Van Life Essentials: How To Start a Van Life
When you start your van life, you’ll need more than just a van and the clothes on your back. Gathering the essentials for van life requires thorough research and careful planning. With the right resources and information, you can get the busy work done ahead of schedule and be on your way in no time. Let our team at Rjourney show you the essential tasks and items to get started with your van life.
1. Getting a Van
First, you’ll need to find the best van for your taste and lifestyle. Different vehicles will vary in size, fuel efficiency, and customization options. Do your research before purchasing if you plan to alter your vehicle yourself, as some vans are more suitable for customization than others.
2. Planning and Budgeting
Once you have your vehicle, it’s time to plan out and budget your journey. Weigh the pros and cons and determine which van life destinations are most suitable for you. You can find a ton of information through van life YouTube channels or van life books from your local library or bookstore. We recommend conducting a trial run of your vehicle before you begin packing.
3. Packing Essentials for Van Life
In addition to clothing, you’ll need to pack various essential items before you hit the road. Here are some of the most important items to pack ahead of time:
- Safety. A carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
- Sleeping. A warm sleeping bag, a mattress, and pillows.
- Cooking. A camp stove, cookware, and utensils.
- Water. Water bottles, storage containers, and a portable shower.
- Hygiene. Microfiber towels, toiletries, and a waste disposal system.
- Power. Portable chargers, electrical outlets, and solar panels.
4. Consider Your Accommodations
As you go about your journey, you’ll need to think about various accommodations for living and work. You’ll need to stay clean with van life shower and toilet accommodations. Plan your first trip to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Almost all van lifers work remotely and build a DIY setup as a designated workspace. Find a spot in your vehicle with electricity for you to plug in your laptop and connect to the Wi-Fi. We recommend you join online RV communities to connect and learn more about what RV life has to offer.
5. How To Find the Best Wi-Fi Hotspots for RV Life
To connect to the internet, you’ll need access to Wi-Fi hotspots. We recommend a combination of free public hotspots, mobile hotspots from phone carriers, and satellite internet options, such as Starlink. If you need help setting up your mobile hotspots, talk with your phone provider and find the accommodations you need for your life on the road.
Kickstart Your Van Life at Rjourney
For the best camping spots for your van life journey, come to Rjourney. Our state-of-the-art RV resorts provide campers with numerous on-site amenities and fun-filled activities to help them never spare a single moment. Contact us or find your nearest Rjourney location to book your stay today!