Did you know that 52 percent of people are more likely to consider van life because of COVID? Van life has been growing in popularity for years and is becoming more and more acceptable in certain parts of the country.
However, some people, while intrigued by van life, are a little leary. Are you wondering, how does van life work? You’re not the only one.
Keep reading to learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions about van life.
My Story
When reading my posts, you will find that I tend to infuse a lot of my story and my personality into my articles. So in keeping with that trend, I want to tell you my van life story.
While many people talk about dreaming of hitting the open road and living out of an RV or campervan, that wasn’t my story. I didn’t necessarily plan this life.
However, I found myself at a point in my life where I was at a crossroads. I was fortunate enough to be supporting myself through my writing for various gaming websites, and I could do that from anywhere.
The question became where did I want to live, did I want a roommate, or did I want to travel. I remember talking to my stepmom and asking, would it be crazy to just pack my stuff in my van and hit the road?
Her answer was no. So I began to research and found out that van life was actually a thing.
In my head, people who lived in their cars were homeless, and there was a certain stigma attached to that. When I found that van life was a culture, it opened many doors in my mind.
I have a minivan, and I started my van life journey with crates tossed in the back of my van and a pile of blankets and cushions for a bed. I loved camping, so I already had some necessities for cooking.
I took off, and I was scared. I did not know if I would be able to make a go of this life. However, I did know that I had the support of my family, and at the very least, I was going to have an adventure.
Fast Forward 8 Months
After eight months, I was successfully living my life on the road and loving it. Then the pandemic hit. At that time I went home to my family.
I rode out the pandemic in the safety of their home but still sleeping in my van. As the pandemic started to lift, I was able to venture out again.
During that time, I made some fantastic friends. I headed up to the Pacific Northwest, and they helped me upgrade my “minivan build.” I was no longer sleeping on a pile of mats on my van floor, and I had solar power.
I have now been in my van for two years. Along the way, I have learned many lessons, and I have been asked many questions. Today I will be compiling some of those questions into this article.
How Does Van Life Work?
Van life has become more and more trendy. However, many people still find themselves with questions and doubts.
That’s normal. If you are considering van life, ask those questions. Find your answers.
It will still be scary when you hit the road, but it will help you prepare. If you decide this is the life for you, make sure you have a plan for what happens if you hate it. Life on the road isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.
Is it Safe?
As a solo female, this is a question I get asked a lot. My answer to this is that it is as safe as the precautions you take.
Yes, I travel alone. However, I listen to my gut. I scope out campsites, and if they seem too skeevy, I do not stay.
I also have people in my life that frequently check in with me and know where I am. Apps like Life360 Family Locator are great for solo van lifers.
How Do You Make Money?
Money, we all need it, unfortunately. I mentioned earlier that I write articles for gaming websites. I still do that, and I have been fortunate enough to pick up other freelance work.
This has given me the opportunity to travel and work from wherever. I have met others who do odd jobs or find seasonal work. There are plenty of websites available that help people find freelance work and make some cash.
Where Do You Work?
The follow-up question to how do you make money is always, where do you work. Yes, I am a freelancer, but I still need power and Wifi to get my job done.
For this, I have a few options. I can run my computer off my solar power in my van, and I have the capability of turning my cell phone into a hotspot.
However, this is not always a solution that works, and I prefer to get out of my van. I frequent Starbucks, libraries, McDonald’s, and other coffee shops that offer free Wifi and power.
This changed some during the pandemic; as restaurants and coffee shops were still opening, I had to get creative. This led to me getting to know the wait staff at one particular Denny’s very well.
Where Do You Go to The Bathroom?
Then we get to the very personal questions. Personally, I like to find spots that have bathrooms. This is not always an option.
Because I am in a minivan, I do not have as many options as someone with a fancier van or RV. This means sometimes it really is like camping in the middle of nowhere. However, during the day, I work to go into town.
If I’m not working, I love hanging out at parks during the day. It gives me the opportunity to get out in nature and just relax.
Even if my campgrounds doesn’t have a bathroom, I know local parks will.
How Do You Shower?
The bathroom questions often continue with another basic need, showering. Before you start imagining a bunch of van lifers wandering around like Pig-Pen, believe me, I like being clean.
Yes, there are camping showers and pop-up tents you can buy.
However, that’s not something I have chosen to invest money or space into. I maintain a Planet Fitness membership.
Not only can I get a workout in, but I can use the massage beds and grab a shower there. If I am in an area that does not have a Planet Fitness (this doesn’t happen often), I can pay for a shower at a truck stop.
Also, in some areas that have a lot of boaters or campers, there are coin-operated showers. You toss in quarters for the amount of time you need, and voila, a shower.
When I was traveling through Wyoming on my way to Yellowstone, I actually found a coin-operated shower that was inside a laundromat and had a carwash.
You could wash your clothes, body, and car.
Where Do You Sleep?
One of the reasons I love being out West is that there is an abundance of BLM land. You can camp for free on BLM land.
I utilize a website called Freecampsites.net to find free campgrounds. I always make sure to get there in the daylight and scope it out. It helps with any, is this a safe spot anxiety.
How Do You Cook?
This is one of my favorite ones. I own a small camp stove.
It is my favorite thing to cook on. I use small canisters of propane for it, and the food absolutely tastes better when cooked over a camp stove.
For days when it is raining, I will often eat out or pick something up from the grocery store that doesn’t need to be cooked.
Speaking of the grocery store. I visit the grocery store almost every day. I buy my food for the day fresh.
I keep non-perishables stocked, but if it’s anything that needs refrigeration, I buy it the day I am going to use it.
I love this; it helps prevent waste because it’s not sitting in a fridge forgotten.
How Do You Stay Warm?
Even spending the winters in the desert, you will get cold at night. I tend to have a ton of blankets. I also usually have a small heated blanket that I can plug into my solar.
I put the heated blanket on first and then pile my warm blankets on top. If it’s not that cold, but I need more than my blankets, I add some hand hotties under my blankets for a quick warming solution.
Where Do You Put Your Stuff?
I am in a minivan, so this is a reasonable question. My minivan is built for space-saving solutions. I have spots for my books, clothes, dishes, food, and more.
I also have storage underneath my bed that can’t be seen. However, when you are living in a van, you need to be a minimalist.
You only take the dishes and items you need. If you don’t wear it, get rid of it. If you don’t use it, get rid of it.
The most difficult things for me were books and crafting supplies. I keep a small tote of crafting supplies in my bin storage, and I have spots for books.
While I could choose to read books on my phone, I’m old-fashioned. There’s nothing better than having an actual book in your hands.
When you choose to live your life in a van, there are items you need, but you also should still make room for creature comforts.
Hit the Road Jack
Are you ready to live your life as an adventure? You are never too old to get started. Hit the road and live life uninhibited.
Do you have more questions about traveling on a budget or van life? Feel free to comment on my post with all your questions! I would love to answer them.
Gamer Girl 