Common regrets

This page collects common regrets that stem from living nomadically. You may or may not face these regrets, since every person and situation is different.

There's no shortage of "van life sucks" and "I'm quitting vanlife" videos on the internet! Some are clickbait, but many express valid concerns and regrets.

Planning and preparation

Analysis paralysis: Analysis paralysis is the unfortunate result of planning and researching so much that you get stuck and find yourself unable to make a plan and move forward with it. Planning can pay off, but it is easy for to get overwhelmed by details and perfectionism.

Not starting earlier

Some nomads, such as those who waited to retire or for their children to grow up before hitting the road, regret not figuring out how to make van life happen sooner.

Incorrect assumptions about van life

Many people see the Instagram #vanlife reels or YouTube videos and create an inaccurate picture of what it would be like to actually "do life" in a van. See: Will I like nomadic living? and What will be different?

Nomadic living

Decision fatigue

Due to the nature of life on the road, the nomad may need to make many decisions during the course of the day that wouldn't be part of a conventional lifestyle: where to park, where to go, what to do, etc. It can be difficult to establish a consistent routine when you're not staying in one place.

Loneliness

Many people struggle to make and keep long-term friendships and relationships while living nomadically. The transient nature of the lifestyle, and that fact that many other nomads prefer to be mostly alone, can make it hard to find community.

Failure to budget

You can definitely save money by living nomadically, primarily due to the absence of a rent or mortgage payment. But there are other costs that will increase, such as fuel consumption, campground fees, inability to "stock up" when needed items are on sale, etc. There are jobs that work well for nomads, but they may pay less than you're used to.

No plan for parking

Finding parking can be difficult for certain vehicles (motorhomes, skoolies, etc.). Many cities are hostile to nomads, so stealth can be important.

Vehicle features and amenities

Missing features

When planning your build, or when looking for a vehicle to purchase, be sure to think what vehicle features you want and need. You can always remodel later, and many nomads do, but it's easier and cheaper to get things right the first time! Don't forget about a place to store trash and dirty laundry.

Purchasing a high-maintenance vehicle

Buying an old cheap van and filling it with an expensive camper conversion may be counterproductive, since you'll spend a lot of time and money on vehicle maintenance. Getting rid of a bad vehicle is a bigger loss because you're also losing the value of your home inside that vehicle.

Ceiling height: Ceiling height (or cargo height) is the interior height of the living space. A vehicle you can stand in is significantly more comfortable to live in, but it obviously increases the vehicle clearance too which can be a disadvantage. A ceiling height that is not enough to stand up in is a common regret of van owners. Keep in mind that insulation and flooring reduce overall height.

Showers

Many nomads who have an onboard shower say they rarely use it, and many who don't have an onboard shower say they wish they had one so they don't have to spend so much time finding places to shower.

Choice of toilet

Your toilet options in a van are limited by space and the lack of connection to the water and sewer utilities (except at campgrounds with hookups), and you may regret your choice. Some people choose the no toilet option, which means that you will have to find publicly available bathrooms regularly. Nomads with bucket toilets, composting toilets, and similar need to find a place to empty their waste. Those with plumbed toilets and black water tanks need to find dump stations.

Wood stoves

Some nomads with larger vehicles add wood burning stoves. Many love the dry heat and aesthetic, but stoves take up a lot of room, add risk, and may cause insurance difficulties.

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