50+ Vanlife Essentials That Will Make Your Life Easier [Guaranteed]
Van Life Essentials
Leaving home in exchange for the carefree, mobile, and active lifestyle that the van life offers will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. That said, when you’re first starting out, it can be tricky to figure out which items are essential to your journey
The thing is, it can be hard living in a van when you haven’t got the right setup. Many of the factors in your daily life will be out of your control — traffic, weather, parking — so you want to make sure you’re in complete control of everything else.
Once you’ve taken care of warmth, food, and hygiene, van life will be much easier and more fulfilling.
Whether you plan on winding and weaving through snowy mountaintops or driving along warm coastal roads, this van life essentials list will be your #1 ally in determining which things you need to live in a van.
To cover as much ground as possible, I’ve segmented each item category into three price points — Affordable, Mid-tier, and Luxury.
I vetted all the items in this list based on value, user reviews, durability, and my own personal experiences. And after more than 100 hours of research and writing, the list is finally complete. In this list are the best items for each price point.
It can be hard to decide which items to bring, so bookmark this post and take your time with each item.
Let’s start with #1…
1. Propane Stove
A propane stove is one of the most important essentials of van life.
Having a propane stove gives you the freedom to cook all of your meals from your van. If you have enough propane, you’ll live to eat another day.
You should know that propane can be harmful to humans so it’s important to take precautionary measures. Ensure proper ventilation before each use and you should be good to go.
For extra safety, I recommend these carbon monoxide detectors. Install them in your van to know immediately once a gas leak occurs. And if that happens, a fire extinguisher will save your life more than anything else.
I chose stoves that had a balance of power and size. You’ll be cooking most of your meals on your stove, so you want something powerful and efficient but small enough to store away when you’re done.
For these reasons, I focused on medium-sized car-camping stoves instead of compact backpacking stoves. These are typically more powerful, stable, and offer much more control.
Coleman Classic Propane Stove
Many of my friends in the van dwelling community swear by the Coleman Classic Propane Stove. It’s got everything you could need from a portable propane stove — plus it’s cheap.
It’s big enough to fit both a 12” and 10” pan side by side, which should be enough to cook a warm meal for 2 to 4 people without any of it getting cold. The fuel lasts long enough (2-4 cooks per 16 oz. canister) and is incredibly cheap ($3~ each).
The burner and grate are very close to each other, which means you’ll have more heat directly underneath your pots and pans for faster cooking. And because of its size (21.9” x 13.7” x 4.1”), it’s very easy to set up and tear down, and you can store it anywhere there’s space.
But the best thing about the Coleman Classic Propane Stove is how durable it is. Even when used regularly, this thing can last decades. Some people have had this stove since their boy scout days and still use it in their 50s.
Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove
If you’re interested in something larger and more robust but isn’t too pricey, then the Camp Chef Explorer is perfect for you.
The Camp Chef Explorer’s burners are massive (448 sq. in.) and offer a cooking power of 30,000 BTU. For context, a typical residential gas stove offers only around 20,000 BTU, so this thing means business. And with its vast range of accessories, this thing lets you cook whatever you want wherever you are.
Its dimensions are 34” x 14” x 29”, so this thing’s going to be one of your bigger items in storage. The stove plus the propane tank will take up a lot of space, so you need to plan out how they’ll fit in your van in addition to your mattress and your other essentials.
However, it does make up for its bulkiness with power, versatility, stability, and (if it’s important to you) aesthetics.
Its modular approach lets you take your kitchen anywhere, whether you’re out car camping or tailgating at the football stadium. And it’s even powerful enough for you to use it at home as your main grill.
Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven
Key features:
- Dimensions: 18” x 24” x 31”
- Weight: 37.1 lbs
- Cooking power: 7,500 BTU Burner & 3,000 BTU Oven
If you’re looking for a stove that’s more luxurious, has more features, and lets you make every meal special, then the Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is for you.
Completely upgrading the outdoor cooking experience, Camp Chef’s Outdoor Camp Oven lets you expand your food options from just bacon and eggs to more special dishes like cinnamon rolls or pizza.
You can fit a quarter sheet pan in each rack nice and snug while still having room to maneuver with your hands to get them in and out, which makes this thing perfect for baking.
One small, noteworthy thing about this stove is that it has an “electronic” ignition mechanism which sparks up to automatically ignite your burner. This way, you don’t have to carry stick lighters or burn your thumb with a piezo.
When it comes to temperature control, it’s superior compared to the other two in this list. It has a built-in thermometer as well for better control. And since it’s made of stainless steel, it’s super easy to clean.
The oven (3,000 BTU) isn’t as powerful as your typical home oven (16,500 BTU), so cooking can take longer (cookies can take twice as long to bake), but it gets the job done.
It’s also very handy to have if you live somewhere that gets frequent power outages, especially in the winter. When you need it, it does a decent job of serving as a substitute for your electronic kitchen appliances.
Overall, this thing is a fine addition to any campervan. It’s bulky, which makes it better-suited for bigger rigs, but it makes up for it with power and versatility. If you’re on the fence, just get it — you won’t be sorry.
2. Roof Vent
Roof vents are a must if you want proper air circulation inside your van, especially when you're cooking or if you’re somewhere particularly arid.
My personal recommendation for a roof vent is the MAXXFAN Deluxe line of roof vents.
Other people may recommend other brands, like the Fan-tastic line of roof vents, but I like the MAXXFAN Deluxe line because of the rain guard, which prevents rain from getting into the van when the vent is in use. This design choice makes the MAXXFAN Deluxe a unique choice.
Now, it might seem silly to choose a fan solely because of the rain guard, since you can always just close the vent when it’s raining. But remember that rainy days are the best days to stay in, make some coffee, and cook a hot meal.
And when you’re cooking in your van, you do not want that vent closed. The MAXXFAN Deluxe’s design lets you use it even on the rainiest of days.
6401K MAXXFAN Deluxe
Key features:
- Unique rain shield design prevents leaks
- Exhaust only
- 4 speeds
- Simple, straightforward design
Out of the 3 models, the 6401K is the most affordable. But it’s also the most barebones.If you’re just looking for an exhaust fan for your van and don’t care much about complicating things, then this one will do great.
The MAXXFAN Deluxe line is known for its unique rain shield design, which helps a lot when you need to expel smoke from your van on a rainy day. Most roof vent brands can’t be used when it’s raining and tend to leak if closed improperly. The design of the MAXXFAN Deluxe eliminates this issue completely.
Because this is the baseline model of the MAXXFAN Deluxe line, it offers much less power and control. The 6401K has only 4 speeds compared to the 5100K and 7500K which both have 10 speeds. The great thing about this is that, even when using the high setting, the 6401K still sounds relatively quiet compared to other roof vents on the market.
The only thing missing from this vent is the intake feature. This fan only offers exhaust, which means it will only push hot air/smoke out. This specific model is really handy for when you’re cooking, taking a steamy shower, but when you need some extra airflow on a hot day, the lack of air intake can be a bummer.
Overall, the 6401K is a good choice for a roof vent, especially if you’ve got a tight budget. The built-in rain shield prevents any leaks in the rainy season and the 4 speeds are powerful enough to keep your van nicely ventilated. But if you’ve got the money, just go ahead and get any of the 2 superior units below. Air intake can make a big difference.
5100K MAXXFAN Deluxe
Key features:
- Unique rain shield design prevents leaks
- Exhaust & intake
- 10 speeds
- Adjustable thermostat
The 5100K is a direct upgrade to the 6401K, offering not only exhaust but also intake. That means this unit will not only flush old air out, but it will also keep your van air clean by pulling cool, fresh air in.
In addition to the extra intake feature, the 5100K also offers more than double the power and control of the 6401K.
The 5100K has 10 speeds, which is 6 more than the 6401K. Using the highest setting, you can quickly bring fresh air into your van. You can use the lower settings (4 or lower) at nighttime when you need your peace and quiet.
The 5100K also comes with an adjustable thermostat. So once it senses that the inside of your van has reached a specific temperature, the fan kicks in and adjusts the motor’s speed automatically, which is useful for when you want to keep your van fresh while you go do other things.
7500K MAXXFAN Deluxe
Key features:
- Unique rain shield design prevents leaks
- Exhaust & intake
- 10 speeds
- Adjustable thermostat
- Electric lid opening
- Remote control
The 7500K is packed with the most features out of all 3 models. Because it’s a direct upgrade to the 6401K and the 5100K, this unit also features the rain shield, exhaust, intake, 10 speeds, and the adjustable thermostat. The difference now is that the 7500K is much more convenient.
The 7500K lets you use a remote control to open and close the lid electrically. Other versions of the MAXXFAN Deluxe required you to manually turn a knob to open/close the lid, which meant you either could not do it while driving or needed someone to do it for you.
The remote control lets you control everything from the fan mode to the fan speed, which means you no longer have to pull over to control the fan while everybody’s asleep.
It’s also really helpful for short people who can struggle to reach the van ceiling. Now you can control your fan completely without the extra effort.
Your #1 van life essentials checklist.
3. Buddy Heater
During brutally cold nights on the beach and especially during winter, blankets just won’t cut it. Some people can make it through the night with just winter sleeping bags, but you might be surprised how cold some places can get.
If you live somewhere cold like North Dakota or Minnesota, then this van life essential should be one of your top priorities.
Our #1 portable heater recommendation is the Buddy series of heaters by Mr. Heater.
These little beasts can heat up your van in 10 - 15 minutes, even in the coldest weather. They’re packed with lots of convenient features and safety mechanisms, which is why they’re our #1 pick.
These heaters are powered by propane, so it is important to use them with caution and set them up with proper ventilation. We highly recommend to not leave the heater on overnight.
And since propane is heavier than air, leaving a window open for ventilation will not suffice. On the off chance that your propane leaks, the gas will sink to the bottom and fill your van up like water. To prevent this, get a propane detector and place it somewhere low to the ground so you can detect and stop the leak as soon as it happens.
MH4B Little Buddy Heater
Key features:
- Lightweight & compact, can be stored anywhere
- 1 temperature setting — 3,800 BTUs
- 6 hours of heating on 1 lb of propane
- Quiet, clean, and odor-free
The smallest and most affordable of the Buddy heaters (there are 3 in total) is the Little Buddy Heater. If you’re looking for a low-cost option to heat your van, the Little Buddy Heater is the best entry-level portable heater.
In just 10 - 15 minutes, this thing can heat up your van and keep it nice and toasty. It fits great in most vans and lasts almost 6 hours on a 1-lb propane tank. It’s sleek, quiet, clean, and odor-free.
The catch with the Little Buddy Heater is that it only has a single temperature setting at 3,800 BTUs — which means it’s only either off or on.
If you’re fine with having just a single temperature setting (e.g., if you don’t plan on going places with varying temperatures), then the Little Buddy Heater will do fine. But if you plan on travelling between various states, the lack of temperature control can be a problem. In that case, consider upgrading to the next option on this list.
MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater
Key features:
- Solid build quality for supreme stability
- 2 temperature settings — low (4,000 BTUs) and high (9,000 BTUs)
- 6 hours of heating on low with 1-lb propane bottle, 3 hours on high
- Quiet, clean, and odor-free
If you need something that’s more powerful and offers more options, then you will love the Portable Buddy Heater. The Portable Buddy Heater is a direct upgrade to the Little Buddy Heater and is what we recommend to most of our readers.
This unit has 2 temperature settings — low (4,000 BTUs) and high (9,000 BTUs) — and is powerful enough to heat up to 225 sq. ft. of space.
Since the Little Buddy Heater is tall and light, it tends to tip over when you use it while driving. Now, (thanks to the tip-over safety shut-off feature) tipping over isn’t an issue of concern but of convenience, since you may have to keep turning the unit on each time it shuts off after tipping over. Since the Portable Buddy Heater is compact and heavy, it’s more stable than the Little Buddy, so you can use it in your van hassle-free.
Another handy safety mechanism it has is the oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) which cuts off the fuel as soon as the oxygen supply gets too low. The science behind it is that low oxygen equals high carbon monoxide (CO). which is a colorless, odorless, and flammable gas that can kill you if you inhale too much of it. Thankfully, because of the ODS, you don’t have to worry about a CO leak.
Overall, the Portable Buddy Heater is our #1 recommendation. It’s affordable, effective, and durable. I’d buy it any day, and you should too.
MH18B Big Buddy Portable Heater
Key features:
- Solid build quality for supreme stability
- 3 temperature settings — low (4,000 BTUs), medium (9,000 BTUs), and high (18,000 BTUs)
- 5 hours of heating on high with a 1-lb bottle & up to a week with a 20-lb tank
- Quiet, clean, and odor-free
The Big Buddy Portable Heater is the biggest of the bunch. With 3 temperature settings — 4,000 BTUs, 9,000 BTUs, and 18,000 BTUs — you can heat up more than just the inside of your van. The 18,000 BTU setting is powerful enough to heat up to 450 sq. ft. of space.
The largest RVs can go from 250 - 400 sq. ft., which means the highest temperature setting on the Big Buddy can be too much for smaller vehicles. But the good thing is that you have lower-temperature options.
The 18,000 BTU temperature setting makes the Big Buddy useful not just for heating up your van — but also for ice fishing and open-door garage beers!
4. LED Camping Lantern
When the sun goes down, so does your main source of light. And when that happens, you do not want to drain your car battery just so you can see in the dark.
To stay active during nighttime, invest in an LED camping lantern. Some people use battery-powered lamps, which do work nicely, but if you want a reliable light source that you can use anywhere, I highly recommend getting an LED camping lantern.
A camping lantern is a versatile light source. You can leave it on the floor of your van or hang it on a tree branch. Many of them are water-resistant and, because they use LED bulbs, they use very little power. Whatever the case, a good LED camping lantern will be your best friend in dark times, and all you need are a couple of batteries.
By the way, if you’re someone who likes to read or cook at night, I recommend getting a headlamp as well.
Vont 2-Pack Collapsible LED Lantern
Key features:
- Light rating: 140 lumens
- Weight: 10 oz
- Solid build quality despite cheap price
- No buttons or switches — pull up to turn on, push down to turn off
If you’re looking for a lantern that’s simple and straightforward but solid and affordable — the Vont Collapsible LED Lantern is a must-buy. With a light output of 140 lumens from 30 LED bulbs (AKA a LOT) and a battery life of up to 90 hours, just one of these is enough to keep you company in the darkest of nights.
I love this one because of its incredible build quality — especially when you consider how cheap its price tag is. At just under $20, you will be hard-pressed to find a lantern that’s better than this one.
The construction, which Vont describes as “military-grade”, feels solid — definitely not made of cheap China plastic. And if you’re clumsy like I am, you’re bound to drop this thing at some point. The superior build quality on this thing gives you the assurance that you can avoid burning cash on a replacement.
If the word “value” took the form of a camping lantern, this would be it — easy-to-use (button-free, just pull to turn on), solid, long-lasting, bright, and affordable — which is why it’s my top pick.
Streamlight 44931 The SIEGE Lantern
140 lumens is good enough for most cooking, playing cards, or reading, especially if you’re just using the lantern indoors. But when you’re trying to light an entire campsite, 140 lumens just isn’t going to cut it.
Lo and behold Streamlight’s The SIEGE Lantern — with a maximum light output of 540 lumens, this thing can brighten up a campsite area and easily light the inside of your tent or van.
It comes with multiple light modes, including a Red-LED Night Vision mode and a Flash SOS mode for emergency signaling.
Since campsites can be disorienting at night (rvs, jeeps, and tents can only look so different), the red light mode can be useful as a beacon for finding your way back when you decide to visit others.
It also has useful features such as the ergonomic handle, which you can use to hang on cables and pipes, and incorporated D-rings so you can hang it as an overhead light. It’s also lightweight at just 15.2 ounces.
If you do a lot of camping, Streamlight’s The SIEGE Lantern is definitely a smart choice.
Coleman Quad Pro 800L Lantern
Key features:
- Light rating: 800 (high), 200 (medium), 100 (low)
- 4 take-along light panels with built-in flashlights
- IPX4 water-resistant design
If we’re talking about innovation, then the Coleman Quad Pro Lantern takes the top spot.
Its smart design incorporates the use of detachable (and rechargeable!) LED panels that you can place in different areas for maximum coverage.
You can also use the panels for directional lighting via the built-in flashlight feature. So if someone has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, they can just take along the lightweight panel instead of lug around the entire lantern. It also includes USB charging ports.
These unique features make the Quad Pro a great option, especially if you’ve got the extra cash.
But I recommend it not only because of its innovative features, but also because of how powerful it is. 800 lumens is enough to light up an entire room. Most times, you won’t even need to use the high setting.
That said, if you’re looking for a luxury lantern that’s versatile, durable, and, most importantly, bright, then the Quad Pro is a no-brainer.
It can get surprisingly dark out there, so bring a bright light for everyone on board!
5. Solar Charger
When you’re living in a van, battery power is difficult to come by. Some people get by charging power banks at work or cafes — but sometimes that’s not enough.
A solar charger works just like a regular power bank except it gives you the option to harness solar energy.
These solar chargers are essential for off-grid adventures, especially if you’re a digital nomad who relies heavily on electronics.
I also recommend getting this converter. You can plug it into your main car port to allow more charging options while you’re on the road. With the converter and your solar charger, you’ll never have to worry about a dead battery again.
Qi 10,000mAh Solar Power Bank
Solar power banks like this one are great for getting some extra battery power while you go do your thing. A capacity of 10,000mAh gives you about 2 to 3 full charges, which should be enough if you have enough access to electricity where you’re going.
The solar panel isn’t going to keep your phone alive by itself, but it’s great to have the option of free battery power. It also has a dual flashlight and portable compass kit, so I recommend bringing this on camping trips.
This thing is popular for a reason — it works well. I definitely recommend it if you’re someone who works in an office or has constant access to charging ports.
It’s well-built, durable, intuitive — and, best of all, affordable.
Tekpluze 30,000 mAh Solar Power Bank
If you’re someone who likes to stay in remote areas, you’ll probably spend most of your days with zero access to electricity. If that’s the case, then 10,000mAh just won’t be enough. If you want to avoid worrying about battery power, you want a power bank with at least 20,000mAh. That should give you about 3 to 4 full charges before running out.
With that said, the Tekpluze 30,000mAh Solar Power Bank is an absolute monster when it comes to battery capacity. Its high capacity lets you charge your phone 5 to 6 times, which means this thing can last you almost a week after just a single full charge — even more if you constantly leave it to charge under the sun!
Using the solar panel, you can charge this thing in 47 hours — that’s about 5 days of straight charging, assuming ideal weather conditions. Obviously, you can’t rely on this thing alone to keep your devices alive forever (unless you buy a bunch of them). But it does its job of giving you free, extra power. Just leave it on top of your van/tent while you do your thing and you should come back to 1 full phone charge — for free!
Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel
Key features:
- Solar panel for constant solar power generation, best used with a portable power station/power bank
- Ideal for full-time digital nomads
If you plan on going full nomad, then skip the solar power bank altogether — get a solar panel and a portable power station instead. If you’re good at saving power, it’s entirely possible to sustain yourself with this combo.
I recommend Goal Zero’s Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel. It’s lightweight, easy-to-use, versatile, and uses smart technology. You can charge anything off the panel or use a power station for backup power, and I highly recommend the Yeti 200X from the same company.
This combo is guaranteed to keep all your electronics alive when you don’t have an electrical outlet nearby — be it a phone, a tablet, or a laptop — this combo can handle it.
6. Cooler
If you want to keep your perishables nice and fresh, it's important to invest in a good cooler.
Many people seem to think they can buy just any cooler since “they’re all the same anyway”, but this could not be farther from the truth. And you do not want to be the guy who realizes that when it’s too late.
The reason coolers are van life essentials is because it is a huge pain in the neck to repeatedly buy ice just to refill your cooler. Ice will last 2 to 3 days in a decent cooler but will melt on the same day it’s bought if you put it in a low-quality cooler. And you do not want to drive all the way back to the store just to get ice.
The coolers listed below come from reputable brands which use high-quality insulation for maximum ice retention.
Igloo Ice Cube 60-Quart Roller Cooler
Key features:
- Ice retention: 4 days
- Volume: 60 qt
- No carrying needed, just pull and let the wheels do the work
- Great build quality for cheap price
If your cooler demands aren’t super serious and you don’t want to spend a couple hundred bucks on just a cooler, I highly recommend getting this one.
The Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler can retain solid ice for about 4 days before melting. If you want to retain ice for even longer, use a big block of ice — it’ll melt much slower.
You can actually get coolers that are half the price of this one. But those don’t have the ice retention or build quality that this one has. Most coolers at this price point only retain ice for about a day, which is no good if you’re living in a van and need to keep food from spoiling.
Also, for many coolers at this price point, build quality is a huge issue. Some models will crack if you sit on them and leak if you aren’t careful. But when it comes to build quality, the Igloo Ice Cube is a serious contender. Its Have-A-Seat lid lets you sit on it as much as you want (supporting up to 250 lbs of weight) and you can stop worrying about leaks because of its leak-resistant channel drain.
This cooler is cheap, but it’s quality. You can buy something else at half the price — but is losing your cool really worth 20$?
Pelican 50-Quart Elite Cooler
If you’re serious about cooling (and you really don’t want to keep filling up on ice every other day), then the Pelican Elite Cooler is a beast.
It is as heavy-duty as coolers come. It’s much more expensive than entry-level coolers — but it’s twice as effective.
The Pelican Elite Cooler can retain ice up to an entire week. That means you will only ever have to get ice when you’re stocking up on your weekly groceries. If my math is correct, you could potentially save about $700 on ice per year — which covers the cost of this entire cooler and more.
At face value, it definitely doesn’t make sense to pay $300 just for a cooler — but once you consider how much you’ll save on ice (and spoiled food!), paying extra for this thing just becomes a no-brainer. It’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
ARB Classic Fridge Freezer 50 QUARTS Series II
Key features:
- Electric portable refrigerator for off-grid adventures
- Volume: 50 qt
- USB ports for charging devices
- Use mobile app to monitor temperature, voltage, and status
If you’ve got cash and hate buying ice — just make your own. A portable fridge lets you do just that. If you’re full-timing as a rural boondocker, I highly recommend you get one. I recommend the ARB Classic Fridge Freezer. It’ll save you so much money on ice in the long run, isn’t messy like most ice chests, and has a ton of great features.
First of all, this thing runs on electricity, so you will need either a generator (I don’t recommend using your car battery for electricity) or a solar energy kit to keep it running.
It’s more complicated than just throwing ice into a cooler, but once you’ve got everything set up, your only problem will be keeping it stocked with your favorite brew.
The ARB Classic Fridge Freezer comes with an app called LINX which lets you monitor stats like temperature, voltage, and status from your phone. It also has a USB 5V, 3000mA outlet for charging mobile devices, so you can just skip the power bank altogether and charge your devices on this.
If you tend to park in urban areas and have constant access to frozen goods, then a fridge like this might be too much. But for off-gridders, this thing is definitely a must-buy.
7. Cast Iron Skillet
Whether you’re cooking your camp meals over a fire or a propane stove, cast iron skillets are the way to go.
Cast iron is great for outdoor cooking specifically because of its high volumetric heat capacity — once it’s hot, it stays hot, and it heats super evenly. This is important because you want your meals cooked nice and evenly, especially if you’re cooking for many people. You also want to retain the heat so you spend less time cooking and lose less propane.
Not only that — cast iron skillets are also incredibly easy to clean. They’re naturally non-stick (because of the seasoning) and don’t need any soap at all. These things and more make cast iron skillets one of the top van life essentials.
And, while you’re at it, get yourself a nice soup pot. With these two items and a few utensils, you’ll have everything you need to cook up a feast.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Key features:
- Weight: 7.6 lbs
- Quality cast iron at an affordable price
- Pre-seasoned during production
Lodge’s cast iron skillet is one of the most popular options on the market today. Not only is it extremely affordable, it’s reliable as well. Since it’s pre-seasoned (i.e., coated with oil), you don’t have to worry about it rusting — that is, of course, if you do your part in maintaining it. Like all cast iron skillets, this one gets better each time you use it — in time, its surface will be smooth as silk.
Now, if you haven’t already heard of Lodge Cast Iron, they’re a company with a great reputation for making affordable cast iron cookware. They’ve been in the business since 1896, and this product is undoubtedly their most popular one.
Since cast iron is so great for cooking, cast iron skillets normally aren’t this cheap. Especially if they’re quality. Thanks to Lodge, though, you can get cast iron cookware at an affordable price and still expect the supreme cooking quality we’ve all come to love cast iron for.
Victoria 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Like any tool, cast iron skillets are only as good as the person using them, so your skillet’s performance will depend on how well you maintain it. But it’s not all about maintenance — some skillets are just better than others.
For example, Victoria’s cast iron skillet is superior Lodge’s in every way. Not only is the seasoning on it better, but it’s also lighter by 0.9 lbs. And when you’re living in a van, very few things are more important than packing light. Plus, if you have arthritis issues in your wrists or back, 0.9 lbs will make a world of a difference when it comes to comfort.
Its surface is also much smoother than Lodge’s. This is probably because Victoria Cast Iron Cookware uses a much better sand moulding process for their products.
Whereas you would need to use your Lodge skillet for a while before it smooths up — Victoria’s skillet is just naturally smooth.
Le Creuset 11.75-inch Enameled Cast Iron Signature Skillet
Key features:
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Enamel coating is non-stick & prevents rusting for minimal maintenance
- Bold, rich colors for colorful cookware
- Lasts 30+ years without issue
Le Creuset is a company established in 1925 that’s well-known for making heirloom-quality cookware that’s not only versatile, durable, and stick-resistant — but also beautiful.
They have an incredibly stylish selection of products with bold, rich colors that has made them famous for their colorful cookware.
Their enameled cast iron products are also extremely durable, hence “heirloom-quality”. Some customers have had theirs for 30+ years without issue — and that’s a conservative number. Because of Le Creuset’s superior craftsmanship, this pan will last you (and your children) decades. And if we’re talking non-stick, Le Creuset’s cast iron products are as non-stick as it gets.
It probably wouldn’t be fair to say Le Creuset is a company that makes just cookware — because that’s not all they are.
The quality of their products is fantastic — but when you’re buying Le Creuset, you’re not just getting a pan for cooking bacon — you’re getting a utilitarian work of art that you can hang from your kitchen pot rack for everyone to admire.
8. Cutting Board
Living out of a van, you may find yourself cooking a lot more to save money and stay healthy, which means you’ll be chopping up more meat and produce than usual — which means you’re going to need a cutting board.
And it can be easy to pick any decent-looking cutting board off the store shelves and use that — but believe it or not, a high-quality cutting board can make a world of a difference in the kitchen. They may all look the same, but you want a cutting board made with solid material and careful craftsmanship.
Below, I show you the best cutting boards at each price point and describe what makes them great.
Royal Craft Wood Organic Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove (3-Piece Set)
Key features:
- Eco-friendly, affordable cutting board
- 3-piece set for maximum versatility
- Ideal for home cooks that just want food on the table but want to protect their knives to minimize maintenance
First up on this list is Royal Craft Wood’s bamboo cutting board. The value you get from this product is unbelievable, and the fact that it’s a 3-piece set means you get a lot of versatility from just this one purchase.
What makes this product unique is that it’s made of bamboo. Now, bamboo isn’t a wood — it’s a grass that looks and feels like wood — so it’s soft. And because it’s soft, your knives will bite into it — which is good!
You want a board that your knives can cut through so their edges can stay sharp. That means you can spend less time sharpening your knife and more time cooking.
Ideally, a hardwood cutting board is what you want, but bamboo is great as well. Other than being much cheaper than hardwood boards, bamboo also grows incredibly fast, which means it’s a renewable resource, and thus eco-friendly.
Now, you might be thinking — why not just buy a plastic board? But the thing about plastic boards is that they are non-porous, so bacteria can seep into the scarring overtime and contaminate your food. Wood, on the other hand, is auto-sterilizing, which makes it a much safer option.
So if you’re looking for a board that’s cheap, versatile, knife-friendly, and most importantly sanitary — Royal Craft Wood’s bamboo cutting boards are your best bet.
John Boos R02 Maple Wood Edge-Grain Reversible Cutting Board
Key features:
- Great entry-level hardwood cutting board
- Self-cleaning, scratch-resistant, and impact-resistant properties make it ideal for cutting meat
- High-quality maple wood
When it comes to cutting boards, nothing beats genuine hardwood. Bamboo is eco-friendly and affordable, but when it comes to durability and consistency, hardwoods are the way to go.
Bamboo can be a bit inconsistent — some parts of it are harder than hardwood, while some parts of it are considerably softer. This takes a toll on the edges of your knives. Bamboo boards also tend to use more glue/resin than hardwood boards, which isn’t too good for your knives either. That said, bamboo is a decent material, especially if you’re just a home cook trying to chop some veggies — but when you try hardwood for the first time, it’s hard to go back to bamboo.
This maple wood, edge-grain cutting board from John Boos (which is a popular brand for hardwood cutting boards) is a great entry-level cutting board for home cooks interested in upgrading to hardwood. It’s made of high-quality maple wood, so it’s scratch-resistant as well as impact-resistant, but isn’t too costly.
Hardwoods like maple are also known for their ability to kill bacteria naturally, which means you won’t have to worry too much about sanitation. It will take a while to get used to maintaining the board to prime it for peak performance, but your knives will be much, much happier.
Sonder Los Angeles Alfred Cutting Board
Key features:
- Same type of cutting board used by professional chefs
- End-grain walnut wood protects knife edges
- 3 carved-in compartments for space-efficient cooking prep
In discussions about high-end cutting boards, the words “walnut” and “end-grain” pop up very often. That’s because walnut is one of the most popular woods in high-end cutting boards used by professional chefs — it’s soft but doesn’t damage easily and feels incredible to use.
End-grain refers to the way the wood fibers are arranged — in this case, they’re lined up vertically, like a bundle of pencils, so your knife slides between each fiber instead of slicing through them (as in edge-grain boards). This arrangement causes less strain on the knife edge.
Normally, cutting boards of this type are expensive, going for a minimum of $200 per board. But the Alfred Cutting Board costs almost half of that.
What I love most about it is how versatile it is — use one side to cut your food, then flip it over for 3 compartments carved directly into the wood — great for prepping and super space-efficient — and when you’re cooking outdoors, you’re going to need all the space you can get.
The Alfred Cutting Board is not only high-quality, well-made, and stylish — it’s also incredibly useful for saving much-needed space. If you want something more luxurious, I recommend this one from John Boos — it’s durable, easy to maintain, and is an attractive addition to any kitchen. But if we’re talking value for money, definitely get the Alfred.
If you want to make the most out of your van life, invest in good equipment — like chairs. Your back will thank you.
9. Camp Chairs
After a long, draining drive, there’s nothing better than sitting down on a high-quality chair — one that doesn’t wobble like crazy or make you feel like an over-sized child. You want to feel your best when its your time to relax, which is why quality camp chairs are a van life essential.
That said, there are many factors you have to consider when choosing your chairs, particularly, what type of things you want to do.
If you like to do a lot of hiking, then you’ll want something light. Sure, a comfy chair will be great to rest on once you arrive at the campground, but it’s not worth it if the weight of your chair drains all of your stamina. Thankfully, there are camping chairs out there that weigh less than 3 lbs.
If you plan on doing mostly tailgating, boondocking, or car camping, you will absolutely love getting a larger chair (especially since your van’s gonna do all the carrying). Portability will be much less of a problem, and you can focus on comfort, which you will find in a larger chair. Larger chairs also have more features — adjustable armrests, reclinability, cup holders, and lots more space.
So figure out what your travel style is — whether you need the extra portability or you can just focus on comfort. Knowing that will help you find the perfect chair for your needs. Below are some of my own favorites.
Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair
Key features:
- Supports up to 325 lbs
- Weighs only 10 lbs
- Water-resistant and easy-to-clean polyester fabric
- Built-in 4-can cooler pouch
For an exceptionally low price, Coleman delivers an amazing camping chair that’s sturdy, lightweight, and spacious. For how inexpensive it is, it’s surprising how well it can hold weight. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel, which often means “heavy” for many products, but the Coleman Portable Quad Chair weighs just 10 lbs and can support up to 325 lbs of weight.
The fabric is made of polyester, which is used extensively in clothing for its resilience, strength, water-resistance, and cleanability, making this the perfect low-maintenance chair to bring out on camping trips as well as full-time van life.
The Coleman Portable Quad Chair also comes with a fun feature: a cooler pouch where you can store up to 4 cold cans of your favorite brew — ideal for when you just want a moment to chill but don’t want to walk all the way to the cooler for an ice cold can.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
Key features:
- Supports up to 250 lbs
- Weighs only 12 lbs
- Padded armrests and built-in cup holder
- Portable outdoor rocking chair
For a chair with a mid-tier price tag, the Freestyle Rocker (our favorite among GCI’s collection of Rockers) provides exceptional comfort. This thing is perfect for car camping, fishing, backyard use, and many more, mainly because of its unique rocker mechanism.
Normally, outdoor rocking chairs imitate the design of traditional rocking chairs — that is, a chair with 2 curved bands called rockers — but designs like that have proven ineffective for outdoor use. Because of uneven ground, what you often end up with is a weird, wonky rocking experience
What GCI Outdoors has done with the Freestyle Rocker is utilize their patented spring-action rocking technology to deliver an artificial rocking motion that’s gentle, feels authentic, and, most importantly, works outdoors. It can support 250 lbs, which is less than the other chairs on this list, but that’s to protect the pistons from breaking. So far, they’re the only company who’s achieved something like this, and they’ve managed to fit it all into just 12 lbs of chair.
The Freestyle Rocker also features padded armrests and a built-in cupholder, which makes it the ideal portable chair for when you just want to sit back and relax with a drink in your hand. Overall, the Freestyle Rocker is a fantastic choice for anyone who likes to take things easy.
KingCamp Heavy Duty Folding Camping Director Chair
Key features:
- Supports up to 396 lbs
- Weighs only 9.7 lbs
- Padded seat, back support, and armrests plus built-in side table with cup holder
- Rust-resistant, durable steel frame
KingCamp’s Heavy Duty Director Chair is by far the best camping chair I’ve found at this price point. Its frame, which is made of steel, can support up to 396 lbs while weighing just 9.7 lbs. Considering the fact that it can support 30% more weight than most heavier camping chairs is a true testament to how strong it is.
Even if you aren’t 396 lbs, the extra strength that this chair provides makes it exceptionally comfortable for even the lightest of folks. I’d argue that smaller people will like this even more because of the extra space. Even on uneven ground, the build quality makes this thing feel super solid to sit on. Add to that the extra padding on the seat, armrests, and back support, and you’ve got a quality camping chair built for comfort.
And as if all that wasn’t good enough, KingCamp decided to add a side table with cup holder and velcro pockets to store your phone, drinks, and whatever else you need tucked away somewhere safe — and the entire chair still weighs below 10 lbs.
The price tag on this chair is nothing to scoff at, but the 2-pack deal is definitely a bargain. It’s incredibly lightweight, feature-filled, low-maintenance, strong, durable, and, most importantly, comfortable. Highly recommended.
Awnings are often the last thing on people’s minds — but the comfort that awnings provide, rain or shine, is just plain awesome.
10. Awning
If there’s anything that can ruin a good road trip, it’s bad weather — whether it’s a cold, drizzly day or a scorching summer afternoon, bad weather can drive anyone crazy. And for vandwellers, bad weather usually means cooping up in the van. But there’s a perfectly practical way to avoid that.
To avoid cooping up in your van while you wait for better weather, get an awning. It’ll help you grab additional space outside your van, giving you room for fresh air and a relaxing view of the outdoors.
When you live somewhere with a lot of rain, you’ll really appreciate the extra dry space for getting in and out of your van. And if you live somewhere notoriously hot, you’ll appreciate not burning up inside your van.
Your awning will make dinners extra special, crowded campgrounds a bit more private, and rainy days even more relaxing. Just set up a fire and place your table set outside and enjoy the view on your portable porch.
CAMWINGS RV Awning
Key features:
- Breathable mesh material blocks out 90% of sunlight and heat
- UV-resistant, lightweight, and durable
- 10-minute setup
The RV Awning by CAMWINGS is made of a mesh material that’s UV-resistant, lightweight, and durable. Ideally, you would want to get this awning if you’re looking for something that can protect you from harsh ultraviolet rays and scorching heat.
For such a low price, this RV awning by CAMWINGS is worth every penny, especially if you live somewhere hot like Arizona or Texas. The mesh material is perfect for blocking out sunlight and heat and is completely breathable, unlike standard nylon products which can generate a lot of heat.
I should note that this specific product doesn’t protect you against rain since it’s made of breathable mesh, but if you live somewhere dry, this awning is amazing — and at this price, it’s a bargain.
Tentproinc RV Awning Sun Shade
Key features:
- Breathable, lightweight, and durable mesh screen protects against both the rain and the sun’s harsh UV rays
- Dramatically lowers temperature and withstands powerful crosswinds
- 10-minute setup
If you want to protect yourself from both rain and shine, then you can’t find a better deal at this price point than Tentproinc’s RV Awning Sun Shade.
Like the name implies, this awning blocks out 86% of the sun’s UV rays, protecting both your skin and eyes. It’s made of a breathable mesh screen that dramatically lowers the temperature beneath it, providing a safe, comfortable space for you to relax under.
So if you find that the windows on the side of your van tend to heat up the interior under the blazing morning sun, set up this awning and see the temperature drop to a low — all while allowing you the visibility you need to appreciate the view.
In especially windy conditions, this awning is a champ at diminishing the force of crosswinds, especially when set up correctly — and setting up is super simple. Because of its lightweight and durable construction, it only takes a single person 10 minutes to set it up.
Carefree Vacation’r Screen Room
Key features:
- Additional room with a lot of space for extra privacy and comfort
- Keeps out wind, rain, animals, and bugs
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- 15-minute setup
The Vacation’r Screen Room by Carefree of Colorado (a reputable maker of RV awnings and accessories for 40 years!) is no regular RV awning. This one is a revolutionary upgrade to the entire concept. You get not just an “umbrella with extra steps” but an entire room that’s portable, private, and most importantly, safe.
This thing is amazing not only at blocking out sun and keeping out rain, it’s also great at sustaining strong gusts of up to 30 mph. The fabric is the same stuff used in high-quality tents. It doesn’t use poles, rafters or permanent fasteners to attach to your coach, yet the structure is solid enough to withstand strong winds.
What’s great about the design of the Vacation’r Screen Room is that it’s 100% private. The design incorporates a screen door and privacy panels, which you can zip tight to block out rain. It keeps everything out — wind, rain, animals, bugs — and gives you your much-needed alone time once you’re done socializing with the neighbors.
The Vacation’r comes in sizes which cater to a variety of RVs, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit for your beloved van.
11. Camping Table
Whether you’re looking to live off-grid or on-grid, you will appreciate having your own portable table, especially if you’re a digital nomad who needs to get work done every day.
Without a good table, you’ll constantly be fumbling with your stuff in search for a flat surface to work on, eat, and whatever else. The convenience that a portable table provides makes it an extremely important van life essential.
Just take it out, set it up, and get stuff done. After work hours, you can use it to cook, eat, play card games, fold laundry, or destress with friends. And when you’re done, it only takes under a minute to tear down. Easy as that.
Trekology Talu: Portable Camping Table
Key features:
- Weight capacity: 50 lbs
- Seating capacity: 2 people
- Extremely lightweight - only weighs 4 lbs
- Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, exceptionally stable
The Talu folding table is an all-purpose camping table that features an aluminum table top and frame. Its aerospace-grade aluminum alloy composition makes it extremely lightweight (just 4 lbs), making it effortless to handle and transport while maintaining exceptional stability, holding up to 50 lbs of weight.
The aluminum alloy composition also means it’s corrosion-resistant, making it waterproof, weather-resistant, and very easy to wipe clean. You can set it up instantly and pack it up just as fast.
If you’re a minimalist, this table is definitely for you. Its colors are vibrant but modest, and the design is simple and sleek. All these things combined make the Talu folding table not only useful and convenient but also pleasant to look at. So compared to other camping tables under $30, this one is definitely a bargain.
Coleman Compact Folding Table
Key features:
- Weight capacity: 100 lbs
- Seating capacity: 4 people
- Compact, lightweight, and portable at only 10 lbs
- Waterproof, weather-resistant, and easy to wipe clean
Coleman’s compact folding table is just as reliable as all their other products — featuring an aluminum table top and frame (similar to the Trekology Talu folding table), this folding table is as sturdy as it is light. Despite it being so light (just 10 lbs), this thing can easily support 10 times its weight. Use it to play cards, work, or prep and serve food.
Because of its snap-together design, you can set up this table with ease and tear it down in under a minute. And because it’s lightweight, it’s incredibly easy to handle and transport. It takes all of 3 steps to set up, so there’s virtually no downtime — just unroll the table top and the frame, attach the connecting bars, and snap on the table top. Easy as that.
It comes in a sleek, metallic, off-white finish that goes well with any minimalist setup. And, if you’re into it, the Coleman Compact Table is the perfect table to bring for Dîner En Blanc. It’s made of aluminum, which is a surprisingly lightweight but strong metal. It’s also corrosion-resistant, which means you can wipe any spills or food right off it.
If you’re packing light, I highly recommend this table over anything else out there. It’s exactly right for a small group of people and provides plenty of space for a lone wolf. It’s a portable office, dining room, and living room in one.
Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Table
Key features:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Seating capacity: 8 people
- 4 layouts & 3 different heights for any occasion
- Waterproof, weather-resistant, and easy to wipe clean
Coleman’s Pack-Away 4-in-1 Table is the most versatile camping table on this list. You can stretch out the legs for up to 3 different heights and use the 4-in-1 design to lay it out however you want — a square table for playing cards, a buffet table for barbecues, a bi-level table for working or cooking, or 2 separate tables for designated areas.
And if you ever decide to stop living the van life, you will still find a use for this table. In fact, it’s so versatile that it even finds use in dog shows, where organizers use it to create multifunctional, portable work spaces for holding equipment, recording scores, and everything else.
It may look bulky, but it’s super lightweight and simple to assemble. Like the other camping tables on this list, the frame of the Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Table is made of aluminum, which means it’s lightweight, sturdy, durable, and easy-to-clean. But the most amazing thing about this table is that it’s good enough to hold up to 300 lbs of weight, which is really impressive for a camping table.
Overall, this table is the most impressive one I’ve seen so far. For how versatile it is, it’s very inexpensive. So if you’re looking for a table that can provide you with the maximum amount of options, the Coleman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Table is definitely the table for you.
It can take a while to plan life in a van, and it’ll take a bit more to stuff everything into your vehicle — but once you’re done, it'll feel amazing.
Other Things You Might Need
Other van life essentials you should consider bringing.
Kitchen
Maintenance
Safety
Hygiene
But not all of these items are essential to van life.
You don’t need every item on this list to live the van life. Some people have made it through with much less. But having these things does make van life a lot more comfortable.
And when you’re living in a space that’s less than 200 square feet, you’ll need all the comfort you can get.
It’s important to make your van as comfortable as possible for everyone on board.
To achieve that, it helps to have a minimalist mindset — keeping only the things that truly make you happy.
A lot of people buy all sorts of gizmos and tools in an effort to prepare for the worst. And that’s good. Preparedness is always good. But when you’re flooding your van with all sorts of random stuff that you might not ever use, you’ll be itching for space in no time.
Instead, you need to take a long, hard look at everything you plan on bringing with you and ask yourself the following questions:
Does this item give me a profound feeling of love/joy/adventure when I see it?
Will something bad happen if I don’t bring this item?
How much money/time does this item save me?
By asking yourself these questions, you can filter out the unnecessary stuff and focus on the essentials.
This van life essentials checklist was created with that exact minimalist mindset. The truth is, you’re not going to need 50 different items to make it out alive, and that’s why my list is shorter than every other list out there.
Instead, I focused on 11 items that are guaranteed to make your van life easier, more enjoyable, and infinitely more comfortable.
Hopefully, this list makes it easier for you to decide what goes into your van. Just remember to keep things simple and minimal. Focus on the things that really help and really make you happy.
Most importantly, have fun with the process. It can get tiring at times, finding the right items for your van, but it’s always worth it when you remember that an open road awaits your four wheels.
So go make your van life dreams into reality today.
You won't regret it.
Thanks for reading my van life essentials checklist. Let me know if you have any questions or comments down below.
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Van life gets complicated at times, but always remember to enjoy the ride.
Van Life Essentials FAQs
Frequently asked questions about van life.
Can you live in a van full time?
You can definitely live in a van full-time. Just make sure you’re smart about it. If you don’t make the necessary precautions and plan ahead, you could end up in a lot of trouble.
Before committing to full-time van life, make sure to:
Save up enough money to live independently
Settle all debt
Prepare a back-up plan for when you deplete your savings
Secure the necessary paperwork (insurance, etc.)
Buy essential van life items (read the post above!)
Once you’ve taken care of the above points, you should be able to live comfortably in your van, free from the burden of uncertainty.
How hard is it to live in a van?
That depends on how prepared you are (or, to be honest, how low your standards are). Truth is, no matter how many tools and gadgets you buy for your van, living in it is always going to be harder than staying in the comfort of home. There is limited space, no bathroom, limited electricity, and you might eventually have to repeat outfits to save money. You’ll need a strict budget plan and a good grasp on your location. Despite the challenges, however, van life is very fulfilling — and you can always go back when you want to.
How much does van life cost?
On average, van lifers spend $1,000 to $2,000 a month on gas, food, and living expenses. Many people can get by with a budget like this, but others may need more. In addition to monthly expenses, you also have to think of your unsettled debts and monthly payments. And don’t forget to make allowances for unforeseen circumstances like accidents or theft.
Where can I park overnight for free?
Very few places offer free overnight parking. You can try wallydocking at Walmart, or park at casinos, churches, arenas, or stadiums. Just remember to ask first. If you’re living the van life, you’ll really appreciate Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts. These two platforms let you find thousands of free places to park overnight — homes, farms, vineyards. Both platforms charge a yearly membership (only under $100/yr) but after that, you can use them as much as you want. I highly recommend that you give both of them a try.
Is it legal to sleep in your car?
In some cities, yes. It varies widely per city. Some cities prohibit overnight parking on city streets between certain hours, while some cities have designated overnight parking areas.
Can you sleep at rest stops?
In some states, yes. Many states (like California and New York) have laws that allow parking for a fixed amount of hours but don’t allow overnight parking or camping. Some (like Minesotta, Mississipi, and Montana) allow it completely as long as you don’t camp outside your vehicle.
Is it safe to sleep in your car?
In terms of criminality, it really does depend on the neighborhood. If you’re sleeping while parked overnight at a Walmart parking lot, then you should be pretty safe. It’s well-lit and there are security guards, so you shouldn’t have to worry about someone carjacking your car while you doze off. Just make sure you aren’t parked somewhere sketchy or leave your doors unlocked. To be honest, you’re probably more at risk of a ventilation issue than a criminal attack. So make sure you leave a small crack in your window/sunroof and turn the engine off before you hit the sack.
Are there any 24-hour parking lots in America?
Yes, but almost none of them are free. You can usually check a city’s official website to see the parking rates and locations of parking lots and garages. Some cities, like Santa Fe, NM, provide a detailed list of public parking locations and their rates. Others, like Los Angeles, CA, provide an interactive map which you can scan to find public parking lots.
Does Target provide overnight parking?
Some Target stores provide overnight parking. It depends on the manager, so ask first if you plan on parking overnight.
Is there a van life parking app?
For van life apps, we have a few recommendations:
AllStays. The #1 app for camping and RVing. It’s the ultimate app. It shows you campgrounds, RV parks, and related services with or without internet. It also lets you check the weather based on GPS location and find rest stops, dump stations, supplies, RV services, and low bridges. Own the app permanently for the incredibly low price of $9.99.
Harvest Hosts. An app that lets you find thousands of farms, vineyards, breweries, and other beautiful locations where you can park overnight for absolutely free. This app makes sure you’re always on the move, visiting new destinations and meeting new people. The annual subscription costs just $99 and includes unlimited stays at any location of your choice.
Boondockers Welcome. If you’re RVing not just for the scenery but also to meet other RV enthusiasts, Boondockers Welcome is for you. It’s an app that lets you find private homes where you can park your RV overnight for free and connect with other RVers. To use the service, you only have to pay $50/yr (or $25/yr for hosts). After that, you can stay at any of the listed homes as much as you like.
The Dyrt. A free app containing the largest database of campgrounds in the US. If you’re looking for a campground to stay at, this is app you want.
Is van life a good idea?
Who can say so but you? The van life is a life people enter because it’s one that they feel will make them happy. So before making any judgements, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you want to see more of the world?
Do you constantly feel trapped in the 4 walls of your house?
Can you stand dirt? Repeated clothes?
Do you have a pet? How will that affect life on the road?
Are you uncomfortable with uncertainty?
Do you have any unpaid debt?
Do you have a passive income source to support your van lifestyle — investments, a self-sustaining business, etc.?
How long will you last with the money you’ve saved up? What will you do after you deplete your savings?
The van life is a big leap to take and there are many risks involved. But it has worked for many people before.
If you’re creative, strong-willed, and persevering enough to make things work, living the van life might just be the best thing you’ve ever done.
Is living in a van cheaper than renting an apartment?
Yes. With an entire month’s expenses for a decent-sized apartment ($2,000~), you could pay off all your monthly van life expenses ($1,500~) and still have money left over. However, I do recommend making sure you’re still earning while you’re on the road (i.e. become a digital nomad). Otherwise, if you plan on living purely on savings, make sure you’re making enough allowances and have backup plans for unforeseen circumstances like accidents and theft.