8 Differences Between Van Life and Studio Apartment Living | Things to Consider Before Switching

If you're considering #vanlife or RV living, this video goes over the main differences between living in an average US home versus a fully equipped campervan. It's crazy how basic home amenities feel like an absolute luxury to me while living in a studio after living in a van! Just goes to show how different this lifestyle can be and how easily we can adapt to different living environments.
As much as I'm loving having access to consistent water, electricity, laundry, etc, I believe the tradeoff of traveling in my van is well worth it and I can't wait to hop back in it with Rue in a couple months!! I have some epic adventures planned for us!
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#healthcaretraveler #rvlife

[@hansolo7205]

IF you a wanderlust, love camping and on a budget, vanlife is for you. What I love the most is no reservation, I sleep, eat, stay wherever and whenever I want. My struggles are temperature, water shortage and fatigue. On our 6 months CA tour, we check into a hotel once a week and binge on Netflix:)

[@NomadicSarah]

Totally! I think it’s definitely worth the “sacrifices.” Also super nice that you got to stay in a hotel once a week!

[@kimkeever3692]

This was eye opening, for sure... still, I feel certain you will always look back on this time in your life without regret! You are living your best life, Sarah!

[@NomadicSarah]

Every day is a blessing for sure! ❤

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

we have been living in our vintage RV since fall of 2018 so I know how it is without the luxuries, every time I wash my hands at a restaurant or Buc-ees with hot water I am reminded what a luxury it is to even have hot water to wash your hands lol and when we stay in a hotel or cabin it's a luxury feeling

[@user-ff8vo1se8v]

I been there and now miss it 😊

[@sandrap3047]

Love your cute studio apartment! I almost started crying when you started talking about your sweet Rue! I know she misses her Mama! Can’t wait to see your reunion video! Think the hardest thing I would struggle with in vanlife is not being able to take a shower every day! Enjoy Hawaii you lucky girl you! 😊

[@NomadicSarah]

It has honestly been so hard being apart from her this long. I'm never going to let her go when I get back!!!

[@user-tf4lh3qq4k]

Two cents. I don’t feel like you’re knocking van life at all. Here’s some sage wisdom from someone who’s older. Do yourself a favor when you get back- consider finding one place to stay for awhile. Stay there and enjoy life some more.Keep the van. Use it for if you get a contract in a place you want to go to. You’re still young and have tons of time to both settle and travel. Do what’s best for your heart, not always what’s "practical" or "frugal". Both those things are good in their own ways but most times it’s better to follow your gut and your heart. Do what is best for you (sometimes- not always because that can be problematic too). In the meantime, enjoy the hell out of where you are now. I’ve been to Kauai and Maui and both of those islands are gorgeous and have so much peace and zen to offer. Thank you for keeping us informed about your journeys. It’s wonderful to watch and learn from your experiences. 🙏🏼💚

[@NomadicSarah]

This is such a sweet comment!! Seriously, thank you so much! 🥹❤️

[@kmdavis447]

Love watching your videos! Also - your airstream is now for sale in Hales Corners WI. As I was shopping for new airstreams I went to our local site and was surprised to see a very familiar looking Caravel!

[@NomadicSarah]

You saw it in person?! Awww! I hope it gets another new wonderful owner. 😭❤

[@GK49245]

Minimizing our environmental footprint should be our protocol in any living space. We have become water and energy fat. Glad you have learned these voluntary simplicity skills so well via trailer and van life. Leave no trace. Idea - what are you cooking and eating in Hawaii? Thanks for sharing.

[@NomadicSarah]

Absolutely! Thank you for this solid reminder that we can all benefit from as home dwellers and RV dwellers alike! The food is delicious here. I've been cooking a lot of basics, but it's hard to resist all the yummy fusion food trucks down the street. 😋 Thanks for your comment and I hope you're doing well!!

[@shannonking2126]

As far as showers go, I see several van lifers using their national Planet Fitness memberships and/or truck stop showers.

[@NomadicSarah]

I'm sure I'll be signing up for one sooner rather than later when I get back!

[@Annette_Hons]

I think as far as showering goes… You have a big advantage, whereas you could potentially shower at work on a daily basis in an effort to conserve your water usage in your van. I think that is a huge plus in some regard. Of course, there are pros and cons to van life/RV life versus sticks and bricks apartments/house, but having the ability to take your home with you everywhere you go… That is a huge, huge plus!

[@NomadicSarah]

I totally agree. The "sacrifices" are completely worth it to take my home everywhere with me! Showers at work aren't always an option. But I think it's time to finally cave and get a gym membership for this reason!

[@chichimcgee7283]

I live in a van full time and you are 💯 on point with this list and your reasonings. Except I have a Dometic rooftop AC that works well at cooling but it sooo LOUD, I can’t sleep with it on. Now I use a Zero Breeze Mach 2 portable AC at night and it’s worked out well. It’s a great dehumidifier too.

[@NomadicSarah]

That's good to know about the Dometic! I have the zero breeze as well, but hate dealing with the tubes and how it takes up floor space.. But it definitely works well!

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hi Sarah That was one sweet video of you comparing the stick and brick life to the Van life I bet you miss Rue so much and the van

[@tarseneau8975]

Enjoy life Sarah! Life goes by quick. Your doing a great job. Love watching you. I do miss Rue too...

[@pattyk8594]

I liked your Airstream set up better so you can detach. But glad you are loving your van too! Thank you for sharing these adventures with us! :o)

[@jennytravis6247]

I am so glad you are having a great time.

[@christinecancel4386]

Your video was so fun and very eye-opening .. you looked so relexed!! Enjoy your time in Hawaii!!

[@NomadicSarah]

Thank you! As I was editing, I realized how zen I seemed in this one. Hawaii is working it's magic on me.. 😉

[@lindasteller]

Looking forward to van life, although I know the water issue will probably be the hardest for me. Being retired, I can get a free Planet Fitness membership, which means I can take the occasional hot, steamy, 20-minute shower! ❤ My sisters and I filled a 6 yard mini dumpster full of my crap this weekend, and made a couple of runs to donation spots. More to do, but I'm getting closer! Would love to see more of your travels in Hawaii. Thanks, Sarah! 😊

[@NomadicSarah]

That sounds like tremendous progress, I’m so happy for you Linda!!! Everything is coming together. 😍 And YES to Planet Fitness. Maybe I’ll see ya there 😉

[@wmsification]

You spared me the expense of buying a 12 volt AC. If you need a place to camp near Lynden, WA, we’ve got a field for you!

[@NomadicSarah]

I'll definitely reach out if I'm in that area and need a place to park! Thank you!!

[@DMyatt]

Hey Sarah we need more videos

[@bobby-io2rr]

Appreciate the update. Nice to see you smile

[@airstreamer]

Totally agree with you on the shower. We love it when we get a chance to stay somewhere that has a shower that we can use without having to turn shower on, get wet, turn shower off, soap up, turn shower on, rinse, repeat. :) Great vlog to have people really think about what they are getting themselves into before delving in. Enjoy your time there! - Michelle

[@NomadicSarah]

There's nothing better than access to a long hot shower!! And "long" to us probably looks different than most people after living in our rigs. Thanks so much for your comment! Happy travels 😁

[@airstreamer]

Yes, long is relative. I still feel guilty using much! :)@@NomadicSarah

[@TheHighwayHare]

We travel with a pretty good sized travel trailer, our A/C and heat work great, no issues with storage. But, I couldn't live full time on the road, our "sticks and bricks" home is our base. I give you lots of credit doing the van life with Roo!

[@thomasnie8151]

Hi Sarah, thank you for this wonderful video. Big hugs to you and Rue from Germany❤❤❤

[@audiomxr]

We live full time in a 44-ft fifth wheel parked at a residential rv park. As far as heat regulation, we have an electric fireplace that we run in the main living area/kitchen. We close the sliding door to the bedroom and we don't run the heat in there because it gets too warm if we do! We have space heaters timed to run before we wake up to warm the bathrooms.

[@NomadicSarah]

Smart! May I ask where you are staying? I ran an electric heater in my Airstream half the time, but had to run the propane heater to prevent the pipes from freezing when I was dealing with low temps in Washington 🥶

[@heatherfitzgerald329]

At the moment here in Australia I'm between changing from caravan to van I'm renting a small cottage After living in a caravan for ten years I find the space in cottage too much and basically live in one room where I'm very comfy with the space

[@josevich]

My one bedroom apartment feels too small for me. Maybe I should try living in a van to change my perspective

[@ZionRV]

I have a Girard tankless water heater in my Roadtrek Zion motorhome. Whether it’s a shower or dishes my water heats up in 30 seconds. You might consider changing water heaters if that’s a possibility. I do turn it off just like you do but I feel like I’ve gotten a complete shower.

[@kimberlyhendren2097]

So happy to see you are doing well! I'm sure you miss Rue! Enjoy!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Well done. Glad you covered all top 8.

[@SecretWeaponShow]

Thank you for the insight

[@chandraspurling5092]

Ty... for the honest comparison.

[@ashiigi1]

Welcome to Hawaii! 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@benmarchal]

Have you considered the Yirego Drumi for laundry in the van?

[@Dale-ko9kc]

Love these, you seem awesome. Just wanted to comment. lol

[@grayfox9911]

I miss Rue too... ❤

[@ctrawick3]

You are so chilled now, you’re even speaking slower. Much more chill, S.

[@NomadicSarah]

I noticed this as I was editing! Feeling a different energy right now for sure. 😌

[@hctim96]

I like your term.... sticks and bricks..Brill!!

[@anniegao6463]

Thanks for your video . could you help us to check is there RV park in haiwayi . thanks

[@ruebennomura9143]

Wow I think van life is better then studio life van life you can travel around the us state but you moving in your new apartment I like.everything.on this video and good luck on your next chapter in your life

[@NomadicSarah]

Thanks so much! I'm definitely getting the itch to be back on the road!

[@libbybertrand9320]

Great video Sarah😊❤️

[@NomadicSarah]

Thank you Libby!! Hope you are well! ❤

[@aprils.360]

The biggest difference is that you can either own the roof over your head or always be renting the roof over your head. The tradeoffs are: learn to be smart with your utilities and be a homeowner or worry about paying your overpriced rent every month and still watch your utilities because all those showers and endless electricity usage still cost money.

[@NomadicSarah]

Totally agree! I'd rather put my money towards an investment versus renting something I don't own and paying for utilities on top of that. Luckily this studio is a flat rate, all inclusive!

[@Shorttimer05]

How are you liking your Ecoflow pwr kit. When making your decision to select it, did you way against the ability to be able to more quickly charge with a high output second 12-volt alternator and system?

[@aaronriedel5372]

Good video!

[@whitleyrobertson7070]

What about expenses and the difference, although I am sure any apt in Hawaii is pricey….

[@chikenjr]

Great video :) new sub! Me and my partner want a van for traveling. We want to travel for months at the time. Can you make a video about what is important when looking for a used car? Thanks anyway! ☺️🙏🌿

[@NomadicSarah]

Welcome!! Glad you enjoyed the video. Are you looking into a used van? That's definitely an interesting topic I'd consider covering!

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

❤ toilet is the most .. voila no more .. well do you miss van or still enjoying where you are .. Hows the coffee .. keep on smiling your the best .. 😁 I'm a lot older so I won't put a ❤ .. oh maybe I did 😊

[@sharonmansfield3053]

Are you still working for the company that built your van?

[@NomadicSarah]

I sure am!

[@donniep2785]

P r o m o S M 😭

[@SecretWeaponShow]

Your so pretty

[@DeltaKnight]

The hot showers would be one definite big miss for me if/when I ever do this...can't lie about that lol.

[@marksartain5772]

That airstream don’t take no 20min, should have stayed with the cool kids.