18. Take Up a New Hobby

There’s a lot of downtime when you’re living on the road. Listening to podcasts and audiobooks are great pastimes for when you’re actually driving, but for the rest of the time, you might want to take up a new hobby or two. Maybe try one of these ones. 

19. Get Some Shoe Organizers

Organization is your best friend in a small space, and hanging shoe organizers are a great investment. They’re not just useful for shoes. They can be used to keep all kinds of gear and supplies tidy – clothes, tools, kitchen utensils, food – and transform any vertical surface into organized storage.

20. Make Your Bed as Comfortable as Possible

When you can’t get a good night’s sleep, van life becomes very miserable very fast. Invest the time and effort to outfit your van with as comfortable a bed as possible. Space is sure to be limited, of course, but do your best. As a general rule, avoid sleeping bags. You’ll be more comfortable in real blankets and sheets, and they’re more conducive to cuddling, should the need arise. 

21. Follow the Off-Season

Van life offers the freedom to travel when and where you like… so be smart about your route. It’s often best to travel during the off-season, avoiding the times when various regions are busiest. For example, it’s wise to steer clear of Florida in winter, when the campgrounds are packed with snowbirds. 

22. Find Free Campsites

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Learn how to identify places where you can park your van for free. And just as importantly, know where you can’t. In the United States, most national forests and many state forests offer free dispersed camping, though the amenities are typically few if any. Some big-box stores, including Wal-Mart and Cabelas, often allow overnight parking, but rules may vary from city to city.