There are a lot of interesting alternative living solutions that people are opting for these days. One that offers a lot of freedom and cost savings is van life. This lifestyle lets you travel the cities, countryside, and everything in between with a home on wheels. With the right modifications, a van can transform into a cozy, efficient living space.
The key to this is to have the right modifications done on your van. There are certain essentials that you have to have for the living space to be comfortable and livable. In this article, we will go over several of these essentials so you can transform a basic van into a tiny home on wheels.
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1 – Storage and interior design
Making good use of space is one of the most important factors in van life. When setting up your van’s inside, you need smart ways to use every bit of space. When youโre living on the road, being able to keep and easily access your stuff can improve daily living and quality of life.
A great storage solution is a sprinter headliner shelf. This shelf sits above the driver and passenger seats and is perfect for storing light items like clothes, blankets, or gadgets, keeping them handy but out of the way. Using this space wisely gives you more room without cluttering your living area.
Itโs also smart to have furniture that has more than one use. Think about a bed with drawers built into the frame or a platform that lifts to show a big storage area underneath. Tables that fold down from the walls and seats that open up to hold items can save a lot of space.
2 – Power systems
Setting up a reliable electrical system in your van is essential for a comfortable lifestyle on the road. Planning a dependable electrical setup means you can enjoy these comforts as if you were just living in a small apartment and not a van.
Start by deciding how much power you’ll need. This will help you figure out the size of the battery bank and the type of solar panels you’ll need. For many van dwellers, solar panels are the best choice because they allow you to generate electricity wherever you park.
Deep cycle batteries are popular because they’re designed for the repeated charging and discharging that happens in van life.
3 – Sleeping arrangements
Since space is limited, designing sleeping areas to be functional and relaxing requires careful planning and creativity.
Many people opt for a fixed bed that stays in place, which provides stability and a dedicated sleeping space. This type of bed can also offer a lot of storage underneath, which is ideal for keeping bedding, clothes, and other essentials.
Memory foam is a popular choice for your mattress as it adapts to your body, providing support and comfort. Also, add curtains or shades for privacy and to help control the temperature inside the van by blocking out sunlight during the day and retaining heat at night.
Article Last Updated: May 1, 2024.