When most people think of van life, they imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, sipping a hot brew with the back doors wide open. And sure, sometimes it’s like that. But most of the time? You’re brushing your teeth with half a bottle of water while trying not to knock over your portable toilet.
It’s a lifestyle that teaches you quickly: small habits make a massive difference. Here are five van life habits I’ve picked up that genuinely make day-to-day living smoother—and might just save your sanity on the road.
1. Tidy as You Go (Because There’s Nowhere to Hide Your Mess)
In a house, you can shove clutter in a cupboard and deal with it later. In a van? That clutter is now your footrest, your dining table, and probably sitting on your bed too.
So I started tidying up as I go. Make a cuppa? Rinse the mug straight after. Cook a meal? Wash up before you even think about sitting down to eat. It sounds boring—because it is—but future you will love past you for it. The van feels calmer, less chaotic, and more like a home than a storage unit on wheels.
2. Everything Has a Place… or It Will Be Lost Forever
Here’s the thing about van life: if you don’t put things in their place, they will disappear. Keys? Gone. USB cable? Vanished into the quantum void behind the passenger seat. Trust me on this, at one van life event I had put my keys down, went for a walk and then spent 4 hours trying to find them. Turning the van upside down, checking rubbish, bins alongside having a mental breakdown, looking at being stranded for 2 days plus £200 for a new key. The “lost keys” were underneath a tea towel “on the side” and since that moment, my keys always go into one place.
So I created a system where every item—no matter how small—has a home. Head torch? Hook by the door. Kitchen sponge? Little clip above the sink. That weird little screwdriver I use once a year? Top drawer, right side.
It sounds obsessive. That’s because it is. But it works.
3. The Morning Routine That Keeps Me Sane (Even When Parked Behind a Tesco)
Van life doesn’t always mean scenic wake-ups. Sometimes it means cracking your eyes open to a dog barking and a bin lorry reversing. That’s why I built a morning routine that helps me reset, no matter where I am.
Here’s mine:
- Quick stretch or walk (even if it’s just around the van).
- Brew (non-negotiable).
- Five minutes planning: Where am I going today? What do I need to do?
- Optional: shouting “LET’S DO THIS!” into the void.
It gives the day structure, helps me avoid decision fatigue, and reminds me that yes, I’m still in control—even when I’ve parked beside a skip.
4. Weekly Reset Days (Because the Van Doesn’t Clean Itself)
Every week, I have a ‘reset day’. It’s a bit like the Sunday night panic-clean back when I had a flat, but more satisfying. Here’s what I do:
• Laundry (because socks do not clean themselves).
• Fill water tanks and empty grey water.
• Check tyres and fluid levels.
• Restock food.
• Give the van a good clean—yes, even the shame corner behind the loo.
It’s not glamorous. But it means I’m set up for the week, and I don’t have to deal with five annoying things on five separate days. One day of adulting = six days of freedom.
5. Keep Plans Loose, Stay Flexible (and Always Have a Plan B)
The golden rule of van life? The road will always surprise you. That hidden gem campsite? Full. That perfect park-up? Blocked off. That scenic spot? Now hosting a motorbike rally.
So I always keep a rough plan—but I never cling to it. I’ll know:
• Where I might head today.
• A few potential stopovers (thank you, Park4Night and other handy Parking Apps)
• Where the nearest food, fuel, and loo are—just in case.
And always, always have a Plan B. Sometimes C. And occasionally D if it’s been “one of those days.”
Bonus Tips
If you are in a certain area for a week or two, have an emergency van stop to go to. Somewhere that you can go if you are ill, tired, stressed and don’t want to think about parking, waking up and needing internet. This is your “in case of emergency” place that you know you can goto if you have to.
Airtight containers for socks and pants. In the summer things get hot and those socks and crusty undies are not a smell you want in your van. Some good air tight containers are a must.
Final Thoughts: It’s the Little Things
Van life isn’t one big adventure—it’s a thousand tiny habits that make the journey possible. These five aren’t about being perfect. They’re about keeping life on the road smooth, manageable, and dare I say it, fun.
So whether you’re parked by a lake or behind a Lidl, build your routines. Give your socks a home. And for the love of all things mobile, tidy as you go.
If you have any suggestions or ideas to share for positive van life habbits, please let me know via twitter/x, instagram or drop a comment down below or if you want to go retro, email is an option.
