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Before You Buy a Van, Rent One First: The Smart Way to Test Van Life
6/8/20266 min read
Van life has become one of the most romanticized lifestyles online. Endless sunsets, cozy mornings with coffee overlooking the ocean, and the freedom to wake up somewhere new whenever you choose make it easy to understand why so many people dream about converting a van and hitting the road.
But while social media often shows the highlights, the reality of van life is much more nuanced. Living in a small space, managing water and power, finding places to park, and adjusting to a minimalist lifestyle can be very different from what many people imagine.
That's exactly why one of the smartest things you can do before investing tens of thousands of dollars into a van conversion is to rent a camper van first.
Spending even a few days living in a van can teach you more about the lifestyle than months of watching YouTube videos or scrolling Pinterest. You'll quickly discover what you love, what you don't, and what features actually matter to you.
More importantly, you'll learn whether van life feels exciting in reality—not just in your imagination.
Why Renting First Makes Sense
Buying or converting a van is a significant investment. Depending on the vehicle and build quality, many people spend anywhere from $20,000 to well over $100,000 creating their dream setup.
Yet surprisingly few people actually spend time living in a van before committing to one.
Renting allows you to experience the practical side of van life without the long-term commitment. You'll learn how much storage you really need, whether a fixed bed matters to you, how often you'll use a kitchen, and whether you enjoy spending long periods in a small space.
Many people discover they need far less than they expected. Others realize they want more comfort than they initially planned for.
Either way, it's valuable information that can save thousands of dollars later.
Pay Attention to Your Daily Routines
When you rent a van, don't focus solely on the destinations.
Instead, pay attention to your routines.
How does it feel making breakfast in the morning?
Do you enjoy cooking in a compact kitchen?
Is there enough storage for your belongings?
Does the layout feel comfortable on rainy days?
Can you relax inside the van when the weather isn't perfect?
The answers to these questions often determine whether van life feels sustainable long-term.
The truth is that most of your time won't be spent taking Instagram photos beside scenic cliffs. It'll be spent doing everyday things like making coffee, reading, working, cooking, organizing, and relaxing.
The more enjoyable these routines feel, the more likely you'll love van life.
Create a Cozy Temporary Home
One of the best parts about renting a van is that you can experiment with making it feel more like home.
Even a basic rental van can feel dramatically different with a few small comforts.
Soft blankets, warm lighting, comfortable pillows, and a few practical accessories can completely transform the atmosphere inside the van.
Rather than simply testing the vehicle itself, you're also testing the type of lifestyle you'd like to create.
Simple Finds to Create This Feeling
A soft throw blanket such as the Bedsure Fleece Throw Blanket can instantly make evenings feel more comfortable and cozy. Comfortable pillows like the Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows help create a relaxing lounge area inside the van, while warm lighting from Minetom Fairy String Lights can transform the atmosphere after sunset.
Test Different Styles of Van Life
Not all van life looks the same.
Some people spend most of their time at campgrounds with amenities. Others prefer remote free camping locations far from crowds.
Some travel constantly, while others stay in one location for weeks at a time.
Renting gives you the opportunity to test different approaches before committing to your own setup.
Try spending a few nights in a busy campground and then a few nights in a quieter location. Notice which environment feels more natural to you.
Your preferred style of travel will influence the type of van you eventually choose.
Learn What Features Matter Most
One of the biggest benefits of renting is discovering which features genuinely improve your experience.
You might assume a large kitchen is essential only to find yourself cooking simple meals outdoors most of the time.
Or you may discover that a comfortable bed matters far more than extra storage.
Many future van owners realize their priorities shift dramatically after spending time on the road.
Simple Finds to Create This Feeling
A portable coffee maker like the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press can make mornings feel more luxurious while traveling. The Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set is perfect for simple meals on the road, while a YETI Rambler Tumbler helps keep drinks hot during chilly mornings.
Experience the Small-Space Lifestyle
Perhaps the biggest lesson you'll learn is whether you enjoy living in a compact environment.
Van life naturally encourages a simpler way of living.
There is less room for clutter, fewer possessions, and often more focus on experiences rather than things.
For many people, this feels incredibly freeing.
Others discover they miss having more space than expected.
Neither outcome is wrong.
The goal isn't to force yourself into van life. It's to discover whether the lifestyle genuinely suits you.
Renting gives you the freedom to find that answer before making a major financial commitment.
Think Beyond the Van
Another benefit of renting is learning what equipment you'll need alongside the van itself.
Many first-time van owners focus entirely on the vehicle and overlook the accessories that make daily life more comfortable.
Portable power solutions, outdoor seating, cooking equipment, and organization systems often have a bigger impact than expensive interior upgrades.
Simple Finds to Create This Feeling
The Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station is popular for powering small devices while traveling. A Helinox Chair One Portable Camping Chair creates a comfortable outdoor living space, while the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag helps keep gear organized and protected.
The Best Investment You Can Make
If you're seriously considering van life, renting a camper van for a weekend or a short road trip may be the best investment you make.
It provides real-world experience, helps you understand your priorities, and gives you confidence before spending money on a vehicle or conversion.
Most importantly, it allows you to discover whether the lifestyle aligns with the way you actually want to live.
You might return home even more excited to build your dream van.
Or you might realize a different type of travel suits you better.
Either outcome is valuable.
Because the goal isn't simply to own a van.
It's to create a life that feels comfortable, meaningful, and genuinely at home wherever the road takes you.
Where to Rent a Van to Test Van Life
Fortunately, you don't need to own a van to experience the lifestyle. There are now plenty of campervan rental companies that allow you to test van life for a weekend, a week, or even several months before making a bigger commitment.
In Australia, Camplify is one of the most popular options. Often described as the Airbnb of campervans, it allows van owners to rent out their vehicles directly to travelers. This gives you access to everything from basic campervans to fully converted off-grid setups, making it easy to try different styles of van life.
JUCY Rentals is another popular choice for first-time van lifers. Their compact campervans are affordable, practical, and available throughout Australia and New Zealand. They're a great option if you're curious about van life but aren't ready to rent a large motorhome.
If you're looking for something more premium, Apollo Camper offers a wide range of campervans and motorhomes designed for longer road trips. Their vehicles often include larger kitchens, comfortable beds, and additional storage, allowing you to experience a more spacious version of van living.
Maui Motorhomes is another excellent option if comfort is a priority. Their vehicles are designed for extended travel and can give you a feel for what life on the road is like with a few extra luxuries.
For travelers wanting a more budget-friendly experience, Travellers Autobarn offers affordable campervan rentals that are particularly popular with backpackers and younger travelers. Renting one for a week can be a fantastic way to test whether the realities of van life match your expectations.
No matter which company you choose, try to rent the style of van you think you'd eventually buy. If you're considering a compact campervan, rent a compact campervan. If you're dreaming of a larger off-grid setup, rent something similar. The closer the experience is to your future plans, the more valuable the lessons you'll learn.
