The first time you hear about vanlife, you’re not quite sure what to think. Is it just for those who have really rough and rugged lifestyles? Or is it only for the wealthy or privileged? Vanlife is not just an experiment or a niche interest it’s a lifestyle and community that has spread like wildfire among young people all over the world.
It doesn’t matter where you are from, how much money you have, or what your previous experiences were if you live with less than 25 other people in your home, and spend the majority of your time outdoors exploring the great outdoors with minimal restrictions, then chances are you might be interested in vanlife too.
The History Of Vanlife
The first people who “lived in vans” were likely itinerant workers who got around by rail or truck, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that the term “vanlife” was coined. The concept of “road warrior” was already prevalent in the hippie movement of the ’60s, and eventually, it made its way into mainstream culture via the rise of the “motorized nomad” phenomenon in the late ’90s.
The internet and social media have only made the idea of “road warrior” more prominent—and have brought the lifestyle to the attention of even more people. The rise of Instagram and YouTube in particular has made the lifestyle more accessible than ever before. Many people have come to vanlife through Instagram and Reddit, and the internet has made it easier to connect with others who are already living the lifestyle.
What Are The Benefits of Living in a Van?
Living in a van may not appeal to everyone, but there are a few benefits that make the decision even easier. First and foremost, this lifestyle offers financial freedom. There are no bills to pay, insurance to take care of, or lease payments. If you have a van and a place to park it, you’re good to go.
You’ll have to do some basic maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, but otherwise, this lifestyle is totally free. You’re not restricted to a certain area, either—some people travel to nearby parks or even stay in their van in one city or state while traveling to a different one or country for the summer.
Is Vanlife for Everyone?
There are a lot of people who are interested in exploring vanlife, but it depends on a few factors. First, how much money do you have? People who have the resources to travel and live in a van may find that it’s unnecessary to actually earn money.
For those who have to work a regular job to make ends meet, vanlife might just be an interesting experiment. Secondly, does the idea of having to live in a van scare you? Moving into a van for a short period of time may not be for you. It’s an extreme lifestyle, and you may have a hard time looking at yourself in the mirror after experiencing it.
Rules of vanlife: How to live in a van
If you’re wondering if this lifestyle is for you, you might be wondering how you even get started. The easiest way to figure out if vanlife is for you is to live it! Once you’ve got a few weeks of experience under your belt, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision on whether or not this lifestyle is right for you. These are some of the most important things to keep in mind when living in a van:
You must park legally. – In order to legally park your vehicle, you must have a full set of plates on the vehicle and a state or federal parking permit. You can only park your vehicle in public parking lots, garages, or on-street parking spots that are cleared for parking. You must keep your vehicle clean, with no trash or items within the vehicle that could obstruct other people from parking.
Why You Might Not Want to Live in a Van Anymore
The idea of living in a van seems like the best option, but it’s not for everyone. The lifestyle has a few downsides that might make it difficult for you to actually go through with it. For one, many people who are interested in vanlife actually aren’t ready for it.
There are many logistical things that people need to learn before they venture out into this type of life, and this can be one of them. Another reason why someone might not want to live in a van is that the lifestyle can be quite extreme. You have to be okay with living in a van out in the middle of nowhere, with no running water or access to a sewer system this can be a deal-breaker for some people.
