What are some of the first things to do after moving into a van

[Bobcat]

Should i find seasonal work right away? or should i first get a feel for the lifestyle by stealth camping and boondocking?

 

[Seraphim]

What do you want to do? Which can you afford?

 

[GotSmart]

Do you need money? Little things like food and insurance are pesky reminders that some is a necessity.

Vandweling is a lifestyle that has evolved around my wants and needs. Sometimes I stay at a friends house, and sometimes I am on the road.

I am of the age and skill level where I will only work for someone if I want to. Right now I want to hit the road to RTR.

 

[Bobcat]

I have a couple grand to start off with

 

[Stargazer]

1. Check your shocks by jumping up and down with glee.
2. Test your sound insulation by laughing maniacally and shouting, "Take THAT, (insert name of government agency or person(s) who said you're crazy for doing this).
3. Sit in the van, look around at all your hard work, and be proud.

After that, you'll think of something.

Best wishes.

 

[Seraphim]

Bobcat

Wasn't trying to sound snarky or anything, but this ones difficult for us to answer as it depends on how you feel. If feel you can take off for a bit, spend some of your savings, then find a job somewhere you want to be, then go for it. If your concerned about your financial situation, want to save your stash and have a job available where you are, that's fine too. Either way, you'll get the hang of the lifestyle by trial and error.

Good luck.

 

[Luisafernandes]

I agree, it's kind of a vague question, sorry.
Be a little more specific.
For example; I built my van to live full-time in it while working a regular job.

 

[Almost There]

I agree, it's kind of a vague question, sorry.
Be a little more specific.
For example; I built my van to live full-time in it while working a regular job.

And I'm building mine not only with the immediate future in mind, where I am not able to go back to full-time, but also with the sometime future in mind when I will be able to be fully retired and free to ramble. Mine's going to be an awful slow build...sigh!

 

[minimotos95]

First thing I did was upgrade to a 1.75l urine bottle, I learned the hard way the first night that 1l is not enough and it's an "oh crap" moment when you are nearing full but it keeps coming.

 

[MrNoodly]

You'l probably spend the first few months learning how you actually use your new home and the stuff in it. We all start with a rough idea, and some start with exacting plans, but you'll probably end up changing things. Some things will be inconvenient, some things unnecessary, and other things just won't work like you thought.

 

[Bobcat]

Sorry for not giving much detail, I tend to do that sometimes.

After reading what you guys have said, I feel I should play it safe and start looking for work right away. After buying a van and converting it, I'll have roughly around $2000. I want to save a good portion of that just incase the van needs fixing, so I'm not gonna have much to start of with.

You know, sometimes I ask questions I can easily answer myself if I just think, like right now. *facepalm*
Oh well, it's always good to hear other people's opinions. Thank you guys

 

[Seraphim]

Personally, I'm conservative with money. I'd do the same thing, I think. With wages coming in, you can slowly bring your van up to where you want it. Sometimes, too, it takes a while living in it to decide what will really work best for you.

 

[Luisafernandes]

You'l probably spend the first few months learning how you actually use your new home and the stuff in it. We all start with a rough idea, and some start with exacting plans, but you'll probably end up changing things. Some things will be inconvenient, some things unnecessary, and other things just won't work like you thought.

Agree MrNoodly! Though I built rolling earth-ship the way I thought best for me, it's going to take time to brake in, to figure out what should go where and how best to use it.

---

Sorry for not giving much detail, I tend to do that sometimes.

After reading what you guys have said, I feel I should play it safe and start looking for work right away. After buying a van and converting it, I'll have roughly around $2000. I want to save a good portion of that just incase the van needs fixing, so I'm not gonna have much to start of with.

You know, sometimes I ask questions I can easily answer myself if I just think, like right now. *facepalm*
Oh well, it's always good to hear other people's opinions. Thank you guys

Bobcat, don't feel sorry, I'm sure we all have done the same, I know I have.
I'm not sure if you said it or not, but are you retired? That could make a difference in potential income.

 

[wagoneer]

These yough'ons got it all backwards. Listen to your heart. Before diving in check for rocks under the surface. We all welcome new ideas and people, WELCOME

 

[Seraphim]

Yough'ons: a hybrid cross between a yahoo and a young-un.

Not sure if we've been complimented or insulted...

 

[Dragonfly]

We're older folk..long time road-runners..
If you have the van and money..get a map and decide where you want to be. Then go be there.
Planning just gets in the way. We used to decide to go East and something stopped us and we would turn around and go West.
Everything falls into place.
We did pack some clothes and meds and well, food..but other than those things..the rest will just happen.
We are sort of retired now, if you can find a word for 30 year road-runners in any vehicle you can imagine. (Well, not in a tank)
We just relaxed and let life live us. We know how..we just need to get down to the highway. Thursday morning we will do that.

So Bobcat...do what works for you. How will you know what does till you try it. Good luck to you and get out there!!

Oz

We have a G2 Chevy van. Copper. 1995.

 

[AltTransBikes]

You know, sometimes I ask questions I can easily answer myself if I just think, like right now. *facepalm*
Oh well, it's always good to hear other people's opinions. Thank you guys

While it might be good to get general feedback, for your pending transition I'd suggest paying particular attention to those who actually live in a van.

 

[akrvbob]

Only you can decide, but $2000 can disappear really fast. I recommend you keep an emergency fund of no less that $2000, and if that's what you're living on, soon you'll have nothing.

A couple of repairs and you're broke down on the side of the road with no money.
Bob

 

[Spirituallifetime]

I would stay local and get a full time job, living in the van you will be able to save most of your money. Then after you have save enough you can move on to a new location and and get another job and save money again. I agree with Bob $2000 is the minimum, you will want to save enough eventually to buy another van if you have too. I have seen a lot of people out on the road that ran out of money and gas or broke down and have to abandon the RV or car. because they have no money!

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

I have seen a lot of people out on the road that ran out of money and gas or broke down and have to abandon the RV or car. because they have no money!

That would really suck. We've all run into people at gas stations begging for gas money. Personally, if I didn't have $10k I could easily lay my hands on, I'd be in a near panic. Most problems one encounters can be solved by throwing $10k at them. But, to each his own.