Getting ready to live life on the road can feel both daunting and stressful. Downsizing and prioritizing the essentials while avoiding overpacking is no easy task.

To make the process smoother, we started preparing about five to six months in advance. This allowed us to spread out the workload and ensure everything was done properly. We also played to our strengths—Mitchell focused on the outside and vehicle preparations, while I handled the interior and storage organization.

The first and most crucial task on the checklist is vehicle servicing. Make sure all vehicles undergo a full service at least one to two months before your planned departure. This ensures everything is in peak condition and allows time for any necessary repairs. We also carry extra filters, oil, coolant, and basic tools—because when you’re on the road, anything can happen.

Everyone—both human and furry companions—should be up to date on medical appointments before hitting the road. Ensure vaccinations are current, and if anyone requires long-term medication, arrange for sufficient prescriptions. It’s also helpful to discuss remote prescription options with your doctor. Additionally, take care of any appointments that may be difficult to access on the road, such as optical, dental, chiropractic, or physiotherapy visits.

Speaking of health, having multiple first aid kits is essential. Our main first aid kit is in the bus, stocked with the most common medical supplies. In our car, we have two first aid kits from the Survival brand: the “Handy First Aid Kit,” which is compact, well-organized, and ideal for everyday adventures, and the “Snake Bite Kit”, which comes with instructional cards to ensure proper treatment. A snake bite kit is a must-have in every vehicle.

First aid kit: SURVIVAL Handy First Aid KIT

Snake Bite Kit: SURVIVAL Snake Bite First Aid KIT

Overlooking paperwork and logistics can bring your journey to an unexpected halt. Make sure all insurances, medical covers, and vehicle registrations are up to date and paid.

For mail, we were fortunate to use our parents’ addresses. If that’s not an option, setting up a P.O. box at your local post office is a simple solution. The Australia Post app makes it easy to receive packages at your current or upcoming location—whether at a post office (under “care of” your last name, retrievable with ID) or via a parcel locker.

Another key aspect is managing subscriptions. Cancel anything unnecessary to save money for the journey. Keeping one streaming service can be useful for rainy days or downtime, but you won’t need a dozen. The same applies to gym memberships—either cancel them or switch to a nationwide chain like Anytime Fitness, Snap, or Revo.

Downsizing is often the hardest part. Transitioning from a four-bedroom house to a Coaster Bus—where we each have just one shelf for clothes and share a shoe shelf—was a major challenge. The key takeaway? LESS IS MORE.

Initially, I overpacked, stuffing my tiny shelf with anything and everything. The reality? I ended up donating clothes to op shops from Exmouth to South Australia. You’ll find yourself wearing the same outfits repeatedly, especially when off-grid camping without easy access to laundry. Small travel washing machines work for underwear and light items, but doing a full load consumes too much time and water.

If you’re near the coast, chances are you’ll spend most days in swimwear anyway. The best approach is to pack smart—bring essentials for both warm and cold weather, plenty of underwear, and a few versatile outfits.

Van life isn’t about being fancy, and that’s part of the beauty of it.

Before hitting the road, ensure all operational parts are functioning correctly—fridge, freezer, water pump, and water heater. Testing everything beforehand can prevent headaches later. We were fortunate (or maybe unfortunate) to discover a leak in our hot water system before leaving. Fixing it while still in town was far easier than sourcing parts in the middle of nowhere.

If possible, take your setup on a test run. A weekend or even a week-long trial trip can help identify what works, what doesn’t, and what you might be missing. We did this by living out of our bus in Exmouth for four months while still working, and it proved invaluable in preparing us for life on the road.

Embracing life on the road requires preparation, but the freedom and adventure make it all worthwhile. By planning ahead, packing smart, and testing your setup, you can set yourself up for an incredible journey.

Are you preparing for full-time van life or an extended road trip? Share your best van life tips and experiences in the comments below! Happy travels!