Vandwelling: What? Why? How? & Should I Consider It?

VanDwelling... This article will explore VanDwelling: What is it? - Why would anyone choose to live that way? - How can one make their living space more comfortable and functional? And, should you personally consider it? Look for additional articles that discuss additional aspects of vandwelling such as: short term versus long term van dwelling, travel versus stationary vanwdwelling and more indepth preparation suggested for vandwelling.

What is it? Vandwelling simply means using a van as a dwelling as well as a mode of transportation. Those with plenty of money may be driving a Roadway or Pleasureway Camper Van with all the bells and whistles of a much larger RV, however most of them would probably refer to themselves as "RV'ers" or "Full-timers" instead of "Vandwellers". For the most part, most vandwellers are those driving converted vans. Many of those converted living spaces are self built/converted. To get an idea of what some interior set-ups look like and/or include, I have a slide show of varied samples of actual vandweller interior living spaces on my website http://www.lordandcurtiss.ws/

Why would anyone choose to live that way? Many choose this lifestyle for many different reasons. One of the most basic reasons is: life circumstances. Some vandwellers began to dwell in their vehicles as a necessity due to long work commutes. Many vandwellers started out as displaced individuals due to divorces/break-ups, loss of a job, financial troubles, a lease ending and not ready to sign another, etcetera. Often life circumstances have forced many into the lifestyle, including the current massive foreclosure dilemma of recent months. However, many times once one has experienced vandwelling and the fear of the unknown is no longer an element they find they like it! The freedom, saving monies, having the courage to be different/unique in the face of a mostly generic follow the societal guidelines world and the ability to live on less and experience so much is intoxicating.

How can one make their living space more comfortable and functional? First, consider that as a vandweller it is important to be equipped for no electricity to be available as well as being equipped for full hook-up options. It is always best to defer to the lower wattage/amperage options available in everything, especially large power draw items such as a microwave or A/C. One has to determine what their particular situation is and what they personally need and work from there. The most basic needs are the most important. So let's start there. You need a place to sleep as comfortably as possible. I have a conversion van that came with a back seat that lays down into a nice sized bed. I use a backrest with arms (for sitting up on it) and lots of pillows for additional comfort. Though the bed as is, is pretty comfortable, I also have a 2" memory foam mattress topper for additional comfort as well. There are many that don't have this option and build a wood base for a bed or use another option such as an air bed. The next basic for most, is bathroom options. Some use composting toilets, others use devices as simple as a plastic container designed specifically for either males or females. My personal choice is a hassock type simple portable toilet that one can use standard kitchen bags (that can be quickly and courteously disposed of) with the use of kitty litter to keep everything as clean and odor free as possible. I like the hassock style because they look quite harmless, it has a tight top lid, and can be topped with a cloth for use as a side table when not in use (Or just shove it out of sight). Throw in a few battery operated lights (LED lamps put out a lot of light with very little battery power!) In the warmer months try to park in the shade and have battery operated fans (some have both battery options and a power supply for electrical use.) One can use a generator or solar options but that definitely requires another article! With electrical hook-ups consider a small swamp cooler or portable A/C unit. During the winter months toasty clothing (thermal underwear, socks etc.) and a thermal sleeping bag will greatly improve your sleep conditions. For very cold nights consider a portable propane heater with a safe-off option and be sure to ventilate! (It is extremely important to leave a window partially open with a propane heater and to have the safe-off option for your safety and well-being.) With electric hook-up a small ceramic heater will do.

For the next level: Decide what you need/want and evaluate how much living space you have available. For storing and/or cooking food you may include something as simple as a cooler (I have a stainless steel cooler that keeps ice cold for 3 days to a week, depending on the outside temperatures). Some have 3 way refrigerators (AC/DC/Propane) but they can be very pricey. I like the heavy duty cooler option because it is low maintenance and of course will work whether I have electric hookup available or not. If you plan to cook, there are many options from camp stoves using propane and portable grills, low tech 12 volt warmers and even thermoses that can be used for simple cooking methods. With electric hook-ups of course there are many space saving options from the new convection portable type "ovens" that grill/steam/roast/bake in 1/2 the time with amazing results, (I have the black & stainless option of the NuWave Oven) as well as George Foreman type grills and many other options. Next, one must consider space saving organization. This can range from simple plastic containers that slide under the bed to nice organizational products especially made for clothes, pantry items, personal items etcetera. I have several black soft-sided organizational unit that aid me very well for all the aforementioned.

And finally, Taking one's personal needs and wants and putting it together with the interior design/look that refect the personal style one individually prefers make "the" space "your" space. I have black organizers and mostly stainless steel and black devices and equipment. My van interior is a nice rich beige color and I also have touches of greens, beiges and lavenders in my bedding and pillows to soften the overall look. Throw in those things that are important to you or that you enjoy. (IE: Small flat screen TV, portable DVD/CD player, reading material etcetera.) I power these simple low power usage items with a portable power station that can be powered up during the day almost anywhere. There are many many things one can do to fine tune their new small living environment.

Should you personally consider vandwelling? Remember this is MY personal opinion: If you are a single or a couple that can flourish and grow in small spaces then it is something you may want to explore. Consider the following aspects of you and your personality: Do small spaces feel cozy to you instead of claustrophobic? Do you acclimate well to non-traditional choices? Can you adapt to change? Are you in a place in life where you don't need large spaces for family members to enter often? As you read this article did you feel an excitement build or were you scared silly at the thought of vandwelling? And, finally you can actually do anything you choose to and pretty much be happy if you want to. But only you can decide if it may possibly work for you. I would suggest you google "vandwelling" and go on my website listed below and read my story on the main page and then go on the resource tab and go into some of the resource websites and explore the lifestyle option for a while before you make any radical choices.

Look for additional articles to come soon. Until then... Know that you can do most of whatever your head tells you you can do so think well. You don't have to follow the leader... You can be the leader. Just stay safe, do things honestly and legally, be respectful of others and their property, and finally enjoy life!

Blessings for Your Journeys, Brenda
http://www.lordandcurtiss.ws/
simplywhatmatters.blogspot.com