Our Top 5 Van Life Must Haves

 Hey Y'all!!

We're sure this list will change the more/longer we're out there, and we'll update you as things change, but for now here's our Top 5!


*None of these are affiliate links. In some instances it's just the closet to what we have that we could find, but I still wanted to include a link.


1) Under Bed Storage- (This is not the exact one we have but was the closest we could find in an online search. I believe ours are from T.J. Maxx or a similar store. They are black, and Velcro closed, the top is not clear.) We've had them for years as under bed storage for larger sweaters, etc. Now, we're each using one for all our clothing and it fits under the front of the bed perfectly. 



2) Blackstone 22in- We got extremely lucky and came across one on clearance at our local Walmart for $55 USD. Our only thought as to why is was clearanced out was because of the box damage, but even that wasn't extreme and didn't reach the unit itself. We chose it for that reason alone, however we're glad we did. We like it simply because of the wide variety of things you can cook on it with no other "stuff" needed... except a spatula. Cleaning it up is super quick and easy too.


3) Comfortable Bed- This one is obviously going to vary from person to person since we all have different preferences. We tried a few nights with the seat to bed conversion, and it wasn't bad- but long term we've decided to cut our memory foam down to fit and add our fluffy mattress topper. Ours is not a name brand (if I'm remembering correctly it was a last days of Kmart purchase), and is a 6in memory foam, so that still leaves more than enough head space for sitting up in the bed.


4) This one is another personal preference in a way, but everyone is going to need some light/window blocking "thing". We both wanted a van with windows for a reason, but at night we also both like it dark. A- I can't stand pitch black (no view) during the day though. It makes me fell like we're in a closet. C-Yeah like a tin can, plus having light saves on power/battery.

Our solution is the built in curtains throughout the rear, with magnets added to block more visibility and close the gaps. For across the front windows we have sunshades and to further separate the space a pair of room darkening curtains across a shower rod secured to the walls directly behind the seats. The curtains were from before when Chris worked nights, and just happened to be a perfect length for the van. 

5) A vehicle! This one is obvious, in order to travel and live in a vehicle you have to have one already... but why did we opt for a van? For the full answer check out this blog:  https://outlandadventures.blogspot.com/2023/07/whyd-we-choose-conversion-van.html

In short? It really felt like the best fit for our needs.


Thanks,

The Outlands



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