Van Life Essentials: 14 Items That Will Help You Survive

I've always been on the move. I've always wanted to be off to so many places. I get frantic when I feel that I am stuck. I always want to be moving and be in different areas even at least after every two or three months.

So I came up with a plan to research about the life in a van. Then it dawned on me to write something about "Van Life Essentials" as my headstart if van life is for me too.

Have you ever thought of living off the grid?

I saw this Korean drama on TV one time and the lead actress was a doctor who chose to live in her car instead of having a house.

Am also a huge fan of National Geographic so I've watched this documentary or series about people who chose to live off the grid and left their usual city life.

Have fun reading and be flabbergasted by this article that I wrote not just for myself but also for you who is into fun and adventure just as I am. Let us both have fun as we dig deeper into this “Life in a Van.”

Photo credit: dirtmountainbike.de

However:

Before you decide to live on the road, there are things that you must be prepared for. You wouldn't want your van life to be just chaos, and of course, you want your van life to be somehow free of complications.

So here are some essential tips for us before we move on to our van life. But first, let me briefly define this phrase.

What are Van Life Essentials?

Van life essentials are the most valuable things that you might be needing when you finally decide to live in your van. Not everything you want to take with you will actually fit in your van.

5 ESSENTIAL TIPS WHEN PREPARING FOR A VAN LIFE:

Camper Van Essentials

Van Life Essentials: 14 Items for Survival

1. Plastic Basin 

You will be amazed by this item because it can actually play three roles.

You may choose a basin that is not too big or the size that will surely fit in your van which will not occupy too much space.

2. Hanging Fruit Basket

This is highly efficient so you can store some of your stuff or even your fruit hanged on the ceiling of your van.

There are lots of different hanging baskets that are available in the market. But according to my research, the highly recommended type is the two-tiered metal hanging basket because this type can store more kinds of stuff and is durable enough to hold heavier ones. This can also save lots of space and prevent clutter.

3. ​Wet Wipes

Remember you are dealing with your life on the road so this thing right here is a must-have. Your car leaks and you leak, wet wipes are going to be your best pal.

You spill oil on your hands while cooking, wet wipes it! Seriously though, buy the biggest box for your wipes because you will need this more than anything.

4. Solar Powered Lamps

You are always on the road so having solar powered lights is a wise choice because you won't have to waste much money on batteries. All you have to do is charge them on your dash during daytime and enjoy the benefits after the sun sets.​

5. Power Bank 

We want our devices fully charged at all times, and this is a must for a traveler because there is nothing worse than you not being able to get an update on your Twitter.

Kidding aside, for emergency situations, imagine your gears suddenly drained. You are in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery. Not a good vision, huh?

6. Backpack 

This is easy to carry, comes in handy, you can fit almost everything that you need for your stop-overs especially your valuables.

This van life essential is also ideal when you work remotely on the road. From your tiny living space in the van to your office space on the road for the day, it should be just easy and painless. It's best to invest in the backpack you really like.

7. Fridge/Freezer

Whenever or whatever kind of life we chose, this is truly something that we all need in our lives. I, myself, can't live without this thing.

A small one will do since you will be living in a van. You can have it built-in to secure its position in your van. It doesn't have to be very big but just enough for you to have storage for your food.

8. Multi-Pot Set 

You will be cooking, and as you go, you won’t know the type of meal you’re going to prepare--whether you’re having soup, fried egg, or grilled salmon. So having a multi-pot set is a great idea.  You then can save great space in your mini always-on-the-go house.

9. Water Canister 

Water is life! So having a container and something enough (not so big) to avoid consuming huge space in your van.

I highly suggest getting one that can hold about 5 gallons because you can fill in much water which can get you all throughout without worrying about "what if's."

10. Tents/Sleeping Bags 

This right here are your on-the-go buddies if you wish to stop by at a place for quite some time or a bit longer period. You will surely want to explore places along your way, so it's best to have these items.

11. Sharp Knife/Swiss Knife 

This is something that is needed not only for backpackers but most especially if you want to have a life on the road. You are not just a backpacker but you are going to finally live in your car mostly. So better have something that is essential in your kitchen in your van.

12. Portable Butane Gas Stove 

I like this because it’s highly portable, affordable, and is available almost everywhere. So in case you run out of fuel, you can always find a replacement.

13. Vacuum 

Vacuum comes in handy. It makes it easier for you to keep your van free of dust and dirt especially that you’re always off-road.

14. Towel 

Towel is, of course, necessary not just to keep you dry after taking a shower but also to keep you warm at night.

Before I go...

Whatever you choose in life, make sure it makes you happy. You may live the life you wanted and anyway you wanted just as long as it makes you satisfied. As for me, all I want is to share with you this list of van life essentials for you to have a new perspective on life.

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