Too many good ideas. Thanks, I think.

[LadyJo]

As I read and read, I find so many good ideas!!!!!
Most won't fit in my Element. :  I had better learn to pack really, really well.  So far I have come up with about 4 ways to pack, stack, store stuff. I may end up sleeping in the drivers seat if I can't get it all in. LOL. 

Less is better, ummm not.

 

[TrainChaser]

See what others have done:

Using the Element as a camper (photos):


"Tour of my camperized Honda Element" (with dog):

(IMO, she needs to raise the bed, which would create a lot of extra storage under it.)

Go to Google Images and type in 'living on the road in a honda element'.

And I'm sure there's more! People are very creative.

 

[cyndi]

meh... at least half of what you'll bring, you'll get rid of after 6 months; when you realize you just don't need as much as you thought to be content.

 

[LadyJo]

Love the ideas. I am not handy with tools so will keep it simple. The window coverings using Velcro and magnets is a simple and very workable idea.

 

[LadyJo]

meh... at least half of what you'll bring, you'll get rid of after 6 months; when you realize you just don't need as much as you thought to be content.

Thanks Cyndi, I would rather not bring it to start with. Just so many good ideas, like showers!!!!! Must have a shower of some sort every now and then. And planning on lots of water (12 gal) so I can stay in one spot for a full 10 days.  Even though it is fun to plan, it will be far better to get working on the set up and be on the road.

 

[TrainChaser]

"Even though it is fun to plan, it will be far better to get working on the set up and be on the road."

That's very true! You're not going to know exactly what you need and what works 'right' until you've been on the road for a while. And, once you start talking to other van dwellers, you may see things that you never even knew existed.

I would suggest that you don't invest too heavily in 'stuff' that you think you might need. Wait and see -- someone will probably show you something clever (and cheaper) that works better (or just as well). The proverbial saying that "Necessity is the mother of invention" dates back at least to the 1500s, and possibly back to 400s BC, and I doubt that truer words were ever spoken (or written).

Don't try to anticipate everything, because you can't. Hit the road and let the wind blow through your brain!

 

[LadyJo]

What makes my head hurt is tent camping vs car camping. I've done plenty of tent camping, load up to the rafters and set up camp. It's difficult to get my brain to shift at 62 yrs old.

 

[TrainChaser]

Small cargo trailer? Take a tent with you?

 

[jimindenver]

There are never too many good ideas just like there is never too much food at the supermarket. You can't use it all right away but there is always a nice variety to pick and choose from.