Professionals and Cons of Full-Time Van Life – Bearfoot Principle

In case you are fascinated with van life, within the technique of shopping for a camper van, or in the midst of a van conversion, you is perhaps grappling with the query of whether or not you must quit your house and reside indefinitely in a van full-time. 

In 2016, I received my first Sprinter Van, moved out of my condo, and spent almost two years rent-free. It was a liberating time stuffed with journey, self-realization, and progress, however it additionally got here with challenges. I cherished the liberty of not having lease and stuff holding me again, however there have been positively issues I didn’t take into account – like what occurs when your van wants repairs or if that you must spend prolonged time in a metropolis the place there isn’t considerable free tenting. 

On this weblog put up, I share the professionals and cons of full-time van life that you just’ll wish to take into account earlier than you make the leap. Evaluating the advantages of van life and the difficulties that generally come up will show you how to to resolve whether or not you’re prepared to surrender a traditional life (at the very least for a bit) for the unknown.

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My Full-Time Van Life Expertise

Again in 2016, after I received my Sprinter Van, I used to be assured that I wished to be a full-time van lifer. I had simply gotten again to the US from three solo months in New Zealand the place I explored the nation in a camper van. Upon returning dwelling, I wished to be bill-free, rent-free, and have the liberty that got here with that. My weblog was already two years outdated and dealing remotely from my van was my final purpose. I bought the vast majority of my stuff, together with my automobile, put the remainder of my belongings in a small storage unit, and moved out of my Salt Lake Metropolis condo.

After I moved into my van that summer time, I used to be thrilled for the unknown and the adventures forward of me. That first 12 months, I traveled primarily solo round Southern Utah, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, California, and the Canadian Rockies.

The highway was stuffed with ups and downs as I slowly received into my groove with van life. I cherished having the ability to get up within the locations I used to be writing about on this weblog. Having so few obligations and duties (aside from my job) and minimizing the muddle in my life was extremely releasing. Sleeping in my very own mattress, cooking my very own meals, and having the ability to do what I wished, after I wished have been luxuries that no different type of journey had supplied. 

On the identical time, I skilled points with my van construct that required me to remain an prolonged interval in LA the place I needed to exchange my photo voltaic panels, restore my bathe, and repair a bunch of different small issues. With no dwelling to return to or one other automobile to drive, I ended up staying with my mother and father whereas my dad helped me deal with the problems I used to be having.

I additionally received a style of what van life can be like within the winter. I used to be decided to discover ways to ski that winter, so I deliberate to be in a snowy local weather. After a number of December nights outdoors of the mountains in Salt Lake Metropolis, I noticed what that might entail (which I’ll go into under). 

Again in 2016, working from the highway was not as straightforward as I predicted. Web for van lifers has come a good distance since then, however on the time, I discovered myself planning my days round discovering Wi-Fi so I might work, ship emails, or plan out my day.

In the long run, I did two years of full-time van life with no dwelling base earlier than I made a decision that I wished to be a part-time full-time van lifer; in different phrases, I wished to reside in my van full-time in the summertime and have a homebase to come back again to within the winter. And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

This enables me to expertise lots of the advantages of dwelling in a van like the liberty to journey spontaneously and having the comforts of dwelling on the highway, whereas additionally having a comfy, heat dwelling base the place I can get large work tasks achieved within the colder months. I’m additionally a mother now, so we want to have the ability to take a break from touring because it will get fairly tight in there with two adults, a child, and two canines.

Whereas that is the setup that works for my household and me now, I’m so grateful for the time I spent as a full-time van lifer. I’m undecided I’ll ever really feel so free once more. 

In case you’re questioning if van life is the correct selection for you, right here I share the professionals and cons of dwelling in a van that will help you resolve.

Professionals of Full-Time Van Life

With limitless adventures and locations to discover, dwelling in a van actually has its perks. There may be nothing fairly like the reassurance of getting the whole lot you want with you always and the liberty of an open highway in entrance of you. Listed here are eleven advantages of dwelling in a van to contemplate.

1) Dwelling in a van provides you the liberty to journey spontaneously

Though it could be apparent, one of many largest perks of dwelling in a van is the skill to journey wherever you need, everytime you wish to go. It’s an reasonably priced and sensible option to see as a lot of the nation as potential.

With a house on wheels, you don’t have to fret about making lodge reservations or planning out an enormous itinerary. Even in in style locations, you may sometimes discover someplace to park in a single day. It won’t be your excellent campsite, however anyplace can work for an evening, which suggests there isn’t an excessive amount of of a necessity for planning. 

As a substitute of dwelling for the weekends, dwelling on the highway in your van permits you to journey and journey at any time when it really works in your schedule. You may also go to in style locations or do crowded hikes throughout much less busy instances.

You possibly can even change plans on a dime with out dropping deposits on rooms, airplane tickets, and rental automobiles. If the climate turns ugly, you may hop within the van and escape to sunnier skies. Or, in the event you resolve you wish to attend a enjoyable occasion or competition on the final minute, you might be able to go at a second’s discover.

2) You possibly can scope out a possible future dwelling base

One of many largest advantages of van life is the chance to suss out locations you would possibly wish to reside someday. Dwelling in a van means you may spend so long as you need in a location, which is a handy option to get a really feel for the vibe earlier than committing to a lease or mortgage!

You possibly can begin to really feel like a neighborhood whereas dwelling in or close to the identical city for a few weeks. Chances are you’ll even have the ability to visualize your self dwelling there completely. Some locations find yourself shocking you, whereas others you’ll have the ability to rule out after spending time there.

3) You don’t pay lease or utilities

Among the best issues about dwelling in a van full-time is the lack of lease or mortgage and utilities that have to be paid. These prices add up considerably every month.

In a van, you don’t want to pay a month-to-month price for electrical energy, warmth, air-con, or trash service. After you have your photo voltaic and electrical system put in, you may reside off the grid at no cost indefinitely.

As lease rises and the housing market turns into much less reasonably priced, van life is an much more engaging possibility.

Fairly than paying extraordinarily excessive costs to reside, a house on wheels permits you to keep in lovely locations for much less. Even if in case you have a mortgage in your van otherwise you pay for infrequent tenting, your month-to-month fee ought to be considerably cheaper than lease in a fascinating location.

Whereas not each city is as welcoming to van lifers (that is very true alongside the coasts), most cities within the Mountain West have some type of free or cheap tenting close by, permitting you to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about states like Colorado with out paying the hefty value.

4) Van life *can* be an reasonably priced option to journey

Van life isn’t inherently low cost, however it may be if you’re acutely aware about your spending. First, you don’t should pay for lodging, and in the event you make the most of assets to seek out free campsites, tenting might be free. Additionally, with a kitchen or out of doors range, you may cook dinner your individual meals. You don’t should depend on eating places which is usually a big expense whereas touring. 

I discover that full-time van lifers usually tend to keep on with a finances than part-timers who are inclined to deal with van life like a short-term trip. As a full-time van lifer, I had a finances, and I caught to it. I didn’t deal with van life like a trip, as a result of it was the truth is every day life. Now as a part-time van lifer on the highway for shorter stints, I’m extra prone to splurge.

5) Van lifers spend extra time in nature

As a lover of the outside, my favourite factor about van life is it permits me to spend a good portion of my day in nature. Relying on the climate, I can sit outdoors to drink my tea, work, and chill out with a guide on the finish of the day.

However what I’m actually right here is for the journey. In case you’re like me and also you like to hike, bike, or paddle, dwelling in a van permits you to get pleasure from these hobbies in a wide range of places recurrently. As a substitute of doing the identical native hikes on repeat or the identical loop round your neighborhood every morning, full-time van life permits you to simply combine up the surroundings and expertise a wide range of lovely landscapes.

6) You study to reside with much less

When you could have fewer possessions, there may be much less to fret about. You do not need as a lot to wash, to look after, or to prepare.

Whereas some might even see minimizing as a con, the van lifers on my workforce and I all agree there may be happiness to be discovered within the simplicity. 

BFT Contributor Kaylin vividly remembers going via every room of her outdated condo and deciding what to maintain vs. let go when she was transferring into her van. As somebody who loves garments and sneakers, she says it was not straightforward at first; nevertheless, over time she turned much less connected to every merchandise that she donated or bought. She has discovered that having fewer objects is releasing.

Do not forget that you don’t essentially should promote or donate the entire objects you don’t convey with you within the van as storage can also be an possibility. You will need to take into account the worth and attachment you are feeling in the direction of your possessions. You probably have numerous worthwhile stuff you with private that means, then storage might be the best way to go.

In case your stuff is cheap and also you assume you’ll ultimately wish to exchange it, then by all means, promote what you may. This offers you a bit additional money when you find yourself beginning out, and also you gained’t be held again by your stuff that’s sitting in a storage unit in a metropolis you won’t wish to come again to.

Now that I’m doing part-time van life and have a home and a storage with extra stuff than I’d wish to admit, I miss the times of dwelling in my van when my life was so clutter-free. I had the whole lot I wanted to get pleasure from life with me and nothing extra. If I purchased something new, one thing needed to go to create space for it. The dearth of accumulation meant that I by no means felt slowed down by or needed to take into account my stuff when planning for my future.

7) Chores are easier

Whereas van life comes with its distinctive chores, the general technique of cleansing and sustaining your house on wheels is fast and straightforward.

You do not want to fret about caring for a garden, eradicating snow, or dusting and vacuuming a big dwelling area. This protects valuable time and stress, permitting you to have the choice to get outdoors extra and journey.

Nonetheless, you should have a number of new chores reminiscent of refilling your water tank, emptying your pee jug or bathroom waste (if in case you have one), sweeping out the sand and rocks that appear to rapidly accumulate on the ground, and winterizing your van as wanted. Additionally, you will must make time to go to laundromats occasionally.

I’ve discovered that if you perform a little little bit of primary cleansing and organizing of your van for a couple of minutes earlier than you go to mattress or proper while you get up, you may hold your area feeling tidy the vast majority of the time.

8) You’ve the comforts of dwelling wherever you go

If you reside full-time in a van, dwelling really turns into wherever you park it. In case you are having a campfire and out of the blue crave the heat of your favourite blanket, you may rapidly seize it out of your van. Or, if you wish to watch a film on Netflix one night whereas ingesting a scorching beverage out of your favourite mug with the heater on, that is doable in your van.

It’s handy to have the ability to benefit from the comforts of dwelling regardless of the place you go. You even have entry to your whole belongings always whereas touring and not must remorse not packing your raincoat or favourite hat while you unexpectedly want it. As a substitute, you may merely seize it out of your van and proceed together with your adventures.

9) You get to satisfy every kind of latest individuals

Among the best components of dwelling on the highway is connecting with different vacationers and constructing a van life group on the highway. You meet individuals from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. Since you normally aren’t in a rush to get anyplace, you’re extra prone to chat with individuals on the path, your campground neighbors, or locals that you just meet on the town.

There are additionally quite a few van festivals and gatherings all around the nation, just like the competition I organized in Idaho in 2019 and 2022 known as Open Roads Fest. Many of those gatherings are designed round particular pursuits, serving to you join with different like-minded vacationers. It’s not unusual for van lifers to hyperlink up at these occasions and to caravan to new locations afterward.

10) You get an workplace with a view

As a substitute of spending your days in a cubicle or workplace, dwelling on the highway permits you to work wherever you are feeling like. You possibly can work from a cute espresso store or select to have an inspiring view of nature outdoors of your window every day.

Some days you may need a view of the ocean, whereas others could possibly be spent working among the many pine bushes. Whilst you is probably not parked in an epic location the entire time, one of many joys of van life is having the ability to combine it up relying on how you are feeling.

There may be nothing fairly like working to the sound of a close-by creek. Maybe not surprisingly, I’ve discovered that working from my van usually fuels extra inspiration and creativity than working in a standard workplace setting ever did.

11) Van life helps you develop

In case you are searching for methods to push your self out of your consolation zone and develop as an individual, full-time van life is a superb alternative for this.

I’ve change into an general extra assured individual by proving to myself that I can care for myself independently on the highway and navigate difficult conditions. Though there are occasional moments after I might really feel anxious or confused, van life has taught me how one can rely on myself as a substitute of relying on another person to assist or rescue me.

Cons of Full-Time Van Life

Simply as there are quite a few benefits to dwelling on the highway, there are additionally cons of full-time van life. Social media tends to painting the glamorous components of van life, however there are essential factors to contemplate when deciding if this life-style is sensible for you. This part addresses eight of the downfalls.

1) Discovering jobs and dealing from the highway might be difficult

Full-time van life might be very completely different relying on if you need to work. Though this is probably not a con for some who have already got a distant place or seasonal job, it may be troublesome for others to discover a distant job that permits them the liberty and suppleness to journey. Nonetheless, distant positions are far more widespread these days.

This weblog has been my full-time job since 2014. I’ve three contractors who assist me behind the scenes, and it’s not unusual for me to place in 60-hour work weeks. Dependable Wi-Fi for van lifers who’re working remotely is essential.

Fortunately I like being an out of doors blogger, however this implies after I’m dwelling in my van, there are numerous days sitting in espresso retailers and staying in cities as a substitute of being off-the-grid. Many days I’ve to skip mountain climbing and doing different enjoyable issues so I can get issues achieved. My expertise as a full-time van lifer could be very completely different than somebody who can give up their job altogether and reside off of their financial savings for a 12 months or two, fully on their very own phrases.

Over time, my workforce members – a few of whom additionally occur to be van lifers – have come from a wide range of backgrounds, together with instructing, therapeutic massage remedy, and e-commerce. All of them used van life as a chance to pursue a brand new profession path as freelancers. So whereas I gained’t sugarcoat the difficulties that include freelancing, it may be achieved in the event you’re devoted to creating it work.

Engaged on the highway takes an entire completely different stage of diligence in comparison with working in an workplace and even from dwelling. When an journey is staring you within the face each morning, it takes dedication to sit down on the laptop fairly than lacing up your mountain climbing boots. You’ll wish to take into account the way you would possibly set up routines and methods to assist your self be productive on the highway.

Whereas distant jobs assist you to have the flexibleness to journey all 12 months lengthy, some vacationers choose to remain in a single spot for a season to make sufficient cash to final them the remainder of the 12 months. There are a lot of methods you may go about discovering each forms of work, however simply know that it could take time to land the correct place for you. I like to recommend having a plan for earning money on the highway earlier than you begin full-time van life.

2) Van life might be troublesome on relationships

In case you plan to journey together with your romantic accomplice, you will have to study how one can reside in a van together with your vital different. You would possibly go from spending nights and weekends collectively at dwelling to spending each waking second collectively within the van. This has the potential to have an effect on your relationship in each constructive and destructive methods.

For the primary two years of van life, I used to be principally solo. My accomplice Ryan and I have been relationship, however he couldn’t include me for longer than fast journeys as a result of his work. Ultimately, I used to be making sufficient from my weblog to help each of us on the highway, so he took six months off from work so he might journey with me. 

Going from solo van life to being with somebody 24/7 was an enormous adjustment. General, I’d say van life has helped us develop collectively and strengthened our relationship. Dwelling in such a small area is a chance to find out about your accomplice and join extra deeply, however it requires numerous work, too. 

With the every day selections of what to do, the place to camp, what to cook dinner, and whether or not the van is stage for sleeping (our commonest argument), you need to decide your battles and study to compromise. You’ll additionally must forgive and neglect rapidly after arguments and keep away from blaming one another when issues don’t go in accordance with plan. In case you can’t do these items, your relationship will certainly endure. 

For Ryan and I, it has additionally been useful to break up up chores and set up routines so there’s no arguing about who has to do what. Once we’re getting the van able to drive, Ryan takes care of packing up the gear within the storage, whereas I cope with tidying up the within of the van. Ryan cooks whereas I work on my laptop. I make the mattress each morning, whereas Ryan takes the canines out. With clear expectations, it looks like each of us are contributing equally to our life on the highway.

3) Van lifers have a scarcity of primary facilities

You don’t notice what number of points of every day life you’re taking as a right till you not have them. A con of van life is your van absolutely gained’t have a washer, dishwasher, or limitless scorching water. It could not actually have a van bathroom, bathe, or ample electrical energy.

On the flip facet, van life teaches you to make due. You begin to see issues just like the occasional scorching bathe as a luxurious. You discover ways to cook dinner a meal utilizing fewer dishes so that you don’t should waste water. You make your garments final a number of weeks earlier than you suck it up and go to a laundromat. You make certain to show off the lights and different electronics so that you don’t waste your valuable electrical energy. You’ll change into an knowledgeable on how one can discover public facilities like dump stations, showers, and extra.

If these sacrifices sound depressing, van life might be not for you. You possibly can work round a few of them by designing your van construct round your particular wants, besides, there are some belongings you simply can’t have in a van. 

4) You must continuously plan

That is in all probability my least favourite factor about van life. Whereas some might thrive on the method of planning journeys and creating itineraries, it may be exhausting to do that for therefore many little selections each single day. As a full-time van lifer, you need to discover locations to park every night time (and infrequently make backup plans), locations to bathe, laundromats, grocery shops, and water hookups. 

Earlier than visiting vacationer points of interest and mountain climbing places, you additionally must analysis these locations forward of time and buy the required tickets and permits. This implies you’ll be spending much more time in your cellphone than you would possibly count on.

Even with the entire campsite finder apps, discovering locations to park every night time might be one of the worrying components of van life. Locations could also be closed, full, or tougher to entry than the outline leads you to consider.

Studying van life blogs reminiscent of this one will help prevent time and stress in your planning. I additionally counsel reaching out to pals for his or her suggestions in areas you’re much less aware of and utilizing apps that will help you discover free campsites.

5) Winter might be powerful

If you wish to do van life in winter and go to completely different ski resorts, crucial factor is that your van is constructed for 4-seasons. Meaning your water methods have to be fully contained in the van, that you must have good insulation and a high quality heater that can forestall you (and your pipes) from freezing, and {an electrical} system that may sustain with winter’s calls for. You’ll additionally want heat blankets and a number of heat layers, particularly if one thing goes incorrect together with your heater. 

Even when your van is able to cope with the local weather, there are some issues to remember in the event you plan to do van life in winter. The fact is you’ll be spending as much as 15 hours a day inside your automobile as a result of it getting darkish and chilly so early. This may be particularly powerful if in case you have pets in your van that thrive on getting outdoors. 

You’ll must make a plan for the way you’ll entertain your self at night time. Going to bars and eating places to replenish your time will get costly rapidly, so that you’ll must embrace a pastime and be okay with sitting contained in the van for prolonged hours within the evenings. Think about cooking, studying, journaling, enjoying video games, or knitting – the sorts of hobbies that don’t take up numerous area. There’s additionally Netflix or getting work achieved within the evenings in the event you’re working remotely. 

The challenges are compounded by the truth that a majority of ski areas usually are not very van-friendly. Many have no-overnight parking guidelines as a result of snow plows, avalanche hazard, or attempting to drive individuals to pay for lodges. After all, there are some exceptions, however that you must do your homework. In any other case, you’ll be compelled to stealth camp, which might be troublesome in small mountain cities with strict guidelines. 

For that motive, many van lifers flock south within the winter to locations like Southern California, Arizona, Baja, and Florida.

6) You must take into consideration your security extra usually

Though I not often really feel unsafe in my van, it’s one thing that’s all the time on the forefront of my thoughts. Whether or not you’re touring with a accomplice or solo as a feminine van lifer, you may take steps to really feel assured in stopping your self from moving into weak conditions. 

Some precautions I take are selecting my campsites rigorously, maintaining my doorways locked after I’m contained in the van, and utilizing privateness curtains to maintain individuals from seeing inside my van. I additionally hold my driver’s seat clear and know the place my keys are always.

If worse involves worse, be ready to defend your self. Have a plan for the way you’ll self-protect within the face of hazard. Above all, belief your intestine. You probably have a foul feeling, observe your instinct. If I get a foul vibe in a spot or don’t really feel comfy leaving my van parked someplace, I modify course and create a brand new plan.

Along with defending your self, you additionally wish to take into account defending your valuables. Since you could have your whole belongings on you always, dwelling full-time in a van presents its distinctive set of dangers. Think about investing in protecting lock containers for costly objects or safety cameras.

All of those precautions are particularly essential to contemplate while you’re staying in areas with out mobile phone reception. Ensure you have a plan for the way you’ll deal with an emergency or security scenario wherever you go.

7) You want a backup plan in case one thing occurs to your van

An inevitable a part of proudly owning a automobile like a van is accepting that it’s going to seemingly want repairs in your time of proudly owning it. Since your automobile can also be your house, you will need to have a backup plan of the place you’ll go in case your van finally ends up needing repairs otherwise you get into an accident.

Some full-time van lifers stick with pals or household if they’re dwelling in an space the place they’ve this selection. Others might must get a lodge on the final minute. I like to recommend having cash reserved for this in your emergency fund simply in case. Generally insurance coverage will cowl this relying in your coverage.

Sadly, you don’t have complete management over what occurs to your van. In case you go into this life-style realizing that the day might (and certain will) come that you’ll want to make different preparations, it gained’t be as worrying or shocking when a breakdown or accident occurs to you.

8) Chances are you’ll really feel judged or stigmatized

Though van life is rising in popularity and acceptable, there may be nonetheless a stigma related to dwelling in your automobile and never working a standard 9-5 workplace job. Some individuals might be excited for you while you inform them the information, and others will assume you’re loopy and probably choose you.

My workforce and I all bear in mind telling our household and pals about our selections to do full-time van life. It appears all of us received a really comparable response. A number of individuals shared our pleasure, despatched journey suggestions, and wished us the very best. Others didn’t know how one can reply and puzzled how we might make it work. Then there are the involved ones who ship you articles concerning the risks of journey and why you must rethink your choice to reside on the highway full-time.

Be ready to know your “why” behind van life and really feel assured in explaining your choice to others. Whereas the vast majority of individuals are curious and imply nicely, some additionally are inclined to push again or really feel threatened by a nontraditional way of life.

Is full-time van life best for you?

When contemplating the professionals and cons of dwelling in a van and whether or not you’re prepared to surrender your condo or dwelling altogether, take time to mirror and consider if full-time van life is best for you. In case you are planning to reside in your van together with your accomplice, it would be best to make sure you focus on these factors collectively. Do not forget that part-time van life can also be an possibility, so in the event you aren’t able to take a everlasting dive, you may all the time use the van as an escape on the weekends and for trip.

Earlier than diving into van life, I extremely suggest renting a van for a highway journey so you may attempt it out first. That manner you may expertise the professionals and cons of dwelling in a van earlier than going all in.

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What advantages and challenges are you getting ready for as you take into account full-time van life? What questions do you could have? Let me know within the remark part under!

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