Recently, I took the plunge to get out of the rental game and take ownership of a tiny home on wheels: my three-metre long caravan called Betty.
In a few short weeks, along with my two little dogs, Mojo and Snoopy, we are gearing up for a lap around Australia.
Getting prepared for a lifestyle change like this, particularly as a solo adventurer, is no simple feat. Here are the top four strategies I used to help this transition go as smoothly as possible!
Trial run
My very first adventure set up was Maggie, a 23-year-old Mazda 121. A little purple sewing machine on wheels with a heart (engine) of gold.
I folded down the back seats, added a queen bed mattress topper, a camping chair, some cutlery and a gas stove from my grandmother – voilà, a budget camper!
With Maggie, I stayed at nearby campsites, progressing to a 1,500+ kilometre return trip along the Queensland coast. An unfortunate accident 18 months later ended our journey together but this led me to meet Clementine, my Subaru Forester, sparking the idea that brought me to where I am now.
Being a bigger, more reliable rig (sorry Maggie), Clementine encouraged me to take on bigger adventures, including a trip from Queensland to the Great Ocean Road and back in just two weeks of annual leave.
My most recent journey, which sealed the deal on full-time travel, was a three-week road trip through the Northern Territory, from Queensland to Darwin and down to Uluru.
These trial runs taught me so much about the setup I wanted that would make full time travel feasible.
Of course, you can lap Australia with pretty much any set up, but the best set up is the midpoint between your budget and a level of comfort for the lifestyle to be sustainable.
While the free, second-hand mattress topper was great for an entry-level bed, it wouldn’t do for a year. I also knew I’d prefer a moving home that I could cook in and have access to my own bathroom. To meet my needs and stay under budget, a tiny caravan fitted the bill for me.
Knowledge is power
The idea of just hitting the road with only a whim to guide your way seems utterly romantic, but without a plan, it can end in disaster. One experience of being broken down in the middle of nowhere with a blown radiator and no phone signal taught me that!
These days, I’m slightly more sensible. I’ve now invested in a personal location device, which I consider money well spent.
I also took a caravan-towing defensive driving course. In just five hours, I learned valuable lessons that could save lives, including my own. Even if you’re driving a car, 4WD, or an RV, a defensive driving course builds confidence and skills for the road.
Additionally, I’ve mapped out my route, found navigation apps and compiled my ‘big lap bucket list.’
Planning out the route may be less critical for those without a travel deadline however it may remain helpful to ensure you visit your desired destinations at the right time of year (for example, visiting the Australian Red Centre in the peak of summer? An absolute ‘no’ from me).
Of course, my bucket list items aren’t guaranteed, nor is good weather, but making the most of the time I have is a priority.
I also noticed on my ‘trial run’ that decision fatigue is real, so planning routes and accommodation in advance is something I see as important self-care. That way, future me just has to drive and keep everybody alive on the road – a big and important job in itself, I think we’d all agree.
I have also been following other van lifers on blogs and socials for ideas and tips (what you’re doing right now!). This helps in knowing what to expect, what are ‘the essentials’ and what hyped up gear is better left on the shelf.
It’s been encouraging to see others on the road, reinforcing that if they can do it, so can I.
Start the adjustment early
Long before I’d conceived the idea of full-time van life, I’d taken an interest in minimalism, seeing the benefit of owning less and pulling away from compulsive consumerism.
In an attempt to save money, I challenged myself in 2022 to a ‘no spend for 12 months challenge’, barring myself from buying any new clothes or accessories for a year. In addition to saving money, it taught me how to live with less and find happiness outside of “retail therapy”.
I also began sorting through my belongings, donating or selling the non-essentials. Owning less simplified my life and routine, a lesson that has proved invaluable for van life.
Buying Betty a month before living in her full-time was also incredibly helpful. This gave me time to gradually move in and adjust to the new space.
Initially, I spent weekends in Betty, using the house as a kitchen and amenities block, much like a caravan park. This eased the transition and helped me avoid the shock of a sudden lifestyle change.
It also allowed time to figure out teething issues, such as sorting out a better bed situation!
Strengthen your courage muscle
It was a huge ask to completely up-end my life, from living in typical suburbia and going to a nine-to-five office job, to working remotely and towing a tiny caravan solo around Australia.
Yes, it takes courage, but like a muscle, courage is strengthened with repetition.
One of my very first solo experiences was taking myself to the movies. As someone previously heavily reliant on others, going to the movies on my own was such an important first milestone for me.
From there, it was solo dinner dates, to overnight camping trips, progressing to the more ambitious solo road trips I’ve mentioned above. Courage is a skill to be nurtured, like any other skills we possess.
So, get that courage muscle going, do your research and start exploring -I’m with you!
Follow along with Liz’s adventures here.
