Van-lifer Courtnie shares tips for maximizing life in a miniature home.
move your home on the road is no modest effort . Take it fromCourtnie , a caravan - lifer and yoga teacher who downsize her life history into an empty consignment van with her hubby Nate . “ We were stuck in a cycle struggling to keep up with rent and did n’t really see much of a path out , so we visualize we could give this a try , ” she says . So in 2018 they buy their first vanguard , moved out of their apartment , and sell virtually all of their belonging . Over the next eight months , Courtnie and Nate worked to convert the empty cargo van into their mini dream rest home .
tight forward to today , and Courtnie has in full dramatize a minimalist lifestyle to maximise lifespan on the route . Working and living full - clock time from her van , Courtnie has spent the last four years jaunt across the country with Nate and their hound Tonkins , all while documenting her journeying onInstagram .
While transition to new wave life has had its challenges , it has also given Courtnie the flexibility to go freely and encompass a more simple yet fulfilling lifestyle . “ As someone who really enjoys the comforts of home , it ’s been really great to lend that smell wherever we go , ” she says . Below , Courtnie share her wisdom and expertness for anyone search to maximize their life in a circumscribed space .
Design by Rebecca Hoskins
Rent before you buy
Before take up the plunge into becoming a full - time van - lifer , Courtnie recommend test the water first by rent a van for a route tripper . “ This would give you a better idea if van life story is what you really need to do , ” she says . Beyond evaluating if it ’s the good modus vivendi for you , renting a vanguard gives you the opportunity to test out different layouts and see what amenities — like store solutions , cooktops , and lavish setups — can be custom built to your penchant . This way , you may empathize what you will actually need in your future van .
Enjoy life on the road
Beyond being able to visit much anywhere in the land at a moment ’s notice , Courtnie is still capable to enjoy some of life ’s luxuries in her humble footprint : like a high - quality cocktail whenever she wants thanks to her favorite;Cutwater Mango Margaritas . “ There is nothing better than arriving at encampment , setting up our chairs outside , grabbing a moth-eaten Cutwater out of the fridge , and sitting down to relax without having to interest about prepping ingredients or doing any dishes . ” she says . “ Water is bound in our van , after all ! ” Thanks to Cutwater Mango Margarita , any van - lifer ( or anyone on the go ) can love a delightful , premium cocktail with minimal effort .
Find inspiration
What crop good in a van chassis can vary depending on the way you live . “ There are so many way to do van life , ” Courtnie says . “ It ’s always valuable to find out from others who have done it . ” When searching for inspiration online , she propose take care to mass whose routines mirror yours . For example , someone who pass most of their time camping off - the - grid probably has very different needs than someone who plans to be primarily stationary in a urban center or by a beach . By become inspiration and entropy from a diverse mathematical group of multitude , you’re able to set realistic expectations on what your van aliveness can look like .
Go slow
When it finally come time to build out your van , Courtnie recommends allocating more time than you anticipate is needed . “ cut box and cannonball along through projects can lead to major headaches , ” she says . “ The last matter you need is to run into issues on the road that could leave you uncomfortable and unsatisfied with the experience . ” By taking your time build the van , you’re able to be thoughtful and diligent with make a home that truly patronise your life-style .
