Since the pandemic, people from across the country have been redefining their lifestyles and homes.
With rent prices increasing more than 13% in the last year, Americans are looking for more affordable ways to live. Vehicle dwelling is becoming more common since it gives people the freedom to travel and live a more simple life.
If you’re interested in living the van life, keep reading to discover some key factors that will prepare you for the trip!
1. Prioritize Your Needs
From belongings to utilities, and power, you need to consider your lifestyle.
Many people jump into the nomadic lifestyle, only to discover that they miss their old lives. There comes a lot of freedom with living in a van, but if you don’t plan and prioritize, you could find yourself in danger.
Not only do you need to pack your clothes, cooking utensils, and decor, but other necessities too. You need to have everything on hand to make quick repairs to the van, eat, and survive.
2. Invest in the Right Van
If you love taking road trips and want to do it for a living, you need to invest in the right vehicle.
Van travel is a bit different from RVs since they often don’t have bathrooms or kitchens. Certain vans have drop-down features to accommodate travelers.
You can click here to look at some of the best van options on the market. When you explore your options, it’s easier to start planning. Be realistic with yourself, if a van seems too small, you may need to invest in something larger.
3. Get Your Vehicle Checked
Whether you’re using solar power, gas, or another variation, you need to get your entire system checked.
Take your van to a dealership or auto shop to get it checked for signs of repair. You don’t want to get 200 miles away from home, only to discover that your tire a bald. An auto mechanic can look at your internal systems to ensure you have a smooth and safe ride.
4. Be Aware of the Difficulties
Going to the bathroom, cooking, and paying for a van can be difficult, but you can make plans and find solutions.
If you go into your van lifestyle with the ability to adapt, and have little expectations, you won’t be disappointed. Part of what makes the van life so intriguing is that people have to rely more heavily on nature and become resourceful.
Try not to get discouraged on bad days, keep a journal and make changes for next time.
5. Take a Test Drive
Before you leave on your extended road trip, you should take your van for a spin.
After you’ve got everything set up, you can head out for the weekend. Living in your van for 1 to 3 days can help you identify items you forgot or don’t need. Once you leave, there’s no turning back unless you want to cover the fuel prices.
You can go to a local campground or even test your van out in the driveway. Do your best to live like you would if you only had the van.
Can You Survive the Van Life?
Not everyone can handle van life, which is why you need to know the pros and cons.
Although van traveling can bring a lot of freedom into your life, you can’t get held up by material items. Since vans are much smaller, you need to be quick on your feet and ready to adapt. Don’t forget to test your setup before leaving for big trips.
Make sure you check out our page for more info about living in a van and downsizing your lifestyle!
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