In this blog you’re going to find out why the minimalist lifestyle called to us, promising personal growth far beyond the confines of a traditional household. It’s a tale of coming to terms with what’s truly essential—not just in belongings, but in values.
We chose to buy a Mercedes van back in the summer of 2020. Our original plan of heading to Indonesia and India could not happen because of the Covid pandemic, so our plan B was to build a van to keep us busy (when I say us I mean my husband!) and drive to Bulgaria where we had gotten residency the previous year. Our feet were itchy and we wanted to try something we had never attempted before, we ended up spending around 9 months building the van and set off across Europe.
Adapting to a mobile way of living, especially with a young one in tow, brings a unique set of challenges and rewards. Our family needed to stay open-minded, realistic and excited about what life on four wheels could offer us. We really didn’t know what to expect and how we would cope with living full time in a van, but, we knew we wanted an adventure so we went for it!
If you want to know what drives a family to tuck their lives into the cozy corners of a van, I’m here to help you understand. It’s a decision that reshapes not only your surroundings but also your relationships. It teaches resilience, resourcefulness, and the art of cherishing every moment spent together.
Streamlining Our Lives: Packing Essentials for Van Living
Although we had sold most of our belongings to fund our trip to Indonesia, packing our life into a van was no small feat. It’s a blend of artistry and science when it comes to deciding what to take and what to gracefully leave behind. We had to embrace essentialism , focusing on what truly mattered for our wellbeing and our child’s happiness.
Another major decider in our packing was the weight. When taking a van abroad (from the UK) you have to be aware of the weight restrictions. Even during the van build we had to be cautious of the materials we were using, how much we were using and how heavy wood is! Once the van had been built we weighed it at a local weighbridge and calculated how much we could pack. It is also an important safety measure to ensure your van is not overloaded and the weight is distributed evenly. Especially driving through mountains and tight bends, you do not want to loose control of the steering.
Innovative storage solutions were our best friends. The van became an intriguing puzzle, with every nook and cranny considered for maximum efficiency. We installed under-seat drawers, additional shelving and multi-use furniture that doubled as storage. Keeping a decluttered space not only helped us to stay organized, but it also made the van feel bigger and more like home.
Safety was another non-negotiable. We made the van child-proof, securing all cabinets and drawers, and ensuring that nothing could topple over during transit. It was crucial to make sure our child was going to be safe in a moving home filled with potential hazards.
You’re going to find out about our creative solutions and the transformative insights we gained as we settled into our new way of living in the upcoming section.
The First Taste of Van Life: Lessons and Adaptations
The first few nights in the van were an eye-opener about the small space we’d call home. Especially as we had put the finishing touches to the van the day before we set off on our venture across Europe, so no test runs for us, we like to live in hope! We had fitted the van out with all the essentials we thought we needed, a kitchen, a large double bed (with a bunk over the top for the fairy) and a bathroom area with a toilet and shower. We did not have time to test the practicalities of living in the van but we did make it look pretty!!
Every day was a learning experience. Here’s a snapshot of how we coped and what we learned.
The novelty of waking up somewhere new is thrilling, but children thrive on predictability. I found that establishing a daily rhythm, not necessarily a strict schedule, helped maintain sanity and provided a sense of security. Morning routines, meals at regular times, and a set bedtime can be van life’s unsung heroes.
While many see van life as an escape from the norms of society, it has brought unexpected insights into my child’s growth. Small spaces can be surprisingly conducive to creativity and problem-solving. Not to mention, the close quarters mean family bonds get a lot stronger. Of course its not all laughter and fun, sometimes spending long periods being cooped up together, either driving or staying in the van because its pouring down outside can test your patience, especially with a 6 year old!
Embarking on this lifestyle introduced us to a network of like-minded wanderers. Some have become lifelong friends. The van life community is vivid and varied, offering a safety net when things go awry. We joined a tonne of Facebook groups both when building the van and before we set off and the majority of people in these groups are kind, helpful and support your choices.
The allure of this mobile life lies not just in the travel, but in the incredible learning opportunities it presents. Nature becomes your classroom, and every day is an educational field trip. Up next, I’m going to delve into what that looks like for us, from the intricacies of home schooling on the road to the priceless freedom it grants our family.
Embracing Freedom and Education on the Open Road
Now, I’m going to talk about the real magic of van life: freedom and learning. Imagine waking up each morning to a new backdrop, your child eager to explore their ever-changing playground. That’s the heart of van life with a child; the freedom to teach, learn, and grow together in a boundless classroom.
You’re going to find out that home schooling on the road isn’t just about academic rigor. It’s also about instilling a deep love for learning through real-world experiences. National parks become science labs, and historic sites turn into history lessons. Your child learns more than facts; they learn to engage with the world.
Seeing what works for your child is the most important, be open with them about learning and allow them to bring their ideas to the table.
As well as home schooling we used a mixture of online learning apps to help with spelling, maths, etc. We would buy Sim Cards so we had data whilst wild camping and on the rare occasion we stopped at a campsite they usually have Wi-Fi available for you to use.
Don’t worry too much about sticking to a rigid curriculum. Instead, recognize the vast opportunity for impromptu learning. Whether it’s a spontaneous lesson on marine life during a beach visit or a maths lesson through budgeting for groceries, education happens naturally.
I really hope that you’ve been inspired to consider the richness that van life with a child offers. Beyond the Instagram-worthy sunsets, it’s the unrestrained liberty and the hands-on education that truly make this journey worthwhile.