Helpful Hints To Those Who Do Or Who Want To Eventually Vanabode

I am a member of several groups on Yahoo and recently I found this post.  It was so informative that I asked permission to republish it. If you're considering life on the road you'll be just a little better informed before you make the jump.  Here is the information.  I hope it helps.
Steve

In a few years you are going to look back at this time in one of two ways:

1) "Boy, it started out bad but I'm so glad I stuck with it, I love vandwelling!"
2) "Boy, that was awful! It turned out it wasn't for me but what a grand and wonderful adventure it was!! I'm so glad I tried!"

Either way, you win! You are expanding your world, comfort zone and self-confidence. That can only be good!! Just know it started out BAD for most of us and got steadily better.

But you want some practical advice so here is mine:

1) Invest in either a Coleman catalytic propane heater or a Mr. Buddy Portable Heater for warmth.
2) Dogs are very adaptable creatures. Make his life right now much better by committing to taking him for 2 walks every day in nature! he will be happier, AND SO WILL YOU!!
3) Plastic organizing drawers and totes are a life saver, get some. I especially like drawer units. You might look at thrift stores for used furniture like desks and dressers. They are cheap, instant organization in the van.
4) The easiest possible bed is to buy a bunch of milk crates or Rubbermaid totes and lay them on the floor so they are nearly solid, then go to Home Depot and have them cut a piece of plywood to fit over the top of them and just lay the plywood on top of the totes/milkcrates. It's inconvenient to have to lift the bed every time to get to your stuff, so later on you will want to find someone to attach legs to the plywood. But, it will get you started for now. Then go to Walmart and buy a 4 inch memory foam topper and cut it to fit the bed.
5) Go to Walmart and buy a wash tub for $3 and a few 1 gallon jugs for water. That's all you need for a sink. Get a quart spray bottle to wash dishes with and yourself. Indoor plumbing has only been around for a few hundred years, you don't need it to stay clean.

Be creative and adaptable. Think like your great-great-grandparents when they crossed the prairie in their covered wagons. How did they do it?

YOU ARE MADE OUT OF THE SAME "STUFF". IF THEY COULD DO IT, SO CAN YOU! IT IS AN ADVENTURE, AND IF THERE ISN'T ANY HARDSHIP, IT'S NO GOOD!

There is a long learning curve ahead of you so be patient. Just address the most critical things first and then keep improving.