Whether you’re planning a full-time nomadic lifestyle or a mobile weekender, converting a van into a home is a journey worth taking—with a bit of foresight.

Where to Start

Here are a few helpful resources we recommend if you're curious about the nuts and bolts of converting your van:

• We Are Explorers – Ultimate Van Life Guide
  

• Tiny House Conversations Podcast – Van to Home Conversions (features interviews with Australians who made the switch)
  

• Van Life Australia Facebook Group – perfect for community tips and inspiration
  

Essentials to Consider

1. Layout Planning
Think about how you’ll use the space daily: Where will you sleep, cook, work, store things? Sketching this out before any build is key.

2. Storage Solutions
Storage should be smart—not bulky. Look for ideas like under-bed drawers, modular shelving, or slimline storage/display pieces, perfect for dual-functioning spaces.

3. Insulation & Comfort
You don’t need to sacrifice comfort. Use natural fibres and breathable materials to keep your van cosy, dry, and healthy.

4. Off-Grid Living Tools
Solar panels, composting toilets, water tanks—it’s all about self-sufficiency. Many van dwellers are turning to retrofit-friendly tech to reduce their impact and stay flexible. This guide by RV Daily has great starter tips.

Final Thoughts: Not Just for the Road

Even if you’re not hitting the highway anytime soon, the spirit of van living can inspire changes in your everyday home. It reminds us to:

• Choose things that multitask (like a bench that doubles as storage)
  

• Prioritise what truly matters (comfort, durability, beauty)
  

• Live more intentionally (one beautiful, useful thing at a time)
  
  

At mubu, we design with this simplicity in mind—whether your home has four walls or four wheels.

mubu x