Van life has become quite popular in the past few years. No longer is the stigma of ‘living in a van down by the river’ for just the downtrodden, gypsies or vagabonds. It’s also become a way of mixing nomadic life with the minimalist lifestyle. So, if you’re thinking of trying the van life yourself, you’ll want to read how to prepare and downsize for van life or tiny living.
HOW TO PREPARE AND DOWNSIZE FOR VAN LIFE or TINY LIVING
If you’re into the van life scene on Instagram, it’s hard not to notice the glamorous sexy side of van life. You know exactly what I’m talking about. At least, that’s the perception that’s given on social media.
It’s hard not to notice the pictures of half-naked couples sprawled out on frothy, white linen van beds looking out at amazing scenic views. He’s drinking coffee in nothing but underwear. She’s standing in her matching bra and panties cooking gourmet meals without a splatter or burn. And how about those girls doing handstand yoga poses on the roof of their tiny vans with such precision.
But is that real van life? Is it really that glamorous and sexy? Is van life all that’s portrayed on Instagram? Well?
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Applicable articles:
Downsizing RVs? What You Need to Know!
Van Life Shopping Hacks for the RV Lifestyle
Downsizing Our RV Outdoor Camping Gear
How to Downsize Your RV Kitchen and Bathroom Accessories
Downsizing Our RV: Huge Fifth Wheel to a Tiny Motorhome
Meal Planning and RV Cooking Tips for Tiny Kitchens
How small can WILL you go?
Whether you’re wanting to downsize as a solo, couple or even a family, think about how small you’re willing to go. Take a few days to visit van, RV dealerships and RV shows to get a feel of different sizes and floor plans. Also, join various social media channels and Facebook group pages to research van life and how other van lifer’s are doing it.
While looking at the new vans or campers, keep in mind they don’t have anything in them. They are showroom ready. You’ll have to use your imagination what you’re going to take. Assess your necessities vs. niceties such as clothes, cooking supplies, tools, adventure equipment, gear, etc.
Believe me when I say that a van in the RV show or dealership looks a heck of a lot bigger inside without stuff you’re going to bring or pack.
If you already are RVing and wanting to downsize to a smaller RV or van, visit others to get tips and advice. Everything from layouts, sleeping quarters, clothing and food storage, meal preparation, to driving will change your perspective totally.
Try it out for size!
If you’re really ready to downsize to a van, a smaller RV, or even tiny home, I highly recommend renting a small RV or van first. Or rent several of different sizes and layouts.
Remember that a van, small RV or tiny home is an investment. Be wise. Educate yourself and get a true feeling of how it really will be living minimally in such a small space.
Start with renting a van or small RV an overnight working your way up to week and then a month. If you and/or your partner can’t make it past an overnight or a week, accept that you may not be cutout for minimalism, tiny living or van life.
What kind of lifestyle?
Part of downsizing to the minimalistic lifestyle is reevaluating your everyday life; eating, sleeping, working and everything in between.
Questions to ask yourself…
Will you be bouncing around as a workkamper for seasonal campgrounds? Or will you be looking into plausible remote work gigs that you allow you to work where WiFi is available.
Or, are you an outdoor enthusiast? Perhaps you’re a foodie who loves to sample regional cuisines? What if you’re more into the city scene? Maybe you’re you a craftsman who wants to sell your wares at Farmer’s Markets or local fairs?
However you live will reflect on what kind and size vehicle or home you’re going to live in. Appreciate that some activities and hobbies require more gear or supplies. So, you’ll need to allocate a specified amount of space.
Stop Buying CRAP!!!
Just stop being a consumer. If you have a hard time staying out of stores, I recommend that you divert your attention to something that is useful, healthy, or accomplishes something positive; taking walks in the park, go to the library or visit a museum. Or, schedule a coffee date with a friend or family member instead of going shopping. But, make certain you tell your coffee date that’s all you’re in for. Leave your money and credit cards at home (except to pay for your coffee). In other words, stay out of stores.
If you’re eager to spend money to feel like you got something, buy yourself experiences instead such as a taking in a show or concert, a whale watch, or pamper yourself with a day at the spa. But, skip tangible items unless they have purpose and meaning.
Part of the downsizing process is refocusing on YOU and the whole principle of you choosing the van life, downsizing or living minimally. Or, all of the above.
Network with like-minded communities
There’s a plethora of communities online that are pertinent to your interests. Join them! Form bonds and learn from those who share their BTDTs. Their experiences may save you money, headaches and heartbreaks.
Start looking into social media venues that focus on van living or van life. Also, look into joining some minimalism groups. And don’t forget to see if there is a van rally coming to your area so you could walk amongst other van lifers to get ideas and gain perspective to see if the van life is for you.
Great online communities for Van lifers:
Get Organized
Make a timeline and lists. Get a calendar date book that has plenty of note-taking space. As well, buy yourself a wall calendar to keep up as a constant visual. Write everything on those calendars from yard sales, donation center hours, important meetings and dates, etc. Hold to your schedule and due dates. Because the closer you get to your move-in date, things will happen fast and you’re bound to forget an important date.
Declutter – Process of Elimination
Start with labeling boxes. Begin to separate what you’re going to keep, store, sell and donate. My suggestion is don’t keep those boxes in your sight very long. The last thing you need to do is second guess getting rid of stuff. Remember, that’s just what it is…STUFF.
For big or items that can bring in some decent bucks, get them listed on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. For smaller things you can’t seem to sell, invite your family and friends over for a gifting party and let them take one thing with them as they leave (to remember you by?). If you have 25 people at your party, you’ll be 25 things lighter by night’s end.
For more tips on downsizing, decluttering and organizing for your van, check out:
Declutter and Organize Your RV or Small Spaces
Ignore the Nay Sayers
Your mother is going to worry. Your brothers and sisters are going to think you’ve landed in the poor house. And your friends are going to tell you that you’ve fallen off your rocker. They all are going to say “you can’t LIVE in a van!”. Just politely nod and ignore those Negative Nellies. They’re not the ones who are living your life.
Don’t let the naysayers talk you out of your dream of van life. Gone are the days of the perception of being downtrodden and living in a van down by the river like the SNL video excerpt below:
Accept Your Growing Pains
Your first week and even the first couple months is your so-called honeymoon period of your new small lifestyle. Once the novelty wears off, you’ll be faced with the reality of your choosing. You’re going to experience the pits of “why the hell am I doing this to myself?” to excitements of “OH, the places I can go!”
Things are going to break. Finances will test you. Weather and illness may put you in places you don’t intend to be. Oftentimes, your patience may wear thin and And lastly, sometimes loneliness will be your worst enemy. But, just remember, all of those even apply to EVERYTHING in life, no matter what or what size home, vessel or vehicle your journey takes you on. Take one day at a time.
Enjoy the process because your ultimate goal is living and not having.
The Downsides of Van Life
Considering we’re just one letter away from being Vanlifers ourselves, we still share pretty much the same constraints and considerations as those living in actual vans. A good explanation put together by our friends at Drivin’ & Vibin’ in their 5 Reasons to Avoid Van Life will give you realistic perceptions that you need to be aware of.
Know that when you prepare and downsize for Van life isn’t easy. Even we still go through some of those struggles after of living in our tiny motorhome for over a year. We have our own challenges that we didn’t incur living in our big fifth wheels. But living in tighter quarters has enabled us to focus more on the journey, our relationships and the incredible places we explore.
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