Is Van Life for You? Considerations Before You Dive In

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It wasn't that long ago that living out of a vehicle was a sign of poverty. My, how the tides have turned. Today, it is a sign of freedom, shedding your shackles and living your life to the fullest without inhibitions. Van Life also coincides with the minimalist movement. For those unfamiliar, minimalism revolves around only having the things in your life that you need or that truly bring you joy. It is about carrying a lighter load and living a simpler but more fulfilling life.

Are you curious about full-time Van Life but not sure it's for you? Great! You're in the right place. Let's talk about considerations you need to make before diving in.

Are You Willing to Downsize?

Downsizing is a must. It is mathematically impossible to fit even a quarter of the things you have in your home in your van. One of the first steps to preparing for Van Life is to downsize your belongings. This can take some time. You might want to test it out for a few months first and see if you can live with the bare minimum. Box up all of your belongings but the bare minimum and put them in storage. If you do miss them, great! You know, downsizing is not an issue. However, if you find living with less is not for you, there's no harm done. All of your things are in storage, and you can restore them to your home.

Lack of Creature Comforts

If you like your long, hot showers, you will need to readjust for Van Life. Some vans do not have showers, and you will need to rely on campground convenience stations, gym showers, and truck stop facilities. If this ends up being the case for you, it's crucial to understand that showers may not be as routine and frequent as you are accustomed to.

If you decide to purchase or build a van with a shower, there will be a water tank with a finite supply of water. The good news is you can shower whenever you wish. However, you will want to use as little water as possible unless a supply of clean water is nearby.

Don't get me wrong, your hygiene isn't going to go lacking, but you will need to make some adjustments and sacrifices to your routine.

Are You Okay with Small Spaces?

Photo byDalle 2/JanBaker

No matter how you slice it, a van is not going to be anywhere near the size of a home. This can be a good thing. Small spaces make life simple and easy to clean. It's appealing to many. The downside is that you will be living in a small space. So, if you are traveling with a partner or child, there's no personal space unless someone goes outside.

Ready for Vehicle Maintenance?

You don't have to worry about home maintenance, but you will need to be prepared for vehicle maintenance and repairs. It's okay if you do not have any mechanical experience, but it is important to have a plan in place for maintenance and repairs.

Do You Like an Adventure?

Whether you plan on staying stationary in your van or traveling the country, you are sure to have the adventure of a lifetime. Go with the flow and take advantage of this unique opportunity that is quickly becoming the dream of many.

Is it your dream? If you want to read more on van life, camping, adventuring, and more, be sure to follow me. Writers like me greatly appreciate the support. If you haven't already, be sure to download the free NewsBreak app and receive local and national news at your fingertips.