Whether you're drawn to van life by a love for travel, a minimalist lifestyle, or the rising cost of rent, the idea of turning your vehicle into a home on wheels is becoming more appealing than ever. But if you're just starting out, it can feel overwhelming to navigate all the logistics, gear, and mindset shifts that come with living on the road. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 essential tips to make your transition into van life or car living smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.
1. Start with What You Have
You don’t need a fully built-out Sprinter van to begin your journey. Many seasoned vanlifers started in a basic SUV, minivan, or even a sedan. Start small, test the lifestyle, and upgrade as needed. Use this time to figure out what you truly need versus what Instagram tells you you need.
💡 Try a few weekend trips in your current vehicle to test the waters.
2. Prioritize a Good Sleeping Setup
Your bed is your sanctuary on the road. You’ll sleep better, feel more energized, and avoid burnout if you’re comfortable. If you're in a car, consider folding down the back seats and using a tri-fold memory foam mattress or even sleeping pads. For vans, a raised bed platform with storage underneath is gold.
🛏 Tip: Invest in blackout window covers or curtains for privacy and insulation.
3. Plan Where You’ll Park (and Sleep!)
Finding a safe, legal, and quiet place to park overnight is key. Apps like iOverlander, Park4Night, and FreeRoam can help. Some go-to options include:
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Walmart parking lots (check with store managers)
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Truck stops and rest areas
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National Forests and BLM land
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Residential areas (be respectful and stealthy)
🚗 Always trust your instincts—if it feels sketchy, move on.
4. Create a Minimalist, Functional Storage System
Space is tight, so everything you bring should serve a purpose—or better yet, multiple purposes. Use bins, drawers, and seat organizers to maximize space. Store items in categories (kitchen, clothes, tools, etc.) so you can find things quickly.
🎒 Use vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal clothes or bulky bedding.
5. Stay Organized and Clean
It doesn’t take long for a tiny space to become chaotic. Make tidying up part of your daily routine. Wipe down surfaces, shake out bedding, and don’t let trash pile up.
🧼 Keep a small broom, trash bags, and baby wipes on hand for quick cleans.
6. Figure Out Your Bathroom and Hygiene Game
You don’t need a full bathroom, but you do need a routine. Some basics:
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Toiletries: Use gyms, truck stops, or campground facilities.
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Showers: Planet Fitness or other gym memberships are great for this.
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Toilet: A portable camping toilet or pee bottle for emergencies.
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Daily Hygiene: Baby wipes, dry shampoo, and face wipes work wonders.
🚿 Tip: Keep a hygiene kit in an easy-to-access bag for gas station or gym stops.
7. Keep Your Food Simple (But Satisfying)
You can eat well on the road without a full kitchen. A cooler or 12V fridge, a single-burner propane stove, and a few quality utensils can go a long way. Stock up on shelf-stable basics, like:
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Canned beans or soup
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Pasta and rice
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Tortillas and peanut butter
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Fresh fruits and veggies that don't need refrigeration
🔥 Always cook away from your sleeping area for safety and odor control.
8. Power Your Devices Wisely
Even with minimal gear, you’ll want to keep your phone, camera, lights, and maybe a laptop charged. Options include:
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Portable power stations (Jackery, Bluetti, etc.)
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Solar panels (great for long-term setups)
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Charging while you drive (with a car inverter)
⚡ LED fairy lights or headlamps are great low-power lighting solutions.
9. Be Ready for All Weather
Living in your vehicle means you're exposed to the elements. Prepare for both heat and cold:
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Cold: Insulated window covers, sleeping bags rated for low temps, wool layers.
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Heat: Reflectix for windows, portable fans, light-colored vehicle interiors, and parking in shade.
❄️☀️ Always ventilate your vehicle slightly to prevent condensation.
10. Stay Safe and Trust Your Intuition
Safety is crucial—especially if you’re traveling solo. Some basics:
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Always lock your doors.
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Don’t post your real-time location online.
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Let someone know your general travel plans.
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Keep pepper spray or a personal alarm handy.
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Have a roadside emergency kit and a charged power bank.
🚨 Create an “exit strategy” for any place you sleep, just in case you need to leave quickly.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Van life and car living are about so much more than just surviving—it’s about freedom, exploration, and learning to live with less. The challenges will teach you resilience, and the simple moments—like watching sunrise from your pillow or cooking a meal under the stars—make it all worth it.
Remember, there’s no one “right way” to do van life. Your setup, your pace, your journey—it’s all yours to create.
Have you started your van life or car camping journey? What’s been your biggest lesson so far? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.
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