In recent years, the ‘vanlife’ lifestyle has exploded in popularity, with millennials and Gen Z seeking to escape the clutches of their expensive, monotonous lives in search of adventure on the open road. If you’re excited to give vanlife a go, but aren’t sure where to begin, then you’re in the right place. Before you swap your four walls for four wheels, it’s important to make sure you have your ducks in a row.

Get the Correct License

If you’re interested in driving a van that’s on the larger side, then you’ll need to get the right license. The best route is to choose a reputable HGV training provider, like Lifft Group, where you can get the knowledge you need to hit the road in the van of your dreams. This is often essential because driving a van is a completely different ball game from driving a car, which is smaller in just about every possible way and has clear lines of sight and minimal blind spots, unlike a van. 

Make Sure You Have Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements

When you’re living on the road, getting a good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. You’ll need to maintain your focus on the road for long periods of time, so having the right sleeping arrangements in place before you set off on your journey is absolutely essential. If I were you, I would invest more in a quality mattress, pillows, and blackout curtains that would all come together to give you the perfect space for relaxation.

Appropriate Cooking Equipment

This is where a lot of vanlifers get it wrong. For many, the allure of local cuisine and fast food is just too strong, so they never end up getting the cooking equipment that could save them thousands of pounds in the long run. 

It isn’t like they would even need much in the first place; a camping stove, a few utensils, and a reliable cooler are enough for most beginners, but if you want to spend more, it’s easy to do so. If your van has decent electrics, you can even get your own compact fridge. Just remember to have enough drinking water and non-perishables, just in case you find yourself in the middle of nowhere one night. 

Power

This one can seem particularly intimidating to beginners. Since most of us have forgotten the vast majority of GCSE Physics (or didn’t care much to begin with), it’s easy to feel out of depth with electrics and wiring. To start with, I’d recommend getting yourself either a leisure battery or a solar panel, which are convenient, accessible, and will keep you powered over long distances. For shorter distances, make use of power banks where possible – they’re especially handy for charging phones, tablets, and e-readers. 

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it, the vanlife essentials that every beginner needs before hitting the road. Don’t forget to have your transport training, cosy sleeping arrangements, cooking equipment, and power sorted. Once you do, you’ll be ready to go! Just make sure you remember to fill it up with a full tank.