The basics

[She]

I have been working 5 days a week ,13 hours days. I couldn't handle it and cut out one day a week. I had to. I was trying to hold on because it would get me into this van faster but I cracked. So I want to know if anyone has just put in the basics and added as they went on? I know before I move out into the world there I want the van insulated. The bed can be an air bed for now. I can buy a stove for cooking(heck I really dont have to do I?)cooler can be bought.. Potty and showers needs will be taking care of. Clothes I can get storage ,but thats it. Oh an electric needs will also be taking care of. Basic needs. I really don't need the electric so fast cause I have a solar power charger for lights and all and I can do that at work also. I really wanted nice floors and the bed frame and all that set before I moved but it wont be happening. I do ok financially but not where I have to do it BEFORE I move. So any tips will be great!

 

[Seraphim]

<P>We did not full time in it, but our first camper was very minimal, and we spent a great deal of time in it.<BR><BR>A 1977 Dodge extended base cargo van. It was insulated and paneled, with a couple of lights. The floor was carpeted, and overpadded. We slept on that floor (the reason it was over-padded) on top a sleeping bag, sheets, blanket, quilt according to weather. Made a dinette in back, but it was essentially a waste as we never used the table. We had the floor.&nbsp; Coleman stove and lantern. Cooler. I did wire it for 110v when a hookup was available. Mostly not.</P><BR>Oh yeah - a campstove kit: pot, pan, plates, etc. BSA manufacture. As was the sleeping bag. A flashlight.<BR><BR>We needed nothing else to make some great memories, and it was a lot more than we had on our honeymoon...<BR><BR>...gearwise, that is.<BR><BR><BR>

 

[She]

Thanks Seraphim. Thats what I mean. Actually what your setup was. I'll be comfy without all the extras for a while and I can do it slowly to what I want done. Sounds like thats something you will never forget. A story to tell people in your old age? &nbsp;

 

[Seraphim]

A story to tell people in your old age?

I thought that's what I was doing lol.

Milk crates are nice: organize all kinds of stuff, flip them over for tables and chairs. Make shelves by stacking them. There were always tons of them behind the cafeteria. Learned something in college. And cafeteria trays make excellent sleds. (they were always returned at the end of the school year.)

 

[VanFan]

So I want to know if anyone has just put in the basics and added as they went on? I know before I move out into the world there I want the van insulated. The bed can be an air bed for now...

<br>If you start out with the basics, you'll be ahead of the curve, IMO.&nbsp; Less is definitely more in a van--especially when you don't know for sure what you need and want.&nbsp; Organization is key, and obviously having less makes that much easier.&nbsp; (I will say that we found an air bed to be a bit chilly.&nbsp; Just something to consider.)<br><br>By all means, work less and play more if you can swing it!<br><br>Vickie<br><br>

 

[cyndi]

She, I've lived in my VW camper van and a ford cargo van with just about nothing but a bed, in the cargo van.&nbsp; I didn't miss all the stuff, at all.<br><br>If you think about it, the people that are forced into van/car dwelling enter the life with very little preparation.&nbsp; You'll have your eyes open, withan idea of what you want/need, already<br>

 

[She]

So I want to know if anyone has just put in the basics and added as they went on? I know before I move out into the world there I want the van insulated. The bed can be an air bed for now...

<br>If you start out with the basics, you'll be ahead of the curve, IMO.&nbsp; Less is definitely more in a van--especially when you don't know for sure what you need and want.&nbsp; Organization is key, and obviously having less makes that much easier.&nbsp; (I will say that we found an air bed to be a bit chilly.&nbsp; Just something to consider.)<br><br><b>By all means, work less and play more if you can swing it!</b><br><br>Vickie<br><br>

<div><br></div><div>I like that!!</div>

 

[She]

She, I've lived in my VW camper van and a ford cargo van with just about nothing but a bed, in the cargo van.&nbsp; I didn't miss all the stuff, at all.<br><br>If you think about it, the people that are forced into van/car dwelling enter the life with very little preparation.&nbsp; You'll have your eyes open, withan idea of what you want/need, already<br>

<div><br></div><div>Thanks Cyndi. Your right Im kind of being forced myself. Even my van may be a little older. But I have friends to help out...don't I?&nbsp;</div>

 

[Seraphim]

<P>Sorry, I have trouble getting off&nbsp;a topic at times. Nine uses for milk crates, including a 'pet cave'.<BR><BR>A tenth? Holds a garbage bag with kitty litter for a portable loo lol.<BR><BR><BR><A href="http://http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/25333/nine_uses_and_a_craft_project_for_milk_pg3.html?cat=25" target=_blank target=_blank>http://http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/25333/nine_uses_and_a_craft_project_for_milk_pg3.html?cat=25</A><BR></P><P>And the neat thing, is one crate can be versatile enough to use for all these functions. Just not simultaneously, of course.</P>

 

[She]

Im telling you,Im getting some good ideas with those crates. I already thought of screwing a couple in the back then tying them together with some with zip ties. A nice black out curtain in the front. Presto....storage! &nbsp;

 

[supergypsy]

It would benefit anybody to start with just the basics..Then you have an easier time to figure out what you do and don't need without wasting further time, money, and resources. I'm in a state of purging at this time because the longer I go, the more I realize I can do without. Good luck and enjoy the new lifestyle. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>

 

[She]

Thanks Gypsy. Thats a good point. Havent thought of that. I may think I want one thing and it will really not&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;me. This will be good for anyone who comes here. They may think they have to put a lot of money to start...but not really so.

 

[supergypsy]

True that<br>

 

[freenez2]

It's difficult to plan for a life one has never experienced. Add as you go and resist the temptation to get what's wanted as opposed to needed.<br>