5 Must Knows Before You Start Van Life
VanLife has become a popular way of living for many people, offering the freedom to travel and explore different places. However, there are several essential things you need to know before starting your VanLife journey. Here are the 5 must-knows before you hit the road:
1. Where to Take Showers
One of the biggest challenges while living in a van is finding a place to take showers. It's essential to maintain proper hygiene while on the road. Fortunately, there are many options available to van dwellers.
Many truck stops and campsites offer shower facilities for a small fee. Planet Fitness and other gyms also provide shower facilities to their members. You can also take showers in rivers, lakes, and beaches, but make sure to follow the local regulations and be mindful of your impact on the environment.
For us, we utilized Planet Fitness which is a heck of a deal. They have over 1000 outlets all over America, and you will never be too far away from a Planet Fitness! Additionally, it’s only $10 a month per person. It’s a heck of a deal for a 24 hour parking lot, free showers, and a place to fill up water too!
2. Where to Sleep
Finding a place to sleep is another crucial aspect of VanLife. While some people prefer to stay in campsites or RV parks, many van dwellers choose to stealth camp in urban areas or parking lots.
Walmart and other large retail stores are known for allowing overnight parking in their parking lots. However, it's always best to ask for permission and follow any posted regulations. You can also try parking in residential areas, strip malls, and home depots. BLM land and truck stops are also popular places to park your van overnight.
Initially, our favorite places to park were hotels, and petrol stations because
3. Where to Find a Bathroom at Night
Finding a bathroom while living in a van can be a challenge, especially at night. Planet Fitness and other gyms with 24-hour access are great options for finding a restroom. You can also use a bottle or a funnel, especially for females.
In some cases, hotel lobbies and petrol stations may also offer restrooms for public use. If all else fails, going into the bushes may be your only option.
4. How to Survive VanLife During Winter
VanLife during the winter can be challenging, but it's not impossible. It's important to invest in a good quality sleeping bag, warm clothing, and layering up with merino wool. Before sleeping, cook a warm meal to help heat up the van. Additionally, insulating your van and using a heater can make a big difference in keeping you warm and comfortable during the winter months.
Trust us! It is possible, and it is not that uncomfortable! We have survived -20C easily during vanlife :)
5. Things to Have When Stuff Breaks Down
While VanLife can be rewarding, it's important to be prepared for emergencies. Having a set of essential tools can help you deal with breakdowns or other issues that may arise. It's always a good idea to have an OBD scanner, a tire jack, spare tire tools, zip ties, and tape. Additionally, having a multimeter, tire plug kit, jump starter, air pump, and other tools can come in handy in case of an emergency.
In conclusion, VanLife can be an incredible experience that allows you to explore new places and meet new people. By keeping these 5 must-knows in mind, you can make your journey as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Remember to always respect local regulations, be mindful of your impact on the environment, and enjoy the freedom that VanLife offers!
