I aways knew would be a challenge, ive only really used my van for weekends and max 3 nights at a time. living in it is a completely different vibe!
Less is definitely more, unless you want to find yourself packing, unpacking and repacking several times a day. Its also useful to find items that have multiple uses, such as my table, it used to have one leg and would clip to the worktop inside the van, now ive added two legs and I can use it outside as well. Multi use items are worth their weight in gold!
Also, I don't have a fridge for space reasons and also as a veggie I have less that needs to be kept cool. I shop at Lidl/Aldi and local veg shops every 2-3 days so usually have fresh stuff at hand.
Water, I have two ten litre tanks under the sink (one fresh and one waste water), in my biggest cupboard. These are used up so fast and space is at such a premium that ive whipped them out, filled the cupboard with food and drink and now use a collapsible bucket for washing up. Ive four five litre bottles in the back that I fill up when im near water.
Loo - having a loo on board is essential - Covid has ensured that all public loos are now bolted shut, I understand why and am so glad I have my little portaloo. It tucks nicely into the gap where the fridge would have been and I can empty it at the many service stations on the motorway.
Cooker/gas - I have a fixed two burner hob and use it at least twice if not more a day. The gas here is super cheap and I rarely eat out so its a great tool . I also heat water to wash myself, hair and washing up. Totally needed - I know some people have a outdoor kitchen but I like to get the kettle on whilst im still in bed!
Talking of beds, mine is a rock and roll bed, its a bit firm and its a pain to put out each evening - so if you can afford it get a fixed bed and check that mattress! I don't have room for a topper so I gotta get used to it! Also bedding takes up a surprising amount of space - it fills my wardrobe area at the back so my small amount of clothes are in a backpack I keep in the cab.
Power - Im running a laptop, phone, sewing machine and my Garmin. Not a huge amount but I do like to have enough power to not have to drive about or start my engine. On board I have two super light and thin solar panels on the roof (£200 kit from Amazon) and a leisure battery under the drivers seat featuring a split charge system. This is more than adequate (it helps being in Spain of course!!)
Whats missing?
After just five weeks im more experienced at living in the van and the two biggest issues are my back (no high roof so often bent over whilst doing jobs and shower - all the beach showers are wrapped up so its not an option (unless you use them after dark!) so I wash in the sink. a few times kindly ex pats have let me use their showers - gosh you really do learnt to appreciate the small things!!
Bike - id love a small folding bike I can nip about on when visiting towns rather than driving my van to small villages etc. I am on the lookout for one!! I did bring my mountain bike but its bulky and im always worried it will get stolen.
Vehicle
The way I see it you have two choices - a spacious high roofed vehicle that offers comfort and full facilities, with the downside that you are more conspicuous, you can't get under many barriers in car parks (usually 2 metres max) and fuel consumption is not as good. Or, a smaller vehicle (such as my VWT5) that has good economy, can go almost anywhere, is pretty stealth (and I do like to stay on beaches and in more scenic places and really don't like caravan parks and campsites etc)
In summary the key is to get organised, think hard about the size of vehicle you want to live in. There is a definite trade off either way.
Keeping your van clean and tidy needs discipline and everything needs its own place, its surprising how easy it is to lose things in such a small area!
If you are thinking of living the van life some of these pointers may help you :)
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