These days, people are becoming more creative when it comes to their lifestyle. One example is the rising van life trend. According to reports, the number of people living in their vans has increased significantly over the past few years. In 2019 alone, the Census Bureau reported that about 140,000 vans, RVs, or boats now serve as housing units for some people.
Before, some had no choice but to live in their vans due to financial constraints. These days, however, more people are making the conscious decision to live in vans because of the perks and benefits that come with it.
Perks of Living the Van Life
Van dwellers like the idea of experiencing more freedom and flexibility. They can travel to different places without worrying about being tied down to one place. For some, living in a van also means saving more money since they don’t have to spend on rent or mortgage.
Some people decided to live in their vans because they wanted to live a more minimalist lifestyle. They realized they didn’t need a lot of material possessions to be happy and content. So, they got rid of their stuff and downsized their living space to fit everything inside a van.
Challenges of Living the Van Life
Despite the perks, there are also some challenges that come with living in vans. For one, some people find it quite challenging to live in a car where they don’t have the luxury of space, storage, privacy, and amenities that come with a house or apartment. If you’re the type of person used to having your own space, you might find adjusting to living in such close quarters quite challenging.
Finding a safe and legal place to park your van can also be a struggle. You can’t just park anywhere you want. You need to find a spot that’s safe and legal. And depending on your city, parking can be quite expensive.
Since van life basically means living in your vehicle, you’re also more exposed to the elements. You have to deal with extreme weather conditions, whether it’s the scorching heat of summer or the cold of winter. Then there’s your safety to think about. If you’re living in a van, you’re more vulnerable to break-ins and theft.
You also need to prepare for the curious public. People will often stare and ask questions about your van life setup. And if you’re not a fan of attention, this can be pretty challenging.
Tips if You Plan On Living the Van Life
Now that you know some of the major considerations you need to take into account before embracing the van life, here are some tips that can help you get started:
Start by Decluttering Your Stuff
If you want to live in a van, you need to get rid of the things you don’t need. Keep only the essentials and get rid of the rest. This will make it easier for you to organize and store everything in your van.
After sorting your essentials, figure out what type of storage solution will work best for you. You need to maximize the space inside your van to have enough room to move around and live comfortably.
Let’s say you have a lot of clothes. You can invest in a hanging clothes rack to save space. If you have bulky items, consider getting storage bins that you can tuck away under your bed or seat.
Think About the Type of Van You Need
There are different types of vans you can choose from. There are small cargo vans, full-size vans, and Sprinter vans. You need to figure out which is best for you and your needs.
Consider the space you need, the activities you’ll be doing, and how many people will live in the van with you. This will help you narrow down your choices and make it easier to find the perfect van for your needs.
For example, if you’re planning on living in your van full-time and traveling to different places, you might want to get a bigger van with more space. But if you’re only going to use it for weekend getaways, a smaller van might suffice.
Consider Tinting Your Windows
Tinting your van windows will help you maintain privacy while on the road. It will also help protect you from the harsh rays of the sun. If you want to tint your windows, make sure to do it before you start customizing the interior of your van.
It would be best to consult with the experts before choosing and installing window film. They can help you decide which tint will work best for your van, depending on your budget and needs. Make sure you find a company that offers quality car window tint solutions and installation services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
Invest in Quality Insulation
Living the van life makes you more exposed to the elements. This could mean you will spend hot summer days and cold, chilly nights in your van. Invest in quality insulation to ensure you’re comfortable despite extreme weather conditions.
There are different types of insulation materials you can choose from. But if you want something durable and long-lasting, go for closed-cell spray foam insulation. This will help keep your van warm during winter and cool during summer.
It would be best to consult an insulation expert to help you choose the suitable material for your van. They can also help you with the installation process to ensure everything is done correctly.
Plan Your Route and Parking Ahead of Time
One of the challenges of living in a van is finding a safe and legal place to park. This can be quite difficult, especially if you’re constantly on the move. That’s why it’s crucial to plan your route and parking.
Check out websites like FreeCampsites.net or Campendium.com in Advance to find safe and legal parking places for free or for a fee. It would also be helpful to download apps like Allstays Pro or iOverlander, which can help you find camping and RVing spots while on the road.
When looking for a parking spot, check the signs carefully. Some places only allow overnight parking for a certain number of hours. Others may not allow camping or RVing at all.
This list shows that van life is not as glamorous as some people make it out to be. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to ensure you’re comfortable and safe while living in your van. But if you’re up for the challenge, then go ahead and embrace the van life! Just make sure to consider all the factors first before making the switch.