Are you considering taking your family on the road for an extended trip or lifestyle adventure? You’re not alone; more and more people are choosing to live in a van full-time, often with kids in tow. But is it really possible to make a life out of this type of arrangement?
Tips for Enjoying Van Life With Kids
Pick the right van
If you’re looking to live the van life with kids, then selecting the right vehicle for your family is absolutely essential. You’ll want to make sure that you choose a van which fits your budget and needs.
Ideally, it should be spacious enough to act as both a home, office, and playground for your kids – this could mean choosing something like a large conversion van or even a Class B motorhome instead.
If you ever need to ship your van, you can always check out some of the shipping companies to get a better idea of what your options are. Check out Easy Auto Ship reviews to learn more about how to make sure you get the right vehicle for your trip.
No matter what type of van you decide upon, long-term van life means making sure that you have enough space in there – from both an organizational perspective as well as general living purposes – so ensure there’s enough room for all of your gear and everyone in the family!
Be prepared to entertain and educate
Living in a van with kids can be a great adventure—but it can also get pretty boring if you find yourself stuck in one place for too long.
This is why it’s important to come up with creative ways of keeping your kids entertained and learning on the go, such as setting up a mini home-schooling program, building an outdoor play area, or joining local activities.
Take the time to make sure that your van is stocked with books, toys, games and activities that can be accessed anytime.
If you allow screen time, make sure to set limits, as too much time spent in front of a device can mean less quality family time. However, be prepared to break that rule every now and then—especially when facing bad weather or long drives.
Be flexible and compromise
Living in a camper van with kids requires patience, flexibility, and understanding. It’s important to be mindful of each other’s needs and preferences, as van life can become Clash City if everyone is feeling frustrated and deprived of their own desires.
This may mean compromising on certain things, such as giving up some of your usual activities to accommodate the kids’ interests and needs.
Try to come up with a plan that works for everyone—this may mean leaving earlier or later than usual so everyone can get adequate rest, or planning shorter stays at each destination to prevent boredom and help make the most of living in a van.
Potty time
If your kids are still young enough to need help with the potty, then this can present a unique challenge when living in a van.
You may need to invest in a portable potty or toilet for the van, and consider compostable options if you plan on being away from civilization for long periods.
Make sure that you have plenty of wipes and disposable bags handy for quick clean-up when needed. Also, when staying at campgrounds or RV parks, keep in mind that some locations may provide potty pads for your use.
Managing car sickness and food
If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving in your van, then it’s important to be aware of how car sickness can affect your kids—especially if you’re travelling with infants or toddlers.
Make sure to plan regular stops, and consider purchasing motion sickness bands to help reduce the symptoms.
It’s important to choose healthy snacks and meals that don’t require refrigeration if you plan on being away from civilization for long periods.
Aim to have plenty of pre-packaged snacks and drinks on hand, as well as easy-to-make meals such as wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
Van life with kids: the good
Living the van life with kids offers an incredible opportunity for shared experiences and maximum family time.
With enough planning and preparation, you can take advantage of all the positive benefits that come with living on the road in a camper van; being able to explore places beyond your front door, set your own schedule, and save on accommodation costs.
In addition to being a great way to save money, transitioning into this nomadic lifestyle brings with it a number of benefits that may not be obvious initially.
Experiencing different cultures, gaining independence and appreciation for nature, learning problem-solving skills and developing confidence are just some of the ways kids benefit from living in a van. And journeys together create shared memories that last forever!
Van life with kids: the bad
Experiencing van life with kids can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, however, it is important to note that it certainly isn’t always sunshine and roses.
Organization is key, as staying in such a small space can quickly become cramped with children onboard. Keeping your van neat and well-stocked with necessary supplies will help ease some of the burden of being on the road.
Being on the go can also make planning meals difficult and cause you to resort to unhealthy snacks when hunger strikes.
Sharing limited bathroom facilities can also be difficult with multiple people involved, so investing in an eco-friendly outhouse or composting toilet for your family’s needs may be necessary.
Finally, converting a van into an attractive living space can require time and money—two resources that are precious when managing kids!
If you’re considering van life with kids, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before taking the plunge. With proper preparation, however, this unique form of travel can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience for the entire family.