How to Get Started with Van Life 2023

The van life trend has been widely shared around the web as of late. Due to its sudden rise in popularity, many people are curious about this way of life and want to know more about it. In its simplest definition, Van life is an alternative way of living adopted by many nomads to live frugally and easily tour the world. However, there’s more going on here than meets the eye.

The popularity of “van life” on social media has recently skyrocketed. More than three million posts appear when you search #vanlife on Instagram (when writing this blog). It is anticipated that this figure will continue to rise quickly. Instagram has become the most popular social media tool among van lifers because many film their whole trips there. While YouTube and Facebook are making strides to catch up, Instagram is still the best place to discover creative inspiration.

With its rising profile, several van-dwellers have been offered the chance to be sponsored by or interviewed by major corporations; most have accepted. Old preconceptions about nomads are gradually dissolving, clearing the way for a more nuanced understanding of their way of existence.

There is a wide variety of motivations for taking up van life. Some people make this choice solely for financial reasons. For others, it’s a statement that they’ve made the conscious decision to live a simpler, more basic existence. It’s a chance for people like us to see the world from a new perspective—a new method of seeing the world that emphasizes leisurely exploration and in-depth immersion in local cultures. However, before jumping into such a drastic lifestyle shift, it is essential to consider a limited company van insurance policy may be right for you. This detailed guide can assist if you’re thinking about making the transition to van life.

PLAN YOUR VAN LIFE

Van life preparation is no different from any other aspect of life.

Step 1: Go For It!

The best van for van life is the one you already own, as the phrase goes in the van life subculture. The first few times you use it, you’ll find that this proverb holds water. Do several dry runs in the car you already own or can borrow to see if full-time something you’d enjoy is.

Though living in a van has many advantages, it’s only for some. Try this way of life out for size and see if you like the sound of it.

Step 2: Select a Van Design

Selecting a van is the first of several decisions you will have to make. One of the most enjoyable aspects of van life is customizing one’s van. Your decision on the layout will be a subject of much consideration. We have now converted a vehicle twice and each time we go back and think about how we may have improved upon certain aspects of the process.

To acquire a converted van, consider what conversion and layout work best for your needs and budget.

It’s up to you to decide how your van will be constructed. You can live as simply or extravagantly as you like in your van.

You will need to evaluate the contents of your van to determine what is essential and what can be left behind.

Step 3: Confirm that your vehicle is mechanically sound.

The perfect scenario would be getting a pre-purchase inspection before purchasing your dream car. If you need to know what you’re doing when transforming a vehicle into a mobile home, you should visit the nearest and most reliable mechanic for a rundown of what you just purchased. You should only put in the time and effort of a DIY modification if the car made it out of the driveway.

You should also compile a list of your vehicle’s recognized weak points and gather the appropriate spare components before setting out on the road. Consult a professional or look up information about your car online if you have any questions. This easy hack can help you save both time and money in the long run, especially if you live in an area without easy access to specialized mechanics.

Step 4: Load Your Van With “Stuff”

The decision to move into a van is motivated by the desire to simplify one’s life for many people, while for others, this is merely a side benefit. However, before you go ahead and sell everything you own, you should know that a few necessities will make your van life much more pleasant.

Still, it’ll not be easy to decide what to bring. We’ve lived in three different-sized vans, and each time we’ve had to pick what to bring along and leave behind.

Everything from sleeping bags to clothes to portable projectors to fishing rods will find a way into your luggage since you are sure you will need it at some point.

Step 5: Get the Best Travel App

A map is one of the most essential tools for any explorer. Modern maps can be carried in one’s palm, show the entire world, and use GPS and online connectivity to offer much more data than simple geographical positioning. There are two essential maps that no overlanded should leave home without; however other maps, applications, and equipment may be required depending on your destination, vehicle, and travel style.

Step 6: Get Used to Van Cooking

You can imagine some fairly nasty dishes when you think about cooking in a truck. Freeze-dried meal packets, canned food, or even cereal for supper. You can have both comfortable van living and tasty home cooking. While some tweaks may be necessary, a wide variety of delicious meals can be prepared while on the go.

Step 7: Find a Place to Sleep

Before embarking on your first overland journey, it can be difficult to visualise where you will spend each night. Planning ahead is essential if you want your evenings to be as stress-free and rejuvenating as possible.

Your campsite might be anywhere, from a deserted beach or mountain national park to a gas station or shopping centre parking lot, depending on your route.

Living in a van may be a fantastic way to save money, see the globe, gain insight into who you are, and rediscover what is important in life if you go into it with the appropriate frame of mind. However, before transitioning to full-time van life, a few considerations like a limited company van insurance policy may be right for you must be kept in mind.

 

Article References:

https://projectvanlife.com/what-is-van-life/

https://kombilife.com/van-life/

https://vanlifers.com/van-life-for-beginners/

 

Feature Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash