Van life can be one of the most liberating experiences, but it’s not without challenges. From over two years living on the road in a van, I’m sharing some life hacks for van life that everyone can learn from.
Whether you’re starting out in van life, or have been on the road longer than me, these tips are set out to make your van life easier and more functional. Whether it’s about planning a van build or making small changes to your van life, this list covers all the best hacks for an easy (and comfortable) journey!
To get a full view of my van, check out my full van build guide, or my Youtube video on the build!
Table of Contents
Insulated Blinds
My first year on the road I just had a rubber-backed curtain fabric for my blinds, I made them myself and loved the pattern. However they didn’t provide enough functionality. I heard of this magical triple-weave insulated fabric which is 100 per cent blackout and ended up using it for all of my blinds.
I still have the nice fabric that I sewed before, but the pattern is now facing in and my insulated plain fabric is facing out. The insulation does wonders, it helps in both the summer and winter. And, the complete blackout helps to keep out any other light, so I can sleep past sunrise now!
In case you’re wondering; while travelling I don’t have a sewing machine, but while doing temporary work I asked a coworker to use theirs and they even had fabric for me. So it definitely helps to ask around, if you’re interested in sewing!
Velcro or Magnets on Curtains
Magnets on my curtains have saved my sanity and privacy in my van. My van is quite curved and in terms of hanging curtains, they don’t hang perfectly along the windows. As regular blinds do, there’s always some places to see in the van, and as I’m travelling and living in my van full time I want privacy.
I started out using velcro tape, which went on my curtains and where I wanted them to stay. With the heat of the summer, the velcro tape started to get slimy and not sticky anymore. I think it was mainly from the heat because others that weren’t in direct sunlight stayed in place.
Eventually though, I made a complete switch and sewed magnets which then stick anywhere on my van’s metal frame. This is the best way I’ve found to keep my van private, but still easy to open the curtains.
Foam Mats over Hard Floor
I love to sit on the floor. Mind you, my van isn’t overflowing with sitting space. After installing a plywood floor above insulation during the van build, my ankles and knees were super uncomfortable. Almost right away my partner and I got these rubber mats with holes and it makes the entire van so much more comfortable.
This is definitely a van life hack that I can’t live without!
Surely, this is more applicable for those with smaller and more compact van builds, but it can be useful anywhere. I still sweep out dust and dirt almost daily, but as the rubber mats puzzle-piece into each other it’s easy to take them all out, sweep and put them back in.
Seat Covers
Seat covers are more than just an option for storage—using all the pockets and sleeve they come with. It’s also a good way to keep your van clean and protect the seats. This can increase the resale value if you ever decide to sell your vehicle, along with making the van a lot cleaner to live in.
When and if you get the seat covers dirty just take them off and throw them in the washer, instead of having to wipe up the mess.
Elastic Straps
Elastic straps are my go-to for holding things in place, but still allowing them to move, when necessary. There’s honestly so many places they can go. I few places I use mine are on my shelving unit and to hold my cutlery containers in place.
This also helps to optimize storage. For instance, if there’s an areas with an awkward amount of storage, elastic straps can be used to hold something in place to make it easily accessible and make the most out of the storage location.
On my shelving unit, elastic straps hold my storage containers in place, but when I need to take them out I just pulls down the elastic straps to do so. But, the straps hold them well in place while I’m driving—which is most important.
Water Jug with Tap
Having a water jug with a tap makes everything incredibly easier when it comes to accessing water. If you’re stopping somewhere, the water jug can stay in one spot for dishes, filling water bottles, etc. All because of the helpful and useful tap to release water slowly.
It also makes it easier than balancing the big opening of the water jug to fill things, and with a smaller tap there with me less water waste.
Pro tip: find a place your water jug can go semi-permanently but the tap is still accessible, this will make using it way faster and easier.
Slide-Out Tables and Counters
There will never be a moment in van life when you think: “Man, I have too much counter space.” There’s always moments when you say, “where do I put x, y and z.” That’s why slide-out tables and counters are a dream.
During my van build, I installed a flip-up cover for my large drawer as a place to cook. It wasn’t long before I was on the road realizing this wasn’t enough space to cook with.
So since then, I’ve added two additional slide-out tables, one for cooking and the other in the middle section. Now, I can cook and prepare an entire meal in the same area without panicking about where to put things down.
Awning
When it comes to living and travelling full-time in a van, it’s nice to be outside sometimes but without facing the elements. An awning is a great solution to so many problems that arise from being outdoors so often. Such as when it’s extremely hot or pouring down rain. I also don’t have enough space for friends in my van, so it makes it a lot more fun to be outside with our camp chairs.
This is also super helpful when there’s large bats, or other nocturnal animals that would otherwise poop on our seating area. And for those days that are above 30C (86F) degrees, it’s so relaxing to spend time still outdoors but in the shade. Especially important, while in a desert area without trees. Also in the desert, the trees that are around a quite thin and the sun is moving so quickly there isn’t a lot of shade up for grabs!
Cigarette Lighter Fan
Even with insulation, all doors open it can still be hard to sleep during hot nights. Getting ahold of this low voltage cigarette lighter fan has helped with so many hot nights. This is a van life hack that can help all year around! The fan is a bit noisy, but it kind of acts as a white noise too to shut off and relax.
This is especially important in humid areas, because it doesn’t matter what time of night it is, it’s still hot. The fan at least blows around some air circulation and cools your body.
Mosquito Nets Over Windows
Nets over windows are the difference between going to sleep being attacked by mosquitos and bug, or enjoying the fresh air in peace. I made custom mosquito/bug nets to go over my windows, you can use my DIY guide on how to make your own. But, there’s also plenty of options online as well.
I love to sleep with fresh air coming in, so my mosquito/bug nets make that possible without allowing the bugs to come in. I don’t do this if I’m stealth camping in a city somewhere, because that’s not very discrete. So the nets are definitely reserved for out-of-city areas.
Interested in more van life ideas? Check out my full van build guide, or eco-friendly van life ideas, my packing list essentials and my top storage ideas!
