Tag Van Life

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

For many van lifers, the idea of house sitting can be an attractive proposition. It offers a chance to take a break from life on the road, experience a more “normal” routine, and enjoy comfortable accommodations. However, before you dive headfirst into the world of house sitting, it’s crucial to understand both its pros and cons. In a previous post, we explored the many advantages of house sitting. Now, let’s take a closer look at the potential downsides that van lifers should consider.

The Commitment Conundrum for Van Lifers

One of the most significant cons of house sitting is the level of commitment it requires. Van lifers are accustomed to a life of freedom and spontaneity, where you can change your location at the drop of a hat. House sitting often demands that you stay in one place for an extended period, which can be a significant adjustment.

Learn more about becoming a house sitter

Responsibilities Galore

House sitting comes with a bundle of responsibilities. From taking care of pets to maintaining the property, you’ll be expected to handle various tasks. If you’re used to the simplicity of van life, these added responsibilities can feel overwhelming.

Unpredictable Plans

Van lifers thrive on unpredictability, but house sitting can disrupt that flow. Homeowners might return home earlier than expected, or they could cancel their trip altogether. This uncertainty can wreak havoc on your travel plans.

Competitive House Hunting

In sought-after locations, house sitting opportunities can be fiercely competitive. It might take time and effort to secure a house sit that aligns with your preferences and schedule.

Limiting Accommodation Choices

Relying solely on house sitting for accommodation can limit your choices. In remote or less popular destinations, finding suitable house-sitting gigs can be challenging.

Learn more about becoming a house sitter

Uncertain Availability

House sitting opportunities aren’t always readily available. If you have specific dates or destinations in mind, you may need to be patient and persistent in your search.

Background Checks and References

Some homeowners may require background checks or references, which can be time-consuming and might not guarantee you’ll secure the opportunity.

Time Away from the Van

Extended house sitting gigs could mean extended time away from your van or permanent residence, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Learn more about becoming a house sitter

What I see as the Cons of House Sitting

• The Commitment Conundrum for Van Lifers
• Responsibilities Galore
• Unpredictable Plans
• Competitive House Hunting
• Limiting Accommodation Choices
• Uncertain Availability
• Background Checks and References
• Time Away from the Van

While house sitting can provide van lifers with a change of pace and comfortable accommodations, it’s essential to be aware of its cons, especially in the context of van life. The commitment, responsibilities, and unpredictability may not align with everyone’s van life travel style. However, by weighing these downsides against the benefits and planning accordingly, you can make an informed decision about whether house sitting is the right choice for your van life adventures. Whether you choose the open road of van life or a cozy house sit, the world is full of van life adventures waiting to be explored.”

This is Van. I am often asked where I park Van.

Here is were I park Van….

Van in Roanoke, VA	Van on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia	Van in Massachusetts
Van at some football game in Phoenix, AZ	Van in Valdez, AK	Van outside of Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan

Van at Mexican Hat, Utah
Van at Mexican Hat, Utah

Van in Bakersfield, CA

Van (and I) at a winery in Muskegee, OK

Van having some issues in Tucson, AZ

Van in Jackson, MS

Van in need of some mountain to look out on in Alaska

Van at Muncho Lake in British Columbia

Van at Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground near Alomogordo, NM

Van in Memphis, TN

Van in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Van on the Oregon Coast

Any more questions?

Please.

After being on the road for a few months at a time and then home for a few months, I am cleaning out my apartment and will be living the van life full time! I often get the question, What is Van Life?

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

“Van life” refers to a lifestyle in which individuals or couples choose to live and travel in converted vans or camper vans, often for an extended period of time. It has gained popularity as a way to embrace a simpler, more mobile, and adventurous way of living. The term “van life” originally referred to living in a van, but it has evolved to encompass various types of recreational vehicles (RVs) and camper vans. Many people now embrace the RV lifestyle, which includes motorhomes, campervans, travel trailers, and other types of mobile homes. RV life shares many similarities with van life, including travel, minimalism, and a love for adventure.

Key characteristics of van life include:

1. Living in a Van: Well this is a pretty obvious one! Van lifers typically convert their vans into mobile homes, creating a functional living space that includes sleeping, cooking, and storage areas. The level of customization can vary widely, from basic setups to more luxurious and fully equipped interiors.
2. Traveling Full-Time: Many people who embrace van life travel full-time, often traveling to and exploring various regions, cities, and natural landscapes. The mobility of a van allows them to change their location frequently, experiencing new environments and cultures along the way.
3. Minimalism: Van life often encourages a minimalist lifestyle, as space in a van is limited. Van lifers must carefully choose and prioritize their possessions, focusing on essentials and experiences rather than material possessions.
4. Self-Sufficiency: Van lifers learn to be self-sufficient, as they manage their daily needs in a confined space. This includes cooking meals, maintaining the van, finding places to park or camp, and managing resources like water and electricity.
5. Connection to Nature: Living in a van often fosters a closer connection to nature. Many van lifers seek out remote or natural locations for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural world.
6. Alternative Lifestyle: Van life is seen as an alternative lifestyle choice that challenges the conventional norms of home ownership and the 9-to-5 work routine. It offers freedom, flexibility, and a break from the traditional rat race.
7. Online Community: The van life community is active online, with many van lifers sharing their experiences, tips, and adventures through blogs, social media, and YouTube channels. This has contributed to the lifestyle’s popularity and provided a sense of community for those on the road.

So… what is van life? It’s important to note that van life can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals choose van life as a temporary adventure, while others adopt it as a long-term way of life. The reasons for embracing van life can also differ, including a desire for adventure, a need for financial freedom, or a wish to simplify and downsize.

Curious about how my own van life journey began? I’ve shared the details in another post that takes you through my personal transition into this unique lifestyle. If you’re interested in the backstory and want to learn more about how I got started, be sure to check out ‘How I Came to Find Van Life‘ for the full scoop.

Van life offers a unique blend of freedom and simplicity, allowing people to explore the world on their terms while living in a compact, self-contained space. However, it also comes with challenges, including the need for adaptability, resource management, and sometimes navigating legal and logistical issues related to van dwelling.

So this is what van life is. But you might be asking, “What is the Point of Van Life?” Check out my post with my thoughts on that!

I will delve more into how I live my van life in future posts. So if you would like to know more about what van life is or how I run my van life, please subscribe!

I’m getting closer to getting back on the road. I picked this up about a week ago….

2018 Ford Transit 350

It was previously owned by a fleet company that leased it out to Home Depot in Plymouth, MA.