What Kind of Equipment Do You Need For A Van Life Job?
If you're considering a life on the road with a van life job, you're probably asking yourself what kind of equipment and supplies you'll need. A van can be a great home on the road, but it requires special features and items for convenience and comfort.
Planning ahead for a van life job will help ensure that you have what you need, without spending extra money or carrying unnecessary weight. The more you plan and research equipment, the more efficient your van will be when living the van life.
Essential Van Life Equipment
The most essential equipment for a van life job is a place to sleep. You need a comfortable sleeping setup that can be adapted to different locations. In addition to a bed or mattress, you'll need to purchase a comforter, pillows, and/or sheets to have everything you need for a good night's sleep.
To accommodate different weather conditions, you'll also need a rainfly or a solid-body cover for the van. For cold-weather settings, you should consider a propane-fueled furnace to keep the interior warm. Depending on the climate where you plan to live, you should also consider an air-conditioner, window screens, and fans for better ventilation. In addition, you'll need to stock your van with all the cookware and dishes you need for meal preparation.
Other Supplies You'll Need
A van's limited interior space makes organizing essential items more of a challenge. Some helpful organizers could include a shoe rack, hanging pants hanger, and a multi-pocket wall storage system.
For additional storage, you'll need a set of drawers and shelves, or a combination thereof. In addition, you might want to add a storage box so that you have extra room for items such as spare camping supplies and solar-charging tools. A travel calendar might also be helpful for organizing your schedule and keeping track of expenses.
You'll also need a water tank and a portable shower system that can fit inside the van. Portable water tanks are relatively affordable and provide sufficient water for many day-to-day tasks like bathing and cooking. You can also consider carrying extra batteries and a charging station, if you need to keep other electronic equipment powered up.
Investment Decisions for a Van Life Job
You may have to make some investments in technology if you don't already have it. Investing in a portable Wi-Fi router and a 3G/4G cell phone plan will provide you the convenience of keeping your laptop connected to the internet at all times. You should also consider carrying a laptop, camera, and other small electronics, as well as a few extra cords and adapters. When it comes to a solar panel, you may want to purchase one for each vehicle, or at least one for your van, to be able to access electricity from the sun while traveling.
Finally, if you are not already totaly tech-savvy, you should invest in a basic understanding of how different systems and components work. You'll want to know how to start and maintain the generator, as well as how to safely use the propane-fueled heating and cooling systems. If you know what you're doing, you'll be able to repair minor repairs and maintenance by yourself instead of relying on professionals.
Being Prepared for a Van Life Job
Living in a van isn't an easy job, but if you're well-prepared for it, you can make truck stop living a breeze. Have a dependable source of water, a reliable heating and cooling system, and the necessary technology for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Remember, a well-prepared van life job with the right kind of equipment is much easier to maintain. As long as you know what you're getting into, and you have the right supplies, the opportunities and conveniences of a van life job will make it all worth it.