Van Life | 10 Tips for Getting Started

Van Life | 10 Tips for Getting Started

In May 2018, I moved out of my apartment in the city and into my SUV. Fourteen months later, I bought a van and hired a team to build my dream tiny home on wheels. Full-time road life has been a wild ride of highs and lows, endless adventure and steep learning curves. This kind of lifestyle is not for everyone – but if you’re considering van life, living in a vehicle, traveling full-time or even simply pursuing a more minimalistic lifestyle…here are ten tips to help you get started. Thanks for being here, and happy new year!

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**My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136″ WB with 24K miles** 🚐

50 Comments

  1. dianne perkins on June 30, 2021 at 2:17 am

    Great tips! I’ve thought about this option but now I know this is not for me. Stay safe!

  2. Jl Rice on June 30, 2021 at 2:18 am

    What are your monthly cost, just guesstimate? How much money would you suggest to have stashed for emergencies?

  3. Heine the Hillbilly on June 30, 2021 at 2:23 am

    Good ole Sconny Girl making awesome videos!!! Keep it going Christian!

  4. Sophie Somerfeldt on June 30, 2021 at 2:25 am

    Wise, down to earth video; nice job! 😉 Lack of foresight can cause a lot of stress; also thought the ‘Why’ question is so important and ought to shape so many of one’s decisions. People often criticize or judge vanlifers for not doing what they would do, not understanding their ‘why’s’ and circumstances are different. Lowering living expenses, minimalism and life simplification, being location-independence, travel, outdoor adventure, nomadic community, general flexibility, the fun (for some) of the design and build—these are all valid motivations, and people prioritize these very differently. (You can even have some parts of these without vanlife. ;)) How much you can and do invest in your van, its size, etc., vastly depends on your life situation, lifestyle, and goals. Great points!

  5. Jack Falltrades on June 30, 2021 at 2:26 am

    9:02 My first overseas assign in China taught me how little I really NEED.
    I arrived with a large suitcase and a travel backpack.
    I lived in a hotel room for the first six months, then moved to a tiny apartment for the last six months.
    I didn’t use about 90% of the contents of the suitcase.
    I never took it with me again. 😀

  6. james sword on June 30, 2021 at 2:27 am

    Love your content

  7. Gail Tully on June 30, 2021 at 2:30 am

    I soooo appreciate your sharing. Your beautiful van is so inspiring.
    These tips help focus my exploration of trying this out for a while!

  8. Share with you on June 30, 2021 at 2:30 am

    How do you solve the toilet problem? How do you empty the toilet tank? How do you fill a water tank?

  9. Steve Eaton on June 30, 2021 at 2:30 am

    Great video! (travelingmailbox is also a good option for mail)..

  10. Shama Haque on June 30, 2021 at 2:30 am

    How much did it cost u?

  11. barry zenas on June 30, 2021 at 2:32 am

    what a wonderful life.

  12. Jean A on June 30, 2021 at 2:32 am

    Very interesting video. This not something we could do but fun to watch how others do it. We may rent an RV for a short trip sometime.

  13. james sword on June 30, 2021 at 2:33 am

    Did you want all wheel drive in your van?

  14. Joe Kaper on June 30, 2021 at 2:33 am

    U R awesome…the best video on this topic I’ve seen…”commit” is a big one…THANK YOU

  15. Erick Eaton on June 30, 2021 at 2:38 am

    Thank you so much for the super helpful video! Really helped me solidify my plans at a critical juncture in my life. I am truly grateful!

  16. Michael Bing on June 30, 2021 at 2:39 am

    I am in your situation Christian. Out of a 5-year relationship, sitting in a nice but expensive flat and now I want to go to the USA and live the van life. I have thought of it for a long time and now that I am free I want to live my dream. Your video was just what I needed… you got a new subscriber!.

  17. Janice Lewis on June 30, 2021 at 2:40 am

    Great video! Have you looked into Escapees Club? I joined to get legal nomad status out of South Dakota ( other options are Florida & Texas). They offer scan & mail forwarding as well as meet up activities, job forums, etc.

  18. Ms. MONIQUE Monique, Getting into trucking over 50 on June 30, 2021 at 2:42 am

    What do you do about address for license, etc mail

  19. Michael Hutchins on June 30, 2021 at 2:44 am

    Marry me ? 🇦🇺

  20. M V on June 30, 2021 at 2:44 am

    You look to be mid to late 40s. Are you concerned about health care and what the costs are going to be like if not working with benefits?

  21. SloppyTaco on June 30, 2021 at 2:46 am

    Hey Christian, I’m actually a hour north of Issaquah, lol great video. I’m about to bite the bullet and go your route of living, unfortunately I have to stay fairly grounded for my career and to keep mine and my kids racing career funded, ( with my career, unfortunately.) I’ve been in a 10 year marriage that is about to come to a end and I definitely am done with the regular old money/life sucking way of living, but anyway, great video and hope u are doing well. Ps…….u are smoking hot!!!!!!

  22. Evan Vorwerk on June 30, 2021 at 2:46 am

    Lovely video. From Marysville, WA fellow Washingtonian : )
    I am getting the courage up to get a van and head out soon with kitty and guitar : ) Very inspiring. THANKS!

  23. fatarsemonkey on June 30, 2021 at 2:47 am

    Don’t take this the wrong way but your looks will help your youtube views so it’s kind of Van Tube life.

  24. Cynthia Speakman on June 30, 2021 at 2:48 am

    This is a fabulous list!!!!! Thank you thank you, thank you!!

  25. William Brest on June 30, 2021 at 2:48 am

    I full time in a 24ft coachman camper and really considering pairing down to a truck camper. I’m in planet fitness everyday so I’m set on showers. 2025 when my daughter graduates I want to hit the road and see the national parks and have a life of adventure. Won’t be much longer now.

  26. Van604Media on June 30, 2021 at 2:48 am

    Thanks for sharing, new sub

  27. SprintSlow on June 30, 2021 at 2:49 am

    Great video and great info. Appreciate the perspective!

  28. Bob Mariano on June 30, 2021 at 2:49 am

    Great video ! 👍⚾️🥰 thx for sharing & safe travels to you .

  29. Angelica Garza on June 30, 2021 at 2:50 am

    Absolutely loved the tips! Looking forward to more research and taking baby steps!

  30. Jennifer Larson on June 30, 2021 at 2:50 am

    I am a single female looking into getting my own van and so far this process has been quite overwhelming. You bring up so many great points!!! Many people have told me I shouldn’t do this but I know that in my heart this is what I want to do. Thank you!

  31. Troy Wilmoth on June 30, 2021 at 2:54 am

    Good passive income source is from money you’ve already saved. Blockfi or Nexo pays 8-9% interest daily on deposits. I replaced my income from a full time job (200+) in one simple move. Fantastic vids 👍

  32. Angry-Panda on June 30, 2021 at 2:56 am

    Amazingly helpful video. Thank you!

  33. Jack Falltrades on June 30, 2021 at 2:56 am

    Aw. 😒
    But there are bad days living in a house or apartment. Microwave failures. Plumbing issues. Leaky roofs. Crazy neighbors. And everyday things like cleaning are a bigger chore in a house or apartment. 😊

  34. Jack Falltrades on June 30, 2021 at 2:57 am

    9:10 When my wife passed away, I gave away 40 13 gallon kitchen garbage bags full of clothes and shoes. As I worked through my grief process, I gave away more.
    And we lived in a small, 1500 sq ft house! 😀

  35. S ku on June 30, 2021 at 2:57 am

    Can you share the team who built your tiny home on wheels?

  36. Fabian - Soul of Yoga on June 30, 2021 at 2:57 am

    Very valuable insights! You have a great energy!

  37. gavin beets on June 30, 2021 at 2:58 am

    love your videos

  38. why on June 30, 2021 at 2:58 am

    alright, i want to own a lot of smaller reptiles, around like 4 or 6 maybe? (thats a lot of work already, but its not the hardest thing in the world) and now i want to live in a meduim sized bus so i can fit said reptiles? man i honestly cant wait to grow up

  39. Lonegrowth on June 30, 2021 at 2:58 am

    Solid video 🔥

  40. ᗩᑎTOᑎIᗩ on June 30, 2021 at 2:59 am

    Just found your channel, I honestly feel so inspired by you! Van life has been my dream for agessss. Your van is gorgeous and I’m happy for you, achieving something that many people only dream of. ❤️❤️

  41. Sharon Young on June 30, 2021 at 3:00 am

    How do you choose a van builder?

  42. Tia R on June 30, 2021 at 3:01 am

    I’m at the crossroads right now.
    My mental health is bad and I can’t seem to find anything in my life so I’m deciding to take a plunge and get a van and try and get out and Adventure!
    I think I need a fresh start in life.
    I have visited a third world country a couple times so I definitely know how to live on minimal supplies.
    Maybe this life is good for me?
    Thank you for this video.

  43. Shawn Gregory on June 30, 2021 at 3:03 am

    You’re the apotheosis paradigm of this life from everything I’ve seen. You don’t sugarcoat anything, but yet hold a superlative optimistic outlook speaking only truth. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone interested in the life should just go to a rest stop to stay overnight. They should know immediately. I did at least

  44. Susie R Photography on June 30, 2021 at 3:05 am

    Thanks for the really informative video Christian, I am a photographer too and will be living the van/MH life as soon as I can

  45. Cristina Marinescu on June 30, 2021 at 3:09 am

    About how much monthly do you spend living on the road?

  46. BADMANMARTIN100 on June 30, 2021 at 3:09 am

    I get completely lost in your eyes !! I can just sit ,and listen to your fascinating adventures for hours !! You are definitely not boring !! I’m happy that your sharing your experiences, and travel tips.Plus your living so clean,and organized while producing these very helpful tips for people that are curious about traveling into thier futures. Until you’re next adventure,this is Chrisper signing off,and wishing you safe,and happy 👣 trails !!! 🍻 🥂 Cheers !!!

  47. Myriam Chehab on June 30, 2021 at 3:10 am

    Thanks, you’re realy helping me out to buy my van. I’ll be probably doing the more in 2 years. I’ll be retired . I’ll be following you up 😀

  48. Choun E on June 30, 2021 at 3:11 am

    Van life looks scenic but sounds hard. Wonder what would make van life easier? Long term van/rv sites with where other van lifers would allow for more stability with mailbox, internet, bathroom and other services. Surprise there is no affordable ‘Van site’ across the US.

  49. Reviews For You Australia on June 30, 2021 at 3:11 am

    What a fantastically informative video. And believe me I’ve watched 100’s as I prepare for my dream. Thank you.

  50. Gay Preator on June 30, 2021 at 3:12 am

    Other than your Grandfather, no mention of family? Yes when times get rough, sit down and list all the reasons you chose to leave or set out. That usually gets one past the bad day(s). You are lucky to have such a great set up. Obviously lots of options in your decisions. Good luck. Beautiful van.

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