What is Van Life?

The term "van life" has many different meanings these days. What van life means to some might be totally different for others. On social media, #vanlife quickly turned into a glorified way of life, wild camping in epic places with wide open views as far as you could see.

Determine a budget

One of the most common questions from aspiring van lifers is, "How much does it cost to live van life?" Like living in an apartment or a house, many aspects of your lifestyle will determine how much van life cost will be for you.

Do your research

If you're reading this article, you've already started this part. Luckily, there's a ton of information out there from people who have been traveling nomadically and living the vanlife for years.
 

Try van life out before committing

Rent a van for a few weeks! There are many van rental companies to choose from, or you can ask a professional conversion company if they offer rentals (many do). Trying out van life before taking the plunge can make a huge difference in the odds of your success living a minimalist lifestyle in a van full time.

Go to a van life gathering

What better way to get a taste of this lifestyle than to attend a van life gathering before you even start? There's never a requirement to be already living this lifestyle to attend an event. Many curious people attend to learn about the lifestyle and meet other like-minded people.

Pros of van life

• Freedom. Not vibing with the city you're in? Move along. Is the weather not ideal? Drive a few hours to a better forecast. It's literally a "choose your van life adventure" every day. 
• Ability to explore more. When you have your entire home with you, you can plan around places you want to go and park as close as possible so your commute is shorter. If you find a great spot near public land, you can stay longer (usually up to two weeks) to explore more of the area. 
• Minimalistic living. You'll be amazed at how little you actually need. And in turn, you'll live and support a more sustainable life. Less water use, less shopping for things you don't need, less waste... the list goes on. When you realize all your worldly possessions are in such a small space, it's very empowering.

Cons of van life

• Weather. Even though you can plan and outpace bad weather, sometimes things shift, and you end up in inclement or even dangerous weather. This could be anything from an unexpected blizzard to a heat wave. Be sure to check the weather forecast often, and check the conditions for the destination you're headed to.
• Safe parking. It's not all epic views and perfectly level parking spots. Sometimes you'll be stealth parking in a city hoping not to get "the knock," and sometimes, that spot on iOverlander s no longer accessible for whatever reason. Always check that you're parked legally in cities. If a dirt road seems sketchy, get out and walk it before you drive further and possibly get suck.
• Limited space. Even in a full-sized skoolie, you'll still have to learn to function in a smaller space than most studio apartments. You'll probably rearrange your items multiple times within the first few months of traveling as you learn what makes the most sense for you. Storage space is precious, and you'll discover that every square inch of your new home is valuable space.
• Cost of living. Yes, living van life can save you money, but many unexpected costs can arise. Mechanical issues are common, and when you live in your van, you have to get things fixed when they break. It’s not like if you live in a city and can opt for public transit or borrow a friend’s vehicle until payday. You also may have to rent a hotel if your vehicle can’t be fixed in a day. In addition to mechanical issues, you’ll have to consider variable gas and food prices across the country and any fees associated with activities you want to participate in.
• Loneliness. Even if you’re traveling with a significant other or pet, living nomadically can be lonely at times. Exploring new places is exciting, and you can meet so many amazing people along the way, but it’s not the same as having a close-knit community in your neighborhood. You’ll have a lot of solo time while living van life, and if you’re not comfortable with your own company, you may struggle with the lifestyle. Luckily, nomadic communities are popping up to help you meet new people on the road, and there are various van gatherings you can attend across the country to meet like-minded people.