So you’re a vanlifer now…

If you’ve been thrown into van life and you don’t know where to turn, don’t worry. Everyone goes through rough times and it’s important to understand that a lot of people willingly choose this lifestyle, so it’s not the end of the world. In fact, this could be the beginning of an incredible adventure for you!

I recommend transitioning into van life. But if that’s not possible, I’ve provided a condensed list (cheat sheet) of everything you need to know.

How to find your van:

Facebook market & Craigslist can be great places to find vehicles cheap. If you want a bit more peace of mind, you can buy from a dealership; it will likely cost more.

NOTE: When buying from an owner, always inspect the van and take it for a test drive. If you don’t know much about cars, bring a trusted mechanic. Even if you have to pay someone, you’ll save yourself money in the long run by not buying a junker that will need constant repairs to stay running.
Definitely do some research on what to look for when buying a used van.

Some helpful links:

Buying a Van for VanLife – Vanlife Academy

How To Buy A Used Camper Van – Parked In Paradise

Note that these are just some helpful links and you should definitely do more research on your own.

 

Regular Maintenance

Make sure you’re taking the best care of your vehicle possible. This is now your home. Always keep it locked and park in safe areas.

Don’t brag about living in a van, but don’t be shady about it either. People are going to judge you, who cares. But some people will try to hurt you if they know you’re so easily accessible and that you have xyz amenities. Be cautious

Toilet:

If you live in a city, it may be easy to find public restrooms available to you. Don’t become a nuisance, and always leave the restroom better than you found it! Wiping a dirty seat down can go a long way. A bucket and some trash bags can become a makeshift toilet in a pinch. Always throw your trash away in legal places.
Find where to find restrooms here.

 

Water:

Don’t leave plastic water bottles in your car! Besides being a detriment to the environment, the water can poison you. Learn about safe water practices here.

 

MORE

There are many more resources on this website on how to make this life sustainable. Make sure you check out Van Life Etiquette so we can all keep this as a sustainable living option. You can find more information in The Index.

If you still have unanswered questions, please join some Facebook Groups because there are so many people there with the expertise to help you out. There are also some groups listed that can help you find work or help if you’re really struggling.

Hang in there friend, we’ve got your back!

Safe Travels