11 Van-Lifer Tips And Tricks For Cosy Nomadic Living

Winter van life has never been so appealing.

Whether you're a seasoned van dweller or embarking on your first chilly outdoor getaway — here are the ultimate tips and tricks to help you create a cosy haven on wheels during the colder months.

EcoFlow

From optimising space to staying warm and enjoying delicious meals, we've got you covered. Get ready to make your winter van adventure in Australia unforgettable.

1. First up, one of the essential steps to creating a cosy winter van is to embrace thermal insulation. As the temperatures drop, insulating your van with suitable materials becomes crucial.

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Add insulation to the walls, floors, and ceiling to create a snug interior that retains heat. Not only will this help you stay warm, but it will also reduce heat loss and save energy.

2. Staying warm is a top priority during winter van life, but safety should never be compromised — and when it comes to versatile climate control on the road, the Portable AC and heater WAVE 2 by EcoFlow has got you covered for both hot and cold weather.

EcoFlow

This remarkable device not only cools the air during scorching summers, but also serves as a powerful heater during the colder months. With the Portable AC WAVE 2, you can easily adjust the temperature inside your van (up 10°C in five minutes, to be exact), ensuring a comfortable living space all year round. You can even control the WAVE 2 remotely from your phone or turned on in advance, so ensuring you're coming back to a cosy space after being out and about is a cinch. 

3. Designate a specific area in your van as a kitchenette and customise it for efficient organisation.

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Install shelves, hooks, and magnetic strips to store and display kitchen utensils, pots, and pans. Use stackable containers to store dry goods and spices neatly. With a well-organised kitchenette, you can easily whip up delicious meals while on the road.

4. A kitchenette isn't complete without fresh ingredients and the GLACIER Portable Refrigerator by EcoFlow makes it easy to keep them that way — so when it's time to make supper, you've got everything you need to prepare hearty, delicious meals.

EcoFlow

Designed for mobile living, this versatile fridge features a detachable case to make it easy to carry and move. 

GLACIER features two storage compartments with independent temperature control — and one more featuring the unparalleled ice-maker. So while keeping the ingredients for your hot meals fresh, it can also make 18 ice cubes in 12 minutes — because regardless of the weather, you're gonna want a cold bevvie to relax with.

5. Cold feet can quickly dampen your spirits during winter van life, so invest in good-quality thermal socks or slipper boots to keep your feet cosy and warm.

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Look for materials like wool or fleece that provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties. Don't forget to pamper your feet by keeping them dry and wearing appropriate footwear for cold conditions.

6. A warm and comfortable sleeping bag can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable night's sleep during winter van life.

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Look for a high-quality sleeping bag with a suitable temperature rating to keep you toasty throughout the night. Consider features like insulation, hooded design, and draft tubes to enhance warmth and comfort.

7. Layering up with blankets is a tried-and-true method to create a welcoming and warm environment.

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Stack up a pile of soft blankets, ranging from lightweight throws to heavier winter blankets. This not only adds warmth, but also allows you to adjust your covering as needed, ensuring optimal comfort. If you don't want to bulk up your van with extra blankets, try the WAVE 2 AC and heater by EcoFlow. It has up to eight hours of runtime and produces as little as 44dB of noise, allowing users to enjoy a warm peaceful sleep in small spaces. 

8. A trusty hot water bottle can work wonders in keeping you warm during those chilly nights on the road.

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Fill it up with hot water before bed and enjoy the comforting heat it provides throughout the night. Place it near your feet or hug it close to your body for an extra dose of heat.

9. Living in a van requires efficient use of space, especially during winter when you'll need to pack extra gear and clothing.

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There are several ways for you to expand your van's capacity to hold all of your cosy, cool-weather essentials without taking up valuable floor space — and it all lies in creating a strategy when you're organising. Think of what you use often, and what you know you won't reach for. Store these items in harder-to-reach places that you wouldn't normally utilise — then keep your regular-use items within arm's reach! You can rotate your essentials based on the season or your location.

10. Make the most of the space under your bed by utilising under-bed storage options.

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Invest in storage containers or bins that can fit neatly under the bed frame. Store extra blankets, winter clothing, and other bulky items that you don't need immediate access to. This allows you to keep your living space clutter-free and maximise storage capacity.

11. And finally, during the day, utilise reflective window covers to block out the cold and keep your van warm.

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These covers not only provide insulation, but also offer privacy and help regulate the interior temperature. They prevent heat loss through the windows and keep the cold air at bay — contributing to a cosier living space.

From the GLACIER, the world's first 3-in-1 portable fridge, freezer and ice maker — to the WAVE 2, the portable AC and heater — EcoFlow has the tools to make your cosy nomadic living dreams a reality.

Don't let the cold weather stop you from embarking on an unforgettable van-lifer journey. Visit the EcoFlow website and start planning your adventure today. 

The new devices are on sale in Australia from today at EcoFlow’s web store, Amazon and eBay — and at selected retailers. 

Additionally, purchases of either device made via EcoFlow’s online channels from July 18 — 30 will receive a free camping chair (with the WAVE 2), or a free camping trolley (with the GLACIER).