Van lifers reveal 11 things everyone should know before committing to the lifestyle

Sophie-Claire HoellerAug 12, 2020, 05:22 IST

Not everyone is made for the minimalist lifestyle.Shutterstock/View Apart

Van life is exploding in popularity as people search for safe ways to travel during the pandemic.
However, not everyone is made for the minimalist lifestyle, and living in such a small space can be hard on couples.
Van life means a lot of time spent fixing things that are broken.
Finding free camping, as well as resources such as fresh water, can be time-consuming.

Van life has captured the public imagination.

Who doesn't dream of a simpler, cheaper life that takes you from one gorgeous spot to another, sleeping and working where you please and waking up to stunning views?

However, the reality is a little more complicated.

While the many long-term van lifers Insider spoke to adore the lifestyle, they're aware it also presents a few challenges that might not make it for everyone.

Below, seven van-life couples share a few of the surprising struggles they've faced.

Working productively can sometimes be a challenge.

Heather DeSantis told Insider that not having reliable internet can be an obstacle. Heather DeSantis

Despite van life seemingly being all about freedom and flexibility, a lot of time is spent getting organized and planning ahead.

Finding free places to sleep can also be time-consuming. Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty

Vans can need a lot of maintenance.

With so much time spent on the road, vans tend to break down. Stanislaw Pytel/Reuters

If something is seriously wrong with the van, you could be left with no place to go.

If you can't fix the problem yourself, you might end up without your home for a few nights. golubovy/Getty Images

Driving a van, converted school bus, or RV can be stressful — especially in a city.

Driving this converted bus could be a challenge at times, according to Tyler Hjorting (right) and Lexi O'Brien. One Wild Ride Bus

You're in charge of your own amenities.

If you want running water, you need to add it to the tank yourself. Sophie-Claire Hoeller/Insider

You have to replenish resources frequently.

With fridges generally being small, you need to go shopping relatively frequently if you want fresh produce. Kombi Life

Campgrounds and RV parks can cost anywhere from $30 to over $100 a night, but finding free places to camp can be tricky and time-consuming.

You can't legally spend the night wherever you want. Matteo Ferrario/EyeEm/Getty Images

Van life can be lonely at times.

It's not always easy to meet people. Kevin Short/EyeEm/Getty Images

Being in such a small space with your partner can be hard on a relationship.

Van life can make or break a relationship. Let's Ride & Play Seek

It's not always as glamorous as it looks on social media.

The reality of van life is that you will sleep in parking lots or rest stops at some point. Tom Penpark/Getty Images

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