It’s pretty common for vanlifers to live in a van with another person. Many van dwellers choose to live with a partner, friend, or family member as a way to share the experience or split expenses. Living with another person in a van can also provide a sense of safety and companionship while traveling. That said, as you might expect, living in close quarters with another person can present unique challenges and potential conflicts that you might not experience in a normal house. If you want to live in a van with two people, you’ve got to establish clear boundaries, communication expectations, and responsibilities to ensure a successful and sustainable living situation. It’s also important to find a van with enough space and amenities to comfortably accommodate two people. Overall, living in a van with another person can be a super fulfilling experience for those willing to navigate the potential challenges. We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of living with another person in a converted van, along with some tips to help you through.
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So, can two people live in a van?
Living in a van has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people looking for a more affordable and flexible way of living. But can two people live in a van? The answer is yes, with a few considerations.
First, you should consider choosing a van that’s big enough to comfortably accommodate two people. While there are smaller vans that can be converted into livable spaces, it's typically recommended to choose a van that is at least 6 meters (20 feet) in length. This will provide enough space for both people to have their own sleeping area and some storage space, as well as room to move around and live comfortably. Sure, you can live in a smaller van with two people, and plenty of people do - but in most cases, people are choosing the larger, extended length vans.
Next, the van should be properly converted to suit the needs of two people. Depending on your intended lifestyle, this may mean including amenities like a larger bed, cooking facilities, a refrigerator, and a bathroom - the amenities you include (or acquire via purchase) should be decided on by the needs of both people. There are many different types of van conversions, from basic DIY builds to more elaborate professional conversions, so it's important to choose a layout that make sense for each person that’ll be living in it. You’ll likely want to choose a van layout that allocates space relatively evenly between the two people. For instance, are there sufficient storage cabinets for each person’s clothes? If you’re bringing any outdoor gear, like bikes, is the layout designed to fit 2x each item?
Living in a van also requires a certain level of adaptability and compromise. While the van can provide a lot of freedom and flexibility, it also comes with some challenges which we’ll get into more detail below. For example, space is limited, so both people will need to be mindful of their belongings and keep the van organized. Privacy can also be an issue, so it's important for both people to respect each other's need for personal space.
Another consideration is the cost of living in a van. While it can be more affordable than renting an apartment or buying a house, there are still expenses to consider, such as gas, maintenance, and campground fees. It's important for both people to be on the same page about budgeting and managing expenses.
Despite the challenges, sharing the vanlife experience with another person is quite common and totally possible - as long as both people are committed to making it work. It offers a unique opportunity to travel and explore new places while living a simpler and more intentional lifestyle. With careful planning and communication, two people can successfully live in a van and create a life that works for them.
Tips for living in a van with two people
We'll definitely acknowledge there are some disadvantages that you may notice when living in a van with another person, but fortunately there are quite a few ways to make sure you have a great experience.
Take a test trip with your vanmate
Taking a test trip before committing to living in a van with another person can be incredibly worthwhile for several reasons - we highly recommend it. Generally, it can help to determine if van life is a good fit for both individuals involved. Living in a van requires a significant lifestyle change and may not be for everyone. Taking a short test trip can help to gauge the level of comfort and compatibility with the overall van lifestyle before committing to a long-term living situation.
A test trip can also help to identify any compatibility issues or potential conflicts that could come up down the line when living in close quarters with another person. Basically it can provide an opportunity to work through any issues before committing to a long-term living situation, and getting on the road without an easy way out.
Doing a test road trip can also help to identify any adjustments or modifications that need to be made to the van. Or if you’re renting a van that isn’t yours, it may give you an idea of what you like and don’t like before building your own. This is especially important with two people because living in a van with another person requires more space and amenities than living solo, and you’ll likely need to customize the van layout or storage solutions to accommodate both individuals' needs. A test trip can provide an opportunity to think about ideas or any changes before committing to a long-term living situation.
Finally, a test trip can provide an opportunity to gain experience and build confidence in van life before committing to a long-term living situation. Living in a van requires a significant lifestyle change, and it can take time to adjust and acclimate to the new way of living. A test trip can provide an opportunity to gain experience and build confidence in van life before committing to a long-term living situation.
Set clear expectations on budget and money
Setting clear expectations on budget when living in a van with another person is absolutely critical - an overwhelming amount of tension and disagreements stem from financial concerns - all of which are more complicated in vanlife.
Of course, living in a van can be a cost-effective way to travel and explore, but you’ve got to establish a budget that works for both individuals. This can prevent financial stress and ensure that both individuals are able to enjoy the van life experience without worrying about money.
When both individuals are on the same page about how much money they can spend and what expenses they will be responsible for, it can prevent one person from feeling like they are carrying the financial burden or being taken advantage of.
It also helps to ensure that both individuals are able to achieve their individual goals while living in a van. For example, if one person wants to save money for a future goal while the other person wants to enjoy more experiences and activities, establishing a budget that works for both individuals can meet the goals of both people.
Connect with others beyond your vanmate or partner
It can be helpful to find ways to stay connected with others while living in a van. This can include meeting other van dwellers, attending events or meetups, or finding local communities to connect with.
Staying connected with others besides your vanmate can help you maintain a sense of community and prevent feelings of isolation that will inevitably come up from living in a confined space with just one other person. It's natural to crave social interaction and connection, and staying in touch with friends and family or meeting new people on the road can help fulfill that need.
An added bonus, staying social beyond your van partner can help you stay safe and informed while traveling. By connecting with other van lifers or travelers, you can learn about new destinations, find out about common issues or safety concerns, and get advice on everything from mechanical issues to local customs and etiquette.
Establish alone time as needed
Alone time is important and totally normal to need while living in a van with another person. Even the closest of relationships require some degree of personal space and time to recharge, reflect, or pursue individual interests. Living in a van can present unique challenges when it comes to finding alone time given the lack of personal space, but it is possible to carve out space and time - you just need to be intentional and open in communication.
One way to create alone time is by designating specific areas or times for each individual to have some time to themselves. For example, one person can go for a walk or sit outside while the other person stays in the van to read or do their own thing. It doesn’t need to be so forced, but you get the idea. Alternatively, each person can have their own designated space within the van, such as a separate workstation or a designated area for personal items - we’ve seen several vans where people will put up a curtain to divide the space for calls or a few hours of privacy.
Be totally clear in terms of communication and boundaries regarding alone time. Both individuals should be respectful of each other's need for alone time and be open and honest about when they need it. This can prevent misunderstandings or conflicts from arising.
Another way to create alone time is by pursuing individual interests or hobbies outside of the van. This can be anything from going for a hike or bike ride to taking a yoga class or visiting a coffee shop for a few hours. Pursuing individual interests can help to provide a sense of fulfillment and can also give each person an opportunity to recharge and reflect. As a bonus, it’s also fun to explore the surrounding area!
Be careful with how you use space in the van
With two people in such a small space, you have to make the most of the available space in the van. This means finding creative storage solutions, utilizing multi-purpose items, and maximizing the use of any available vertical space. Think about how you can use every inch of the van - it will make a big difference in the long run. For instance, inset cabinets into the walls where there isn’t electrical wiring or plumbing can help to maximize space, or added storage on a tow hitch. There are plenty of ways to get creative - YouTube and Instagram have endless examples for inspiration, but know that in some cases you may need to sacrifice aesthetics to some extent for space.
When thinking about space, it may also be helpful to assign or designate certain areas of the van to each person. For instance, does each person have access to their own cabinets for clothing storage? If working remotely, is there a desk or workstation available for each person? Discuss before building or buying what each persons preferences are with regard to the design, and what space / features they’d need to be happy.
Establish routines and share the workload
This is good advice for any roommate or co-living situation, but it can be helpful to establish routines and responsibilities to ensure that both people are contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of the van. This can include tasks like cooking, cleaning, and driving, depending on individual skill sets and preferences. Dividing responsibilities can also help to prevent conflicts and create a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.
Establishing routines can help to create a sense of structure and predictability in an otherwise unstructured lifestyle. This can be particularly important when living in a van because it can help to ensure that both individuals have time to pursue individual interests or simply relax. Having established routines can also help to minimize conflict or misunderstandings about how time is spent.
Generally, sharing the workload can help to prevent one person from feeling overwhelmed or resentful about their responsibilities. You may be surprised how much work is involved with upkeep for such a small space. Keep in mind there are responsibilities beyond just cleaning - there’s driving, planning overnight parking spots, shopping more frequently due to small fridge space, repairs if electrical or plumbing break, filling or dumping water, etc. Sharing the workload can help to ensure that responsibilities are evenly distributed and prevent one person from feeling like they are doing more than their fair share.
Sharing the workload can help to create a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. Living in a van requires both individuals to work together towards a common goal, which can create a sense of camaraderie and partnership. It will inevitably create a more positive living situation and prevent resentment or frustration from building up.
Know that it may not always be perfect, and that’s normal
Living in a van with another person can be a wonderful experience, but know that it's not always going to be perfect and happy. Just like any other living situation, disagreements and conflicts can arise when living in a van with another person. This is normal!
Conflicts are normal in any co-living situation and are natural to occur based on differences in lifestyle, communication styles, or simply spending too much time together. Conflicts can also come up because of external factors, like the stress of traveling or changes in the environment.
The key to successfully managing conflicts when living in a van is to communicate openly and respectfully with each other. Both individuals should be willing to listen to the other person's perspective and work together to find a solution that works for everyone. Establish clear boundaries and expectations from the outset - this can prevent conflicts from arising in the first place.
Be flexible and adaptable
It’s incredibly important to be flexible and adaptable in van life - more important than in a traditional lifestyle. Things change really quickly on the road - part of your build or even the vehicle could break down at any moment, weather could change, you might get kicked out of a parking spot - the list of potential surprises is endless. This means being open to unexpected changes, such as changes in weather or breakdowns, and having backup plans in place. It can also mean being open to changing plans or adapting to new situations, such as finding new parking spots or navigating new surroundings.
When these situations happen, you and your vanmate may have different reactions, or expectations on how to proceed - this is the time to be calm, patient, flexible and adaptable or risk building up tension over time.
Consider boundaries and emphasize communication
Similar to any co-living situation, it’s really important to establish clear boundaries and communication with your vanmate. Living in close quarters can create tension and irritability, so it's essential to establish mutual respect and understanding of each other's needs. This can include setting aside designated personal space, scheduling alone time, and finding ways to accommodate each other's different schedules or lifestyle preferences.
Be willing to compromise
Being willing to compromise is really key when living in a van with another person. Compromising can help to ensure that both individuals' needs are met. Living in a van requires a significant lifestyle change, and both individuals may have different needs and preferences when it comes to things like space, storage, activities, plans and amenities. Being willing to compromise can help to ensure that both individuals' needs are met and can prevent resentment or frustration from building up.
Focus on wellness and a positive attitude
Maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor can go a long way in making van life a positive and rewarding experience. Embracing the challenges and quirks of van life and finding joy in the simple things can help to create a sense of adventure and excitement.
Downsides of living in a van with two people
Like any lifestyle choice, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider when living in a van.
One of the most significant challenges of living in a van with another person is the limited space. While some vans are designed to be more spacious and comfortable, most van living arrangements require creative solutions to make the most of the available space. When two people share a small space, it can be challenging to find privacy or personal space, leading to potential conflict or tension. The limited space also means that amenities like a full kitchen, bathroom, or expansive bed may need to be limited, leading to further challenges. Practically, if both people aren’t minimalist to some capacity, it may be pretty difficult to fit everything.
Another potential challenge of van life is clashing personalities. Even the closest of friends or romantic partners can struggle to live in close quarters for extended periods of time. Differences in lifestyle habits, hobbies, or preferences can create tension, leading to conflicts or irritability. It can be especially challenging if one person wants to sleep while the other wants to stay up or work on a project, creating a conflict of interest and creating difficulties for the other person.
Lack of amenities is another potential downside to living in a van with two people. While it can be liberating to live without the distractions and clutter of traditional homes, it can also be challenging to give up some of the comforts that people are accustomed to. It totally depends on your build, but a small van may not have a shower, a toilet, or a comfortable bed, and may require sacrifices that can be challenging for some people to accept. This can of course raise tension and create conflict between two people with different priorities.
Social isolation is another challenge to consider when living in a van with another person. While having another person for companionship can be rewarding, it can also lead to social isolation if the two people do not have other friends or connections. Living in a van can be an isolating experience in general, and relying solely on one person for social interaction can be challenging, especially if that relationship becomes strained.
Finally, living in a van with another person can be difficult at time even for two people that are incredibly comfortable together. Sharing a small space for extended periods of time can naturally lead to irritability, frustration, and conflicts. There may be no escape from the situation when you’re in a van, leading to feelings of being trapped and frustrated. This can be pretty challenging for those who may be used to more space or privacy in their relationships or friendships.
Why do people want to live in a van with another person?
There are quite a few reasons why two people might choose to live in a van together. For example:
Companionship: Living in a van can be a pretty solitary experience, and having another person along for the ride can provide much-needed companionship. This might be especially important for people who are traveling long-term or who have left behind friends and family in their home city. Living with a second person in a van isn’t always permanent, many people pick up a friend or travel temporarily with another person for some period.
Romantic relationships: An obvious one, but for couples, living in a van can be a great way to strengthen their relationship and build intimacy. The close quarters of van life can bring people closer together and provide an opportunity to focus on each other without the distractions of everyday life.
Shared goals: Living in a van with another person can be a great way to pursue shared goals, whether that's traveling to new places, working on creative projects, or building a sustainable lifestyle. Having a partner can provide additional motivation and support towards these shared goals.
Safety: For some people, living in a van can feel unsafe or intimidating, especially if they're traveling alone. Having another person in the van can provide an added sense of security and safety.
Flexibility: Living in a van can be a flexible lifestyle, but having another person along can provide even more flexibility. For instance, if one person wants to take a break from van life to stay with friends or family, the other person can continue to travel in the van.
Splitting costs: As we mentioned earlier, living in a van can be an affordable way of life. Sharing the costs of van repairs, gas, and other expenses with another person can make it even more affordable.
Socialization: Living in a van can be a somewhat isolating experience, especially if you're traveling to new places where you don't know anyone. Having another person in the van can provide a built-in social connection and can make it easier to meet new people and make friends.