The 3 Ways To Maintain Comfort When Living The Van Life

Contributed post.

​The van life often looks like a dream come true on social media. Pictures of vans parked in breathtaking spots, with views of sunsets or mountains, paint a picture of endless freedom and beauty. However, the reality of living in a van isn't always as easy as it seems.

That's why making sure your camper is as comfortable as possible needs to be a priority. When your living space is well-organized, cozy, and efficient, you can truly enjoy the freedom and adventure that drew you to van life in the first place. In this article, we will go over some of the essentials when it comes to living comfortably in a van or camper.

1 - Keep things clean and dry

One of the biggest issues in a small, enclosed space is managing moisture, which can lead to mold growth. To prevent mold and mildew you need to make sure there is air flow in the camper or van. Fan-Tastic vents can help in keeping the inside of your camper dry and fresh. These vents help circulate air, removing dampness and condensation that can accumulate from everyday activities like cooking and breathing.

Keeping it dry inside also involves being mindful of how you store items and manage space. Wet items like towels or clothes should be hung outside to dry whenever possible, rather than inside where they can increase humidity levels.

For day-to-day cleanliness, you should have tools that get the job done but take up little space. A compact, rechargeable vacuum cleaner can work wonders for picking up dirt, dust, and crumbs from floors and cushions.

2 - Heating and cooling

To properly stay comfortable, you’ll need to have a plan to manage the heating and cooling during extreme temperatures.

Proper insulation is the foundation for maintaining a comfortable temperature. Insulating your van not only helps keep the heat in during winter but also keeps the interior cool when it's hot outside.

For heating, portable heaters are a popular choice among van lifers. When choosing a heater, it's important to consider safety features, such as automatic shut-off in case it tips over.

A/C is not usually practical in a van or camper, but some evaporative coolers to circulate chilled air are great. Parking in the shade during the hottest parts of the day can also reduce interior temperatures quite a bit.

3 - Good bedding

To sleep well, you need a comfy place to rest. Start with picking a good mattress that fits in your van and feels nice to lie on. Whether you like a soft or firm mattress, make sure it's right for you and fits your van.

Memory foam is a popular choice for bedding in vans because it offers excellent support and comfort. Memory foam mattresses come in various thicknesses, so you can choose one that fits your space and comfort needs.

Inflatable mattresses can be good for very tight spaces or if you need to convert your sleeping area for other uses during the day.