Van Life Conversion: How to Get Started
Did you know that a third of people spent less than $5000 dollars converting a van? That’s probably not as much as you expected.
Of course, it depends if you choose to go full DIY or splash out on custom-made products.
Either way, a van life conversion is a whole lot of fun and it’s completely possible, despite your budget DIY prowess. Keep reading for more info on how to convert your van so you can hit the road!
Find Some Campervan Inspiration
Before you begin with the conversion process, do a little bit of research to decide what type of design and style you’d like to achieve. Luckily for you, there are thousands of Instagram and Pinterest pages and posts dedicated to van life conversions to inspire you!
You can also watch some Youtube videos for ‘how to’ and DIY advice. This research phase is really important as you need to think about the non-negotiable features you’re going to have in your fan. On top of this, you need to consider the extra features that you want and how to fit them in — such as a compostable toilet, or shower.
Create a ‘Must-Have’ and ‘Nice-to-Have List’
Okay, so you’ve done your research. Now it’s time to whittle it down into the two lists mentioned above: features you absolutely need, and those that would be a bonus.
Some must-have features include a fridge and solar panel, so you’ll need to include those in your design. Some nice-to-have features may include swivel chairs or a roof rack.
Design Your Layout
This is the step where you’ll play around with different design layouts to find the one that is suitable for you and your requirements. There are some important factors to take into consideration when doing the layouts.
First of all, how many people and animals will be living in the bed? This makes a huge difference, from the size of the van mattress to seating requirements.
Consider how tall you are, how much storage space you need, and whether you want windows and natural lighting.
Do you plan to cook inside your van and do you need a dedicated workspace? These are essential questions to ask yourself that will influence your layout.
Purchasing Everything You Need
You’ll need to find the best mattress for your van that fits the space perfectly. For example, if you are converting a Mercedes sprinter, you’ll need to look at Sprinter van mattresses.
The same goes for cabinets, couch cushions, and more. You’ll find that in order for everything to have multi-functions and purposes, you’ll need to have a lot of items custom-made.
Are You Excited for Your Van Life Conversion?
Of course, there’s a lot more that goes into a van life conversion, but these are the first and most basic steps that you need to think about. Get inspired, plan the layout, and get busy building your new home on wheels!
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