Our Guide: Full-Time Living in a Motorhome or Campervan

The freedom of the open road, the ability to wake up to a brand new view each morning, and the minimalist but comfortable lifestyle are all big parts of the appeal. However, it’s important to be aware that living in a motorhome or campervan on a permanent basis is not quite as simple as just packing up and driving off. There are numerous logistical, legal and practical things to consider before turning the key.

In this edition of our blog we’ll explore the essentials – everything you need to know about living full-time in a motorhome or campervan. From selecting the right vehicle to understanding the laws around overnight parking and managing day-to-day living, we’ve got you covered. If you’re thinking about buying a vehicle for Go European so that you can adopt this adventurous and fulfilling lifestyle, here’s what you need to know.

The first and most important decision you can make is to select the right motorhome or campervan. This choice will define comfort levels, storage capacity and overall experience – so it’s important to pick a vehicle that is going to suit your needs, whether that’s a motorhome or a campervan.

Motorhomes are larger, and often feature more comprehensive facilities (bathroom, kitchen, social area and separate sleeping space. They’re ideal for long-term living as they offer more space and comfort. On the other hand, campervans are smaller and more compact, which makes them easier to drive and a lot easier to park. However, they often have fewer amenities and less living space.

• Size and layout: Consider how much space you need for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing. For convenience sake, it may be important to you to have a fixed bed rather than one you will have to go through the process of converting (from seating) each night. 

Insulation and heating: You’ll need to consider how well the motorhome or campervan handles different weather conditions. Good insulation and an efficient heating system are essential for your comfort in winter, while adequate ventilation and shade will be crucial to stay cool in summer.

There are specific legal requirements and logistical challenges that need to be carefully managed when you live full-time in a motorhome or campervan. These include rules around overnighting and wild camping.

• Insurance: Your motorhome or campervan must be registered correctly with the DVLA. You’ll also need specialised insurance for full-time living, not just the more usual recreational cover. Full-time insurance protects not only the vehicle, but also its contents and your liability in case of accidents or damage. Breakdown cover is also essential – when your vehicle is your home it means a mechanical failure could leave you stranded.
• MOT and road tax: Your vehicle will need an annual MOT if it’s more than three years old. Road tax varies depending on the type and size of the vehicle – so you must make sure you’re aware of the costs, and renewal dates.
• Parking and overnight stays: While it might be tempting to park up just anywhere and stay, there are strict regulations regarding overnighters in the UK. Wild camping (in other words, parking overnight outside of designated campsites) is generally illegal unless you have the landowner’s permission. 

Many towns and cities have height barriers or parking restrictions that prevent overnight stays in car parks. Certified locations (CL) and Certified Sites (CS) affiliated with organisations like the Caravan & Motorhome Club offer designated parking spots for members. There are online resources which will help you find legal and safe overnight parking spots.

• Council tax etc: If your motorhome or campervan is your permanent residence, you may not be liable for council tax – but this depends on how you declare your living situation. You will, however, need to maintain a fixed address for legal and administrative purposes (e.g., registering to vote or receiving mail).

Once you’ve addressed the legal and logistical side of living in a campervan or motorhome on a full-time basis, the next challenge is adapting to the practicalities of day-to-day life in a confined space.

• Water and waste: The management of water and waste are crucial when you live full-time in your vehicle. Most motorhomes and campervans are fitted with fresh water tanks – you’ll need to refill these regularly at campsites or service stations. Grey water (wastewater from sinks and showers) needs to be emptied at designated disposal points. Black water (toilet waste) must be emptied at chemical disposal points – never down a standard drain or into the environment.
• Power and electricity: Many motorhomes and campervans have leisure batteries that provide electricity for lights and small appliances. Solar panels can be installed to generate renewable power and reduce reliance on hook-ups. Gas (propane or butane) is typically used for cooking and heating. You’ll need to monitor levels and replace cylinders when empty.
• Cooking: Compact kitchens mean limited storage space. You should focus on versatile ingredients and simple recipes. Invest in stackable containers and collapsible kitchenware to make the most of your available space. A small fridge or cool box will help keep perishables fresh, but you may need to shop more frequently than you would in a house.

Connection while on the road is important for both practical and social reasons.

• Internet and mobile: Hotspots or data SIM cards provide internet access in most areas. Public Wi-Fi is available at many campsites, but the connection quality can be unreliable. Signal boosters can improve mobile reception in rural or remote areas.
• Post: Many full-time van dwellers use a friend or family member’s address as a base to which their physical mail can be delivered. Alternatively, there are mail forwarding services available for van-lifers.

Living in a small space is an unusual situation for both your physical and mental health, so you may need smart management.

• Exercise and fresh air: One of the great advantages of full-time vehicle living is the flexibility of van life to explore new places and stay active on a recurring basis. Daily walking, cycling or swimming will really help maintain your physical fitness.
• Mental wellbeing: Living in a confined space can be quite challenging, especially during seasonal bad weather. It’s important to create a comfortable and personalised living area to help you feel more at home.
• Routine: Just like in a ‘normal’ life, even simple things like having a set bedtime and eating meals at regular times can help to create stability.

One of the best parts of van life is the sense of community among fellow travellers. 

Online and offline: Social media groups and forums dedicated to van life are great for advice, meet-ups, and inspiration. Van-life festivals and get-togethers provide great opportunities for you to connect with other travellers. Many campsites and motorhome stops are friendly places where it’s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.

While living in a motorhome or campervan can be cheaper than renting or owning a house, there are obviously still costs involved.

• Fuel and maintenance: It’s important to note that fuel costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re covering long distances. Regular maintenance is really important to keep your vehicle roadworthy and avoid costly repairs.
• Fees and memberships: Campsite fees vary depending on location and facilities – budget for both peak and off-season prices. Memberships of the Caravan & Motorhome Club or the Camping & Caravanning Club provide discounts and access to exclusive sites.
• Income: Many full-time van lifers work remotely or take on seasonal jobs to support their lifestyle. Internet-based work (eg. freelancing or running an online business) is a popular choice. Some people offer services at campsites (eg. cleaning or maintenance) in exchange for a free stay.

Full-time living in a motorhome or campervan is not without its challenges. By choosing the right vehicle, managing your resources effectively, and embracing the lifestyle, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable time on the road. Whether you’re seeking a permanent change or an extended adventure, full-time van-life opens the door to an exciting type of personal freedom – and, with the range of new and used campervans and motorhomes available from Go European, you’re halfway there already!