23/04/2026
If you are going to live in a tiny, metal box for the foreseeable future with another human and at least one furry beast, AND stay sane, you need a plan 🤓
Our non-negotiables for happiness, safety.. and yes. Sanity😝
1. Off Grid- total freedom and flexibility, and to be surrounded by nature as much as possible. It is glorious not having to pay to stay somewhere or plug in to charge our batteries
2. We commend people who are able to live in motorhomes where they can’t stand, or need to be “popped” up. Their patience and resilience is amazing, but we are totally not those people😅
3. Since we work online and do like to at least “feel” like we have our own space, having multiple places to work and not be touching, or even seeing each other🫣, helps keep our sanity
4. Again, the patience of those who convert their bed/couch each day is astounding! But, it’s just not a battle we want to deal with. Fixed, REAL bed makes us happy
5. Although it was a pain to figure out where to put the damn thing, we are SO grateful to have a closet! It fits the clothes we need in a given season, AND we can empty bits of it to give guests a section for their own things.
6. The blue and green mosaic, the upcycled antique sink, the wooden stick we found on the beach, even the compost toilet has grown on us! It’s SO convenient having a full bathroom.. And less stinky too!🛀
7. Having a spare bed, both on the couch and the deck being the perfect size to pitch a tent helps us share our adventure with those we love!
8. As much as we love being outdoors in nature, nature doesn’t always allow it 🌿 Enough space to lay a yoga mat in the “hallway” to move around and exercise is awesome
9. Access between the cab and house is mainly a safety feature. You never know if you need to leave a spot all of a sudden, or if something falls in the house while driving.
Everyone’s limits and needs are different. We’ve met travelers driving all of SA in a tiny car to a giant bus! Our biggest advice to others thinking of van life- what do you need to feel happy, safe and sane?