How To Live In A Van

If you’ve ever thought about moving into a van or RV, then you might already know that living in a vehicle isn’t always easy or the best lifestyle choice for everyone.

In fact, there are many things to consider before deciding to move into a van or RV.

Still, there are many benefits to opting to live in a van or an RV. In addition to being mobile, these vehicles offer plenty of space, privacy, and independence.

They also come in various styles and sizes, ranging from tiny pop-ups to large motor homes.

On top of all that, they are also usually far less expensive to live in than a home or apartment.

Below, we’re going to be talking to you about everything you need to know to allow you to live in your van or RV of choice.

Let’s start!

Is It Possible To Live In A Van Or RV Permanently?

Yes, it is possible to live in a van or RV on a permanent basis, however, there’s much more to it than just living in a van or a recreational vehicle.

If you’re thinking about making this lifestyle change, here are some things to think about:

How Much Will It Cost?

First things first, even though it’s very possible to live in your RV or van, you’ll have to make sure that you can afford this lifestyle switch.

For starters, you will need to make sure that you have purchased all the essentials that you will need during your travels. You will also need to budget for gas, food, utilities, and other expenses.

What Kind Of Lifestyle Do You Want?

Do you want to be able to go wherever you please whenever you feel like it? Or do you prefer staying close to home so that you don’t have to worry about where you’ll stay each night?

It’s important to figure out what type of lifestyle you want. This way, you’ll be able to find the perfect vehicle for your needs.

Is It Legal?

Before you buy anything, you should check with local authorities to see if they have any laws regarding the use of RVs or vans. Some states prohibit the use of RVs as permanent residences.

Others require permits or licenses. Always check with the city or county where you plan on living to ensure that there aren’t any restrictions against using your RV or van as a residence.

Where Will You Keep It?

Another thing to consider when choosing a vehicle is where you’ll park it.

You may not be able to drive onto most campgrounds, but you can still find temporary places to park near shopping centers, restaurants, and other public areas.

Can You Get By Without A Car?

Many people who choose to live in their RV or van say that they no longer need a car because they can easily access everything they need within walking distance.

But if you really want to cut down on the amount of time spent driving, you may want to look into getting rid of your car altogether.

Will You Have Enough Room?

When buying your RV or van, it’s important to take size into consideration.

The bigger the vehicle, the more comfortable the living conditions will be. Make sure that you measure the length and width of your new vehicle before purchasing it.

What Amenities Does It Have?

One of the biggest differences between living in a van or in a recreational vehicle is the number of amenities that you’ll have available to you.

You’ll want to consider whether, or not, it offers everything that you’ll need to live comfortably, including storage space, bathroom facilities, a kitchen, and a bedroom.

Does It Meet Your Needs?

There are many different types of RVs and vans that you can purchase. Some are built specifically for camping while others are designed for daily use.

You’ll also want to think about how large of an RV or van you’d like to own. If you’re planning to travel frequently, then you may want to invest in a larger vehicle.

On the other hand, if you only plan on traveling once every few months, then you may want a smaller vehicle that has more features.

What’s Its Resale Value?

Even if you plan on keeping your RV or van for years, you might want to eventually want to sell it at some point.

So, you’ll want to make sure that you factor this into your decision-making process. After all, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars just to replace your vehicle.

How Much Maintenance Will It Cost?

Depending on how old your RV or van is, you may need to do regular maintenance to keep it running properly. This includes things such as replacing filters and checking fluids regularly.

Do You Have Insurance?

In addition to making sure that you don’t violate any local ordinances, you’ll also want to make sure that your RV or van is insured.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re living in it full-time or part-time; you always want to protect yourself from financial loss.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Finally, you’ll want to consider what kind of hidden costs you might encounter when living in your RV or van.

For example, you may have to pay extra fees if you decide to hook up to city water instead of using a private well.

Is It Safe?

Before you buy anything, you’ll want to ensure that it’s safe. That means looking for safety certifications, licenses, and inspections.

Also, make sure that it meets current standards so that you know that it’s going to last for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Living in a van or RV isn’t for everyone. But, if you’ve decided that you want to give it a try, then these tips should help you live comfortably and legally in your RV or van of choice.

Remember that not all RVs are created equal.

While some models are made for camping, others are designed for everyday use. Take time to research each model and choose one that best fits your lifestyle.

Thanks for reading!