One Awesome Inch
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As I start *thinking* about the transition to full time vandwelling in early July I have thought of a few things that will be advantageous living in van.
Radio - radio is a super cheap form of entertainment. You can buy a good quality walkman style radio at a thrift store for $5. Pop in some rechargeable AAs and you are good to go. I would only buy a walkman that uses 2 AAs and not a single AAA because I listen to the radio alot and want to minimize battery changing. Two AAs is going to give you more current and a much longer run time. Besides my simple love of music, radio also serves to block outside noise. Living in a city, this is definitely a plus. As to what I listen to 90% of the time its CBC Radio 2 up here in Canada. During the day until 2:00 its classical, then modern pop/rock (I'm sick of classic rock... though I do love it), then jazz, then finish the night off with ambient electronica. I love all kinds of music except new country, rap and the heavy stuff.
Shopping - when shopping, get your fruit/veg first and stick it in the freezer/cooler. By the time you are done shopping in 10 to 15 minutes your fruit/veg will be a little bit cold and will hopefully will retain a little bit coldness a little longer in your cooler.
Double duty - as much as you can try to have items in your van serve more than one purpose. For example, my cooking pot will also have a little dip on the side to facilitate easier pouring so I dont have to have a kettle. Also, I will use an ottoman with wheels on the bottom to roll around in the van. The top of the of the ottoman comes off and thats where I'll store my shoes.
Build convenience into your van. - For example, I have decided to build my own toilet/bucket system. I am going to make it so I can leave the urine jug in the enclosed box. Actually it wont be in the shape of a square box but more egg shaped so torso can be more forward and feet back a bit facilitating urinating easier. At least thats how I have it my mind. Time will tell how it works out. Other items of convenience... try to have things have a permanent home so you dont have to constantly shuffle things around. For example, I am going to permanently mount my single burner stove on my counter area. As an urban stealther, there may be times that I could cook outside but 95% of the time it will be in the van. Building convenience into that van means you have to think things out very thoroughly, but ultimately you have to be flexible once you are actually living in the van as things will likely need to be changed.
Anyway, those are a few ideas I have thought of.
Care to share any tips or tricks you may have for van living?
Radio - radio is a super cheap form of entertainment. You can buy a good quality walkman style radio at a thrift store for $5. Pop in some rechargeable AAs and you are good to go. I would only buy a walkman that uses 2 AAs and not a single AAA because I listen to the radio alot and want to minimize battery changing. Two AAs is going to give you more current and a much longer run time. Besides my simple love of music, radio also serves to block outside noise. Living in a city, this is definitely a plus. As to what I listen to 90% of the time its CBC Radio 2 up here in Canada. During the day until 2:00 its classical, then modern pop/rock (I'm sick of classic rock... though I do love it), then jazz, then finish the night off with ambient electronica. I love all kinds of music except new country, rap and the heavy stuff.
Shopping - when shopping, get your fruit/veg first and stick it in the freezer/cooler. By the time you are done shopping in 10 to 15 minutes your fruit/veg will be a little bit cold and will hopefully will retain a little bit coldness a little longer in your cooler.
Double duty - as much as you can try to have items in your van serve more than one purpose. For example, my cooking pot will also have a little dip on the side to facilitate easier pouring so I dont have to have a kettle. Also, I will use an ottoman with wheels on the bottom to roll around in the van. The top of the of the ottoman comes off and thats where I'll store my shoes.
Build convenience into your van. - For example, I have decided to build my own toilet/bucket system. I am going to make it so I can leave the urine jug in the enclosed box. Actually it wont be in the shape of a square box but more egg shaped so torso can be more forward and feet back a bit facilitating urinating easier. At least thats how I have it my mind. Time will tell how it works out. Other items of convenience... try to have things have a permanent home so you dont have to constantly shuffle things around. For example, I am going to permanently mount my single burner stove on my counter area. As an urban stealther, there may be times that I could cook outside but 95% of the time it will be in the van. Building convenience into that van means you have to think things out very thoroughly, but ultimately you have to be flexible once you are actually living in the van as things will likely need to be changed.
Anyway, those are a few ideas I have thought of.
Care to share any tips or tricks you may have for van living?
I have one of those but it takes those flat rechargeable batteries. That's a new one on me, thanks! 
