Once we advised individuals we’d stay, work, and journey in a van for 9-plus months with our 2-year-old daughter, Finola, we obtained combined reactions. Everybody was completely satisfied for us however some of us mentioned, “You guys are courageous; there’s no approach I may do this.”
A number of individuals have requested us the way it’s going, what we’ve discovered, how lengthy we plan to do van life, and so forth. After answering these questions so many instances, I spotted the data might be a great useful resource for anybody contemplating van life or an prolonged street journey along with your child(s).
We’ve discovered a rhythm after a number of months of working and touring within the van with a toddler and needed to share some ideas with anybody contemplating this life-style.
Moreover, I’ve listed some gear objects we’ve come to like.
Issues to Take into account to Put together for Van Life With Children
Finest Timing for Van Life + Life Adjustments
There’s by no means an ideal time to strive life on the street. On the finish of 2021, we lastly determined to cease dreaming and researching and simply go for it. We didn’t have an actual plan or know what we had been doing, however we had been decided to maintain an open thoughts and determine it out as we went.
Our thought was that it is perhaps finest to stay full-time in a van whereas Finola is youthful since she’s not tied to high school, associates, actions, and so forth. At the moment, we solely have one child, and he or she’s a toddler, so this information is written from that perspective.
Your children is perhaps totally different ages, which might have an effect on your plans in a different way. A youngster, for instance, will take up extra space and wish extra privateness than a toddler.
My spouse, Natalie, and I switched jobs to accommodate the change to residing on the street. We even rented out our home for 9 months to earn some further earnings whereas we had been away.
Construct or Purchase Your Van With Children in Thoughts
Shopping for Versus a Customized Construct
We appeared on-line for months at used vans, hoping to search out one thing with three to 4 seats. After a fruitless search, we linked with a builder in Minneapolis named Colin Timm, who owns Truthful Is Truthful Artistic. We knew a customized construct would consequence within the campervan we needed, and for us, that has been the easiest way to go.
We selected a van over an RV or trailer as a result of driving, parking, and turning round are simpler in a van. Our Transit is the longest and highest roof that Ford gives. We’ve discovered it suits effectively sufficient in parking spots, campgrounds, and roadside pull-offs. Something longer can be too cumbersome for us.
In case you can, attempt to get in a van or hire a campervan to get a really feel for the dimensions. We’ve seen every little thing from a transformed college bus to a minivan, which exhibits that everybody has a unique choice for automobile measurement.
Seating and Sleeping
It was essential to us that Finola has a legit, crash-test-proven manufacturing unit seat, so our builder integrated that into the structure. He additionally added a bunk for Finola to sleep in, and we sized it so she may develop into it.
The 1st step in your customized van construct or shopping for alternative needs to be to make sure that it securely and comfortably accommodates all of your creatures, together with pets, for those who plan to journey with them.
Automobile Seat
In case your child is younger and desires a automotive seat, don’t overlook to issue that further bulk into your construct or any van you purchase. We didn’t do that — Finola transitioned from a rear-facing to a front-facing automotive seat the day we left. We needed to convey the van to Purchase Purchase Child to get one that might match with our fold-down desk. It labored out for us, however we should always have deliberate forward.
Children’ Play Area
Finola has one most important spot within the van the place she performs, reads, and so forth., and it’s on our mattress. She didn’t do this at house, however we’ve discovered that is nice within the van because it’s out of the way in which, and she will unfold out.
She additionally will get into every little thing, and we have now a couple of latches and locks to maintain her out of some drawers and cabinets.
Heater
In case you’re planning to journey to chilly locales, make certain to correctly insulate the campervan and get a heater. Our very first journey was in northern Minnesota, and our Espar heater saved us heat in 15-degree climate.
Acquired Extra Children?
We optimized for our present three-person household however need to have one other child sooner or later. With a couple of tweaks, our van can be utilized with 4 individuals. We made positive to maintain that in thoughts with the construct.
The underside line: Plan for the longer term at any time when attainable when designing your final camper van.
Consolidate All of the Stuff
At house, we had a ton of toys and child devices we’d inherited. Evidently, the plastic slide and big unicorn didn’t make the ultimate lower. We’ve discovered {that a} toddler doesn’t want quite a lot of stuff to remain entertained. We introduced a couple of favourite toys for her treasure chest and a few books.
We packed 2 weeks’ price of garments and put them in these versatile organizers we discovered on Amazon to maintain every little thing tidy. Those with small compartments are good for toddler garments in addition to grownup socks, underwear, and T-shirts. Professional tip: These additionally work nice for packing children’ garments in suitcases.
We will match every little thing we have to stay plus journey gear: two bikes, two packrafts, two full fly fishing setups, backpacking gear, some mountain climbing gear, and extra.
Set Affordable Expectations
This was one of the vital essential issues I discovered in my life. Not on daily basis is epic. That’s as true in a campervan as it’s in a home. Setting affordable — even low — expectations will make you happier on the finish of the day.
The “I wakened right here” images you see on Instagram aren’t all the time the fact. In case you go into it with that expectation, you is perhaps setting your self up for disappointment.
For me, that is an acceptable expectation for the day: cling with my daughter and spouse, work, see one thing new, spend extra time outdoors than I might have at house, eat a quesadilla for dinner, and sleep in a Walmart car parking zone. If I take advantage of that as my base, it’s simple to exceed that and be completely satisfied on the finish of the day.
What It’s Actually Wish to Van Life With a Child
Greatest Professionals
Van life offers us the liberty to discover extra and go at our personal tempo. Our “house base” is moveable in a van, so we don’t waste time driving again to an Airbnb every night time like on different holidays.
As an alternative of speeding to see every little thing in per week earlier than heading house, we get to wander and take all of it in. It’s enjoyable to be at our subsequent journey spot when work is completed or once we get up.
Greatest Cons
The small area is well overwhelmed by two adults, an brisk toddler, and the objects we have to stay.
Every little thing takes longer in a van, requiring extra persistence and adaptability when issues don’t go as deliberate — like a breakdown or when our child will get sick.
I’ll additionally add sky-high gasoline costs as a significant con!
Plan to Go Slowly
My spouse and I used to make the 18-hour drive to Wyoming from Minnesota in a single shot. With our child, we restrict most drives to about 4 hours. In uncommon instances, we’ll push it longer. Generally, we’ll drive at night time whereas Finola sleeps. We cease extra and wish further time to run round every day.
Past that, every little thing else is a slower course of. Making a meal, washing dishes, laundry — all of it takes extra time, so be ready for a slower tempo. Attempting to go sooner resulted in frustration because it felt like I couldn’t get to every little thing we had deliberate for the day.
How one can Work Remotely From the Highway With Children
I’m working full-time, and Natalie is working part-time. The way in which we work has modified loads. Natalie will get up early for six a.m. conferences two to a few instances per week since her job is in Minnesota, and we’re now on the West Coast. She makes use of this time to get a few of her work accomplished and we commerce childcare duties later within the morning.
We constructed a workstation into our van with a standup desk and an additional monitor. We can work with all three of us in there, however it may be chaotic. A greater answer is to park at a playground or seashore. Whereas one in every of us works, the opposite two can play.
We frequently use a weBoost cell-signal booster so as to add a bit further pace once we’re in areas with one to 2 bars.
Libraries are the unsung heroes of van life with children. We make the most of libraries a ton since they’re free and dependable. Usually, they are going to have a child part that can preserve Finola occupied for some time. When she will get bored, she will play within the campervan, or the nonworking mother or father can take her to run errands, go to the park, and so forth.
Van Life With Children Is a Lot of Household Time
For me, the 24/7 collectively time is a double-edged sword. The upside right here is that I’m not lacking the moments of my little one rising up. We’re growing a bond that’s nearer than ever. Natalie and I’ve grow to be a significantly better group, and we each know Finola higher than ever.
I bear in mind when she was a child, we first despatched her to daycare. She got here house and was awake for 1 to 2 hours every night time earlier than sleeping. I believed, is that this the one time I get with you in the present day? It was unhappy. Nicely, I’m making up for misplaced time now.
The draw back to touring with a toddler is that they require quite a lot of consideration and may’t do very a lot with out help. That’s coupled with the truth that every little thing takes a bit longer with van life; we have now discovered to regulate and be versatile.
Earlier than leaving, we labored full-time, and Finola went to daycare. I used to be working at house and had 8-plus hours to myself every day. That has modified!
In truth, I’m nonetheless adjusting to that, however I severely underestimated the impact it will have on my work and my temper. I discovered I wanted extra alone time than I believed, and my spouse wanted extra, too. We’re making an attempt to work that into our weekly journey in order that neither of us goes loopy.
Plan to Spend a Lot Extra Time Exterior
With much less area to stay in, we spend far more time outdoors, which was a part of our objective for the journey. In contrast to residing in a single place, there’s all the time one thing new to see.
We love working from a trailhead, consuming an early dinner, and mountain climbing till bedtime, which is one thing we by no means did again house. My spouse and I really like being in nature, and I hope we’re fostering that very same love in our daughter.
Begin With Small Adventures
This builds everybody’s tolerance. That is true of all adventures with children. Begin with a small hike or experience and construct on it.
Additionally, in case your child isn’t feeling it, there’s no must power it. Plan to go sluggish and take snack breaks.
As soon as your child can tolerate a number of hours of mountain climbing, the following step is to decide on acceptable trails. I’m nonetheless studying this lesson. On a couple of event, I’ve chosen one thing that could be a little too gnarly, and we’ve needed to flip again or change our plans.
Carry a Lot of Snacks
All the time having numerous snacks available must be a high rule of parenting. It’s much more essential within the van than it was at house. Get a spread and convey 25% greater than you suppose you’ll want.
Go on a Child-Led Hike
I discovered this concept on Instagram, and we’ve accomplished it a number of instances. A lot of the day’s selections are made by dad and mom, leaving little freedom for teenagers. Giving them an opportunity to steer slows the tempo, and it’s enjoyable to see what they get into.
Search Out Enjoyable Locations for Children
We’ve visited extra aquariums, recreation facilities, swimming pools, playgrounds, seashores, and parks than ever earlier than. We even went to a bug zoo. The indoor locations are particularly good when it’s wet.
How one can Van Life and Drive on Lengthy Highway Journeys With Children
Display Time
Each mother or father has a unique philosophy about display time. Ours modified as soon as we moved into the campervan. We attempt to plan our drives so Finola naps for a part of the time, reads for half, and watches the iPad for half. Then, as soon as she falls asleep for the night time, we drive a bit extra.
We let her watch one thing once we’re double-booked for conferences or have essential work to get accomplished. For higher or worse, it’s a great babysitter and retains her calm and quiet.
Professional tip: Get a YouTube Premium account to obtain and entry exhibits everytime you need.
Take into account buying an iPad or telephone holder so the system doesn’t slip out of their palms 10 instances day by day.
If they’re holding the system — and you employ Apple — activate Guided Entry, which restricts them to the app you select in order that they don’t mess with anything.
The place to Park and Sleep
We use the iOverlander app to search out parking spots. The free spots are nice 95% of the time, however a couple of have made us uneasy as a consequence of security, so we’ve needed to discover one other one.
We use campgrounds sparingly to economize. Take a look at these different GearJunkie articles for extra dispersed tenting and boondocking ideas.
Create a Spot for Every little thing
I’m usually organized, but it surely turns into a necessity within the van. If we simply shove stuff wherever, we ultimately run out of room. Every little thing has a spot within the campervan, and we’re dedicated to placing objects away so we will discover every little thing once we want it.
Plan Relaxation Days Into Your Schedule
Van life could be as wild or chill as you need it to be. We discovered early on {that a} slower tempo was higher with a child. We now plan a relaxation day roughly each 10 days to keep away from burnout.
Life Nonetheless Occurs Throughout Van Life
Issues like getting sick or having automotive bother occur identical to in regular life. I don’t have an answer for all of these items, however being versatile is vital. Van life is enjoyable, but it surely’s actually not as problem-free because it appears on-line.
Going to the Rest room
We opted to not have a bathroom in our campervan and it’s labored high quality for us. There’s all the time a bathroom out there at a campground, retailer, library, and so forth. We’ve some wag luggage for emergencies and have solely used them as soon as.
Finola makes use of diapers out of comfort, however she’s prepared to start out potty coaching. We’ll probably begin that course of once we’re visiting household for Christmas. I anticipate there can be some mishaps, and we’ll simply should take care of that.
Bathing
Showering is a bit more tough with a toddler. We did baths at house however did some bathe observe earlier than we left. We’ve a bathe choice out the again of the van, however setting it up is a bit cumbersome, and we regularly search for alternate options.
The best expertise is a neighborhood pool that has household showers in a single room. Finola loves the pool, and all of us get clear, so it’s a win-win. If there’s no household bathe, one in every of us takes Finola into the lads’s or girls’s bathe room, and it’s a bit extra of a course of.
Make Easy Meals
I like to prepare dinner and make fancy, scrumptious meals. We nonetheless make nice meals, however they’re less complicated.
We’re restricted to a range with two burners. We’ve three one-week meal plans to maintain grocery procuring simple and guarantee we have now sufficient area for the meals we purchase.
Cooking with three individuals in a tiny kitchen could be tough, so we’ll use books, songs, or the iPad to maintain Finola busy and protected whereas we put together meals. We additionally make certain to prepare dinner further every meal, so we have now leftovers.
Interacting With Different Children
Finola was at daycare earlier than we left, and we nervous about what an absence of interplay with different children may do to her improvement. I’m actually undecided of the attainable results, however we search locations with different children so she will play with them. Libraries, playgrounds, seashores, recreation facilities, swimming pools, and different van lifers with children are good for this.
Child Gear for Van Life
Rain Swimsuit
A child’s rain go well with is a must have merchandise for us. We all the time put Finola in it when it’s raining or windy or once we need to preserve her comparatively clear on the seashore.
There are a number of choices. We went with the fairechild onesie as a result of my spouse favored the model and colours. For a burlier choice, take a look at OAKI, which one other GearJunkie editor swears by.
Children’ Crocs and Rain Boots
We put Finola in Crocs or rain boots 90% of the time since each are really easy to wash. The Crocs are nice for public showers as effectively.
High quality Clothes and Layers
Most of Finola’s garments are cotton, however we have now a couple of good objects that we belief to maintain her heat on chilly, moist days. We discovered some nice merino wool base layers from Polarn O. Pyret and tiny Patagonia jackets on Fb Market. We’ve additionally heard nice issues about iksplor layers.
Biking Gear
We introduced a mountain bike and gravel bike for particular person and household rides on the journey.
Once more, there are many choices to suit your bike, and we opted to make use of the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi bike seat and the Shotgun little one seat since they match our bikes and within the van.
Mountaineering
We knew we needed a baby service backpack for our journey. We use the Osprey Poco LT because it’s constructed for longer hikes, is comfortable, and collapses down, making it travel-friendly. For extra particulars, take a look at my full evaluation of the service.
Water Bottle
I’m satisfied my toddler drinks extra water than I do. We’ve a CamelBak water bottle only for her that doesn’t leak and may face up to loads of drops.
Odor-Proof Baggage
Since Finola remains to be in diapers, we stock odor-proof luggage on hikes and have one other helpful within the van to maintain the stench down till we will correctly get rid of the diaper.
Is Van Life With Children Value It?
For us, van life has been a enjoyable household journey, but it surely’s not with out challenges. I don’t suppose a van life with children is correct for everybody. However with some planning and an open thoughts, it may be a memorable and fulfilling expertise for loads of households.
Additionally, van life doesn’t must be a year-round, full-time street journey. Campervans could be simply as enjoyable to make use of on the weekend at a neighborhood state park or for a weeklong journey to go to household or associates.
We received’t keep within the van perpetually, however we’ve dedicated to having an journey automobile of some variety, so we’re prepared for spontaneous journeys. Having the van packed and prepared makes it simple to go when an journey presents itself.