It all started with an obsession with tiny houses. I was really captivated by the minimalist lifestyles people had to adapt to live in such a small space. I loved the idea of downsizing to focus on the more important things in life like family and travel, saving money and reducing debt or making an environmentally conscious choice to reduce waste. As my obsession grew, I wound up staying in an Airstream in Tampa. Airstreams are a brand of American travel trailers that can be easily recognized by their distinct aluminum shell. I had all the comforts of home: a bathroom, a kitchen, a separate dining space and more. I was so happy and comfortable there, but in the back of my head I had a nagging thought: “Could I possibly go even smaller?”
Eventually, I discovered a vibrant community of #vanlifers, a hashtag van-dwellers have affectionately coined for themselves. I begin to watch numerous YouTube videos of van conversions; I really started to like the idea of customizing a van myself and traveling the country without having to worry about making arrangements for hotels. In a community saturated by mostly white men, I was really inspired by two minority women who were making their dreams come true in their vans (with their pets!!!): Jennelle Eliana and Susi Cruz. Now, I often find myself scouring Craigslist advertisements and used car shops to find a van for my own conversion and sketching out floorplans. I have even started saving up for the big purchase! Here are a couple of reasons why I am sold on van life:
- The freedom to explore wherever!
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A lot of van dwellers say that #vanlife has provided exhilarating freedom in their lives. Living out of your van means that you can travel anywhere without worrying about a mortgage, rent or utilities. It’s a great way to chip away at student loan debt while reducing your expenses. You can also go just about anywhere you can drive, from beautiful state parks to scenic spots off the beaten path!
- Yes, you can bring your pets!
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Many van dwellers bring their furry friends along. As I mentioned above, YouTube Jennelle Eliana has her snake, Alfredo, aboard for all of her adventures. Susi Cruz also travels around Europe with her dog Peño. A lot of van dwellers worry about bringing their pets along for the journey (particularly cats) and find that the animals adapt quickly. They love #vanlife too! When I finish my van conversion, I plan on bringing my baby along for the fun!
- The build can be challenging, but its rewarding!
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When you convert your van, it can be a long, difficult process. However, many van dwellers have expressed that building out their vans has taught them valuable lessons about patience and their capabilities. Often, it’s a communal activity that brings together friends, family and craftsmen alike to share in a truly fun experience. If you choose to convert your van by yourself, the build is completely unique to you, and you can suit it exactly to your specific needs!
- Life in a van is different and that’s okay!
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You’re definitely not going to have everything you have at home in your van — and that’s what makes it worth it! Van dwelling is all about making things work with what little you have. You will have to downsize. You will have to make accommodations for hygiene and bathroom duties. You will have to learn how to utilize energy efficiently. These are all the things that make van life rewarding! Remember, #vanlife is a lifestyle choice, and you have to make a conscious effort to adapt to it, every single day.
Van dwelling might not be for everyone, but it is a rewarding and fun lifestyle nonetheless. If you’re prepared to commit to the lifestyle, then there are tons of amazing reasons why you might want to try #vanlife. For me, it’s a unique way to explore the country while saving money and having my cat, Reeses, close. Find what works for you and make it happen!