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There’s nothing quite like the freedom of living life out on the road. Van life is an excellent way to see parts of Australia that you have never seen before. Today, we’ll be exploring some of the must-haves and essentials to ensure you’re prepared for van life and all it entails.
Let’s dive in!
Why is the Van Life So Rewarding?
1. Freedom to Travel and Explore
First and foremost, you’ll have the freedom to go anywhere you want, whenever you want. You don’t need to worry about checking in and out of hotels or finding a spot to rest your head – everything is right in the comfort of your own van.
2. Embrace a Simpler Lifestyle
Van life is known for its simplicity. Take away the hustle and bustle of normal life and settle into a new, quieter version on the road.
3. Spend More Time in Nature
Are you itching to get away from the never-ending screen time? Van life is a great way to do so. Reconnect with nature and enjoy disconnecting from the chaos of everyday life in the city.
4. Save Money
Downsizing to live full-time in a van is a great way to save some money. Say goodbye to house payments and utility bills and settle into the simpler and more affordable van lifestyle.
5. Be Location Independent
Vans can take you wherever you need to go. You’re no longer tied down to one specific city or town. Enjoy the freedom of being able to travel wherever you want to go, whenever you want to.
How to Get Started with Van Life
1. Downsizing Your Stuff
The first and arguably hardest thing you will need to do is downsize. Vans have little to no storage, and you will need to declutter accordingly. Take the time to sort through your belongings and pack only the essentials in your van.
If you have items you are unwilling to part with, you can always rent a local storage unit in your “hometown” and have it serve as your home base when you return.
2. What to Do with Your Home and Car
When you commit to living out on the road, you must to be willing to part ways with some bigger investment items that you may already have in your name. Houses and cars are no longer needed when you decide to live on the road full-time, so you will need to come up with a plan on what to do with them.
Listing your home and car for sale is a big deal, so make sure that you are all in with the van lifestyle before you make a decision that would be difficult to reverse.
If you are confident with your decision and ready to go, contact a local realtor and car dealership and find out what needs to happen for these items to be sold in a timely manner.
It is important to note that some larger vans may have the towing capacity needed to allow you to bring along your vehicle. In many cases, however, this is optional.
Your van will get you where you need to go, and the additional funds you could get from selling your car would help you have a more comfortable financial situation out on the road. The choice is yours; just make sure you think things through before jumping all in.
3. Must-Have Gear
After you have decluttered your space and sold off your things, it is time to set up your van for a successful lifelong journey on the open road. You will need to purchase a lot of things to ensure that you are stocked up and ready for this way of life.
You will need to have a plan for food and water storage, a reliable navigation system, first aid kits, and basic vehicle maintenance equipment to get started on your trip.
4. Back-Up Plan
It is possible that now just may not be the right time to live on the road full-time. If this is the case, you can still dip your toe into the van lifestyle and get some experience in the short term. Take this time to learn about the ins and outs of van life and see if it’s something you would like to pursue full-time when the timing is right.
Choosing and Converting Your Van
Now that you’ve done all the leg work, it’s time to choose your perfect van. You can either convert your current vehicle or purchase a new one, so take the time to consider your needs carefully.
Picking the Perfect Van
Choosing to live life on the road is an exciting decision. To ensure that this experience is all it can be, you will want to have the perfect van equipped with everything you need for your adventures ahead.
Customise your van however you like to create a convenient and accommodating travel experience. The EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels are excellent additions to any vehicle and will provide easy access to power while you are off the grid.
DIY vs. Hiring a Conversion Company
More and more people are opting to DIY their vans rather than hiring a company to design them. While both options have merit, you must consider your time frame, skill level, and budget. Van installations can be challenging without the proper knowledge, so be sure to do your research before tackling any projects on your own.
This van is going to be your home for the foreseeable future, so make sure you are happy with the finished product, no matter who customises it.
Planning Your Van Layout
While you may have a limited amount of space to work with, you can plan your van’s layout. In most cases, the sleeping quarters can be sectioned off from the rest of the interior for some privacy in the evenings.
This step is solely up to personal preference. Research some inspiration and gather some ideas of what your dream van layout would look like.
Practical Tips for Living in a Van
Life on the road is unlike any other lifestyle. Here are some of the more practical things you need to take into consideration as you begin your new way of life.
How to Stay Connected
Staying connected while out on the road is not only a matter of convenience, it is also a safety issue. With EcoFlow Power Kits you can be sure to stay connected even as you traverse your way through some remote territories.
Insurance and Health Tips
Staying healthy on the road should be a high priority. Make sure your insurance plans are paid for and up to date, and do your best to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle while travelling.
Finding Showers and Toilets
Health and hygiene go hand in hand. Staying clean is vital for your health, so install a shower and toilet on board or have a plan to easily access them along your route.
Cooking On the Road
Are you wondering how you are going to keep groceries on board? With the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator, you can keep all of your perishable items fresh so that you can stay nourished without constantly stopping for food along the way.
Managing Water and Laundry
Life on the road only allows a limited amount of clothing to be brought on board. To keep your clothes clean, you can install small washer-dryer alternatives on board or make a trip to the nearest town to stop at a laundromat.
Van Safety
Van life is generally a safe lifestyle, though there are always instances in which it can take a bit of a turn. Here are some general tips on ways in which you can be prepared for anything that may arise.
Staying Safe on the Road
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when you are stopped for any length of time. Keep your vehicle locked at all times and your valuables on your person at all times. You can even install security and dash cameras for extra peace of mind.
Installing EcoFlow Flexible Solar Panels is a great investment, as it will keep your cameras powered up and live throughout the day. This additional security measure is worth the added comfort.
Van Life with Pets
Do you want to have your pet tag along on your adventures? This is a great way to have some company and is an additional safety precaution you can take, as dogs can actually help to reduce crime rates while out on the road.
Bringing your pet along will require some additional planning to ensure they have everything they need to live a happy and sustained life inside the van.
Following Leave No Trace Principles
Keeping things as you find them is best practice when out on the road. Clean up after yourself, and be sure to limit the footprint you leave while living out of a van.
Financial Tips for Van Life
Wondering how you are going to afford this new lifestyle? Here are some ways you can maintain an income while enjoying van life.
Budgeting and Expenses
Before you leave is a better time than any to start saving. Pay attention to your spending habits and try to see how they will translate when you make the shift to van life. Consider all of your regular expenses to set a strict budget that you will follow as you begin your new lifestyle.
Earning Money While Traveling
There are a ton of different ways to make money while out on the road. If you’re planning to stop in different towns for an extended time, chat with the locals and see if any odd jobs need to be done. There are also a ton of food and grocery delivery services that you can quickly sign up for in the comfort of your van.
Finding Seasonal and Remote Work
Seasonal jobs are great options if you’re wanting to settle into a new town for a bit. If, on the other hand, you want to lean into the freedom of van life and not have anything tying you down, remote work is the best thing for you.
Remote jobs are becoming increasingly common, and you can do anything you want. A simple online search will show you what is available, so don’t knock it til you try it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, living full-time in a van in Australia is completely legal. That being said, you should always consult local government websites to learn more about the rules and regulations you will be required to follow if this is your chosen lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
You’re officially ready to start your life out on the road! Deciding to live in a van full-time is a huge step, but by following these steps, you’ll be prepared for any adventure.
Learn more about how EcoFlow’s Solar Panels can assist you in your new lifestyle. Reduce your dependence on the energy grid and embrace independence!