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Adv 223 Yumpu

Xmas issue of Adventure Magazine December 2020 - January 2021

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THE VANLIFE HACKS<br />

By Jessica Middleton<br />

Christmas is upon us, you know how<br />

the saying goes, good things come in<br />

small packages. A van home may be<br />

considered little, this doesn’t mean that<br />

the ideas that come with it can’t be big.<br />

Vanlife is having the freedom and<br />

knowing that all your NEEDS are in<br />

one space. However, this also means<br />

you are sometimes unable to bring all<br />

the little extras that you WANT. Why<br />

not aim for the best of both? Being the<br />

time of giving, what better way than to<br />

provide you with an <strong>Adv</strong>an calendar?<br />

Heres 25 Vanlife Hacks that you may<br />

want to consider for your upcoming<br />

holidays.<br />

1. Store clothes in your cushions - You<br />

will reap more rewards out of stuffing<br />

cushions this year than Christmas<br />

stockings. This is for all those who<br />

cannot bear to part with all your fashion<br />

pieces. Different locations result in<br />

alternate climates across your journey.<br />

Multiple clothing choices are a must,<br />

am I right? When your partner tells<br />

you not to pack that item, tell em to get<br />

stuffed.<br />

"Vanlife is having the freedom and<br />

knowing that all your NEEDS are in one<br />

space. However, this also means you are<br />

sometimes unable to bring all the little<br />

extras that you WANT."<br />

5. GasBuddy APP. Fuel is the<br />

highest expense of vanlife living, so<br />

it pays to download a fuel app that<br />

shows nearby petrol prices where<br />

you can obtain the best price.<br />

Being active on the app provides<br />

an idea of average fuel costs along<br />

your route so you can budget<br />

accordingly.<br />

6. Latches. Without them, you are<br />

going to experience an around<br />

of applause every time you hit a<br />

bump or dip in the road. Sarcastic<br />

and annoying. Ensure all your<br />

cupboards and drawers are<br />

secured shut with quality latches<br />

and soft closing drawers.<br />

you're travelling outback Australia,<br />

flynet hats are a must. They will<br />

drive you insane otherwise. Flys will<br />

attach to your eyeballs, explore up<br />

your nose, and even dive-bomb the<br />

back of your throat. Not kidding.<br />

10. Use clear storage bins and<br />

labels. Being able to capture<br />

snippets of colour or texture<br />

through a storage bin is going<br />

to save you time and frustration.<br />

Labelling ensures each item has<br />

an allocated home, which in turn<br />

makes for a satisfyingly organised<br />

and tidy van. Remember you're<br />

only cheating yourself if you put<br />

items back in the wrong box.<br />

2. Store togs, underwear, and socks<br />

in mesh bags. You want to keep these<br />

little gems separated before they get<br />

engulfed by your other clothes. Skinny<br />

dipping is not for all.<br />

3. Velcro down or use gel pads on<br />

ornaments and use Rubber Mats to<br />

help items from sliding. Shake rattle<br />

and roll, your van may like to get down<br />

and boogie but the contents inside get<br />

way too excited and end up crashing<br />

the party.<br />

4. Reversible Throws. My favourites<br />

are from Salty Aura and Wanderingfolk.<br />

Throws can act as bedspread, picnic<br />

rug, table-cloth, skirt, towel, or wall<br />

hanging. The choices are unlimited and<br />

having the dual colour schemes adds<br />

a little sugar and spice to your mobile<br />

home.<br />

7. Adjustable Bench Space. Have<br />

the ability to add extra space when<br />

needed. We have two easy to<br />

assemble benchtops that fold out<br />

and connect to latches that we<br />

utilise for food preparation.<br />

8. 12 Volt Chargers For Electronics.<br />

Weather changes and sometimes<br />

you may not always have access to<br />

solar power. Install 12Volt chargers<br />

that don't require your generator<br />

or solar to be on. That way you<br />

can still use your phone on those<br />

rainy days when you want your<br />

electronics the most.<br />

9. Mosquito & Fly Nets. How are<br />

you meant to enjoy anything when<br />

you're being eaten alive? Bunnings<br />

stocks some very decent mosquito<br />

nets that are perfect for vans. If<br />

11. Travellers Mug And Compact<br />

Cookware. Find cups that can<br />

be used for both hot cuppas and<br />

cold bevies. Pots and pans can<br />

take up a load of space, you will<br />

benefit from an all in one stackable<br />

cookware.<br />

12. Portable Stereo. Radio isn't<br />

always an option out on the open<br />

road. It's epic to be able to take<br />

down to bonfires on the beach at<br />

night.<br />

13. Hooks to hang wet clothing. If<br />

you have some long-term travel<br />

coming up ahead, chances are<br />

you're going to have wet clothing<br />

that can't always be dried outside.<br />

You can install hooks and even<br />

have a detachable clothesline when<br />

required.<br />

92//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#<strong>223</strong> ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ 93

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