Interview with Nomad Living in a Van for 18 Years

How to Live in a Van and Embrace a Minimalist Lifestyle

1. Start Young: Consider living in a van as a lifestyle choice, especially if you are comfortable with minimalism and adventure. The interviewee started living in a van right out of high school after being inspired by childhood experiences traveling in an RV with family.

2. Choose Your Vehicle: Opt for affordable vehicles such as RVs, vans, or mobile living vehicles. The interviewee mentioned spending around $800 on most of their vehicles, finding that the ones they spent the least on lasted the longest.

3. Maintenance and Repairs: Be prepared to handle basic vehicle maintenance and repairs yourself to save money. The interviewee mentioned spending around $300-500 on average for repairs but getting a lot of life out of their vehicles.

4. Income Source: Consider flexible job options like Postmates (food delivery service) to support yourself financially while living on the road. The interviewee also mentioned working on cars when needed.

5. Stealth Parking: Be creative when it comes to finding safe and discreet parking spots, especially in urban areas. The interviewee emphasized the importance of blending in with the surroundings to avoid unwanted attention.

6. Boondocking: Look for industrial areas or safe neighborhoods to boondock (camp without amenities) and be mindful of the surroundings to ensure safety and security.

7. Financial Preparation: Plan for economic security by owning land or having a backup plan in case of emergencies. The interviewee mentioned owning land in Virginia and Tennessee as a safety net.

8. Companionship: Consider having a companion for shared experiences and added safety while living on the road. The interviewee found a companion who shares the same lifestyle and enjoys traveling together.

9. Memories Over Possessions: Embrace a minimalist mindset by valuing experiences and memories over material possessions. The interviewee emphasized the importance of living in the moment and creating lasting memories.

10. Embrace Challenges: Develop a Zen attitude towards life's challenges by accepting and adapting to unexpected situations. The interviewee mentioned facing cancer twice, which led to a shift in mindset towards focusing on making things work rather than worrying about the unknown.

Living in a van and adopting a minimalist lifestyle requires a mindset of adaptability, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. By following these steps and tips from the interview, you can embark on a journey of living simply, exploring new places, and cherishing memorable experiences over material possessions.