10 Lessons From My First 2 Weeks of Van Life

   Published Date: August 20, 2020  22 Comments on 10 Lessons From My First 2 Weeks of Van Life

Hello, all! I’m happy to check in from somewhere in South Carolina, 2 weeks into this adventure. Despite all the research and preparation I’d done to move into the van, I was sure there would be a lot more to learn once I moved in full-time.  I wasn’t wrong!  There’s been a steep learning curve: figuring out the electrical, the limits of the batteries and solar, navigating the best places to stay every night.  Besides technical issues and logistics, I’m also learning more about myself than I imagined.  Here are a few lessons I’ve learned, and the things nobody tells you about van life.

1.) You have to be agile.

Maneuvering around a tiny space isn’t necessarily easy.  All too often I’ve stepped in Cookie’s water dish or knocked my magnetic paper towel holder off the fridge.  Getting in and out of the van multiple times a day requires some modicum of athleticism.  The same goes for getting in and out of bed.  This is one bed I’ll never “fall into”.  Making the bed is an exercise in acrobatics.  It needs to be made from on top of the bed, so there’s a certain timing required to repeatedly jump off your knees and pull the sheets straight at the same time.  

2.) Life becomes a constant process of shuffling things around.

Everything has its place, and needs to stay there in order for the van to have some semblance of order.  Because the space is so tight, things fit somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle.  For example, the jalapeños at the back of my tiny fridge can only be reached by removing the rest of the contents.  The dishes fit perfectly in the cupboard…until I need to use one.  Then it’s a process of removing most to get to the one I need, then doing it in reverse when I’m done. Organization is key!

3.) Do what you want to do, and do it now.

This has been a very important lesson.  I wasn’t planning on embracing this lifestyle so soon.  I’d dreamed about it and longed for it, but always figured it would be something I’d do later in life, after buying a house or even in retirement.  To my surprise and benefit, the world turned upside down and I found myself in the unique position of having some unexpected time. I had the opportunity to grab life by the throat and commit to a new lifestyle.  Every day I wake up grateful that I didn’t wait.  I’m fulfilled and ALIVE.  For the first time in many years, I feel like I’m living again.  It’s been an important reminder to me that life is here, and it is now.  We need to answer the call.

4.)  A campfire may be more trouble than it’s worth.

Unless you actually know how to build a campfire!  For me, it’s been a process of start/stop with those flames.  I don’t know why the wood won’t burn, but if anyone has tips for me, leave them in the comments, please!  By the time I build it, prepare my food, cook the food, and re-light the fire half a dozen times, I’ve already decided I’m too hungry to wait and end up eating cold marshmallows and Cheese Strings instead.  Then I go to bed with my hair and clothes smelling like fire, charcoal on my hands, and 18 new mosquito bites.  BUT… I must admit that, when I’ve succeeded, cooking a meal over an open flame has always led to the most delicious results.

5.) People expect me to visit them, yet nobody offers to come visit me!

Trust me, it would be much easier for YOU to hop in your car and drive to me!  It’s a big vehicle that requires a lot of fuel.  Going from “House Mode” to “Drive Mode” isn’t as simple as jumping into the driver’s seat.  Things needs to be secured, put away, unplugged, turned off, etc.  If you’re nearby, just come to me and build me a damn campfire!

6.) Life’s not a constant vacation.

 It’s normal life, in a van. With a little less comfort and a lot more freedom.  I still have to take care of business, be an adult, and make a living.  However, it’s a “normal life” with an infinitely higher quality of living, for my taste, anyway.  

7.) Nature is the cure for everything.

There’s an undeniable sense of calm and well-being that comes with the connection to Mother Earth. Stress dissipates when immersed in a landscape untouched by human hands. I have a physical reaction to the life energy that surrounds me, and there’s power in the trees, the earth, the water. It’s so much bigger than I, and forces me to breathe, wonder, and appreciate my interconnectedness with all of it.

8.) I can’t leave the van for long with a pet inside.

Just as I wouldn’t leave a pet locked up in the car, same goes for leaving a pet in the van.  That means no going to a restaurant with friends for hours at a time, or leisurely strolling through a mall, especially in hot weather.  I made sure my van was equipped with AC, but unless I’m plugged into shore power, it’s a major drain on the batteries.  For a quick grocery run I could leave the AC going for Cookie, but anything beyond that could mean trouble for the electrical system.  Truth be told, anytime I’m away from the van, the only thing I’m thinking about is Cookie and how she’s doing.  I’m there for her, gladly, as much as possible.   

9.) There’s no rushing.

I’m now officially on Cookie Time.  It’s important for her to get out and explore, feel the sunshine, and have mental stimulation.  It wouldn’t be humane to keep her locked up in such a small space.  Several times a day, she goes outside to examine her surroundings.  She does this on her own time, at her own pace. All I can do is give her that freedom. Even on the highway, I’m not interested in hurrying to get anywhere.  I’m conscious that my entire home is moving along right behind me, so I drive safely and slowly.  I try not to put time constraints on myself, and make sure I give myself enough of a window to do what needs to be done in an unhurried manner.  Not a bad way to carry on!

10.). Human connection means everything.

In 2 short weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people and re-connect with old friends.  Every one of them has something to teach me.  No material possession could give me the deeply satisfying joy of human connection that I’ve captured while being on the road.  Working hard to have “things” in order to impress others is total bullshit.  There is no authenticity to that kind of superficial pursuit.  Relatedness, conversations, and kinship with an old or new friend…these are the things that have given meaning to this journey.  

Author: Itsawander

22 thoughts on “10 Lessons From My First 2 Weeks of Van Life”

  1. Buenas lecciones las que presentas hoy sarita, todas me gustaron, la naturaleza, la conexión humana
    pero mas con Miss Lady evans, ¿que aprendiste de ella? ¿que te enseño? ¿cosas de soldado o experiencias?
    se que lady evans fue una marine de los estados unidos y admiro a los soldados pues me siento identificado con ellos, no se si te lo dije alguna vez pero yo mismo me considero un soldado, pero yo soy de la vida pues he luchado para salir adelante y viví muchos momentos que me dejaron curtido y veterano, viví mis victorias pero también mis derrotas, aprendí de cada momento que me hizo madurar como persona y pensamiento.
    ¿que te platico lady evans y que aprendiste de ella? me muero por curiosidad sarita
    espero que logres pasar por mexico, pues te recibiré con los brazos abiertos y buena fogata, no la mejor pero si una muy buena para calentarse de los fríos helados.
    Atte Tu Amigo que te quiere Luis.

    1. Es muy buena mujer y madre… yo creo que la lección más grande de ella fue tener el corazón grande e abierto, ser amable con la gente, que muchos están sufriendo, y luchar contra la adversidad para sobresalir.

  2. Hola SARITA que grandes experiencias te ha presentado vida y muy cierto que las cosas suceden x algo…uno puede planear las cosas para cierta ocasión o fecha pero la vida misma te da la respuesta y te presenta le oportunidad de realizarlas cuando deben de ser…. “Cuando más adversas sean para ti las circunstancias que te rodeen, mejor se manifestará tu poder interior”admiro y aplaudo toda esa atención total con cookie 😻 tus cuidados hacia ella xq lo comprendo ( me pasa igual con mi bebé estoy tbjdobubpienso en ella sola en kasa mientras tbjo y ahora pues le dedicó todo mi tiempo) y algo muy cierto es ke no hay ke tirar el dinero en cosas vanales …o etiketarnos para alguien para ser como los demás ….lo único importante es ser genuino ser nosotros mismos xq ese es el verdadero valor del ser humano ser nosotros mismos !! Te admiro x todo lo q comentas xq es una gran verdad…. Bien. X seguir adelante en este nuevo estilo de vida Sarita .. x sacar siempre lo mejor a todas las situaciones en la van … X lo que te va mostrando x salir de tu zona de confort y enfrentar este nuevo reto …. 👍las personas importantes no se buscan …la vida te las presenta y eso es lo ke verdaderamente vale la pena !!!☺️ *Aki te comparto un TIP cuando vayas a prender carbón…(*en una servilleta agrega un poco de azúcar y la envuelves como si fuera un caramelo y lo acomodas entre el carbón y le agregas un chorrito de aceite ala envoltura q hiciste y la prendes…*)espero q te sea de utilidad …estoy demasiado lejos con gusto me encantaría visitarte!!!! ☺️😀😀😀😀saludos y besos a cookie 😻😘😘😘

  3. 1. mosquito repellent (All of them: the one that you light, spray on the body, and patches ) or a Bug Zapper ( they have solar ones )

    2. Lighter Fluid & and a Utility Lighter stick and let the wood and fluid burn off a bit before you cook

    3.Portable Power Station ( i know they’re expensive but so worth it )

    all of these can be pick up at amazon
    and if all else fails just check out camping websites

  4. Another great post. Keep learning and growing outside of your comfort zone. That is real strength. You’re a bad ass 🙂

  5. Saludos Sarah yo quisiera visitarte, pero ahora no es posible por vivir hasta México🤣 además de la pandemia problemas laborales; algún día no muy lejano haré un viaje con toda libertad y tiempo como lo estás haciendo, lo bueno es que ya estás dando tips de los contratiempos y precauciones que debe de tomar quien quiera viajar. Un par de sugerencias rápidas, compra tela de tul evitaras los insectos, convierte un morral en bolsa -viajera para cookie así no te preocuparás mas por ella y la llevarás contigo que tengas buenos caminos y un viaje lleno de felicidad.

  6. Hey Sarah. Some campfire tips for you.
    1: place a large non flammable object at the back of your campfire.Like a piece of metal or a tall rock. Something around 16 inches or taller.The smoke from the fire will be attracted to it reducing the smoke coming to you.
    2: build your fire in a pyramid shape.paper first and wood leaned like a pyramid.use cedar.
    3: wood choice is key.cedar to start it and fir for maintaining it. Alder burns too fast
    4: Once the cedar is burning add small,maybe 4 inch wide pieces to start, then bigger stuff after,The fire will burn great
    5: Have a hatchet. Doubles as a hammer and is even protection for you.Just store it with the edge facing away. Under the passenger seat is a great place.
    You can even creating a spark by hitting 2 pieces of quarts together.
    Youtube has many fire making tips.
    Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your adventure.
    You are such a fun happy person and so good to us fans.We are so proud of you. Be safe out there.

        1. I’m sure it’s smart to wear gloves, just don’t have them! I appreciate your advice.

  8. Hello Sarah, I have a question.You appear to have the same eye issue I do. Your right eye is open more than the left. Have you ever had it checked out ? I mean no disrespect,nor am I trying to make you self conscious of it. Just wondering.Mine has always bothered me. My doctor did not seem concerned. It does not detract from your beauty.

    1. I had Bell’s Palsy several years ago with resulting facial paralysis for over 2 months. I recovered most but not all movement.

  9. I’m sorry to hear that.Thank you for answering my question Sarah. I hope I did not make you uncomfortable. I have great respect for you. Thank you so much.

  10. Hey Sarah, sorry to bother you. I just remembered an amazing trick for starting a fire. Spray deoderant or rubbing alcohol from a $ store. Just spray or pour onto wood, ignites fast and burns away quick so its not going to hurt food. Great for wood that don’t want to burn. You can also soak some pieces in it just be careful when lighting. I always have spray deodorant when I go gold panning in case I get lost and need to camp. Never happened yet but better to be safe.

  11. Hi Sarah
    Why don’t you come home to Canada? The USA is such a cold, uncaring place. You deserve the best

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