There are as many answers to that as their are vandwellers. I personally don't think you need to do anything to the floor. If it is a cargo van, I would put down some cheap carpet and call it good. Here are my suggested priorities:<br><ul><li>PRIVACY! Top priority. Nothing beats Reflectix. Put it on all the windows and that van will stay much cooler and people can't see in. The best way to attach it is with two sided Velcro tape. Another good method is with very strong magnets. Tape or glue the magnets to the corners of the reflectix and if there is no metal on your walls, tape or glue large washers to the walls lining them up with the magnets.</li><li>Install a privacy curtain between the drivers area and the back living area. If it is a cargo van with a divider wall, it is very simple. Without a wall you are going to have to run a shower rod or curtain rod across the van to hang the curtain from. I suggest two layers, a heavy blanket or curtain for privacy and keep the heat in/out from the driving area. Then a layer of Reflectix (or a space blanket) for insulation and a vapor barrier. Cut them so they cover up to the roof (conforming to its curve) as best you can. Cut the Reflectix down the middle so you can get back and forth and use velcro tape to hold the Reflectix together when not using it.</li><li>You have to have a bed, but for now you can just throw a mattress or pad down on the floor and sleep on it. Build a bed as soon as you can. I think across the back is best, but lot of other people prefer down the side. The choice is yours</li><li>You must have some organization right from the beginning , or you will hate living in a van. The cheapest and easiest (also light weight) is Rubbermaid totes. Buy at least three of them. One for clothes/health and beauty supplies, one for cooking/cleaning, and one for electronics and misc. Either now or later you are going to build a bed, build it so the totes slide under it no problem. If you build it across the back of the van, you can get more totes under the bed. </li><li>One easy, cheap way to build the van is to go to a thrift store and find a chest of drawers that will fit in the van (some people buy desks instead). The taller the better just so long as it fits under the roof. Buy it and stick it behind the drivers seat. It's easy to keep it from flying around. Buy six, "L" brackets at walmart and use sheet metal screws to attach the chest of drawers to the ground and to the wall. There may still be some room between the bed and drawers. Try to find a tall, thin plastic drawers unit to fit in there. I think Target has the best selection. </li><li>There will still be some room on the door side of the living area between the bed and side door. If it is an extended van, you can fit a cheap used desk in there. If it isn't long enough, try to find plastic drawer units that will fit. use "L" brackets to keep it from flying.</li><li>If you have carpentry skills, you can build units that fit your needs better, but many of us don't have the skill or tools to do it, so I give you the drawers or desk as an option.</li><li>Your main problem is going to be heat. Standard RV roof vents will really help, especially if you can get the ones with fans in them. Having fans inside the van is going to be crucial, so getting power to them is going to be a top priority. </li><li>It isn't critical in the beginning, but at some point I recommend you buy ladder racks and build a plywood "cover" for the van. That will keep the roof in the shade all day and let you easily mount solar panels later when you can afford them. </li></ul>Bob<br><br>
