Nomadic living is a term for the lifestyle lived by nomads. It is a major focus of this wiki.
The term nomad refers to anyone who sleeps or lives in a vehicle (either part time or full time) either by choice or out of necessity. Regular travel from place to place is very common among nomads, since their homes are mobile, but some live in the same location for long periods. Nomads may also be called van dwellers, van lifers, car dwellers, travelers, vehicle nomads, houseless, or any of a number of other terms. It may include snowbirds, who typically choose one place to live during the summer and another place to live during the winter.
Someone who is not a nomad typically lives in a conventional sticks and bricks residence like a house or apartment.
Preparing for the nomad life
Will I like nomadic living?
You won't know for sure unless you try it, but there are things to consider that may predict "success" at the nomadic living lifestyle. Also, there is no "right" way to live nomadically, so an approach you see others taking may not be the approach that works for you. More …
What will be different?
What will be different? Switching to life on the road can be rewarding, but it comes with challenges! Without a "sticks-and-bricks" apartment or house, some of the conveniences you may take for granted require a bit more thought. More …
Downsizing for nomadic living
Downsizing for nomadic living is an important task for those who plan to live full time on the road. Unless you are already a minimalist by nature, adjusting to the much-smaller living space can be a big challenge. Getting rid of everything that won't fit in your vehicle isn't always possible, so then you'll have to rely on storage units or asking friends and family to hang on to your belongings. Continue reading …
Vehicle features to consider
When considering your vehicle options, there are lots of vehicle features to consider! Continue reading …
Planning your build
Planning your vehicle build is a fun and challenging portion of the journey to nomadic life, or an exciting transition from one vehicle to another to better meet your needs. Continue reading …
Living your best life on the road
Nomad community
Being on the road doesn't mean you have to be alone! The nomad community is formed by groups like these, which meet regularly in places around the world. These van life meetups are a great way to meet other nomads on the road. Many events are held on public lands. More …
Work for nomads
Finding work for nomads can be a challenge in some ways, but there are some advantages for you too: you can go where the work is ― economic mobility; you can live on less income and can therefore work a wider variety of jobs; and you can work for things other than money: parking, a place to stay, food, etc. This page lists some of the many options that may be available to you. Continue reading …
Daily activities
Managing your human needs:
Finding places:
Other considerations
How others see nomads
We nomads know this can be a rewarding and frugal lifestyle, but not everyone will share our enthusiasm. Be prepared for judgement, ignorant comments, and "down by the river[1]" jokes. Camping or long-term travel in motorhomes or travel trailers is generally seen as socially acceptable, but full-time nomadic living usually isn't. More …
Involuntary nomads
Involuntary nomads are those don't want to live in a vehicle, but economic or other pressures mean that living in a vehicle is the best option available. In that situation we are focused on functional, not fancy. Do what is best for you (and any loved ones that live with you) right now; you are not in competition with the Instagram "influencer" crowd. Continue reading …
Camping etiquette
Not everyone has camped before, and that's okay! Here are some camping etiquette guidelines to keep from annoying others. Most of these apply when in a campground. More …
Resources
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia article on this topic. | |
| Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "nomadic living" | |
| Search related sites | Search van life sites for "nomadic living" | |
| Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "nomadic living" |