Van Life | Day in the Life + How to Get Mail

Hey all, I’ve been camped at the same spot in the desert for 10 days now - finally moving on and further south in this video. Typical day of packing up camp, doing van chores and hitting the road. I also talk about how to get packages, mail and an address while traveling full-time. THANK YOU for all the thoughtful comments, you guys are the best ♡
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Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. As a semi-minimalist, I eventually decided to donate/sell most of my belongings and move into my 4x4 Nissan Xterra. After 14 months of SUV living and falling madly in love with the open road - I bought a van and hired a team to build it out. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world on a whole new level, all while having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road 🚐
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 26K miles*
#vanlife #howto #dayinthelife

[@jimwlouavl]

You’re such a chill person. I find it relaxing to see how much you’re enjoying life. It’d be great to see more of your photography.

[@turisteandoentexas]

I super love your beautiful hair!!!

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Easy to be chill in these beautiful places 😊🙏🏻 would be fun to include more photography!

[@weedhopp]

Thank you for letting others vicariously travel through you !

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@weedhopp]

@@ChristianSchaffer always welcome 😊

[@NorthernAnt]

Your hair is absolutely epic! Refreshing someone as pretty is a really nice person and isn't living the normal life, inspiring people to venture out

[@qdav5]

I was thinking the same thing about her teeth. :)

[@kahisawheel]

The last minute or so was pure slice-of-life art. Super cool, love your vids. Wish you well.

[@ChristianSchaffer]

ah thank you, I was pretty tired and running out of steam for those last shots ha - so I appreciate you saying that 🙏🏻

[@MD-hd1cp]

Thanks for sharing your day with us. A lot of good advice. I'm an introvert, so thinking I can totally do the van life.

[@truthbroncowithbillward2082]

Christian, you jumped out of the fast lane and into the world of confidence and relaxation. Nice job! It looks like it's going to warm up here in Arizona in a few days. You probably already know this, but if the low temperatures reach 60 degrees or above and the highs are in the 70s or above, snake season may start early, so be careful stepping out of your van and onto the ground haphazardly.

[@philipdutton9831]

Yeah Christain, I love how you tone it down on this adventure lifestyle and then keep it simple...

[@servus47]

I love this video. After watching this it feels like I just experienced van life. You’re a great story teller.

[@nathanbryant7715]

This is such an awesome and admirable video. I can't even imagine the many adventures you've been on. Your photography work is bonkers too! Stay awesome and take care!

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Thanks for the love, Nathan ✌🏻

[@jonburtt8768]

General delivery is the way. Living life on the road is the best! Cheers from another road warrior

[@georgecherucheril9947]

You are good at making these videos. Great job with the video editing. You took what might normally be anyone's daily mundane activities and made it interesting!

[@drewsimms]

Ahh the ole planet fitness shower. One day I'll miss having to go find one to shower in haha. Love the vlog style Christian 👍🏻

[@ChristianSchaffer]

haha same, and the casual nod when you see another roadlifer in the locker room

[@tenwettoes]

@@ChristianSchaffer hey let's hang out sometime if you're on the west coast. Know a good place to build off grid? I ride a vw. Peace

[@vancomposer]

I remember that Planet Fitness location, had a break in into my van there last November. Caught the guy on video but he had stolen license plates too. Just got my backpack with worn out underwear, shampoo and a towel but the window replacement was 200$ repair costs. It can happen, safe travels.

[@jasonhvelazquez1104]

I’m so looking forward to starting road-life. You and Christian inspire me!! 🙌🥰

[@BigArch6564]

Christina, great vlog and thank you for sharing. Stay safe and keep smiling.

[@TerraPosse]

Hi Christian, the trick to washboard roads is to get above 45 mph. The rattling and shaking will stop once your wheels "jump" from peak to peak faster than your suspension can "push" the wheels into the through. Your lateral speed overcomes the inertia of vertical movement of your suspension. The downside is, that your contact patch (the area of tyre in contact with the ground) is reduced to only the peaks of the washboard road surface. Hunkydory as long as you're going in a straight line i.e. most of the roads in the US. Just be gentle when going around bends. No need to slow down for slight bends but on twisty roads the reduced contact patch will mean you loose grip faster and more of a sudden. Hold your nerves and don't panic if you find yourself loosing grip, don't slam on the brakes, just go off the gas and prepare to counter-steer until the rattling starts again and you'll be fine. 8-)) I used to drive a Hilux when I lived in Southern Africa and pretty much every unpaved road was a washboard surface. Living in the Highlands you develop a feeling for how far you can push it when going around bends. That part never really scared me, the oncoming buses and trucks in the middle of the road however...

[@johnswieter7707]

Great stuff as usual. Incredible footage, editing and storytelling. I greatly appreciate the work you put in and the quality of footage and editing you do to tell your story. Very distinctive and special.

[@brianfreund1]

This was pretty useful to see a day in the life. More of this!

[@1scottbutcher]

Thanks for the info on getting mail and packages ! That's very helpful for people like me that are getting life ready to live the RV life.

[@ChristianSchaffer]

ah so happy to hear it was helpful 😊🙏🏻

[@BluePhotoMedia]

OMG with the cinematography!!! thank you

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Thanks Rich 😊🙏🏻

[@RagnarokArrives]

You make it all sound so easy.

[@Meghanandmatt]

This was so helpful, thank you! We are starting our conversion soon and didn’t get to understanding how we would get mail

[@seanm9029]

you are so chill, i feel relaxed watching ur videos!! :)

[@chris4YT]

Love your videos! Authentic, warm, informative w. a good voice to listen. Thanks for sharing your van-life experiences and the nature photos/vids. I love this consciousness feeling w/ open and close the day by sunrise and sunset :) Stay healthy! Take care!

[@motomill2176]

My favorite person to follow since my build... makes me feel less alone knowing I'm not the only vagabond in the pandemic

[@arielzshell]

I love your personality, I love this lifestyle, I’m getting my van made by the activ van right now, and then I wish to have a lot of time on the road to find some solitude and feel freedom

[@MariahAlice]

This broll is making me excited about heading back to AZ, also music on point

[@fremmenista]

I love how far your video editing skills and on-camera comfort has come since you started uploading to KZbin! As always, loved the vid!

[@willyromney]

I like that you're posting more and doing vlog type vids. Good stuff 👍🏼

[@ChristianSchaffer]

thanks Willy, trying to get in the habit of filming more often 😊 it’s so much fun

[@melissamorgan7693]

Drove into Flagstaff today. Checked out Sedona for a few hours and off to see the Grand Canyon tomorrow. Every time I see a white van I think of you. Love your videos.

[@littledrover]

Hi Christian, just found your vlog (via Nathaniels). Love it - you’re so practical and experienced. I’m a 70+ female been motorhoming (RVing) full time in Australia and Europe since 2006 - one tip I’d like to share is if you use a mattress topper keep the fitted sheet on it and roll it all up together - saves that extra step. Just unroll it and voila! bed is nearly made. At my age number one requirement is a bed that’s made up all the time 😉

[@openairrpastraining4756]

Just discovered your channel. Interesting how you manage your business...things have changes big time from when I started my business as a Nature/Landscape photographer 34 years ago....But managed to build the volume and client base up to last year when I made the decision to semi-retire (it's been very good). Have another business on the side but still miss the travels. Good luck and keep believing in yourself. The more you explore, the more you'll need your First Aid kit...lol. Keep smiling and Thank You for sharing your dreams.

[@pathollis9918]

You seem so easy-going!! I'm looking forward to my van life in 2 years! I'm a teacher & usually watch your vids before my zooms! Keep making vids, I enjoy them!!

[@lifelover2301]

I might be off topic but just imagine how wonderful it would be having a conversation with this lady and looking into those beautiful eyes and face !!! I like watching your videos because you talk so clear and are very well spoken !!

[@ChristianSchaffer]

too kind! 🤓

[@stephenstringer3689]

@@ChristianSchaffer You do have a great voice...clear and easy to listen to!

[@klouism1]

Looks like you have it down. Much respect. Always a long day to do all the errands but feels good when your stocked up. 🙂👍

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Errand days used to be my least favorite but now I’m beginning to appreciate them - like you said, feels good when your head finally hits the pillow and you feel completely free for the next five days 🚐

[@bewellandwander]

This was so helpful! I'm about to start car camping in a Wrangler pop top for a few months but your van always makes me reconsider 😂 it seems so light and airy and chill

[@Leo_Visions]

I liked the GoPro head shot and fixed the lid. Fun

[@stevecrombie5357]

Thank you Christian. For making sure you have cleaned up after yourself. Shouldn't have to thank you because everyone should, but we know they don't. We all appreciate that. A tidy van. A place for everything and everything in it's place:-)) I know these opportunities for you to share your experience must be helpful to many. Wash board roads, the never ending search for the "just right" speed. It doesn't exist. Stay safe and be well.

[@BrentSparks]

Fascinating!

[@brianmac573]

Clicked on your video accidentally and can't stop watching now. Looks great what you do, beautiful places you show. Plus your a beautiful woman and easy on the eyes. lol. Stay safe gorgeous😘

[@ReneeRidgeway]

YOu inspire me to hit the road and the trails more. Your videos are excellent and I love the music you use too. Be safe and thanks for sharing your Vanlife with us.🙏🏼💜✨

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Aw thank you Renee ☺️💕

[@JosephPuplava]

I love watching her normal routine. I am happy where she is happy. I am glad that you are enjoying Arizona. It's perfect weather to be out here in the winter. You are a minimalist for sure. Thank you for sharing the information about FedEx. You must have done your homework to be wise. Best luck to you. Enjoy Arizona's sunshine.

[@Meandering_with_Megan]

As always, another great video! 👏👏👏 Keep up the awesome work Christian!! Safe travels! ❤

[@DeborahLong7777]

Complicated, time consuming, expensive. Good for you and your ability. Thank you ❤

[@JamesBond-vg6wz]

Super organised and so much energy.Would take me a week to do all that stuff.Can only focus on one thing at a time.Livin alone is so much easier,you got that figured out.Take care out there and stay happy 🐿️

[@charlesharris2749]

You're the best.... and so is Mrs. Renfro's!

[@moses777exodus]

Just a friendly, "Happy Valentines Day". Best wishes.

[@allthingselderly]

Hey Christian. Stay healthy. Thanks for video and tips.

[@cathietonkin5577]

💜💛🧡❤️’ing your Vblog!!! Wishing you many wonderful fun and safe miles!

[@endlesstechandgaming]

Arizona has the best winter months. Hope you enjoy it. There's a bunch of sights and hiking trails you can try. That postal depot is actually close to me, and that planet fitness is down the street from me. It's a nice and quiet area.

[@davekimmet6963]

Happy Valentines Day Christian!!!!!!!!!!!!Dave in Ohio

[@heidiwilks5316]

A lot of work went into that video, wow! Love the bit where your camera tumbled over lol -- cute moment :) And your hair straight is every bit as gorgeous as when wavy *sighs* :)

[@ldn0224]

I use the UPS store and since nationwide , I can just call and have all packages shipped to another store. A bit expensive but the people are super great and very efficient. About 11 dollars to ship your mail around the whole country.

[@nomadicsporadic3836]

Hey Christian, Great video, love your videos. I can't wait to get out West, really want to see Arizona. ❤🚐🏜

[@ChristianSchaffer]

So many beautiful landscapes out here

[@TheStudioDrummer]

Enjoyed the video! I like the roll and rubber band idea.🙂👊

[@ChristianSchaffer]

thanks! it creates soooo much space

[@JamesBond-vg6wz]

Jus woke up (it's early mornin UK time) an wanted to say hi an hope ur safe and well an have a good day x

[@sschaffer4298]

Loved hanging out with ya for the day 💕

[@rinkuaggarwal5618]

Please make more video I am waiting for new videos for so long btw lots of love❤

[@ChristianSchaffer]

aw thank you! posting one today ☺️

[@rinkuaggarwal5618]

@@ChristianSchaffer thanku❤ when ever I see your video that make my day so good🥺🦋

[@steveg7306]

Amazing! Well done 👍. Much love from Australia 🦘

[@branddifferent]

Catching up with the new hair, Yass! I know that I am jumping channel shares. I appreciate the video pans when you are driving and also the night parking front and side shot. Two camera shot win! (guessing here). You make your editing so purely simple when it is not always in real life for most people 😬😬😬

[@BuffaloRangers]

I’m pretty sure you camped out by us when we were camped out in Southern Nevada a year ago . Great Channel and inspiration, thanks for sharing.

[@ChristianSchaffer]

oh rad! I spent some time around Reno last year - love Nevada

[@IngridsVanlife]

I love all the angles you film from 😍

[@shravanbhagat8223]

hi cristian thanks for sharing this lovely vlog i really enjoyed it 👍

[@Viajandoalto]

OMG!!! Laundry alarm!!! Wish we have it here in Spain! Love your work.

[@JonboatCaptain1]

Not a wasted moment of video. Talk about great editing this girl can do it like a pro. Hey Christian, how much do you spend on groceries when you go and how often?

[@ChristianSchaffer]

ahhh I am still learning every time I edit so hearing that is encouraging, thank you 🙏🏻 I haven’t worked out exactly how much I spend on groceries but I would guess around $250/month. Sometimes less if I’m able to hit up local farmer markets. I eat a ton of produce so I need to shop about once a week 🥦

[@JonboatCaptain1]

@@ChristianSchaffer Thanks for your reply! Spring and planting season are a mere 8 weeks away. Maybe shortly after that you'll be able to hit the farmers market up more often, find fresher vegetables, and save some money. Plus, I'll be GLAD for the warmer weather lol. Take care of yourself pretty gal...

[@reneeh5782]

Loved this video!

[@ChristianSchaffer]

thanks gorgeous 💕

[@CoachBay]

Love your videos. Great cinematography and great storytelling 👊

[@mgnissen]

I am so appreciating your videos. I’ve been binging on your vlog for hours and have learned so much! Question, can I get more details on the micro protein made from fungi (your tacos)? Nathaniel has some mad cooking skills!

[@epicelements5528]

Your videos are awesome girl!

[@smrmnt]

This is a relaxing video. Thanks

[@drnv150]

Little secret, if you get your Ham license you can send email, text from anywhere, without the internet for thousands of miles, small and slow yes, however, no internet, cell or shore power is necessary in the sticks over HF radio, along with VHF, UHF and high speed mesh networks, for more local / Countywide areas.

[@jimszczodrowski3695]

Great info and tunes!

[@13noman1]

Yes, Kohls works great with Amazon Prime

[@philosopher2003]

I really look forward to van life.

[@baylusbrooks]

This was very handy! Especially about that Amazon Prime... need to use all that I'm paying for!

[@hepcat5199]

I’ve had no trouble with General Delivery anywhere I’ve been. And yes Amazon hub lockers are great. And I too have a good mail forwarding service.

[@jonathanspindloe8854]

Nice!! 😊 Close to a video a week!! Great video!!! 😊 Rock on!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Patrick-oy5fv]

Yasss!!! Clicked so fast!

[@ChristianSchaffer]

I appreciate you 😌

[@terpaksangaskus]

how many days do you have to refill your water tank ? for drink and washing. make another daily vlog abount anything, love to watch it !

[@Rackelhane]

You are so well organized..Taket care!

[@christianmerand7323]

Great content !

[@JoelSchat]

Such a great Vlog! You are getting so good at these! also really enjoyed hearing Josh Garrels :)

[@terry651000]

I love watching your adventure. You are lucky to have a gym for a shower open, they are all closed in UK due to pandemic. Hopefully we will be opening here soon with our vaccine rollout, which is zooming along here...all over 50’s by May. I have used Amazon lockers, they are so cool and helpful, it must be great for you on the road. I think I will be buying a camper soon, it’s in my blood...my parents had a camper.

[@robertpowers6727]

For your business, I use Quickbooks and send the file to the CPA via RAS (Remote Accounting Software). CPA updates the books, cleans up issues, does taxes, file electronically, etc. etc. Never have to go into their offices.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

You can always take your smallish size garbage bags with your garbage to the grocery store cause that is where most of the garbage from the package came from, that is what I do.

[@ChristianSchaffer]

so true - I try to unpack most things right when I leave the grocery store and throw out the packaging there - I probably look a bit strange doing that but meh😅

[@zarella1]

Cool,your a Canon shooter as I.Both video and stills can`t beat their customer service,too! Glad to see Amazon works for you on the road,Amazon has everthing! Before long a drone will fly your merch right to you.lol Happy Travels Christian!

[@shannameissner3917]

Love your videos! I plan on car camping in AZ within a week. Any suggestions and safe places would be appreciated. Is Apache Junction safe?

[@KevinRStrauss]

Wow, you've really got your system down to a science! Did you really manage 10 days without refilling your water tanks? Were you going #2 in cat holes you dug with that cool shovel? Also, were you alone the entire time? That's something I think about the most re: vanlife. I think I'd get really lonely camping alone for 10 days in a remote area. Great job on the small amount of trash and recycling!

[@cpa623]

I’ve recently found these videos and have enjoyed every one of them. I would love to live a version of your van life in the near future. Loved the shout out looking for a CPA. It hasn’t been lost on me (a CPA) how organized you are with tracking your expenses and your commitment to paying your taxes, registering your business etc. Any CPA would be lucky to call you a client.

[@mikesrvcamping7012]

I enjoy your video's. They are informative

[@saltysoptions388]

yo some times it is nice to set a day tent to chill in

[@GeminiJourney1111]

Enjoying your chosen music. Love me some mango habanero salsa. 🌶🚙🌞📸🎶

[@RicardoRoams]

Have you ever considered "airing down" your tires to reduce the vibration effect of washboard roads? You probably should get a portable air compressor to air back up rather than relying on a gas station once you hit the pavement. Maybe your vehicle is too heavy to safely do this. I don't know. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and airing down helps smooth out the ride when driving off road. I really enjoy your imaginative use of camera angles. It makes watching mundane daily chores a lot more interesting. Continued safe travels.

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Oh interesting, I never considered that. I do have a portable air compressor, will have to try that out. Thanks for the tip 🙌🏼

[@DennisJacobsenWildlife]

Du you have some kind of subscription for roadhelp if you van breaks down etc. ? looks great with the freedom you have :)

[@ChristianSchaffer]

Yeah for sure, retouch my insurance company

[@ChristianSchaffer]

woah, autocorrect 😅 I meant to say through*

[@DennisJacobsenWildlife]

@@ChristianSchaffer hmm so you just retouch the insurance company .. haha.. in Photoshop? anyway it looks great traveling around like that! :)

[@austintyler7991]

Christian Schaffer thanks for the hard work on video/editing. -5°f here in Missouri. I'm planning a van build this summer. I assume u have solar? 2000 gmc XL C30. Probably gutting 26 ft camper. It has living amenities I need. Shower, full kitchen n bathroom n bed of course. I'm 6ft van maybe 5' 8-10". Be great to add 12" topper but that's like $3-6K. Blessings to you.

[@michaels.8663]

Love your video's! Thank you! My Wife and I are seriously looking into this, trying to decide on equipment, layout, vehicle, we're about there tho.

[@jkk098]

Hi! I used Scott Eastham CPA in Everett, WA for a situation with the IRS once. They were great!

[@brianland2944]

good stuff!

[@rebeccacartier153]

That exercising by the cacti montage had me worried for a second 😳

[@skullxto4631]

You are the best ❤️❤️

[@ChristianSchaffer]

no you are

[@skullxto4631]

@@ChristianSchaffer see now you are being better 😂

[@skullxto4631]

@@ChristianSchaffer just never quit making videos it would be like end of era for some of us stay safe and be happy 🤩❤️❤️

[@andyhall7032]

you should do an on-the-road hair-care routine video...your hair is great !!

[@nomadcompany]

good one mate - could watch you do anything.... keep at it :)