10 Things You’ll Miss Most When Living in a Van (and How to Cope)

Living in a van has plenty of perks freedom, adventure, and the best backyards you could ask for. But let’s be honest, you’re going to miss a few home comforts. The good news? There are plenty of creative ways to adapt and make van life just as enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll miss and how to deal with it like a seasoned van lifer.

1. Consistent Running Water

Gone are the days of endless hot showers and easy tap access. Living in a van means getting strategic with your water use.

How to Cope: Get a portable water tank with a pump to make refilling and dispensing easier. Learn efficient water habits, like military showers or using minimal water for washing dishes. A collapsible bucket for quick tasks like rinsing off gear also comes in handy.

Helpful Tip: Always keep extra bottled water on hand for emergencies.

2. A Proper Bathroom

Say goodbye to private bathrooms with endless toilet paper rolls and reliable plumbing. Van life bathrooms (or lack of) can take some adjusting.

How to Cope: Invest in a composting or portable camping toilet for emergencies or off-grid stops. Plan your routes with public restrooms in mind, or embrace nature-friendly options when appropriate. Always keep biodegradable toilet paper and hand sanitizer on hand.

Helpful Tip: Apps like Flush or WikiCamps can help you locate public toilets anywhere you go.

3. Space to Stretch Out

Sprawling on a full-size couch or flopping onto a massive bed? Forget about it. Van life means tighter spaces.

How to Cope: Turn the outdoors into your living room. Bring foldable camp chairs, a hammock, or a yoga mat to relax or stretch out. Use outdoor spaces as an extension of your van whenever possible.

Helpful Tip: Plan stops in scenic areas where you can spread out and make the most of nature.

4. Reliable Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Streaming Netflix or hosting Zoom calls isn’t always a guarantee. Remote areas often mean patchy or nonexistent internet.

How to Cope: Invest in a mobile hotspot with a solid data plan. Download shows, movies, and work files in advance for offline use. For important tasks, seek out libraries, cafes, or co-working spaces. I have also installed Starlink, becasuse I found outside most cities the speeds and reception are bad.

Helpful Tip: Telstra tends to have the best coverage in Australia, so consider using their network for your hotspot.

5. A Full-Sized Kitchen

Counter space, ovens, and multiple burners are a thing of the past. Cooking in a van requires simplicity and creativity.

How to Cope: Plan one-pot meals and keep your ingredients simple. Use portable stoves, grills, or campfires to cook outside whenever possible. A collapsible table can double as a prep station.

Helpful Tip: Pre-chop veggies and prep meals ahead of time to save space and make cooking less stressful.

6. Stable Climate Control

Central heating and air conditioning are luxuries that don’t exist in van life. You’ll be much more in tune with the weather.

How to Cope: Insulate your van to maintain consistent temperatures. Use venting and fans to improve airflow. Plan your route around mild weather, avoiding extreme heat or cold whenever possible.

Helpful Tip: Reflective window covers keep the van cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

7. Easy Laundry Access

Tossing clothes into a washing machine is a luxury you’ll miss. Laundry on the road requires more effort.

How to Cope: Find laundromats en route or invest in a portable washing bag like a Scrubba. Air-drying clothes on a line or rack in the sun is both eco-friendly and free.

Helpful Tip: Do small loads regularly to avoid running out of clean clothes or facing a massive laundry day.

8. Quiet and Privacy

Public parking and shared spaces mean noise and interruptions. True solitude can be hard to come by.

How to Cope: Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions. Blackout curtains create a private, cozy space no matter where you’re parked.

Helpful Tip: Choose overnight spots away from busy areas to enjoy a quieter stay.

9. A Fixed Address

Without a permanent address, things like mail delivery and official paperwork can get tricky.

How to Cope: Set up a P.O. box or use a trusted friend or family member’s address for correspondence. Services like virtual mailboxes can also help you manage mail remotely.

Helpful Tip: Plan ahead for renewing licenses, voting, or other tasks that require a fixed address.

10. Your Usual Social Circle

Being on the road often means leaving your friends and family behind. It can feel isolating at times.

How to Cope: Stay connected through video calls, social media, or regular check-ins. Build a new community by attending van life meetups, joining online forums, or connecting with other travelers at campsites.

Helpful Tip: Balance solo time with social stops to avoid feeling isolated.

Bonus Tip: Embrace the Trade-Offs

Yes, you’ll miss some comforts of home, but what you gain in freedom, simplicity, and adventure makes it all worth it. Focus on the positives, and adapt creatively to make van life your own. Every challenge is part of the story, and the rewards are what make it all worthwhile.

Van life comfort doesn’t come from fancy setups or expensive gear. It’s the small, thoughtful changes that make the biggest difference. Try these hacks to turn your van into a space where you can relax, recharge, and fully enjoy the adventure. When in doubt, remember to keep it simple—and never forget the importance of good ventilation and great bedding.