Essentials For Van Life
We're sure you've seen many videos online about van life - it's grown to be quite popular over the years! So if this lifestyle is starting to sound appealing, it's important to know it's going to be a massive change that'll take time to adapt to. If you're seriously considering a life on the road, we're here to help you with 20 must-have additions to your van you can't skip out on. They're necessities for living a comfortable life!
1. Full-Size Bed
If moving into a van meant giving up your bed, could you do it? Probably not! Having no comfortable space to sleep for the night is a deal breaker for many. So if you want to do van life right, make sure you leave lots of room to build a comfortable, full-size bed for your sake.
2. Warm Blanket
We're sure you've experienced how cold it can get in the car when no heat is turned on. You never know what weather situations you're going to face, and if you're living out of your van, you're going to experience the cold at one point or another. While there are other measures to prepare, having a warm, cuddly blanket is always a reassuring item to have on hand.
3. Working Mini Fridge
Sure, coolers work but they simply don't beat the convenience of a working mini fridge. While it might take up a bit more space, it's definitely worth it. Allowing you to store more goods at once, it'll always ensure you have food at the ready. Limiting yourself to one small cooler box just doesn't cut it.
4. Cooktops
Just because you're living in a van doesn't mean you can go on without a kitchen! While you're going to lose out on most equipment, keeping a cooktop, whether it's a portable one you can use outside or one attached to your van, is an essential need. How else are you going to prepare your meals?
5. Dishes + Cutlery
Always make sure you have plates, bowls, cups alongside forks and spoons in your van for all your eating needs. They're simple essentials that might get overlooked as you're building out and creating space for all your other items. While you do need to cut down, these utensils aren't one you need to get rid of.
6. Toilet
Not having a toilet on board might be the biggest mistake you'll ever make. What are you going to do in the middle of the night or when you're parked in the middle of nowhere? Whether it's a fully functioning one or a simple portable version, you need somewhere you can do your number ones and twos.
7. Shower
Most van-lifers have trouble deciding whether a shower is a must-have for their van (for space reasons). While some might be content with showering every few days at a nearby gym, others can't afford to lose this luxury. By adding in a large size water tank, it might take up more space and money, but we think it's worth it for your comfort.
8. Insulation
As we mentioned earlier, nights sleeping in a van can get seriously cold. We don't even want to imagine what it'll be like in winter! That's why finding ways to effectively insulate your van so you can stay warm is so important. This one is a non-negotiable.
9. Fans/AC
But just as the nights get cold in the winter time, in the summer heat, being in a van can be equally unbearable. We've all sat for a brief moment in a car without A/C under the blistering heat, and let's just say it's awful. So to make sure you're fully prepared for all types of weather, just as you'll need heating, you'll need ways to keep yourself cool too.
10. Jumper Cables
Given that your home is now on wheels, losing power or getting stuck on the road is more dangerous than ever. Always make sure you have jumper cables on hand if things are going south. While you will need the help of another vehicle, this important item is on you to have.
11. Solar Panels
While the upfront cost might hurt a little, installing solar panels to your van is absolutely worth it. You'll save so much money in the long run! Helping you power up your vehicle while you're on the road, it's the best way to keep the batteries going.
12. Medical Kits
You never know where you'll find yourself while living in a van, meaning accidents might happen during moments you least expect it. Be prepared for everything, including medical emergencies. Make sure you have a fully stocked medical kit that has everything you might need.
Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash
13. Room For Storage
You wouldn't want all your dishes, cutlery, and knick knacks just rolling around as you drive, would you? Creating a van design that's complete with plenty of storage space is key. It needs to be done properly so that none of your goods will break and fly around when you're on the move.
14. Vanity Space
Even if everything from your kitchen, bedroom, and shower are all bunched into this tight space, we highly encourage you to leave some room for a mirror, beauty supplies, skincare, etc. It's important you still have an area where you can feel like you and pamper yourself.
15. Internet
Whether you install a satellite dish to the top of your van or you find hotspot alternatives, you definitely need to look into ways to get access to internet while living in a van. It's not just for your boredom's sake, it's so you can keep in touch with others, let them know where you are at all times, and so you can work remote jobs for income!
This_is_Engineering on Pixabay
16. Electric Kettle
From making tea to eating cup noodles, there are plenty of reasons why having an electric kettle is useful. This is especially important if you don't have an easy-to-use stove top or means to heat up water.
17. A Table
Many van-lifers will tell you how important it is having a separate area where you can work and eat away from your bed. While adding a table to your van design might seem like a waste of space - trust us, it isn't. It's really nice having somewhere you can eat your dinners, work on your laptop, or just relax with a cup of coffee.
18. Safety Measures
Living out of a van might not feel like the safest, meaning you have to do something about those restless nights worrying about feeling protected. There are plenty of safety measures you can include to your van such as purchasing sun shades so no one can peek in or installing extra locks and cameras.
19. Sink
Without a sink how do you plan on washing your dishes or even your hands? You'll quickly realize how difficult life can be without having access to running water. Even if it takes up your counter space, it's not something we suggest passing on.
20. Decorations
Make sure this little home on wheels does feel like home to you! Don't skimp out on decorating your van; you should make it feel like your space. It can be as small as buying cute curtains to install or painting the walls with colors you love. Whatever you choose to do, remember it's to make it feel more comfortable for you.
