Starting vanlife is an exciting but challenging adventure. Adjusting to life on the road takes time, and developing a routine can help make the transition smoother. While flexibility is key to thriving in vanlife, having a framework for your days ensures you stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance. Here are four practical tips to create a routine that works for your unique vanlife experience.
Taking in the sunrise while boondocking in remote Baja on a vanlife trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
1. Establish a Morning Ritual
One of the biggest adjustments to vanlife is waking up in a new environment almost every day. So, establishing a consistent morning routine helps you start each day with a sense of normalcy and purpose regardless of where you are parked. For me, these are a few of the best ways to start the day:
Set the Tone: Begin your day with small habits that ground you, like making your bed, stretching or working out, or enjoying a cup of coffee while taking in the view outside your van. If coffee isn’t your thing, maybe a warm up of tea or glass of water. Regardless of how you begin the day, setting the tone with a ritual brings normalcy to vanlife that is often hard to find.
Plan Your Day: Use the mornings to set intentions. If you’re traveling, check your route, weather conditions, and stops for the day. If you’re stationary, plan your activities, errands, or rest time. This approach helps you feel in control and minimizes the overwhelming uncertainty that can come with vanlife.
Stay Flexible: Not every morning will look the same, especially if you’re chasing sunrises, packing up quickly, or adjusting to a new campsite. Focus on keeping key elements of your routine intact, even if you have to modify them for the situation.
Taking in the gray skies while living vanlife in Alaska for the summer. Photo by Dalton Johnson
2. Designate Time for Essential Tasks
Living in a van means balancing adventure with responsibilities, like managing water, fuel, work, personal time, chores, and cooking meals. Allocating time for these tasks prevents them from piling up and ensures you can focus on enjoying life on the road.
Meal Prep and Cooking: Cooking in a van can be cramped and time-consuming. Set aside time once or twice a week to prepare meals in bulk, so you’re not scrambling to cook every day. Having pre-made meals or easy-to-assemble ingredients saves time and energy.
Maintenance Checks: Build regular van maintenance into your routine. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and solar power usage weekly to avoid surprises. Keeping your van in top shape ensures smoother travels and reduces stress.
Restocking Supplies: Schedule time to refill water tanks, stock up on groceries, and dispose of trash responsibly. By making these tasks part of your routine, they’ll feel less like interruptions and more like manageable to-dos.
Related Read: Vanlife Self-Care and Thriving Hacks I Can’t Live Without
3. Prioritize Personal Time
Vanlife often revolves around exploring and meeting new people, but it’s important to make time for yourself. Without a dedicated space to retreat to, personal downtime can be easy to overlook.
Daily Quiet Time: Whether it’s journaling, meditating, reading, or simply enjoying the solitude of nature, carve out time to recharge. These moments help you process your experiences and maintain emotional balance.
Exercise and Wellness: Staying active is key to feeling your best in vanlife. Incorporate daily walks, yoga, or simple workouts that don’t require much space or equipment. Staying physically healthy supports your mental well-being as well. Personally, when I first started vanlife, I was in great shape and even though I surfed or climbed everyday, I still gained weight.
Stay Connected: Balance alone time with reaching out to friends, family, or fellow vanlifers. Regular connection with loved ones or the broader vanlife community can provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Having a fire under the stars when camping during vanlife is a great way to end the day. Photo by Dalton Johnson
4. Develop a Nighttime Wind-Down Routine
Just like a morning routine helps you get the day started, a solid evening routine can help you relax after a long day, setting you up for restful sleep and preparing you for the next adventure. Here are my favorite ways to end the day:
Organize Your Space: Before settling in for the night, tidy up your living area. A clutter-free space can help you feel more relaxed and at ease in your van. Here are tips to maximize your van’s living and storage space.
Unplug and Reflect: Limit screen time in the evening to reduce overstimulation. Instead, spend time reflecting on your day, journaling, or planning your route for tomorrow.
Create a Relaxing Environment: Use soft lighting, calming music, or even aromatherapy to create a peaceful atmosphere in your van. These small touches can make your space feel more like home.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Aim to go to bed and wake up at consistent times, even if your surroundings change. This regularity helps regulate your body’s internal clock and ensures you wake up ready to embrace the day.
Watching the sunset helps your body align with the daily cycles. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Vanlife is a constant learning experience, and your routine will naturally evolve as you discover what works best for you. The key is to start with a basic structure, adapt as needed, and remain flexible. By establishing a morning ritual, setting time for essential tasks, and prioritizing personal wellness, you’ll create a routine that brings stability and ease to life on the road. Once your routine feels natural, vanlife becomes less daunting and more rewarding—a lifestyle that allows you to fully embrace the freedom of the open road.
