Vanlife for beginners can feel a little overwhelming. Where do you sleep? Do you really need a toilet? What if your van breaks down in the middle of nowhere? Don’t worry — we’ve been there.
Our story started during the COVID pandemic, when we borrowed a campervan from friends — lovingly nicknamed “der grüne Schmetterling” (the green butterfly). With almost no facilities open, we camped around the Netherlands for a few days. No showers, no toilets… just us, a gas stove, and nature. And it was amazing.
That short trip sparked something. We bought a rusty old Opel Movano L2 shortly after, converted it into a camper, and eventually upgraded to our beloved yellow Peugeot Boxer L2H3. Today, we live full-time on the road.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through vanlife for beginners — based on real experience. No fluff, no “perfect Instagram van” nonsense. Just honest, helpful tips to get you rolling.
Vanlife for Beginners: Our Journey from Borrowed Camper to Dream Bus
We didn’t start with a perfect van. First came that borrowed green butterfly, then the rusty Opel Movano — a van so corroded we were surprised it held together. But we were proud of it. We learned a lot through building it ourselves, and we realised this lifestyle was for us.
Eventually, we converted a much newer Peugeot Boxer with:
- A full kitchen setup
- Solar panels and a leisure battery
- An indoor shower
- A dry compost toilet
But here’s the thing: you don’t need all that to get started. If you’re new to vanlife, start simple. A mattress in the back and a gas burner are enough for your first few trips. See if the lifestyle fits before going all in.
Sleeping in a Van: What Works for Beginners
When you’re starting vanlife, your sleeping setup doesn’t need to be complicated. For us, comfort was key, so we built a fixed bed with a high-quality foam mattress. But if you’re just trying vanlife for a weekend, consider:
- Foldable mattress or foam pad
- Blackout curtains or DIY window covers
- Cracked window or roof vent for airflow
Keep it simple — and upgrade as you go.
Camper Kitchen: Fancy or Functional?
Because we live full-time on the road, we went for the full setup:
- Built-in two-burner gas stove
- Running water sink
- Solar-powered fridge
- Ample storage
- But for vanlife beginners, a minimalist kitchen setup works just fine:
- One-burner gas stove and spare fuel
- Collapsible sink or plastic washbasin
- Cooler box
- One pan, one pot, and reusable utensils
Cooking outdoors is often easier — and way more fun.
Power Setup: What You Really Need
Our van runs on:
- Solar panels
- A 100Ah leisure battery
- A 12V/230V inverter
This gives us enough power for work, lights, and charging devices. But you don’t need a complex setup when you’re just starting vanlife. Instead, try:
Start with the basics and scale up as needed.
Shower and Toilet: What We Did (and What We’d Change)
We installed an indoor shower with an electric heater. It works, but:
- It takes up a lot of space
- We rarely use it
- We mostly shower at campgrounds, gyms, or pools
If we could do it again, we might skip the indoor shower and opt for:
- Portable outdoor shower
- Solar shower bag
- Gym memberships with facilities
As for the toilet…
We started with a porta-potty. It was:
- Messy to empty
- Smelly in the summer heat
- Dependent on chemical refills
- Hard to find disposal stations
Eventually, we ditched it for a dry compost toilet, which is:
-
- Odor-free
- Chemical-free
- Easier to manage
- More eco-friendly
If you’re new to vanlife, try:
- Campsite or public toilets
- Compact composting toilet
- Pee bottle + shovel (only where legal and respectful)
Must-Have Gear for Vanlife Beginners
Here’s what every beginner should pack (and what we wouldn’t leave home without):
- Power bank or portable solar charger
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Duct tape (for everything!)
- Water containers (10–20L recommended)
- Basic tool kit + jumper cables
- First aid kit
- A good multitool or knife
- Paper maps or an offline navigation app
Vanlife in Europe: Rules, Insurance & Wild Camping Tips
One thing vanlife beginners often overlook: every country in Europe has different rules. From insurance to parking to wild camping — know before you go.
A few quick examples:
-
- France: Requires Crit’Air sticker in many cities. Aires (free/cheap spots) are common.
- Germany: Environmental sticker needed. Wild camping is technically illegal but often tolerated in rest areas.
- Spain: Wild camping is banned in most regions; overnight parking is tolerated in designated areas.
- UK: Post-Brexit, you need a green card from your insurer. Wild camping is generally only allowed in Scotland.
Always check:
-
- Is your insurance valid in that country?
- Do you need a vignette or emissions sticker?
- Are overnight stays allowed outside campsites?
Research a little — save yourself a lot of trouble.
What to Pack (and What to Leave at Home)
In the beginning, we overpacked. Almost everyone does. Here’s what actually matters:
Essentials to pack
-
- Quick-dry clothes
- Warm bedding
- Foldable camping chairs
- Compact table
- One versatile pan
- E-reader or your favourite book
- Coffee-making gear (non-negotiable)
What to leave behind
-
- Blender
- Air fryer
- Too many spices (salt + pepper is enough)
- Full-size anything
- “Just in case” items you’ll never use
Less stuff = less stress = more freedom.
Final Thoughts: Starting Vanlife the Real Way
We didn’t begin vanlife with a perfect rig or a polished plan. We borrowed a van called “der grüne Schmetterling,” bought a rusty old Opel, and slowly made our way to living full-time in our yellow Peugeot Boxer. For us, it became more than travel — it became home.
If you’re curious about vanlife for beginners, start small. Sleep in your car, rent a weekend van, or borrow one like we did. See how it feels.
Remember, vanlife isn’t about having the fanciest setup or the biggest budget. It’s about freedom, flexibility, and discovering what works for you. Be patient with yourself — every mistake is a lesson, every challenge an adventure. Enjoy the journey, embrace simplicity, and most importantly, have fun.
The road is calling, and your vanlife adventure awaits!
