Spring Cleaning Tips for People Who Live Out of Their Van

So, you’ve decided to embrace the nomadic lifestyle and live out of your trusty van. Congratulations! You’re now part of an elite group of individuals who have mastered the art of minimalism, flexibility, and questionable hygiene. But just because you’ve traded in your white picket fence for a steering wheel doesn’t mean you can neglect the sacred ritual of spring cleaning. Here are some tips to help you freshen up your mobile abode and make your van-dwelling experience even more delightful.

Declutter Your Mobile Palace

Let’s face it: living in a van means you’re already a champion of minimalism. But even the most seasoned van-dweller can accumulate unnecessary clutter over time. Take a good, hard look at your belongings and ask yourself, “Do I really need this half-eaten burrito from three weeks ago?” If the answer is no, toss it out the window (just kidding, please dispose of it responsibly).

• Create a “keep,” “toss,” and “maybe” pile for your belongings
• Donate items you no longer need to fellow van-dwellers or unsuspecting passersby
• Repurpose old items into multi-functional tools (e.g., turn an old sock into a coffee filter)

Tackle the Funky Smells

Living in a confined space means that odors tend to linger longer than your ex’s memory. It’s time to banish those funky smells and make your van smell like a field of daisies (or at least a mildly scented car freshener).

1. Open all your windows and doors to let the fresh air in (bonus points if you’re parked near a sewage treatment plant)
2. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and upholstery, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up (if you don’t have a vacuum, a vigorous shake should do the trick)
3. Hang air fresheners strategically throughout your van (pro tip: those little tree-shaped ones work wonders)
4. Invest in scented candles to create a cozy ambiance (just don’t forget to blow them out before you hit the road)

Give Your Bed(room) Some Love

Your bed is your sanctuary, your oasis, and sometimes your dining table. It’s time to show it some love and give it a much-needed refresh.

• Wash your bedding in the nearest river or lake (or laundromat, if you’re feeling fancy)
• Flip your mattress to even out the lumps and bumps (if you don’t have a mattress, consider upgrading from that pile of old newspapers)
• Rearrange your pillows and blankets to create a fresh new look (and to confuse any bed bugs that might be lurking)

Clean Your Kitchen (a.k.a. Your Lap)

Cooking in a van can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your culinary space. It’s time to give your kitchen (which may or may not be your lap) a thorough scrubbing.

• Wipe down your portable stove and utensils with a damp cloth (or your tongue, if you’re feeling adventurous)
• Organize your food supplies by expiration date (anything older than your last oil change should probably go)
• Create a designated “crumb catcher” (a.k.a. a paper towel) to minimize the mess

Freshen Up Your Bathroom (If You Have One)

If you’re lucky enough to have a bathroom in your van, congratulations! You’re living the high life. But with great power comes great responsibility, and it’s time to give your porcelain throne the royal treatment.

1. Scrub your toilet with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda (or just pour a bottle of vodka down the drain and call it a day)
2. Replace your toilet paper with a fresh roll (or a stack of fast food napkins, if times are tough)
3. Hang a new air freshener to mask any lingering odors (because let’s face it, van bathrooms can get pretty ripe)

Organize Your Garage (a.k.a. Your Entire Van) When you live in a van, your entire living space is essentially a garage. It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and get organized.

• Install shelves and storage containers to maximize your space
• Use bungee cords and hooks to hang items from the ceiling (just watch your head)
• Create a designated “junk drawer” for all those random items you can’t bear to part with (like that collection of fast food ketchup packets)

Decorate Your Mobile Mansion

Just because you live in a van doesn’t mean you can’t have a stylish and inviting space. It’s time to add some personal touches and make your van feel like home.

• Hang some string lights to create a cozy ambiance (and to help you find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night)
• Add some throw pillows and blankets to make your space more inviting (and to hide any mysterious stains)
• Display some photos of your favorite memories (or just print out some stock images of fancy houses to pretend you live in luxury)

Maintain Your Van’s Exterior

Your van is your home, your transportation, and your trusty companion. It’s time to show it some love and give it a good cleaning.

1. Give your van a good wash and wax to make it shine like new (or at least like a slightly less dirty version of itself)
2. Clean your windows inside and out (because there’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a scenic view through a layer of grime)
3. Check your tires and make sure they’re properly inflated (because nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire and a van full of dirty laundry)

Embrace the Cleaning Process

Spring cleaning your van may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of van life. Embrace the process and use it as an opportunity to reflect on your adventures and plan for future ones.

• Put on some upbeat music and dance while you clean (because who says spring cleaning can’t be a party?)
• Reward yourself with a tasty treat or a cold beverage after a job well done (you deserve it, you van-dwelling hero)
• Take pride in your newly cleaned and organized space (and maybe even invite some friends over for a van-warming party)

Living in a van is an adventure, and spring cleaning is just another part of the journey. With these tips, you’ll be able to freshen up your mobile abode and make your van-dwelling experience even more enjoyable. So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to tackle the task at hand. Happy cleaning, van-lifers!