Whether you’re interested in exploring the backwoods, hiking the mountains, or enjoying the beach, living in a van is a great way to do it. But, for many people, this lifestyle can be a scary one. Whether you’re new to it or a veteran, there are some things to consider.
First of all, you’ll need to get a lot of use out of the van. You’ll need space for the food and water you’ll be carrying, as well as space for your sleeping area. You’ll also need a place for your pets. If you have a dog, you’ll want a spot for them to sleep, and maybe even a bathroom.
Cleaning the van is a daily chore, as are sweeping and wiping down the surfaces inside. It’s not difficult to find a free spot to park your van in an urban area, but you’ll need to be aware of the laws in the area you’re visiting.
The van isn’t necessarily the most sanitary place to live, as some of your food and drink can get contaminated. For example, body odor can taint your food, and dirty clothing can track in dirt.
It’s also important to remember that living in a van means that you’ll be spending a lot of time in public places. You’ll need to find a place to shower and wash your clothes, and you’ll probably need to make use of the restrooms in the public area you’re staying at. If you live in a city, it’s probably a good idea to establish a regular routine. This can help you feel more oriented in your surroundings, and will also make you feel safer.
One of the big benefits of van life is that you can easily move from city to city. You can see different areas of the country and visit new places every few months. It also gives you the freedom to explore the country and see things you’d never see if you were stuck in a house.
You’ll also need to take advantage of the van’s storage space. If you don’t have a lot of space to store your stuff, you may want to consider renting a storage locker in one city. You can also keep your belongings organized by buying a small storage bin and keeping it in the van. Having a place to store your things will make it easier to find them when you need them.
While it’s true that you can live in a van without a lot of things, you still will need to do a lot of stuff. The van isn’t always very big, so it might feel cramped at times. You might not be able to shower every day, and you may need to move things around to make a bed. The van might also be dirty, which can be a problem. You’ll also need to take advantage of any free places you can find to discard your trash.