The cost of living is on the rise, and more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their expenses. One trend that has been growing in popularity in recent years is vanlife culture. This involves converting a van into a makeshift home so that you can live on the road without spending a lot of money.

Vanlife offers many benefits over traditional housing, including flexibility, mobility, and independence. Could you see yourself living in a campervan? Read on to find out more about this growing trend!

Vanlife has been growing in popularity for a few years now, but it really exploded onto the scene in 2017. Today the hashtag #vanlife has been used 12.7 million times on Instagram, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. There are now vanlife communities all over the world, with people of all ages and backgrounds embracing this alternative lifestyle.

What is vanlife?

So what is vanlife all about? Put simply; it’s the act of living in a van, often converted into a mobile home. This can be full-time or part-time, permanent or temporary. For some people, vanlife is a way to escape the rat race and live a simpler life. For others, it may be a necessity after losing a home or job.

The great thing about converting a van is making it work for your own individual needs. There are so many clever ideas on Instagram and Pinterest that make living in this downsized manner more pleasant. From van kitchens complete with hobs and ovens to storage ideas and ways to incorporate a comfy living area, there really is no limit to what you can do.

Of course, one of the main reasons people love vanlife is the freedom it affords them. If you’re sick of being tied down to one place and a nomadic lifestyle appeals to you, then why not embrace vanlife?

Could you live in a campervan?

There are many different ways to live the vanlife, but there are some common themes. Most people who embrace vanlife do so for the freedom and flexibility it offers. They may be digital nomads, working online as they travel, or simply enjoy being able to pick up and move on a whim. Many people also appreciate the minimalist lifestyle that vanlife encourages.

If you’re thinking of giving vanlife a try, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose the right vehicle. You’ll want something that’s comfortable and spacious enough for you to live in but not so large that it’s difficult to drive and park. Second, you’ll need to think about how you’ll power your vehicle. Most people opt for solar panels, but you may also want to consider a generator if you plan on spending extended periods of time off the grid. Finally, you’ll need to stock your van with everything you need to live comfortably, which includes food, water, bedding, and storage.

With a little planning and preparation, vanlife can be an incredibly rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a way to simplify your life and connect with nature, it may be just the thing for you.

If material possessions are important to you, then vanlife probably isn’t the life for you. This lifestyle is about having only the essentials and living a more minimalist lifestyle. For some, this is incredibly freeing and liberating. If you’re someone who feels chained down by your stuff, then vanlife could be a great way to break free from those chains.

Of course, vanlife isn’t for everyone. It takes a certain type of person to live in such close quarters with limited space for a long period of time. Therefore it appeals to people who like to be outdoors for their space.

What vehicles work best for conversion?

Most people opt for a long-wheelbase van; some have even chosen to convert old American school buses referred to as schoolies. The possibilities are endless, though, with clever slide-out storage or cooking solutions.

How much does it cost to convert a van into a campervan?

It’s important if you plan to be travelling around in it daily to buy a reliable base vehicle. This is not the place to scrimp and cut costs. This will likely be the biggest outlay. You should then set aside a healthy budget of around £8,000 plus for this.

The build cost will depend on the level of luxury you would like to install and your own DIY skills. We would recommend a budget of at least £1500 for a basic comfortable kit out.

You’ll need to consider things like;

  • Insulation,
  • Solar panels,
  • Bed,
  • Kitchen,
  • Electrics,
  • Ventilation,
  • Toilet & Shower.

There are endless ways to kit out your van, so it’s important to consider what your needs and wants are before you start buying things. Check out the cost of a conversion here.

A lot of people choose to live in their vans part-time or seasonally, as it’s a great way to save money on rent or mortgage payments. If this is something that appeals to you, then you could have bags of fun and save money in the process, building memories that will last a lifetime.