The idea of living the van life has for years, even decades been considered something that only people who are desperate and willing to endure the harshest of conditions would do. But the reality is, there are many benefits that come with van life, such as seeing different places on a budget, meeting new people and taking time to find yourself.
The best part is that the average cost of living in a van is quite low and you can still be comfortable. Doing so could save you thousands of pounds a year, which can be used for travelling or investing in your future.
Here are some awesome reasons why you should consider venturing out into the big world with just your van, and live life without constraints.
1. You Are Free To Travel At The Drop Of A Hat, You can travel whenever you want to with your new found freedom. The only thing holding you back would be how much fuel it takes to get to where you want to go, but this is also one of the many benefits of living without being restricted to a fixed location.
2. Living In A Van Is Cheaper Than Renting, an average monthly rental in the UK is about £700, and that’s not even including bills and food!.
3. You Own Both The Place And Everything In It, You will have all the comforts of home when you are on your own little adventure. You won’t just have one room either! Your entire van is your home.
4. You Can Face Your Fears Without walls or fences around you at all times, it allows for complete freedom for living life to the fullest.
5. You Can Have Your pets With You, No matter where you go they can come with you
6. You Experience True Freedom, Not just in living but also in travel and adventure.
7. It’s Affordable, Especially if you have a van that is paid off.
8. You Can Choose Your Career Path, The idea of van life is not only for those who have talent in the art department or someone who loves to travel as a career. Anyone can do it!
9. You Get To See The World From A Different Perspective, It’s definitely different when you are seeing it from inside your home rather than from inside your car or from the side of the road during a long traffic jam!
10. There Is No Such Thing As A “Home” Location For You Anymore.
Why Should You Live In A Van
There are plenty of reasons to love van life. For starters, it's an incredibly freeing experience. You can go where you want, when you want, and don't have to worry about rent or a mortgage. Additionally, van life is a great way to connect with nature. If you love being outdoors, van life is definitely for you.
Another big plus of van life is that it forces you to be super organized and efficient with your belongings. Since space is limited in a van, you have to be really thoughtful about what you bring with you. This can actually be a really great exercise for people who tend to hold on to things they don't need.
So, if you're looking for an adventure and are interested in living a simpler life, van life just might be for you. Give it a try - you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
Tips And Tricks For Living In A Van
Are you thinking about trying van life? It's a great way to live a nomadic lifestyle and see the country (or even the world!) on your own terms. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:
1. Find the right vehicle. Not all vans are created equal! You'll want to find one that's comfortable to live in, has enough space for all your belongings, and is reliable.
2. Stock up on supplies. Before you hit the road, make sure you have everything you need to live the van life comfortably in your van. This includes food, water, cooking supplies, bedding, and anything else you might need.
3. Stay organized. When you're living in a small space, it's important to stay organized and tidy. This will help you keep your van feeling like a home away from home.
4. Be prepared for weather changes. If you're traveling in different climates, make sure you have the appropriate gear to keep yourself comfortable. This includes extra blankets for cold nights and sunscreen for sunny days.
5. Make friends with other members of the van life community. One of the best parts of van life is meeting other people who are doing the same thing. Exchange tips, travel stories and advice.
This is just a small sampling of the benefits of van life… If you have any other suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments section!
What Gear To Have
There are a lot of different ways to outfit your van for living on the road. The most important thing is to have the essentials that will make your life comfortable and safe. Here are some of the things you should consider having in your van:
-A bed: You’ll need somewhere to sleep, so a bed is essential. You can either build a bed into your van or get a portable one that you can set up and take down as needed.
-Cooking equipment: If you want to be able to eat more than just fast food, you’ll need some cooking gear. A small stove and some basic pots and pans should do the trick.
-Storage: You’ll need somewhere to put all your stuff, so storage is key. shelves or storage containers will help you keep everything organized.
-Safety gear: This includes things like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and flares. You never know when you might need them, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
-Clothing and bedding: Make sure you have enough clothing and bedding to keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather.
You’ll also want to keep a flashlight and some spare batteries so you can go about your daily routine just in-case the power goes out.
What To Cook When You're On The Road
When you're living in a van, you need to get creative with your cooking. Here are some tips for cooking on the road:
1. Invest in a portable stove. This will be your best friend when you're trying to cook on the road.
2. Make sure you have all the basics with you. Things like salt, pepper, olive oil, and flour will come in handy.
3. Get creative with your ingredients. Don't be afraid to experiment with different foods that you wouldn't normally eat at home.
4. Be prepared for anything. Sometimes, the best laid plans go awry. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't cook, always have a backup plan (like canned food or instant noodles).
The Challenges Of Being Outdoorsy
Whether you’re an experienced camper or a complete novice, there’s no denying that van life comes with its fair share of challenges – especially when it comes to being outdoorsy. From finding the perfect camping spot to dealing with bad weather, here are a few of the challenges you might face as you embark on your van life adventures.
One of the biggest challenges of van life is finding the perfect camping spot. While there are plenty of great camping spots out there, they can be hard to find if you don’t know where to look. If you’re not careful, you might end up spending hours driving around looking for a spot that meets your needs.
Another challenge you might face is dealing with bad weather. While the weather is often one of the best things about camping, it can also be one of the most challenging aspects. If you’re not prepared for it, bad weather can ruin your entire trip.
Finally, another challenge you might face as you embark on van life is learning how to live without all the creature comforts of home. While it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in a van, it takes some getting used to.
Hacks For Sleeping In A Van
There are a few things to keep in mind when sleeping in a van. First, you want to make sure that you have plenty of ventilation. You don't want to be suffocating in your sleep. Second, you want to be as comfortable as possible. A good way to do this is to bring along a camping mat or an air mattress. Third, you want to make sure that you have all of your belongings with you so that you don't have to go searching for them in the morning. Lastly, you want to be safe. Make sure that you lock your doors and windows and that you have a plan in case of an emergency.
-Invest in a good mattress: A comfortable mattress is key for a good night's sleep. There are many different types of mattresses designed specifically for vans, so do some research to find one that will work best for you.
-Create privacy: If you're worried about privacy when sleeping in your van, there are a few things you can do to create more privacy. Hang curtains around your bed area, or invest in a privacy screen that you can set up around your bed.
-Keep it cool: It can get pretty hot inside a van during the summer months. To keep your sleeping area cool, open the windows during the day to let in some fresh air. At night, close the windows and use a fan to circulate the air.
-Block out the light: Sleeping in a van can be tough if you're used to complete darkness when you sleep.
What To Do With Your Clothes?
You'll need to find a way to store your clothes. The best way to do this is to invest in a storage system that can be easily installed and removed. There are a few different types of storage systems available, so be sure to do your research before purchasing one.
Another option is to use vacuum-sealed bags. These are great for storing clothes because they take up minimal space and can be easily stored in your car. Just be sure to label the bags so you know what's inside of them.
Finally, if you're living in a van, you may want to consider installing a clothesline. This will allow you to air out your clothes and prevent them from getting musty. Just be sure to secure the line so it doesn't come loose and cause an accident.
Pros And Cons Of Van Life
There are many pros and cons to van life, but ultimately it is an amazing experience that everyone should try at least once. The biggest pro of van life is the freedom it affords you. You can go where you want, when you want, and stay as long as you want. There are no rules or restrictions, which makes van life very appealing to many people.
The biggest con of van life is the lack of amenities. You will have to sacrifice some of the comforts of home, like a regular shower. However, many people find that the trade-off is worth it for the freedom and flexibility that van life provides.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an adventure and a way to truly disconnect from the world, van life is definitely for you. It's not always easy, but it's so worth it. I hope this guide has helped you understand a little bit more about what van life is and why YOU should try it. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!