VAN LIFE for BEGINNERS

[@studlygrish]

You need to make a list of what you will need to have in your vehicle. Which will reside the size of vehicle you need! 1. Power storage. 2. water storage. 3. waste storage. 4. food storage. 5. Close storage. 6. kitchen utensils, storage. 7. bathroom storage. 8. Tools storage. 9. Bedroom items storage blankets. 10. All other items storage. 11. how to cool my vehicle. 12. how will I heat my vehicle? 13. how stealthy is my vehicle? 14. Will I pay to stay overnight? 15. Will I spend more time in my vehicle or out? 16 . how long will I stay in one place (driving)

[@PonchoRebel]

Key takeaway from this video: All you really need to get started is a van and a futon mattress. This was just what I needed to hear

[@crisrocha4317]

Or a hammock?

[@wanerromero9766]

I love his positive and calm talk. Good heart

[@kathycvvilla9321]

I travel in a 2008 Honda Odyssey. For two years I purchased one item a month like the refrigerator the bathroom xcetera xcetera I built a bed in my Honda put my kitchen in the back not the best work but I'm comfortable, I'm 70 years Young healthy still working I can do it you can do it have fun enjoy life

[@verabuyhouse]

I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey and I'm still trying to figure out a build. I want my kitchen in the back also and I also want a small section to cook inside of the van in case it rains or during cold weather.

[@heyitskaiden4178]

This is super cool mate! I hope you have fun!

[@Debrajoy]

68, retired, female going in my 2003 Honda Odyssey! I used to have a camper van and if I had been smart I would have kept him! 🤣💕

[@dawnroder5101]

​@@verabuyhousethat's a brilliant idea, buying something each month, I hope you are enjoying your lifes adventurers xxx

[@alwaystamcam8849]

Great Video!!!! 💯

[@dorisedwards4462]

Thank you finally someone who is true to himself. I am a 66 year "YOUNG!!!" WORKING WOMAN WHO really wants to do the van life but cannot afford the pro master type or even a new caravan but I want to find something to get me started and in somewhat good shape. no rust. thanks for being real! dee

[@SKBottom]

Regular minivan

[@boejiden1065]

Doris Edwards did you find a van yet?

[@flowrob6861]

Skip new vans unless u want house payments . Any ford chevy Gmc cargo/passenger van with under 150k miles will do . Expand ur area of search up to 250 - 300 miles . Body rot on most of these type vans r easily repaired . when u find one to far over 2 hr drive each way pay a Lemon used car company to inspect it. SAVED me 2 airflight . As 4 build out - utube it. Srart simple .

[@Debrajoy]

Get the van with the stow and go seats! I wish I had done that because it provides you with a lot of storage that does not take up room in your living area! Good luck! 💕

[@charlesbeauvais6957]

“Stay Lost”, love it. Just bought a Ford Transit to build out, medium roof but I still can’t stand up straight in it. Life is short! Cool to see you following your dreams!

[@bucketlist621]

I watched a video that convinced me to van life. The message that made me go for it. Get a mattress and a sleeping bag . Gather the necessities as you find the need.

[@maddygutierrez7985]

Wow I just found you I liked and subscribed. You totally encourages me. I'm 67 retired and wanting to so this for 2 years. It does seem unobtainable, but you helped me tremendously. It doesn't have to be a sprinter etc. Thank you so much God bless your adventures. Looking forward to more I'd your insight. Do a van tour and how you built it Thk you again

[@xenogaius7326]

I just ripped the middle seats out of my Ford Expedition EL. Going to be getting a folding mattress, my camping gear, and explore Alaska (where I live). Great video man!

[@deborahkaiu-brown2440]

thank you for that tip of van life i enjoyed your video patience is virtual.

[@Kttyke]

I love this video 💕 love love love ! You’re so humble and HONEST! You put so much calmness to my mind because I’ve been soooo confused about what to do , what van to get , what floor plan 🤦🏽‍♀️ just STRESSED! But now I have a better understanding 🌸

[@petmom74]

You're so spot on! I watched Bob Wells and Chrome Valdez and bought a cargo van cheap, moved in with my five dogs and two cats while still working to save for retirement. Eight months later I was finally able to upgrade to a DIY raised roof passenger van that was older but had way less miles on it. I can stand up! Still working while I do some much needed repairs on old Ralph, but my plan is to retire by this November and finally hit the road!!! Just get in the damn van! Best advice I ever got... Chrome Valdez of Van City Vanlife KZbin!

[@terryl.cooper]

Chrome is a needy leech on society's teat. If it weren't for people sending him money he'd have starved long ago. Every thumbnail is him whining and crying about something all the time. It's disgusting coming from a "grown" man.

[@SuperDanhvo]

Most real van life video ever. I also don’t have $$$$$$$ for instagram van. Very modest. Very honest. Gives me hope for my own van. Thank you.

[@A.M.M.]

I really wanna thank you for this video, genuinely. I’ve been interested in van life for, forever. But I started talking to my mum about it and she started getting me so worked up about electric and showers and all of these fancy things and I was really really scared I would fail or everything wouldn’t work out the way I wanted it too but this video really calmed me down a lot about it and I’m super excited to get a van soon and work my way up to my ultimate schoolbus dream.

[@dawnroder5101]

Thank you soooooo much, I've been wanting to do this for a very long time but was worried how to start as I'm a single mum with twins BUT you have giving me the hope and push I needed to go for my dreams thank you.

[@Kmfs4040]

I love your video - it's exactly what I needed to hear. I've just got my first van and I'm going to do exactly as you say - I will take my time. Thank you

[@ilikeitcleen8875]

Hi there Geoff. I appreciate your video so much. I'm an owner of a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Sport, who has recently become homeless. I know I'm going to have to be living in my van in less than 2 months, right when the cold weather begins. I love my van, and I don't mind living in it, I'm grateful to have it to be honest. There's so many people that don't even have that. Your video helped me feel like everything is going to be ok. I don't need anything right now just a place to lay my head, that isn't outside on the street. Thanks again.

[@louissup6146]

Thank you very much for making this video. Some of the things I don't like about most of the videos is they almost never start solo.

[@lorenl9262]

Hello Geoff :)- Thank you for a very useful video as I am on the "fence" about getting into the vanlife lifestyle and I am doing a lot of research regarding how to approach this daunting task. Kudos to YOU for your efforts put forward!!! :)-

[@Snarfimus]

Thanks bud, I needed to hear this.

[@EricSocash]

Great video, I appreciate your honesty! I hope your channel goes far bro!

[@Its_Just_Ozzy]

Brother, thank you for making this video. I thought way back when that I’d have the van built out by now and that I’d already be out doing rad things. Truth be told this van build has been teaching me patience and consistency. I truly appreciate this gentle reminder.

[@Albeare]

Hey Geoff, Great chat you presented. I like your Vincent Van Gogh art work on your window Starry Night. I am an Australian(50yrs) living in San Vincente Spain. My van is a 2006 Iveco daily ex delivery van. I have called my van "Vincent Van Go!" After the location, artist, and the fact the van will be built to Go on adventures. I have been waiting for the right place, time etc to build my van out. My Gf and I have found the place, moving this weekend. You have given me further motivation to build but not rush. Thanks Mate!

[@JesusChrist-ds8kk]

I just bought a van a few months ago. This video was the most encouraging van life video I have ever seen. And I’ve seen them all. Thanks man.

[@artietheonemanparty]

Very inspiring. I've been really wanting to experience this vanlife - and I have been getting hung up on the fancy looking vans so this was a push I needed.

[@kimystands2946]

This is the type of video that Needs to be at the forefront for vanlife. Actual real life documentation of how not just they why people decide on it. Thank you and praying for your success. God bless.

[@echang1572]

You are a young man but has lot of wisdom. Very good advice. Really good advice.

[@mediumtraceylockwood]

Thank you so much for saying it's not about the van it's about the life an experiences it gives you. My anxiety dropped a huge amount just hearing that

[@sherryberardino6032]

You video is real and it is all about the life and not the van , I’m so glad I found your channel, you give great inspiration to people like myself who is going to do the van life, I have a question how does one get their medication when traveling ? Other then that I know I wouldn’t have a problem that I couldn’t deal with ,

[@SamSmolko]

Depending on how long you're traveling... Can call insurance and ask for mail order prescriptions. They usually offer 3 or 6 months worth (depending on the medication). Cheaper too. Then, check with USPS, UPS stores, other mailing address websites for pricing where you can set up an address (not just a PO box) to have your stuff shipped to. Some places also offer mail forwarding. It costs a bit more but you just let them know where you'll be and they will forward it. Hoping it works the same for prescription medication mail but that would be something to ask the mailing services too. Good luck!

[@jpsmyth87]

You are awesome and fancy isn’t always best it’s the adventure you have that counts regardless of what you are driving

[@lugnmore]

Can you show us how you did the swivel seat.

[@KenzieSmithj]

This is a great video. Very helpful. Thanks man!

[@crysa9995]

Awesome advice..thanks for the reminder ❤

[@ffigueiredojr]

saw this vid for the 1st time today I'm Fabri from Brazil, considering to start like this. Just found your channel and those words were really insightful. Thanks for the vid, mate. Hope you're doing great, man!

[@jfaysal1971]

Great idea for a video. I haven’t seen anyone else explain it like that! Van life is about the life and not the van is what I got out of your video.

[@Jonathanfmartin]

great honest video - I love your perspective bro.

[@my2sats260]

Great advice - I have the exact hesitations.

[@KrystalVentures]

Still obsessed with the windows and I wanna do that to mine! True tho, vanlife doesn’t have to mean a 150k sprinter van build. I also gradually went into full time van life and it’s been a journey getting it to where it is today. It’s never a finished van build haha

[@fairysnuff-000]

Great message!! Fantastic video I have a people carrier with old bits of plastic ‘furniture’ stuff that was in my house A cheap 2 burner gas cooker from the diy store .. 2 big tubs for grey and clean water and a box with my clothes in … and she’s off!!!!

[@ErikaLWorth]

This is the soundest and most realistic video yet. Good luck to you on your adventures. Subscribed!!!

[@josephinebantigue5908]

Totally agree 👍

[@KRAKEN91O]

This is the best video I've seen yet, you are very wise. Keep it going

[@ayad2928]

Thank you for this video! It helped a lot

[@user-pf3mi7np1y]

It doesn't really even have to be a full sized van or even a van at all. I have lived in trucks with campers in the back of a station wagon, a suburban, and currently a 2011 Chevy HHR Panel version. Its working out fine.

[@lewisedwards7265]

You have a great attitude man! I’ve subbed

[@Jillian1stJohn3-9-10]

I can't believe I wasted 3 years watching vanlife videos. I lived in my Jeep Patriot for 9 months (Dec 2021-Aug 2022). I was completely stealth, so my brother was the only one who knew about it. Everything I needed was less than $500; excluding all of the various trial and errors that I had for window coverings. I finally just painted my back and side windows black and put up a curtain up behind the driver seat. Note: If the front is wide open, people will Never assume someone is sleeping in it. I could park in really nice neighborhoods and wake up at 8-9am! I removed the front passenger seat I could stretch out and sleep comfortably on a thick memory foam, and fleece blankets to stay warm even during 40 degrees. One suitcase for clothes, the bin for TP & absorbant horse pellets. A bin for stove & dry foods. An ice chest was a major pain; the ice melted too fast and my food would sit in water...so I just bought cold items as I needed them. Once I learned about OMAD/I.F. it really simplified my cooking & weight loss. I had an amazing Hammock-Chair to read my Bible at the park/beach. Water was only .30 gal. A Gym to shower/exercise, a small storage unit for extra food, clothes, etc. For the past 5 months I've been in an apartment and yes I've enjoyed having plumbing and a refrigerator, but I'd rather spend $600 on gas Averywhere, than $1,300 for rent in only 1 place. Once my lease is up, I'm getting back out again...for good. The only thing that I'll do differently is to remove the back sears to add Solar for a real frig/freezer, and be able to STAY COOL while I sleep during the summer.

[@terryl.cooper]

I also have a Jeep Patriot and managed to pull it off for 3 1/2 mos last summer.

[@aldinok2]

Thank you so much.👌👍🙏

[@dom.carroll]

Thank 👏 you 👏for👏 this👏 video👏. Exactly what I needed to hear.

[@justineisabelle]

love your attitude! van life is really so much more attainable than you'd ever expect. i just got myself a 1996 dodge ram van :)

[@mjserenitycampbell]

Thank You Humbly. God Bless Yoouuuuu 🙏🏽

[@themacc1144]

This is such a necessary video! I definitely want to get into vanlife and felt like I couldn’t start til my build was perfect. Great video!

[@Hamza97]

thank you

[@chenplays1234]

Thank you this really helps

[@calischimpf1591]

Im so appreciative of this video. I think this was such an important message. I wish more van lifers out there were like you! Back to the roots of what van life is all about!!

[@HowlingWolfLeather]

Absolute wisdom!

[@NomadicRev]

Awesome perspective! This is exactly what happened to me. Both of the vans that I’ve bought so far were less than a thousand bucks! If you’ve ever gone tent camping and then tried sleeping in a van, you’ll never go back to a tent! Lol

[@ej_makesvideos]

0:55 Less about the van, more about the life

[@devinportee3853]

Great video! I'm in college with a goal of entering a career field with extremely long hours and little pay, but it's my passion. Before watching I was starting to doubt that I would be able to afford to buy a van and convert it.

[@danmorocco]

I totally enjoyed your video and your perspective on van life. You just have to decide to "go for it". It does not have to be all or nothing. Great job and thankyou!!

[@hey_itsrs]

Thank you so much for your video!! This is a beautiful simple real approach video that people should do more of

[@johnb6690]

The man speaks truth! Well done!!!!

[@lisaclingingtochrist5295]

Great logical, common sense, down to earth advice. Thanks

[@antwayanowens5529]

Good job man I have a Honda element 2004 only paid 15k for it it needed brakes,pads rotors for the back engine mounts oil change but I 💘 her i took out the bk seats bought a 6 inch memory foam a few krats a coleman camp stove im a electrian, i work for myself, and a avid camper my life is not perfect and the mini camper is not either I'm soo happy I did it, I've seen massive builds on utube like ill neva get there but the funny dang your right dats the journey keep up the good work dude

[@boejiden1065]

Absolutely love your message and genuine personality. Subbed

[@deehsmemories]

What an inspiration! 😊😊 Thank you for sharing! I do hope to experience van life soon ❤️❤️

[@southernjustice9127]

Thanks for the honesty. I feel the same

[@moniqueaftertrucking]

I appreciate you, im 52 and consider it

[@julesweiss6950]

Great advice man. Slowly getting my truck set up for full time life! Agreed life is too short, worth trying it out

[@grantagamalian]

I needed this thank u

[@briannaking1903]

When I'm 18 I want to buy a regular mom van and start simple adjustments. Being that I will basically be young and probably will have the cash for it I don't want a sprinter. I will buy a van from Craigslist or Fb marketplace (ive seen some in the 2000-4000 price range in great condition) and start with a bed and clothes and probably extra gear that might save a life a cooler the road trip I planned is awesome nothing but nature new food and beautiful rainy weather. My bf thinks it's a cool idea but he's on the tall end I'm on the small end and I can sleep anywhere through anything. I want to do this after highschool as freedom from being confined to an apartment that will drive me crazy from being on my own.

[@ellah2303]

That's how I feel , it looks so expensive. But nice to see vans with no build or minimal van

[@rashb3994]

Well said. Just do it!!! Useful advice for someone like me who wasted days and time watching videos online, and looking up vans on Craigslist when I already own a SUV I used fall asleep in after the club back in the days. Lol. I should just build slowly with what I got. Thanks!

[@binhlam07]

This is real bro I been thinking bout this for a long time. Same as you had my design set on the space for the big vans but price was out of my range. But tbh I’m not living in it full time so a small part time van life start is where it’s at

[@monicalifornia_]

legit so helpful. thx

[@belidari4661]

yeah brother. thanks for keeping it real.

[@MeetDaveG]

Cool dude, great vid. I agree with everything. I did the same....went camping in my SUV before vanlife. Mine's an 2007 E150.

[@yolotech0183]

I love the wood

[@tishbrownsings6851]

You're the best! Hope to see you on the road

[@rodavlasdtgeirke387]

Good stuff man. Thanks for your insight.

[@ezrareyes6524]

Love your advice and getting started

[@stevencheek2767]

Very good advice. You seem to be in it for happiness.

[@Jill_T]

Great video!

[@melissagamper5585]

Great advice. Have been trying to figure out how I can do this.

[@antoniojoseph1794]

I love those vans

[@myarae9634]

THANK YOU!!!

[@ifell3]

Inspirational ❤

[@harrisonphillips8609]

If I did van life I would just park outside my place of work and make it way easier to get to work. Also there’s some basic shops near there so In theory I could sustain myself without traveling a few miles and eating up gas. Is this a decent idea or am I stupid?

[@ginnyd5929]

Not a stupid idea at all. It just seems that way because it doesn’t fit it in with the “norms” of our current society. I wouldn’t share it with too many co-workers tho, unless they’re laid back guys. I find that when I share my love for van life, people project their fears (about it) on me. Give it a go and good luck. 🙂

[@beverlyharward9631]

@@ginnyd5929 Definitely make sure it's legal and I wouldn't tell any coworker.

[@ianhumphry1]

Depending on where you work and what kind of property and business it is, and if your employer would be ok with it. If your employer would be ok with it, you may be able to run shore power to your van as an exchange for your employer having someone there all the time as kind of an added security. If not, you would definitely need to "stealth camp"

[@AlejandroSanchez-rx6gv]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

[@underdawg1063]

Great advice bro.. Thanks for the video.

[@abbeybiasatti6841]

You are awesome. Love ur vid

[@elsestelema6273]

Looks good on the outside for the year!!

[@Bleedingcranium.357]

Love your tiktoks and your van!

[@gregdark9980]

Good advice

[@Inya_fase]

I wish I could do this. I have 2 young daughters and a wife. As soon as they are grown we are doing this.

[@valnpaulvanorden]

Thanks

[@SKBottom]

Good intro. I look forward to the future videos.

[@veniserivera8004]

Good tips and helpful!..

[@ParksEndrek]

One of my biggest things is my video games, they're my comfort, so I know I'd need to get internet, but my absolute biggest concern is how I'll make money, I can't afford the classes for the remote jobs that require degrees and special skills and I definitely don't need student loans (assuming I could get approved) on my shoulders either, I don't see a point in giving myself the freedom of going where I want to go if I'm tied down by debt

[@SmossyYT]

HARDEST part is finding a reliable vehicle while knowing nothing about working on vehicles. Thats whats delayed me. Cant even fix my own car.

[@ryanhitchcock4570]

Cool video dude