10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Committing to Van Life

Van life might look like a dream, but it’s not all sunsets and open roads. Before you dive in, ask yourself these questions to figure out if this lifestyle suits you. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s preparation. If you can tackle these head-on, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence.

1. What’s My Motivation for Choosing Van Life?

Why are you thinking about van life? Is it the freedom, the adventure, or just the thought of never sitting in a stuffy office again? Knowing your reasons will help you handle the tough days. Motivation is what keeps you going when the road gets bumpy.

What to Do: Write down your reasons. Keep the list handy for when you hit a rough patch. Whether it’s exploring the country, simplifying your life, or just seeing what happens, having a clear goal will help you stay focused.

Helpful Tip: Be honest with yourself. If your motivation is to impress people online, van life might not be the right call. The best moments won’t fit neatly into a reel or a post.

2. Am I Comfortable with Constant Change?

Van life means adapting to new places, weather, and situations all the time. One day you’re camping by a pristine beach, the next you’re stuck in a dodgy parking lot because it was your only option.

What to Do: Think about how you handle unpredictability. If you’re the type who thrives on structure, try shaking up your routine now to see how it feels. Practice flexibility in small ways to prepare for life on the road.

Helpful Tip: Build a couple of habits to anchor your days. Morning coffee or a nightly walk can make the constant change feel less overwhelming.

3. Can I Handle Being in Tight Spaces?

Living in a van means limited space, no matter how clever your layout is. If you’re traveling with someone else, you’ll also need to share that space without driving each other mad.

What to Do: Try spending time in a small area for a few days. Whether it’s a rental van or a small room, see how you handle the lack of personal space. If you’re traveling with someone, talk about how you’ll handle conflicts or alone time.

Helpful Tip: An outdoor setup can make all the difference. A tarp, a portable gazebo, or even a camp chair can expand your living area and give you breathing room.

4. What’s My Budget, and Is It Realistic?

Van life isn’t free, and costs add up quickly. Beyond the van itself, you’ll need to budget for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and day-to-day expenses like food and camp fees.

What to Do: Write out a detailed budget that covers all your expected costs, and then add a buffer for surprises. Always keep an emergency fund for breakdowns or unexpected expenses.

Helpful Tip: Start small. A basic van and setup are easier on your wallet than going all-in on a fully decked-out rig from day one.

5. Do I Have the Skills to Maintain My Van?

Van life often means dealing with mechanical problems or minor repairs on your own. From fixing a flat tire to diagnosing a weird noise, you’ll need some basic know-how.

What to Do: Learn the basics of vehicle maintenance before hitting the road. Watch videos, take a course, or ask a mate to teach you. Always carry a toolkit and spare parts for common issues like blown fuses or broken hoses.

Helpful Tip: If you’re not mechanically inclined, join a van life community. Fellow travelers are often willing to help out in exchange for a beer or a good story.

6. How Will I Stay Connected to Work, Friends, and Family?

If you’re working remotely or want to keep in touch with loved ones, you’ll need reliable ways to stay connected. Wi-Fi isn’t always guaranteed, especially in remote areas.

What to Do: Invest in a mobile hotspot with a solid data plan, and research coverage areas before you travel. Schedule regular calls or messages to maintain social connections.

Helpful Tip: Download podcasts, shows, and offline maps before going off-grid. They’ll keep you entertained and on track when the signal drops.

7. Am I Okay with Public Bathrooms or Outdoor Solutions?

Most vans don’t have bathrooms, which means you’ll rely on public facilities or outdoor options. It’s not glamorous, but it’s part of the lifestyle.

What to Do: Try using public toilets exclusively for a week to see how you handle it. If you can’t stomach it, consider a van with a built-in bathroom or invest in a portable toilet.

Helpful Tip: Always carry a toilet kit with essentials like biodegradable wipes, sanitizer, and odor control. Preparation makes even the less pleasant parts of van life manageable.

8. What’s My Backup Plan for Challenges?

Breakdowns, bad weather, and unexpected expenses are just a few of the things that can derail your plans. Having a safety net is essential for staying on the road.

What to Do: Build an emergency fund and sign up for roadside assistance. Know where the nearest mechanics and safe parking areas are when traveling through new places.

Helpful Tip: Keep printed copies of important information like insurance and roadside assistance numbers. If your phone dies or loses signal, you’ll still have what you need.

9. How Do I Feel About Downsizing My Belongings?

Van life means living with less. If you’re attached to all your stuff, this might be a bigger hurdle than you expect.

What to Do: Start decluttering well before you move into your van. Focus on keeping things that are useful or have genuine sentimental value. Store or sell the rest.

Helpful Tip: Pack only the essentials for a trial run. After a week, you’ll know what you actually use and what you can leave behind.

10. Am I Prepared for the Not-So-Glamorous Realities of Van Life?

Social media shows the sunsets, not the mozzie bites or the rainy days stuck inside. If you’re expecting perfection, you’ll be disappointed.

What to Do: Watch van life videos that show the less glamorous side. Be ready to embrace the chaos and laugh when things go wrong.

Helpful Tip: Keep a journal or photo album of the messy moments. They’ll become the stories you look back on with the biggest smiles.

Van life isn’t for everyone, but for those who love it, the highs far outweigh the lows. Answer these questions honestly, test things out before committing, and go in prepared. With the right mindset and a bit of patience, you’ll create memories that’ll stay with you forever. And don’t forget the cheesy garlic bread, it fixes almost everything.