campervan?
This varies from country to country, check the current rules with your local vehicle licensing authority. In some places, you don’t have to re-register the vehicle as long as the insurance company is happy to cover you as a campervan.
Most insurance companies will only cover you as a campervan if you have had a professional build. 🔩
Personal Health or Travel Insurance
There are so many things that can happen when you’re travelling, from sickness to accidents, for peace of mind it’s best to be covered. We find the most suitable coverage for us is with Safety Wing.
Their Digital Nomad Insurance covers us no matter where we are or how long, which works well for our fluid non-plan travel plans. The monthly subscription is a far more manageable way to pay for cover, rather than a huge upfront cost. 💙
We are also covered for some of the adventure sports we do and can request an extreme sports add-on if we require more cover for certain months.
How to Get Internet/WiFi in Your Van
There are a few ways to get WIFI in your van. The simplest way is to hotspot from your phone. 📱 If you have great coverage and unlimited data this could be the best option depending on what you use the internet for.
Local SIM cards can often give you great coverage for the best price, but for a hassle-free solution, E-SIMs like Airalo work well in most countries.
The second option is to get a portable WIFI device, also known as a dongle or pocket WIFI. This solution is great for us because it simplifies connecting two laptops for work. 💻 Our phone hotspots often disconnect us, which is frustrating.
The third is to place an antenna on your van roof, which connects to a portable wifi device. These supposedly boost the signal. However, if they are placed in the wrong location (like ours, surrounded by solar panels) they become a completely useless and expensive bit of kit.
From what we’ve heard from other vanlifers, they aren’t worth the money, so we suggest trying options one and two first.
The fourth and most expensive option is to get Starlink. Starlink is a satellite service provided by SpaceX, and it promises high-speed internet, available almost anywhere on the planet.
How to Find Free Places to Park Up & Wild Camping Tips
Finding wild camping spots can be tricky. Some countries make it easier, by having rules like the right to roam in Scotland and Norway, and free park ups in National Forests in the States.
Others, like England, make it more difficult to find safe spaces to lay your head at night. 👎
The number one vanlife essential is having the right arsenal of apps.
Lifesaver Vanlife Apps
- Park4Night – for the best user-generated information on safe places to park and where to access amenities like fresh water, dumping locations and laundry machines.
- iOverlander – similar to Park4Night but mainly for the States.
- MyLPG.eu – the best app to find LPG stations worldwide. (Our heating and hot water system runs on LPG) ⛽️
- Google Maps – It may be obvious, but we use this to search for everything. “Pizza near me” – what a great function.
How to Find Fresh Water, Dumping Stations and Laundry Services
Doing your vanlife chores is often less time-consuming than locating them, with helpful apps like Park4Night you can find the nearest amenities. Freshwater, dumping stations and laundry services can also be found at campgrounds. 🏕
We have found that some fuel stations have a freshwater tap and will also allow you to dump greywater (not blackwater) into a drain. They often tend to be stations with car washing facilities.
You can also find self-service laundry machines, like Revolution, at many fuel stations throughout Europe. 🧺️
How to Get Mail on the Road
Even without a fixed abode, there are options to get mail on the road. In many countries, you can have items sent to the local post office, this is usually our go-to option.
Other major delivery services allow collections from their depots. 📬
Companies like Amazon and InPost have collection lockers and some large chain supermarkets have package collection services.
If you’re planning to stay at a campsite, inquire whether they can accommodate mail delivery. 📮
If you’re in one spot, a P.O. Box or mail forwarding company could be useful.
When close to home, having your mail forwarded to family or friends is another viable option.
How to Meet People on the Road
Vanlife can get a little lonely, especially in more remote locations but how do you meet new people when you live in a van? Thankfully, the digital age has made this easier than ever.
With websites like Meetup, local and vanlife Facebook groups and an abundance of people on Instagram, it has never been easier to find like-minded people. 🤗
Another great way to meet people is to take your hobbies on the road, joining a local club or taking part in an outdoor sport 🎾 will have you making friends in no time.
If you plan to stay at campsites, there are usually plenty of travellers to connect with.
Failing this, you could do it the old-fashioned way and find a local pub or cafe to hang out in. Places with live music and open mic nights are often great for meeting locals and sometimes just becoming a regular face will strike a conversation.
Making Money While Living In a Van
One of the most common questions we hear is ‘How do we make money on the road?’
With the rise in remote work, it’s easier than ever before to become a digital nomad 💻 but even if computer-based jobs don’t interest you, there are always full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal jobs available.
Remote Jobs for Vanlifers
With a little creativity, van dwellers can find freelance work in fields such as writing, graphic design, virtual assistance and online marketing. 🎨
You can apply for roles directly or set up profiles on websites like Fiverr to take on individual projects.
Many companies also offer remote roles for customer support services. If you have technical skills, tech support or web development jobs can also be done from the comfort of your van.
Alternatively, you could ask your boss if switching to a remote role is possible.
Become your own boss in the world of content creation, get started with courses in Blogging by Scale Your Travel Blog, or set up your social channels to dive into influencer marketing. With enough time and hard work these are all viable options.
Sam works remotely for a wine import company in the UK, while I work in content creation, before this we were working ski seasons in hospitality and snowsports instruction. ☃️
Seasonal Work Options
As two very seasoned seasonnaires, we love seasonal work! Say that three times fast! 😆 We worked different seasons in Switzerland and winters in the European Alps for many years, which funded our summer travels.
Seasonal work is a great option if you don’t want a long-term commitment or plan to move around.
Seasonal work comes in all shapes and sizes; short-term contracts in logistics or hospitality on the festival circuit. 🎪 Local event staff.
Three to six-month summer season jobs in sports coaching, guiding, hospitality, tourism and logistics. Tour guiding positions. National Park staff. Four to six-month winter season contracts in ski resorts.
Anywhere that is a tourist hot spot for parts of the year will need seasonal staff.
Learn more about Seasonal Work in our guide here!
Full-Time, Part-Time and Temp Jobs
If you’re planning to be pretty stationary or live in one area in your van, there’s no reason why you can’t get a ‘normal’ job.
Recruitment agencies always have a wide range of jobs on offer, and sometimes temp positions are a great way to try out alternative roles in different industries. 👷♀️
Vanlife FAQ’s
Is Vanlife Legal?
Yes, vanlife is legal as long as you follow the laws and regulations of the places you travel to. This includes parking restrictions, camping restrictions, and driving regulations.
Do I Need a Permanent Address While Living in a Van?
Unfortunately, governments, banks and other institutions require you to provide a fixed, permanent address. 🏦
Homeowners can use their house address and have their mail forwarded to an alternate location. If this isn’t an option you can use the address of a trusted loved one.
Alternatively, mail forwarding services in many countries provide you with a physical address.
How to Live in a Van Safely
Living in a van can be an amazing adventure, but it’s important to prioritise safety while on the road. Here are some tips:
- Plan your routes and destinations ahead of time. This will help you avoid potentially dangerous areas.
- Invest in a good quality lock for your van doors. 🔒
- Have a safety plan in case of emergencies, such as breakdowns or accidents.
- Keep valuable possessions hidden and out of sight from potential thieves. 👑
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside your van for added protection.
- Stay aware of weather conditions and have appropriate gear for extreme temperatures or severe weather. 🌪
- Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, especially if travelling alone.
How to Realistically Live in a Van
Start by devising a solid financial plan, through ongoing work or savings. Success in van living depends on choosing the right van, optimising the living space, and ensuring you have what you need. Embrace minimalism, stay organised, and handle challenges with calm to thrive.
Is Vanlife Possible with Pets?
Many vanlifers successfully live in a van with their pets, but it requires additional planning and preparation. 🐶
It’s important to consider your pet’s needs for exercise, food, and bathroom breaks while on the road. Research pet-friendly campsites and be mindful of laws and regulations regarding travelling with pets in different locations.
Why You Should Leave No Trace
Practising ‘Leave No Trace’ principles is a responsible and ethical way to show respect for the land we are visiting. It is our responsibility as outdoor enthusiasts to leave the places we visit in the same or better condition than we found them.
When everyone does their part in leaving no trace, we can protect and preserve our natural spaces for years to come.
The Wrap-Up | Living In A Van
Living in a van is a way to embrace freedom, adventure, and simplicity. From selecting the perfect van and converting it into a cosy home to navigating the challenges of everyday living, each step brings you closer to a life filled with new experiences and endless possibilities.
Whether you’re seeking to escape the routine of conventional living, explore breathtaking landscapes, 🌋 or simply live more intentionally, van life offers a unique path to fulfilment.
So, are you ready to hit the road and see where it takes you? Your dream of a life on wheels is waiting just around the corner. 🚐
