What to Pack for Full-Time Van Life

If you’re getting ready to live in a van full-time or at least for a few months you probably want to make sure that you have everything you need. On the other hand, you definitely don’t want to overpack since vans tend to be pretty small spaces. Like us, you might only learn the things you do and don’t need after your first van life experience, but hopefully what we have learnt can help you out before you set off.

This list can act as a checklist for the most important things you’ll need on your travels and any product links that we include are items that we use and genuinely recommend.

Disclosure: The affiliate links we include help us gain a small commission if you use the link to purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you and we only recommend products that we have tried and tested ourselves.

Kitchen essentials (for 2 people)

Whether you’re throwing together a quick breakfast before heading out to explore for the day or you’re treating yourself to a delicious 3 course meal one evening, here’s everything you’ll need.

• Portable fridge (we recommend https://amzn.to/44ztECg)

• 2 Plates

• 2 Bowls

• 2 Knives

• 2 Forks

• 2 Spoons

• 2 Cups

• 2 Mugs

• Sharp Knife

• Cooking spoon

• Scissors

• 1 Saucepan (we recommend this set https://amzn.to/3ULogbK)

• 1 Frying pan (included in the set above)

• Kettle (included in the set above)

• Chopping board

• Strainer

• Mixing bowl

• Bottle opener

• Tongs

• Spatula

• Tupperware (good for storing leftovers)

• Grater

• Dish soap

• Dish scrubber

• Reusable straws

• Thermos bottle

• Collapsible bucket

• Tea towels

• Windproof lighter (we recommend https://amzn.to/4bllYp7)

Laundry items

Doing laundry might not be everyone’s favourite activity but there’s no escaping it so it’s good to be sure you have everything you’ll need. You might even find you learn to love it as there’s no greater feeling than clean clothes and clean sheets when living out of a van.

• Laundry bag

• Detergent capsules

• Clothesline / long thin rope

• Clothes pegs

Van accessories

These are a bunch of random things that you’ll be really glad to have packed. From those you’ll use on a daily basis to those you’ll be grateful for in an emergency.

• Portable AC

• Small toolkit

• Swiss army knife

• Mosquito spray

• First aid kit

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm (we recommend https://amzn.to/3y2RsSF)

• Bug screens for doors/windows

• Thermal window covers

• Lighters/matches

• Small fire extinguisher

• Dustpan and brush

• 2 Camping chairs

• Camping table

• Small magnetic hooks (we recommend https://amzn.to/3Qu1cvH)

• Outdoor picnic blanket

• Steering wheel lock

• Bungee cords

• Linen bags for food shopping, beach things etc.

• Eye mask and ear plugs

Electricals

Van life may be a way of escaping traditional modern day life but for most there’s some modern day things that we can’t quite get by without. Here’s the ones we appreciated having around.

• Large power bank

• Laptop with charger

• Headphones

• External hard drive to backup photos/videos

• Camera for documenting your trip (we use https://amzn.to/4dsb9nm)

• Head lamp

• Electric hook up reel for van

• Double car phone charger

• Flashlight

Entertainment

On those days in the quiet of nowhere, either when you want to cosy up inside or get moving outside, there’s lots of small items you can pack for those moments.

• Playing cards

• Sketchbooks / notepads

• Pens / pencils

• Travel journal

• Books / kindle

• Frisbee / Football / etc.

• Yoga matts

Decorations

Little additions that you can bring to make the van a home.

• Pictures/art

• Photos with family/friends

• Lights e.g. fairy lights

• Map to track your journey

• Air fresheners

• Blankets

• Decorative Pillows (double as extra sleep pillows)

• Curtains

• Rug

• Plants

Clothing (for one)

Since you’ll probably have to pack light, make sure you pack your favourite clothes that you won’t mind wearing week after week.

• Packing cubes (we recommend https://amzn.to/3Uu5fcs)

• T-shirts

• Sleeveless top

• Long sleeve top

• Fleece

• Hoodie

• Jeans

• Comfy trousers

• Shorts

• Skirts

• Dresses

• Swimsuits

• Pyjamas

• Waterproof jacket

• Light warm jacket

• Exercise clothing

• Hats / Caps

• Trainers / Hiking shoes

• Sandals / Sliders

• Sunglasses

That’s everything we recommend you pack for your van life adventure. We hope this helps and you have the best time!

Planning a campervan trip around Europe? Check out our '3 Month Route through Europe by Campervan' blog post!

Bathroom essentials (for one)

Keeping this one pretty simple with just the essentials. Add any bathroom items you use as part of your routine.

• Towel

• Spf sun cream

• Face cream

• Shower gel

• Shampoo / Conditioner