10 Things About Van Life No One Warned You About (And How to Deal With Them)

1. Water Controls Your Life

Water isn’t just something you grab a bottle of at the servo; it’s your lifeline. Whether it’s for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or that oh-so-necessary shower, you’ll quickly realize how much you rely on it. The tricky part? Finding it when you need it. Public taps, rest stops, and petrol stations are your new best friends, but they’re not always easy to come by. You’ll start to plan your day around where and when you can refill your tank or bottles.

Running out of water mid-task is a humbling experience. Try rinsing shampoo out of your hair with the last two drops from your portable tank, it’s not glamorous.

How to Fix It for Free: Get savvy about water sources. Download apps like WikiCamps or Park4Night to find public taps and refill points nearby. Rest stops along highways often have taps, and many town parks have them too. Just remember to carry a tap key because not every faucet is open to the public.

The Product Fix: If you’ve got a few bucks, invest in a jerry can or a portable water tank with a spigot. These are lifesavers for storing extra water, and you can grab one from places like BCF or Anaconda. For those going full van-life pro, a water pump system can be installed in your van to make filling and dispensing easier.

Bonus Hack: Always keep a couple of extra bottles stashed for emergencies, or flusing the toilet when it breaks. They’ve saved me more than once on a remote track when my main tank ran dry.

Managing water is a skill you’ll learn quickly on the road. It’s a little effort that makes a massive difference in staying clean, hydrated, and sane.

2. Condensation Will Ruin Your Morning

Condensation is the sneaky villain of van life. You wake up after a peaceful night’s sleep only to find your windows fogged up and your bedding slightly damp. It’s like the van decided to throw a steamy rainforest party overnight, and no one invited you. This happens because of the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the van, combined with your breath and body heat. Cozy, huh?

Left unchecked, condensation leads to mold, musty smells, and the joy of constantly drying out your bedding. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

How to Fix It for Free: Crack a window open, even in winter. A tiny gap lets moist air escape and keeps the swamp vibes at bay. If mozzies are an issue, slap on a fly screen or DIY one with magnetic tape and mesh. Parking near a breeze or in a dry area also helps.

The Product Fix: A 12V fan is a solid investment to keep the air moving. Pair it with moisture absorbers like DampRid or reusable dehumidifier bags. For a more permanent solution, install a roof vent with a fan to suck out the warm, moist air while you sleep.

Bonus Hack: If your bedding gets damp, don’t pack it away immediately. Lay it out to air during the day, especially if the sun’s out. Sunlight is the ultimate mold killer.

Condensation isn’t fun, but it’s manageable with the right prep. Keep the airflow going, and you’ll avoid waking up in a soggy van sauna.

3. Cooking Smells Stick Around

Cooking in a van is a sensory experience, mostly because the smells don’t leave. That pasta sauce you whipped up last night? You’ll still be smelling it two days later. In a small space, there’s no “kitchen” to separate from your living area. It all blends into one, and smells love to linger. Over time, you’ll learn to manage it, but those first few times of waking up to Eau de Spaghetti Bolognese? That’s a rite of passage.

How to Fix It for Free: The easiest fix is to cook outside. Grab a portable butane stove, set up a little outdoor cooking station, and keep the smells out of your van. If you have to cook inside, crack a window or two and let the air circulate.

The Product Fix: If you’re committed to cooking indoors, a roof vent with a fan is a game-changer. It’ll suck out the smells and keep your van fresh. Another handy tool is an odour-neutralising spray or natural options like a small bowl of vinegar to absorb smells after cooking.

Bonus Hack: Stick to foods that don’t reek. Grilled fish might taste great, but it’ll turn your van into a seafood sauna. Keep strong-smelling foods as a treat for outdoor cooking days.

Cooking in a van is an art form. Get the airflow right, and you’ll be smelling fresh breezes instead of last night’s garlic toast.

4. Stealth Camping Is a Talent

Stealth camping sounds cool, but in reality, it’s a mix of common sense, good parking skills, and hoping the locals don’t notice you’re living in a van. You need a spot that’s quiet, safe, and won’t get you the dreaded 3 a.m. knock from security or the cops.

It’s not about being invisible; it’s about blending in. Residential streets, industrial areas, or near other vans are usually your best bet. Avoid places with “No Camping” signs unless you want an early morning eviction notice.

How to Fix It for Free: Apps like Park4Night or WikiCamps will help you find stealth spots. Always arrive late and leave early, nothing screams “I live here” like an awning and camp chairs at 10 a.m.

The Product Fix: Blackout curtains are a stealth camper’s best friend. They keep light from spilling out and stop nosy neighbors from peeking in. Reflective window covers also work to keep your van looking like it’s just parked, not a tiny home.

Bonus Hack: Keep your van tidy and don’t draw attention. Trash left outside or loud music will blow your cover instantly.

Stealth camping is about being low-key and respectful. Master that, and you’ll never pay for a campsite again.

5. Small Space, Big Mess

Living in a van means every mess is amplified. A few dishes in the sink or one pair of socks on the floor, and suddenly it looks like you’ve been robbed. Keeping your space clean is a daily chore, but it’s one you’ll thank yourself for later.

How to Fix It for Free: Minimize what you own. The less stuff you have, the less you need to clean. Also, make it a rule to tidy as you go. Spilled something? Clean it now. Used a plate? Wash it straight away.

The Product Fix: Storage cubes, collapsible crates, and hanging organizers are lifesavers for keeping things in their place. Invest in a handheld vacuum for quick clean-ups, especially if you’re on the road often.

Bonus Hack: Keep a small basket for “stray” items. At the end of the day, toss everything back where it belongs to keep the van looking presentable.

Van life is all about making the most of small spaces. Keep it clean, and you’ll actually enjoy hanging out in your tiny home.

6. Power Isn’t Plug-and-Play

Living in a van means becoming a part-time electrician. Your fridge, lights, fans, and gadgets all rely on a limited power supply, and unless you’re plugged into a powered site, that supply comes from solar panels and batteries. You’ll quickly learn the difference between watts and amps and why sunny days are your best friend. Run out of power, and your fridge becomes a storage box, and your nights are spent in the dark.

How to Fix It for Free: Be smart about how and when you use your power. Charge your devices at cafes, libraries, or any public outlet when you’re out and about. During the day, try to run devices directly from your solar panels while they’re generating energy.

The Product Fix: Invest in a quality solar setup with a good charge controller and a lithium battery system. Brands like Goal Zero or REDARC have kits that make off-grid living much easier. A solar-powered fan or a USB rechargeable lantern can also keep you comfortable during power dips. Also a Bluetti Portable power station can have you running your blender, fridge and more running and charging while your on the go.

Bonus Hack: Get a small battery monitor. It’s like having a fuel gauge for your electricity, so you’re not caught off guard when your fridge decides it’s time to quit.

Power management isn’t glamorous, but once you nail it, you’ll be amazed at how much you can run off the sun.

7. Parking is Basically a Game Show

Finding the perfect parking spot is harder than it sounds. You’re not just looking for somewhere legal, you need it to be safe, level, shaded, and preferably not next to a bin truck’s morning route. Add the fear of a 3 a.m. knock on your window, and parking becomes a full-blown adventure.

How to Fix It for Free: Scout during the day. Drive around the area and look for quiet streets or industrial zones. Apps like Park4Night or WikiCamps are gold mines for safe spots. Always park with an easy exit route in case you need to leave quickly.

The Product Fix: Leveling blocks are a lifesaver if you end up on uneven ground. A backup camera or parking sensors can also help you nail tricky spots without turning your van into a bumper car.

Bonus Hack: Avoid parking directly under trees, shade is great, but bird poo and falling branches aren’t, and the shade will limit your solar.

With a bit of practice, parking anxiety becomes just another quirky part of van life.

8. Storage is Survival Tetris

Living in a van is like playing Tetris, but with your stuff. Every item needs a specific place, and if you’re not organized, it turns into chaos fast. Misplace your keys or your favorite snack? Good luck finding it without tearing apart the van.

How to Fix It for Free: Start by decluttering. If you haven’t used something in the past month, ditch it. Use every inch of space, under the bed, inside the walls, or even hanging from the roof. Keep small items in jars or baskets to stop them rolling around.

The Product Fix: Magnetic hooks and Velcro strips are game-changers for storing things in awkward spaces. Stackable storage bins or collapsible crates keep your essentials tidy and accessible. For clothes, packing cubes are a dream.

Bonus Hack: Label everything. It might feel over-the-top, but it saves heaps of time when you’re trying to find the can opener in a hurry.

Master storage, and your van will feel more like a tiny home and less like a cluttered shed.

9. Weather Decides Everything

Your van’s insulation is decent, but it’s not a magic shield. Hot summer days turn your van into a mobile oven, while chilly winter nights have you reaching for every blanket you own. Weather apps become your new religion, and you’ll start planning your location around the forecast.

How to Fix It for Free: Park in the shade during summer and follow the breeze whenever you can. In winter, chase the sun and keep your van closed up tight to trap heat. Window covers made from Reflectix or even DIY cardboard with foil help a lot.

The Product Fix: Insulated window covers are worth their weight in gold for temperature control. A portable fan or heater (depending on the season) makes extreme temperatures manageable. If you’ve got the budget, an electric blanket or 12V heated seat covers are lifesavers in winter.

Bonus Hack: In summer, keep a spray bottle filled with water for a quick cooldown. In winter, hot water bottles are your budget-friendly best friend.

Weather may be the boss, but with the right prep, you’ll stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

10. You’ll Miss the Basics

Running water, reliable Wi-Fi, and a toilet that doesn’t involve a weekly walk of shame are things you’ll never take for granted again. Finding these luxuries becomes a full-blown treasure hunt, and when you do, it’s like winning the jackpot.

How to Fix It for Free: Use public facilities wherever you can. Libraries are perfect for Wi-Fi and power outlets. Public showers at beaches or swimming pools are lifesavers, and clean toilets can often be found at parks or service stations.

The Product Fix: A portable toilet, like the Thetford Porta Potti, is essential for those remote stays. For internet, invest in a mobile hotspot with a solid data plan. And for water, a collapsible solar shower bag can give you a warm shower anywhere the sun shines.

Bonus Hack: Carry a bucket for washing clothes or dishes when you’re in a pinch. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Living without the basics isn’t easy, but when you find them, you’ll appreciate the little things more than ever.

Van life isn’t perfect, it’s messy, chaotic, and occasionally smells like last night’s dinner. But it’s also freeing, adventurous, and full of stories you’ll laugh about later. With these tips and hacks, you’ll be better prepared to roll with the chaos and make the most of life on the road. Don’t forget to pack a sense of humor and some Febreze. You’ll need both.