Recent times have seen more people living out of their vans due to harsh economic times or recreational purposes like traveling.
Whether you choose to live in your van or the move is born of necessity, you should make your stay as comfortable as possible. But then again, a van can only accommodate that many items at a go, so which items should carry and leave out?
Read on to find out all the van life essentials you’ll need to enjoy the quintessential van life experience.
Van Life Essentials for the Kitchen
Keeping your stomach full is a key priority, and it should be the same while living in a house or van. If you’re on a budget, you want to avoid eating take-out or at restaurants and do more homemade meals. In this case, you will need:
Water Containers
Water is not only essential for cooking but also for cleaning up after. You can store two large-gallon containers, one for cleaning and the other for drinking purposes, only to avoid water contamination. Get a safe, secure place to keep them in your van, such as in the back.
Propane Tank
The next item on your checklist is a propane tank to fuel your cooking stove. Ensure the pipe connecting the two is correctly in place to prevent gas leakage.
Other Cooking Accessories
These include spoons, plates, chopping boards, multi-use utensils, kitchen towels, and a trash can. You can also have flasks, bowls, spices, water bottles, and a coffee maker.
Van Life Electronics
Just because you’ll be living in your van doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay informed or entertained. Gadgets keep you updated on the happenings around you and connect you with loved ones. Plus, having the right equipment eases your working experience if you work from your van.
Some of the gadgets you’ll need include:
- Laptop and laptop charger
- Phone and phone charger
- Camera
- Hard drives and Memory cards
Van Life Safety and Emergency Gadgets
A van cannot afford you the safety that a four-walled house does, but you can make it near impenetrable with the help of technology. Plus, if anything were to happen while you’re living in a van, you have an escape option, and this is where an emergency kit comes in handy.
The items you need to fortify your van are:
- Van alarm system: In case anybody tries to break into your van
- GPS Tracker: To track the van if it is stolen
- Fire Extinguisher: If the van happens to catch fire
- Road Emergency Kit: For breakdowns and maintenance on the road
Van Life Accommodation Essentials
Gadgets and all are nice, but nothing beats having a homely experience in your van. Try to make your living quarters as comfortable as possible, especially the bedroom and bathroom sections. Some of the items you need to achieve this include:
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Window covers
- Sheets
- Seat covers
- Toilet paper
Experience a Van Life Like No Other
Van life seemed impossible a few back, but the truth is you can live and operate exclusively from a van seamlessly. Provided you have the van life essentials listed in this article, you won’t be yearning to go back to traditional housing.