How to Start Van Life in 10 Easy Steps

This article describes 10 steps on how to start living in a van. This is not an all-inclusive list of everything you should do before starting van life, but includes the major steps and some of my own experiences. I recommend doing a lot of your own research before you commit to this lifestyle. 

In 2023, I decided to give up my apartment in Vancouver and move into a van! And it was the best decision I made in my life. Here’s why…

I found myself wanting to be outside more to climb, hike, paddle, and explore. Living in Vancouver, although closer to nature in general, is still at least 45 min to a one-hour (plus traffic) journey out.

I found myself staying in the city more than I liked to and spending WAY too much time in my apartment on beautiful sunny days.

I also wanted to get serious about mountain climbing and feel the calm I get when I’m out there every moment of those days.

I was looking to purchase a house in BC, but after doing a lot of research and crunching the numbers, Vancouver wasn’t worth the price of putting down permanent roots and the BC interior (which has substantially cheaper houses) would have been subjected to another horrific wildfire season. So the idea of living in a van garnered more of my attention. Within a couple of months, I started planning how I could live in a van full-time!

I’m writing this article almost a year out from starting to live in my van and I have no regrets. Although hard at times, my experiences have been truly phenomenal and more than I would ever wish for.

I also understand that I am very privileged to be able to live this lifestyle on my terms.

But now I’d love to help others begin this life too and be a lot more informative than social media on what it’s truly like to live in a van.

So, therefore, here are the steps I used to start my van life journey. This list includes all the steps I followed and a couple that I didn’t do that I wish I did:

1. Try it Out

Before fully committing to van life, it’s a good idea to dip your toes in the water and try it out. Consider renting a camper van, camping in your car, or if anything, get some regular tent camping experience. This allows you to experience van life firsthand and determine if it’s the right lifestyle for you.

If you do like it, make sure you try to do everything you would normally do in your van, car camping or regular camping. Take into account how often you shower, how often you go to the gym, how often you watch TV, how much water you use and how often you go to the bathroom.

If you’re someone who watches a lot of TV and wants to read more, moving into a van isn’t going to solve your problem. If you’re someone who has to shower every day, maybe off-grid camping isn’t for you. Take all of these things into account when you are trying out the lifestyle. Trust me they will make or break your decision, or make you adjust the kind of van life you want to live.

2. Create a Timeline

Once you’ve decided to pursue van life, create a timeline outlining key milestones and deadlines. This timeline also goes for saving money, do not pursue this lifestyle unless you have some kind of savings as well as income. It will only take one break down, to set you back to the beginning.

Determining when you want to hit the road and work backwards is your best option. Setting goals for purchasing a van, completing the build-out, and making any necessary lifestyle adjustments. For example, I knew that I wanted to be on the road in the Summer of 2023, so in December 2022 I found and bought a van and found the necessary help to get it built by then. Depending on whether you are doing the build yourself or outsourcing to a company, will establish your timeline.

3. Make a Budget

Van life can be surprisingly affordable but it also can be unaffordable, this depends on what type of van, build, and lifestyle you are trying to pursue.

It’s essential to create a budget to ensure you’re prepared for all expenses, this includes costs such as purchasing a van, converting it into a livable space, emergency breakdowns, ongoing maintenance, fuel, insurance, and living expenses while on the road. During my first year on the road, I had a lot of unexpected breakdowns because of issues with the van that happened before I bought it. Thankfully, I had savings and supplemental income to keep me on the road. It was difficult to keep pouring money into a van that kept breaking down, especially since I saved a lot before coming on the road.

Know that it’s okay to purchase an already-built van, use a company, or build it out yourself. Whatever your skill or income level is you can start living the van life.

4. Choose a Van

Selecting the right van is crucial for a successful van life experience. Consider factors such as size, fuel efficiency, reliability, and budget. If you expect to be outside the majority of the time or live in a hotter climate then a smaller and lower van is for you. If you expect to be inside the van for the majority of the time or live in a colder climate then a taller and wider van would work best.

Popular choices include Cargo vans, mini-vans, truck campers, ambulances, RVs, Sprinter vans, Ford Transits, and Dodge Promasters, but ultimately, the best van for you is one that fits your needs, budget and preferences.

5. Create a Layout

Designing your van’s layout is honestly the most exciting part of the process. Here you get to think about how you’ll use the space and what exactly you want in your van!

Consider features such as a bed, kitchenette, storage solutions, and a workspace if needed. I knew that I really wanted a stove/oven in my kitchen, so I made sure it was on the sliding door side so I could open the door for ventilation more easily.

I also really wanted a stable bed with a lot of storage underneath. I’ve seen many van-lifers build a bed-to-table format and then regret it down the line. I needed the storage and didn’t want to deal with the added work of deconstructing a bed twice a day every day.

So this is your time to get creative and make the most of every inch of space! Understand how much stuff you’ll need to live this lifestyle and plan accordingly.

6. Plan Your Build

Once you have a clear vision of your van’s layout and desired features, it’s time to plan the build.

Decide whether you’ll tackle the conversion yourself or hire professionals for certain tasks. Create a detailed plan, including a timeline, budget, and list of materials and tools needed. If you don’t have access to certain tools you’ll need, look into renting them from your local home improvement store.

While a basic van conversion can provide everything you need for van life, consider any additional features or amenities you’d like to include.

Solar panels for off-grid power, a portable toilet or shower, a roof rack for outdoor gear, and a cozy seating area are just a few options to consider.

I really wanted a toilet and shower in my van because I knew I would be doing a lot of off-grid living. I opted for a built-in, and outdoor shower, and portable toilet that self-sealed. It’s really easy to empty on it’s own and clean, and the shower is awesome especially when you’re outside all day every day.

7. Start Building

With your plan in place, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start building. Whether you’re installing insulation, building furniture, or wiring electrical systems, take your time, do your research and pay attention to detail.

Understand that you will make mistakes and those can come to bite you down the line, but it all helps you adapt and learn how to live in your van better.

I choose to buy a van and use a reputable company to build it out. This was mainly because I am not a savvy DIY person, nor do I know the first thing about construction, and electrical systems. I also did not have access to the tools, support, or space to properly construct the van.

It was overall cheaper to use the company than buy an already built-out van, plus I got to have a hand in developing the build, and I can call them for whatever help I need with the van.

I use True North Custom Campers out in Calgary, Alberta! Super awesome team and they are amazing at what they do, so check them out if you’re in the area.

8. Get Ready to Downsize

As you prepare to move into your van, it’s essential to downsize your belongings. Prioritize items that are essential for life on the road. Also know that once you move into your van, you will slowly start to realize that you don’t need half the stuff you’ve packed.

So donate, sell, or store any possessions that won’t fit in your van! I like to use vacuum seal packs to store seasonal clothing, bedding, and blankets.

9. Move-In

Once your van is complete and you’ve pared down your belongings, it’s time to move in. Take some time to adjust to your new space and get comfortable with your van’s systems and amenities. Experiment with different layouts and organization strategies until you find what works best for you.

Figure out the items that you’ll use on a daily basis and make sure those items are easily accessible.

10. Plan your First Road Trip

With everything in place, it’s time to hit the road and embark on your first van life adventure! Choose a destination that speaks to your sense of adventure, whether it’s a national park, a coastal town, or a bustling city. Embrace the freedom of the open road and let the journey begin!

Make sure you don’t take road trips that require you to travel a far distance in a short amount of time. This will cause you to burn through a lot of gas, costing you more money and not allowing you to spend a lot of time on the journey.

Good luck and happy building