When you’re just starting out in life or your first time living away from home, vanlife is an awesome option for you. It gives you the independence, space, and freedom to explore new places and meet new people – which is exactly what you need as a young adult.
If you’re ready to commit to this lifestyle and want to vanlife, it’s going to be necessary to invest some time and energy into researching and preparing yourself before making the leap. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming. Make sure that your first adventure doesn’t end up being one of frustration.
Your Vanlife Packing List: Step 1 – Decide Where You’re Going To Live
Before you pack up your van, you need to decide where you’re going to live. This will help you plan your vanlife better and figure out what you need in order to make it work. Depending on where you live, you might be able to set up your van in a parking space or on a vacant lot.
If you’re sure you want to vanlife but aren’t sure where to go, you can start with a list of van lifers’ favorite spots. You can ask them for tips as well since vanlife is a very communal thing.
Your Vanlife Packing List: Step 2 – Research The Area
Before you jump headfirst into an adventure, it’s important to research the area you’re planning to settle in. This research will help you determine what’s important to you and give you an idea of what life might be like there. It will also help you decide what you need to bring with you in order to make your life as comfortable as possible.
Now, even if you can’t physically visit the area you’re considering living in, you can still do a lot of this research online. Start with Google and search for your city name and “travel guide”. You can also look into getting a digital subscription to an area’s publication or visiting the local library. Get online and make the most of your research time!
Your Vanlife Packing List: Step 3 – Figure Out What You’ll Need
If you’re planning to live in a city, you’ll likely be able to find cheaper transportation options than if you’re trying to live out in the middle of nowhere. You can also save money on accommodation if you live in the city center. If you’re thinking about moving to a rural area, you’ll need to make sure you have the supplies you’ll need to make your life as comfortable as possible.
In addition to your basic food staples, you’ll also need to gear yourself toward water purification, especially if you’re in a remote area. You’ll also want to make sure you have a way to power your electronics, especially if you want to stay connected to the internet.
Your Vanlife Packing List: Step 4 – Stock Up On Basic Supplies
As mentioned above, you’ll need to make sure you have food and water stored up in your van. You’ll also want to make sure you have the basic toiletries you’ll need. If you’re going to be living in a remote area, you might need to plan ahead and get a solar-powered generator to keep your electronics powered up if there’s no grid power available.
If you’re in an urban setting, you’ll likely have access to these things. But it’s important to think about these things before you leave home so that you don’t get caught off guard when you get to your new location.
Your Vanlife Packing List: Step 5 – Add Comfort Items & Practicalities
Now that you have the bare essentials for life stocked up in your van, it’s time to add some comfort items so you don’t have to worry about roughing it out in the middle of nowhere. If you’re going to be living in a city, you’re going to want to make sure you have access to Wi-Fi in order to stay connected to the internet.
You’ll also want to make sure you have access to a grocery store and other amenities so you don’t have to worry about these things out in the middle of nowhere. If you’re in a rural area, you’ll want to make sure you have access to water so you don’t have to worry about water purification. You’ll also want to make sure you have access to a community center or library where you can meet people and make new friends.
Your Vanlife Packing List: Step 6 – Top-of-the-Line Items
We’re almost done now! Now that you’ve finalized what you’ll need to make your vanlife a success, it’s time to add in some of the top-of-the-line items to make your vanlife more enjoyable. One of the best things you can do is to get yourself a sound system.
This will allow you to listen to your music without bothering your neighbors or waking up the entire neighborhood if you live in a rural area. Another top item you can add to your list is an aquarium or fish. This is a great way to teach yourself about wildlife and make new friends with your aquatic companions.
Final Words
Vanlife can be one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever take. It gives you the chance to see the world from a different perspective, meet new people, and see places that many never get to experience. And when you’re ready to commit to this lifestyle, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for it. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be ready to hit the road and explore the world like never before!
