Van living offers an alternative lifestyle for those looking for freedom on the open road. Buying the right van is a key part of this lifestyle, but you’ll also need to build a personalized interior that fits your situation.

Learn how to convert a van to live in, what you should avoid, how much it costs and the advantages of building your own livable van.

10 Steps to Build a Livable Van

Think of building a camper van as these individual steps to make it easier:

1. Identify Your Priorities

Consider your overall layout — it’s important to understand where your priorities lie. You only have a limited space to work with, so it’s crucial to create a van that caters to your needs. Think about where you’d rank some of the main characteristics of van life, such as:

• Hygiene: Living out on the road is going to be dirty — that’s just part of the lifestyle. If you’re someone who likes to stay clean, consider including a shower in your van so you can easily clean up when you want to.
• Cooking: Crafting a five-star meal on the road may be difficult, but you can include a kitchen in your van with some simple appliances.
• Sleep: Some people might be fine sleeping wherever — others may need a certain amount of space and comfort to get some much-needed rest. Be sure you’re creating a sleeping space that’s suited for you.
• Storage: Think about where you’ll store clothes, gear and other necessities. If you’ll be on the road for long stretches of time, prioritize extra storage.

2. Plan Your Layout

Once you’ve figured out what you want to prioritize in your DIY camper van, get down to specifics and plan your layout. Think about how you’re going to integrate those important parts of your van in regards to size and design:

• Kitchen: What type of appliances are you going to include in your van? Think about a stove, faucet, counter space and anything else you might need if you can’t find a place to eat on the road.
• Shower: To save space, showers in livable vans are narrow and can also include the toilet for an efficient layout. You might opt for an exterior shower to save more space.
• Bed: If you’re someone who likes to sprawl out, find a way to create enough room so you’re comfortable. Raising your bed maintains storage space while giving you room for a larger mattress.

Browsing van build ideas and drawing up some designs will help you figure out how to convert a van for living in.

3. Determine Your Budget

Get a sense of how much you’re willing to spend on your DIY conversion van so you’ll have some guidelines going in.

Costs can easily start to escalate with additional features, so it’s good to know where your budget stands and suit it to your van design. Factor in:

• The van itself, if you haven’t bought it yet, which can range from $20,000-$40,000 or more
• Electrical, which can cost $1,500-$4,000
• Plumbing, which can cost a few thousand dollars
• The bed, which can cost a few hundred dollars
• Storage, which can cost a few hundred dollars
• Appliances, which can cost about a thousand dollars each

4. Find the Right Van

If you’re still looking for the right van to live in, do your research and make sure you’re finding one that will satisfy your needs. Some may be larger or have better drivability than others, so it’s important to pick your vehicle based on your situation.

5. Figure out Electrical and Wiring

One of the most important parts of living in a van is figuring out how you’re going to get power to your devices. Think about:

• Power options: Most people will start off with a battery in their van to power appliances. Down the road, you could switch to solar panels.
• Cooling: If you’re looking to save money, you can get rechargeable fans to circulate air in hot weather.
• Wi-Fi: If you’re working remotely from your van, make sure you have a reliable internet connection. Hotspots are a good option, and additional adapters give you the best signal possible.

A lot of your electrical and wiring will depend on how much you’re willing to invest in your van. Top-of-the-line appliances offer a lot of added comfort and convenience but will also come at a price.

6. Remember the Plumbing

Your livable van will have a freshwater tank and a waste water tank. To figure out the capacity that works for you, think about how much water you’d use in a day to wash up, cook and drink. Determine how long you’d like to go without having to refill your freshwater tank and empty the waste water. A 100-liter tank will last about five days if you use 20 liters a day. For added comfort, consider a water heater, which is ideal for vans with showers.

7. Add Kitchen Appliances

For those just starting out with DIY van conversions, you may find you don’t need that much equipment to cook. A portable camp stove, table and a collapsible bucket for dirty dishes are essentially all you’ll need to eat dinner. For a more comfortable livable van, create a kitchen space with a minifridge, a hotplate or single-burner stovetop and a small sink.

8. Consider Flooring, the Ceiling and Walls

Insulated floors and walls make heating and cooling your camper van more efficient. It also keeps out sounds if you have to park near a main road or another noisy area to rest.

Find flooring that is durable to withstand your lifestyle, whether you’re traveling with a pet or hiking in muddy areas. Vinyl or linoleum options are lightweight and durable, and they come in different styles if you want a wood or tile look.

Plywood or tongue-and-groove planks work well on van ceilings and walls. They’re lightweight, and you can paint them to customize the look of your livable camper van.

9. Decide on Your Sleeping Situation

To live in a van, prioritize your sleeping situation. Many people have given up van living because of the sleeping conditions — whether it’s too cramped or too uncomfortable. Figure out how to make your sleeping place as comfortable as possible, which can include:

• Getting the right mattress: Choose the right size and firmness to be as comfortable as possible. If you’re traveling with someone else, get a big enough bed and consider their needs, too.
• Making it comfortable: You shouldn’t take up too much room with pillows and blankets, but you should add the bedding you need to be comfortable. Choose a lightweight or heavy blanket depending on your preferences to make the ideal sleeping space.
• Placing it at the right height: While a raised bed saves van space, you don’t want to be face to face with the ceiling. Thirty-six inches of space between the mattress and the ceiling is ideal.

10. Find a Reliable Parts Dealer

You want to make sure that the parts you’re getting for your van are reliable and made with quality materials. Getting parts from the original dealer can be a great option, but sometimes that might not be possible.

As an alternative, find a parts dealer that offers a one-stop shop for tools and car parts. This way, you’ll be able to trust where all the parts are coming from and benefit from the convenience of an online store that has everything you need. Look for durable yet lightweight parts to keep the overall weight of your converted van as low as possible.

What to Avoid When Building a Livable Van

Understanding common mistakes when converting a van helps you avoid pitfalls that set your project back.

Rushing the Planning Process

Many people are so excited to start their new lifestyle that they rush the process. It’s better to have patience as you create your van so you focus on each step and avoid costly mistakes. You don’t want to purchase too many furnishings and end up running out of space, wasting supplies.

Making Inaccurate Measurements

Measuring is a critical part of building your livable van. The space is already small, so you’ll need to make sure each measurement is accurate. Think about the order of installation as you measure. Choose whether you’ll install the floor and subfloor first or if you’ll install appliances and cabinetry then add the floor, for example.

Adding Shelves After Wall Installation

Often, people will put their walls up and then try to install shelving, which significantly reduces the amount of space you can work with. Instead, try to attach your shelves before the walls.

Forgetting Insulation

Purchase insulation like foam boards and filler to cover up any exposed parts of your van before installing the walls and ceiling. A subfloor is also essential, as it gives you a place to mount furniture. Quality weatherstripping is a part of your van’s insulation, as well, so replace it as needed.

Not Securing Everything

Bolting cabinetry and other furnishings is essential for holding everything in place as you drive your livable van. You can choose whether you mount items to the walls or floors. Pick cabinet doors that securely close to keep everything inside once you’re driving.

Expecting Perfection

Building a van camper comes with a lot of challenges and moving parts — somewhere along the way, you’re probably going to encounter some issues. Make sure you go in expecting some problems. Prepare for obstacles that come your way as you’re figuring out how to build a camper van and avoid getting overcome by frustration.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Van?

Most van conversions with basic amenities will usually hover around $5,000-$15,000 if you don’t need to purchase the van. To figure out how much a van conversion costs, consider:

• Premium appliances: Features you buy new can start to add up, whether that be a coffee maker or a cooling unit.
• Added fixtures: Showers and bathrooms run up prices quickly. Add-on fixtures like these may be necessary for your lifestyle — just make sure you’re finding a fair price.
• Quality of materials: Prices and material quality vary widely. Even different types of wood, for example, will vary in pricing based on their characteristics.

Advantages of Building a Livable Van

Converting a van to live in yourself offers many benefits. From customization to acquiring new and valuable skills, here are some reasons why you might want to build your own camper van.

Personalization

Since you’re the one building it, you can make your van exactly how you want it. You can essentially build your dream van, with all of the parts tailored to your lifestyle and liking. When you’re out on the road, you can take pride in what you accomplished and it will really feel like something you crafted with your own labor.

Cost-Effectiveness

Building your own livable van also offers a cost-effective option. Most vans that are already converted are often very expensive. You can build your own for much cheaper while also making it personal to your needs.

New Skills

Figuring out how to build a van conversion on your own gives you new skills you might otherwise not have gained. From electrical knowledge to figuring out how to build certain parts of your van, there is a lot to learn.

Since you’re the one who is building the van, you’ll also have an easier time figuring out how to repair something if there’s an issue in the future. You won’t have to rely on a repair service — with the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be able to take care of those issues yourself, whether it’s replacing part of the floor or repairing a cabinet.

Shop Auto Body Tools and Parts for Your Van Conversion

It’s essential to find ways to make the van conversion process go as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. One of the best ways to do this is find one convenient place where you can shop quality tools and parts you need to complete your project.

Raybuck Auto Body Parts is the perfect place to find everything you need for your conversion project. We offer a vast selection of quality van parts and tools. We’ll make sure to ship your order as soon as possible and you can get to work on your conversion project. Contact us today with any questions!

For the adventurous types, van life is the way to go — enjoy freedom, convenience and affordability in your drivable home. Achieving van life can be hugely beneficial for the right person and give them the life they always dreamed of.

Though it might seem simple to find a van and hit the road, it’s important to take your time and find the right vehicle for you. After all, you’ll be spending most of the time in your van, so looking through all of your options will help you find the best vehicle.

Here are the best vans for van life.

1. Mercedes Sprinter

You’ll see the Mercedes Sprinter at the top of many best vans for van life lists. And there’s a good reason for it — the Mercedes Sprinter has excellent off-roading capabilities, easy handling and plenty of storage. They’re durable, powerful vans that will hold up even after hundreds of thousands of miles. They also have plenty of safety features.

Its high-quality materials and roomy passenger space make it one of the best vans to live in. The Mercedes Sprinter offers a variety of different options you can choose from, including many variations of the cargo van, a diesel or gas engine and two drivetrains. It’s one of the best sprinter van conversions and offers a huge amount of space.

The Mercedes Sprinter is one of the more expensive vans on the market, but many people are willing to pay the price for all the great advantages that come with it. You’ll probably be able to find some older Mercedes Sprinters for a discounted price. Since Mercedes is such a well-known brand, it is usually easy to find aftermarket parts or nearby dealers who can help you with maintenance.

The Mercedes Sprinter is a hugely popular sprinter conversion van in the van life community and remains one of the best van life vans on the market.

2. Ford Transit

The Ford Transit is up there as one of the best vans to convert to fit your van life. It’s another favorite among the van life crowd for its large interior space, safety features and plentiful options — it offers various choices for body lengths, wheelbases, roof heights and engines. You’ll have your choice between gas and diesel and can find the perfect van dimensions for your situation.

Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, “intelligent” all-wheel drive and more make the Ford Transit one of the safest vans to buy. You’ll also have the ability to upgrade to even more safety features. If you’re planning to go off-roading or traverse muddy, snowy or wet roads, the Ford Transit’s safety features could appeal to you.

The Ford Transit offers less space than the Mercedes Sprinter but more than many other vans on the market. It’s a great option for those looking to merge quality with affordability. The Ford Transit offers plenty of advantages for living the van life at a great price. It’s a rugged, durable vehicle that you can easily convert into a liveable van.

3. Dodge Ram Promaster

The Dodge Ram Promaster is beloved because of its size. It’s one of the widest vans on the market, making sleeping much easier and more comfortable. A person six feet tall could potentially sleep in the width of this van, leaving a lot more room for other things such as a dining table. Like the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit, the Promaster comes in various lengths and roof heights.

However, it only offers one engine — a 3.6-liter V6 — and is slower than the Transit and Sprinter. Some like the Promaster because of its front-wheel drive and tight turning radius. The Dodge Ram Promaster is an easy vehicle to upfit and a great van for van life.

4. Ford Econoline

Electricians, construction workers, plumbers and van-lifers alike use this nondescript, stealthy white van. The Ford Econoline is hugely popular among various occupations for its versatility and size. Its boxy frame gives you plenty of room to install a bed and kitchen with plenty of space left over for storage.

Although Ford retired the Econoline with the release of the Ford Transit in 2014, it remains available in cutaway models. Because of its size and drivability, the Ford Econoline remains one of the best vans for conversion to campers.

5. Chevy Express

The Chevy Express has proven its worth as one of the greatest vans to live in, as it’s been around for over four decades. It’s become a cherished van to live in for its retro appearance — the Express hasn’t gone through a redesign since the late nineties.

It’s also one of the easier vans to build off of because of its simple interiors and durable chassis. Those looking for a project may find the Chevy Express perfect for them. You can spend a lot of time crafting the Express to suit your needs.

The Express also has a low roof, making it one of the more compact vans on the list. You can always add a high roof or make it into a pop-top — it all depends on how much time and energy you’re willing to put into your van.

For the right person, the Chevy Express offers one of the best options in terms of durability and price. You can likely find a used Express for a great deal.

6. VW Bus

Vintage, nostalgic and reliable — the VW Bus is one of the best live-in vans of all time. With a history of more than 60 years, the VW Bus has its roots in the free-wheeling times of the 1970s. Since then, it’s remained popular, evolving from the hippie movement into a popular choice for digital nomads and those living life on the open road.

Unfortunately, the VW Bus is out of production, so getting your hands on a van or its parts can be challenging. However, there is a new electric version coming out in the U.S. in 2023, which brings back some nostalgia for this vintage vehicle.

7. Renault Trafic

The Renault Trafic can start as a humble vehicle, but with the right conversion, it can turn into a liveable, comfortable camper with a modern appearance. In its original state, the Trafic’s low ceiling and compact frame aren’t well-suited for liveable conditions for long periods. It may work great for those looking to get away on the weekends.

A ready-made conversion or a DIY project can completely transform the Renault Trafic into one of the best live-in vans out there. Like many vans on this list, all you’ll need is some imagination and time to transform the vehicle into exactly what you want.

8. Nissan NV200

The Nissan NV200 is a small van that you can live in. Its easy driving, gas mileage and compactness make it a favorable choice for many. Compared to others in its class, it is very affordable.

While it may not offer the luxury and space of other vans, it is a functional living van that is a great option for many travelers. You can always add a pop-top for extra space, too. The Nissan NV 200 is a very convenient live-in van that offers many of the simple functions people are looking for.

9. Step Van

You can look for a step van for something a little bit off the beaten path. You’ll often see step vans driving by with the UPS logo painted on their side, but they can also actually make great vans to live in.

These medium-duty trucks offer a ton of space, making a kitchen, bed and dining area easy to add. You can also stand up in them without a problem — they were actually made to be driven sitting or standing up. Manufacturers like Ford and GM will make these trucks, so you’ll be able to find them and any parts you may need.

The only issue with these step vans is that they’re typically low-slung vans, which makes it a poor choice if you’re planning to do a lot of off-roading.

How to Choose the Right Van

The good news is there are plenty of options on the market you can choose from. Still, it can be challenging to figure out which van is best for you. There are a few different ways to make finding your perfect van easier, like setting a budget, determining its function and prioritizing certain qualities.

Set Your Budget

One of the first things you’ll want to do as you start looking for a van is to set a budget. Finding a price range that fits you narrows your options. This will help you put some parameters around your search.

Determine the Function

How are you going to use your van? If it’s going to be a true living space, you may want to find a van that offers a lot of space and high-quality materials. If you’re looking for a nice weekend getaway van, you can settle for something a little smaller. Appointing a function to your van will help you understand what you should look for.

Check Availability

Some vans, like the VW Bus, are out of production, so you’ll have a hard time finding parts. Other options, such as the Mercedes Sprinter, have a large brand that you can find across numerous countries.

Although it may not seem like that much of a factor as you shop, it may become more important if you encounter issues with the van or need new parts. Consider availability as you look for the best van for you.

Consider Age

You can also include the age of the van in your buying decisions. A brand-new van will likely have modern technology, top-of-the-line safety features and years of driving left, while a used van will be more affordable while offering similar functional benefits.

Mostly it depends on how much you’re willing to invest into the van and if you’re interested in purchasing a vehicle with some miles on it.

Prioritize

It can also be helpful to prioritize various aspects of your van over others. That way, you can eliminate options that don’t fit your criteria. Here are some different factors that you can rank to find the best van for van life:

• Size: One of the most significant factors for van life vans is size. Some people want as much room as possible, while others are content with a little bit of space. It all depends on your needs and what you’re looking to put in the van — if you’re planning on adding a dining area, you may need to find a van with ample space.
• Comfort: How much do you value comfort? Some people need just the right factors for sleep, while others are fine sleeping relatively anywhere. Make sure you figure out what kind of space you’re okay sleeping in and the amenities and materials you’ll want to have in your van.
• Drivability: If you’re planning on driving your van in various conditions, you’ll want to find a van with good handling and maneuverability and an engine you can trust. Also, think about the amount of safety you’ll want in your van. Some vehicles offer more safety options than others. For those long drives through the snow and mud, you’ll want a tough, durable van you can trust.
• Customization: Also, consider how much work you’re looking to put into your van and options for customization. Some vans already come with a lot of modern customizations and storage space. Other vans are more bare-boned and allow for much more room for customization. If you’re looking to take on an entire project and have control over all customizations, a simplistic van may be right for you.
• Appearance: Even aside from the function of your van and how big it is, some people care a lot about how the van actually looks. Some favor that modern, sleek look, while others search for a retro aesthetic.

From sprinter van conversions to vintage classics like the VW Bus, there is so much to choose from when it comes to live-in vans. As you look for the right van for you, take your time and figure out which option would be most beneficial for your situation.

Contact Raybuck Auto Body Parts for Upfitting Tools

When you find the best van for you, it may be time to start the upfitting process. Converting your van into a liveable vehicle is a tall task, full of various steps and hours of work. Find a trusted provider to help you make the upfitting process go smoothly.

At Raybuck Auto Body Parts, we offer a huge variety of tools that can help you convert your vehicle into a liveable dream van. Instead of sorting through various shops to get what you need, Raybuck Auto Body Parts offers everything in one convenient online location. Talk with our customer service experts to find what you’re looking for quickly.

Shop our store today and get all the tools you need to make your vehicle one of the best vans to live in. Contact us today!

The van living lifestyle has been around for decades. Its many benefits of freedom, solitude and time spent out in nature have made it an appealing lifestyle for thousands of adventurers. Today, it’s becoming even more popular due to its presence on social media.

Some see it as an escape from our fast-paced, technological world, while others see it as a simple way to explore the great outdoors. However you view it, it’s clear that it’s become a legitimate lifestyle that many people have made work for them.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what van life actually entails, how it started and a brief guide to living in a van.

What Is Van Life?

Put simply, van life means living out on the road in a van. Usually, it’s a converted van that has a large amount of storage space and room for a bed and possibly a cooking area. Sometimes, people will live the van lifestyle in vehicles that aren’t actually vans — decommissioned military vehicles, old school buses, RVs — and may have more space for a living room and bathroom.

Instead of having a house or apartment in one location, van “lifers” have their homes on wheels and usually travel across large distances to explore the outdoors. Spending life in a van means committing yourself to an interesting, adventurous lifestyle that can be challenging, frustrating, inspiring and beautiful.

The van lifestyle sometimes coincides with a philosophy of freedom and unshackling from a typical nine-to-five, in-person job.

The History of Van Life

The roots of van life in the United States can be traced back to the Conestoga wagons of the 1800s, in which families traveled and slept for weeks and months on end. In the beginning, living in these moving wagons was out of necessity. The terms “van dwelling” and “vandwellers” seem to have derived from a publication talking about show performers who traveled in wagons from town to town in the 1890s.

Soon, motorized vehicles hit the streets, ushering in a new era of van life. During the Great Depression, house trailers went into mass production, as families needed a cheap way to travel and live. After that, campers and vans became popular among hobbyists and travelers.

Manufacturers started building vehicles with adequate storage space. The 1960s saw the birth of the vastly popular Ford Transit, which is still popular today. In the 1970s, van life became a culture in itself, representing freedom and an alternative lifestyle. The VW Bus remains a symbol of that counterculture period.

From there, the tightly-knit bond of vandwellers drifted off a bit, but the lifestyle has continued to remain popular. Today, van life has become reignited with pictures and videos of the lifestyle flooding social media platforms. The lifestyle is more accessible than ever due to the prevalence of remote jobs, allowing van lifers to work from wherever their vans take them.

Why Do People Live the Van Life?

Is van life worth it? While some might find the off-the-grid, rootless lifestyle appealing, others question why anyone would want to live out of a van.

The truth is that van life is attractive to a certain type of person. The van life experience attracts individuals who aren’t looking to settle down in a typical house with mortgage payments and utility bills — at least not yet. Instead, van lifers wish to travel far and wide, stocking up on experiences in a truly unique way.

That freedom is central to the lifestyle — van life is about being able to go wherever you want when you want. In the United States, traveling across a few states can mean experiencing drastic changes in weather, attractions and culture, and van life is one of the best ways to see all the country has to offer because your home is right there with you.

The Pros and Cons of Van Life

While it’s easy for van life to become glamorized on social media, there are two sides to every lifestyle. Anyone thinking about becoming a van dweller should understand the pros and cons.

Here are some of the benefits of living in a van:

• Freedom: One of the main reasons van life has become so popular is because it offers an alternative lifestyle to working a desk job and purchasing a home. When you live in a van, you’re always on the go, seeing different places and gaining new experiences every day. It’s a liberating concept for many.
• Savings: Since you won’t be paying rent or a mortgage, you’ll be able to cut down your expenses when van dwelling. Some van lifers only need money for vehicle expenses and food. In many ways, van dwelling can actually be very profitable, as you can save money and even market your lifestyle on the internet.
• Life experience: Ask a van dweller what one of their biggest takeaways is from their unique lifestyle and they’ll probably mention the countless life experiences they’ve gained. When you’re out on the road, you’re opening yourself up to countless opportunities — opportunities to meet new people, see new places and gain new skills. After a couple of months out on the road, you’ll probably find that you’re growing as a person, learning to face fear and stay present in each moment.

Here are some of the negative aspects of van life:

• Logistics: One of the most notable issues with living in a van is that it can be inconvenient and stressful. Each day, you must make decisions on where to sleep, what to eat, how to shower, where to fuel up, how to get your mail and more. This endless series of choices can easily lead to fatigue and burnout.
• Lack of stability: Unlike a house where you can easily set a routine, van life is constantly changing. No one day is likely going to stay the same, as you’ll be in a different place all the time, with new scenery, new people and new challenges to face. This is an exciting, inspiring prospect, but some people can struggle without having that comfortable routine to rely on each day.
• Loneliness: This lifestyle brings its own social challenges, too. If you’re traveling on your own, you could go days or weeks without interacting with anyone. Additionally, you may miss the community of friends and family you could regularly interact with before heading out on the road. Though solitude can be beneficial for a time, constant loneliness is unhealthy for many individuals.

Looking at van life’s pros and cons will help you get a sense of what the lifestyle is actually like. The rise of van life on social media has popularized the lifestyle, but it’s done so in a way that can appear overly romanticized and glamorized. Understanding the reality of living in a van full-time is crucial before you decide to commit to it.

How to Start Living Van Life

If you’re considering trying a new approach to life, you might be wondering how to get into van life. Here are a few steps to help you make the transition:

1. Do Your Research

Even before you start making plans to become a van dweller, make sure you do your research on how to live the van life — read more articles, watch videos, get books and listen to podcasts about life in a van. If you know anyone who lives in a van, reach out to them to learn more.

Like any serious decision in life, living life in a van shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially because you’ll need to make a few significant financial investments to get started. Be sure to educate yourself thoroughly on the ups and downs of living in a van so you can make an informed decision.

2. Make a Plan

Though van life may seem like a spontaneous act, you’ll want to spend some time crafting a plan and preparing for the day you set out on the road. This will ensure that when you do become a van dweller, you’ll be set up for success.

Build out a timeline for your transition to van life with a rough estimate of when you’ll be out on the road. If you have a house or an apartment, figure out how you’re going to deal with that before you leave. Are you going to keep a central place of residence or completely uproot yourself and make your van a true home?

Of course, you must also dedicate time and resources to purchasing and outfitting a van so that it’s fit to live in. From that point, you may want to have a few destinations to which you want to travel. If you don’t yet have a remote job or another way to make money while on the road, you should sort that out, too.

It helps to make a checklist of everything you need to do before you set out.

3. Cover All Your Bases

There’s a lot to keep track of when you’re transitioning to living in a van. Be sure to stay organized during the preparation process, thinking about different aspects of van life, including:

• Employment: As stated, you’ll need a job that works with your new lifestyle. While some people can keep their current positions and just work remotely, others may need to find new jobs. If you’re on the hunt for a new position, consider becoming a freelancer or working seasonally — maybe you’ll work at a ski lodge in the winter and become a surf instructor in the summer.
• Health care: When you’re on the road, you’ll need to get a health care plan that works for your new lifestyle, especially when you’re working as a freelancer and won’t have care through an employer.
• Hygiene: A significant hurdle when living in a van is having access to showers. If your van isn’t large enough for a bathroom, you can look into getting a gym membership or making a list of public showers, such as at campsites.

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you go through the planning process. When you first start living in a van, you’ll learn by trial and error. If something goes wrong, that’s all a part of the lifestyle — just correct it and keep it in mind. Eventually, you’ll craft a lifestyle that suits your needs.

4. Find the Right Van

When on the road, your van is your home, so you should treat it like such. Before you jump into buying the first van you see, make a note of what kind of qualities you want.

Are you looking for a lot of space? Do you prefer something modern with amenities? Would you like a simple frame you can customize? Also, consider whether you’ll want to buy a van that’s already converted or take on a DIY project yourself.

Whatever you’re looking for, make sure it suits your needs. Keep in mind that the van conversion process can take several months, especially when you’re working on a budget. Giving yourself time to turn your van into exactly what you want can ensure your experience with van living is as comfortable as possible.

5. Customize

Make your van into your dream home. Find a sleeping space and install a dining room and kitchen. If you want, you can add a bathroom or shower. One of the best things about van life is that your van is your space, and it can be whatever you want it to be, so feel free to get creative.

6. Start Van Life

After you’ve prepared thoroughly, bought your van and customized it, it’s time to hit the road. The true way to know whether van life is really for you is to live it. Some people find that the lack of routine and constant challenges make it a poor lifestyle choice for them. Others have taken up van life and never looked back, enjoying a liberated life out on the road.

If you’ve always had the itch to become a van dweller, the lifestyle is always just a few steps away.

Shop at Raybuck Auto Parts Today

So much of van life is finding that perfect van and making the necessary changes to make it livable. During that process, you’ll need to find an assortment of parts and tools to aid you in the process. It can be a hassle tracking down all of those different parts — finding a trusted provider can help ease you through your conversion project.

At Raybuck Auto Parts, we carry a huge selection of auto parts and tools in one convenient online location. You can easily browse through our selection, talk to our highly-experienced team and find what you’re looking for. We offer quality, long-lasting parts that you can rely on. Contact us today!