If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your job and hitting the open road, the dream might be easier to achieve than you think. You might not even have to quit your job. More people than ever are converting their campervans into comfortable mobile homes so they can live a more nomadic lifestyle. Before you head out to find a van and start your conversion, it’s important to know how the process works. Read on to learn more about #vanlife and how you can get started on your own adventure.
The trending hashtag #vanlife refers to living in a van either full or part-time. You can convert your vehicle into a residence that includes everything you need like running water, a comfy bed, a small bathroom, and a place to cook your meals. When you live the van life, you’re getting a range of benefits that will make your life more exciting and fulfilling.
When you’re ready to live the #vanlife, there are a few important steps to follow to make sure that your new mobile home is set up the way you want it. Here are the steps you need to take to make your travel dreams come true.
It’s important to note that living in a camper van is much different than living in a full-sized RV. A van is much smaller in size, which means you might not have room to get all the amenities you want. However, you’ll save money on gas and it’s much easier to find camping spots in a van than it is in a larger RV.
If you’re converting a van from scratch, you’ll need to “gut” it first. Here are the basics steps to help you get started:
Now that you have your new campervan and it’s completely clean and gutted, it’s time to think about your plan. Start by determining what items you absolutely need to have, and which items you can sell or donate. This is a good opportunity to declutter and really think about which possessions are most important to you. Next, write a list of the essentials that you’ll need to include in your van conversion.
Once your van is clean and you have your list of essentials, it’s time to start the building out your floorplan.
In order to live comfortably, you’ll need to set up a few essential utilities:
Here’s a handy checklist you can use to make sure you have everything you need for your #vanlife:
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get organized. Store everything in a designated place and make sure that everything is secure, so it doesn’t rattle around or come loose when you’re driving. Consider adding a latch or lock to your cabinets so they don’t accidentally fly open. Underbed storage is great for clothes and shoes. If you have the room, add a vanity or medicine cabinet to the bathroom so you have a spot for small bathroom items.
Here are some tips and suggestions to make your daily life easier while you’re enjoying the van life:
With the right type of van and some creativity, you can easily turn a camper van into a comfortable mobile home. Remember to draw your layout ahead of time and build out your van so you have the furniture and the space you’ll need to stay comfortable. Downsize the things you no longer need and gather the most important essentials before you hit the road. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to live your dreams and explore the country in style.
This article was originally posted on Porch.com.
You’ll find some big sand dunes at Warren Dunes, including formations that rise 240 feet above the lake offering fantastic views, the best known is Tower Hill.
View CampgroundGet everything you need to enjoy your outdoor adventures from bags and packs to air beds and sleeping bags, insect repellant, cooler bags, and 2-burner stoves.
Shop NowFind everything you need for camping, including hiking supplies, tents, coolers, sleeping bags, cots, survival & first aid, food processing, and more!
Shop NowDoheny State Beach is located right on the beach in one of the premier Southern California coastal areas. There are 33 premium beachfront sites and all can accommodate tents, trailers or RVs (up to 35 feet).
View CampgroundSave up to 25% on your family travel costs in 2021 by booking an RV through RVshare
Find Cheap RV RentalsPfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is located on the banks of the Big Sur River and is very popular – often referred to as a “mini-Yosemite”.
View CampgroundFort De Soto Park Campground has 238 single-family campsites and is located on an island in a beautiful 1,136-acre park in the Tampa Bay Area.
View CampgroundHarvest Hosts is a special type of membership club for RVers, offering overnight RV camping accommodations at 2,365+ locations across North America!
Learn MoreHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park includes 4,650 acres of beautiful forest and open land. The 40-acre old-growth redwood grove is a 5 minute drive or a short hike from the campground.
View CampgroundOutdoor recreation in the area includes boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking and picnicking.
View CampgroundTake the Family on a Perfect Road Trip! Rent an RV from RVshare
Find Cheap RV RentalsNehalem Bay State Park features a large campground with 265 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, separated from the ocean beach by sand dunes.
View Campground