I Spent Over a Year Living in a Van, and It Changed Everything!

After more than a year of living in my van, Vincent van Gogh, I’ve learned a lot about minimalism, financial independence, and the freedom that comes with van life. In this video, I share my experiences, from breathtaking adventures like witnessing the Northern Lights to the challenges of adapting to a minimalist lifestyle. Why did I choose to live this way? And what made me decide to shift to an apartment for the winter? Dive into my van life journey to find out how this lifestyle has transformed my life in unexpected ways. Stick around for some exciting future plans and adventures!

It’s been over a year since I began living in my van, and I wanted to share my experience so far. This is my lovely van, Vincent van Gogh. Right now, I’m out in the middle of nowhere, capturing the stunning Northern Lights. It was pitch dark with almost no light pollution, making it a spectacular sight. The van life has been quite a journey, and there are so many good things that have come with it. When I first made the decision to move into my van, I was transitioning out of the Navy. It became an excellent way for me to save money and prepare for civilian life. Housing, especially in California, is outrageously expensive, and being able to avoid those costs has granted me more financial independence than I’ve ever had.

I couldn’t believe it when I saw apartments charging $2,600 for a bedroom shared with four other people. Saving on rent has allowed me to manage my finances better. It makes me wonder whether alternative living solutions, like van life or tiny homes, could be part of the answer to the housing crisis in the United States. I don’t know for sure, but for me, this lifestyle has been incredibly beneficial. One of the best things about living in a van is the freedom to pick up and go whenever I want. I can travel to remote places, park where I like, and enjoy nature. The freedom to wake up to views like these, surrounded by the Northern Lights, or in serene locations with lakes and trees, is unmatched.

However, I want to stress that van life isn’t for everyone. Minimalism plays a big role in making this lifestyle work. I thought I was a minimalist before, but living in such a small space takes minimalism to a whole new level. You have to make everything fit in a limited space, from clothes to essential gear. When I moved out of my apartment, I had to store a lot of things, and it took about six months of gradually letting go before I could fully embrace the minimalist lifestyle. It’s not easy, and if you’re someone who loves having a lot of stuff, this might not be for you. But if you’re okay with having just the essentials, this lifestyle can be a real asset.

Despite the challenges, living in the van has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. But winter is coming, and I’ve decided to move into an apartment for the season. My van doesn’t have a proper heater, and trying to stay warm while managing school and studying just doesn’t make sense. That said, I’m not giving up van life entirely. I’ll still use the van for adventures, camping, and backpacking trips. I’m especially excited to get back into deep winter camping, something I haven’t done in a while. Although my van isn’t equipped for harsh snow conditions—it’s a rear-wheel drive—it’s perfect for three-season travel. I might need help from a friend with an all-wheel-drive vehicle to access snow-covered trailheads, but I’m ready for more adventures.

In moments like these, waking up to the peaceful surroundings of a lake or catching the Northern Lights, I’m reminded of how much I love this lifestyle. Even with the surprises, like hunters nearby scaring me, the serene beauty makes it all worth it. It’s been over a year since I embraced van life, and I’m grateful for everything it has taught me. If you have any questions about my experience or if you’re curious about anything I didn’t cover, feel free to ask in the comments. If this resonated with you, consider subscribing for more on solo travel and my advice on living adventurously.

As I reflect on my van life journey, I realize that it’s been more than just a financial or lifestyle decision—it’s also changed the way I approach life in general. There’s a certain clarity that comes with living simply, and it’s made me more conscious of what I truly need versus what society tells us we should want. Living in a van strips away the excess, forcing you to confront what really matters—whether it’s the basics like shelter, warmth, and food, or the more abstract essentials like peace, freedom, and fulfillment.

The sheer mobility and adaptability of van life have given me experiences I could never have had in a traditional living setup. There’s a magic in waking up to a new landscape, whether it’s a quiet forest, a lakeside view, or even the occasional rugged mountain backdrop. You get to experience nature in its rawest form. For example, the other night, I witnessed one of the most beautiful Northern Lights displays. It’s hard to put into words how awe-inspiring it is to be in a remote location, just you and the stars. Those kinds of moments are priceless.

But with all the good comes the reality that it isn’t always an easy life. There are days when the van feels cramped and moments when I miss the conveniences of regular housing—especially when it comes to things like heating in the winter or consistent access to a proper shower. That’s why I’ve decided to move into an apartment for the colder months. My van doesn’t have a diesel heater, and the portable Mr. Buddy Heater just isn’t enough for the extreme cold. Plus, with school taking up most of my time, it makes sense to have a stable, warm place to study and rest. But I’m not giving up on van life—it’ll just take a backseat during the harshest months.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to keep pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. I plan to do more deep winter camping, which I haven’t done in years but have always loved. The idea of surviving and thriving in snow-covered landscapes excites me, though I’ll need some help with logistics—maybe a friend with an all-wheel-drive vehicle can help me reach those harder-to-access trailheads. It’ll be a challenge for sure, but one that I’m ready for. Despite not being able to take the van into deep snow (rear-wheel drive has its limitations), there’s so much more I can do in terms of exploring the wilderness.

As I’ve shared my journey with you, I hope it’s sparked something—whether it’s a curiosity about alternative lifestyles or just a desire to see more of the world. Van life isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s taught me valuable lessons about self-sufficiency, minimalism, and freedom. I’ve learned to let go of unnecessary possessions and focus on the experiences that truly enrich my life. And even though I’ll be shifting gears this winter, I’m excited for what’s next, both in terms of van life and the new adventures I have planned.

If this resonates with you and you’ve been thinking about making a similar change in your life, I encourage you to take the leap. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. And as always, if you have any questions about anything I’ve talked about or want advice on solo travel, van life, or minimalism, feel free to reach out. I’d love to continue the conversation and help you on your own journey. If you’re interested in seeing where this lifestyle can take you, don’t forget to check out my next video on solo travel—it might just give you the inspiration you need to start your own adventure.

As I prepare for the next phase of my journey, I’m reflecting on how van life has reshaped my sense of adventure and personal growth. There’s something transformative about stepping away from the typical life trajectory—owning a home, maintaining a traditional job, or settling in one place—and embracing a lifestyle that is so fluid and self-sufficient. Each day has become more of an opportunity than a routine. It’s not just about the destinations or the places I get to explore, but about learning to trust myself, my instincts, and the ability to adapt to whatever life throws my way.

The freedom I’ve experienced is unparalleled. Having the ability to drive anywhere on a whim and immerse myself in nature is exhilarating. I’m constantly reminded of how much beauty exists around us that we often overlook when we’re tied down by daily obligations. Waking up to the peaceful stillness of a forest or the vastness of a lake makes you realize just how small you are in the grand scheme of things, and yet how much power you have over your own life when you break free of conventional limits.

Of course, I won’t deny the challenges that come with this lifestyle. The reality is, you’re trading certain comforts for freedom. There are days when the isolation feels overwhelming or when the weather makes van life difficult. When the temperature drops and the van becomes unbearably cold, you find yourself missing the simple comforts of a thermostat and reliable heating. I’ve had to deal with breakdowns, figure out how to fix things on the go, and sometimes find myself miles from civilization when problems arise. But overcoming those challenges builds resilience, and each time, I come out stronger and more capable.

Minimalism has also become a central theme in my life, and while the adjustment was tough, I now see it as one of the greatest benefits of van living. There’s a certain clarity that comes with reducing your belongings to only what you truly need. It allows you to focus on the essentials—what brings you joy and what is necessary for your well-being. I’ve learned to let go of material possessions that don’t serve me, and it’s incredibly liberating. I’m no longer weighed down by things that clutter my life, and that has given me a sense of mental freedom too. It makes the adventure feel more real, more intentional.

But now, with the cold season approaching, I’ve realized that van life, for all its rewards, has its limitations in extreme climates—at least for me. That’s why moving into a small apartment for the winter feels like the right move. I want to focus on my studies without worrying about staying warm or dealing with the discomforts that come with van life in the snow. It’s a practical choice, but one that won’t take me away from the adventures I love. The van will still be there, ready for the next road trip or camping trip, and I’m already planning for more.

What excites me the most about the future is exploring the more rugged, snowy landscapes through deep winter backpacking and camping. I can’t wait to challenge myself in these new environments, where survival skills and preparation are key. It’s been a while since I’ve done this kind of intense winter camping, but I’m eager to dive back into it. I know that with the right preparation—and maybe some help from friends with better-equipped vehicles—I can take my adventures to the next level.

In the end, the past year of van life has been about more than just saving money or exploring new places. It’s been about personal discovery, pushing boundaries, and embracing a lifestyle that aligns with my values. I’m grateful for everything this experience has taught me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even though I’m temporarily shifting to apartment living, van life will always be part of who I am, and I know I’ll keep coming back to it.

If you’re considering a change in your own life—whether it’s van life, solo travel, or simply breaking away from conventional expectations—I hope my experience encourages you to take that leap. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it. If you have any questions or if you’re curious about specific aspects of this journey, feel free to reach out. I’d love to share more insights or help you navigate your own adventure. And if you enjoyed hearing about my experience, be sure to subscribe and check out my next video, where I share tips on solo travel and what I’ve learned along the way. Thanks for following along with me on this incredible journey—there’s still so much more to come!