This is more of a soft countdown because I’m trying not to set too harsh of limits for myself. I know me, though, and without some kind of deadline things will just drag on forever. Right now, the goal is to leave spring break (in March) which gives me just about 2 and a half months to prepare. Here is where things stand:
Furnishings
I have my mattress and my bedding. Those are two things I will always say is “all I need” so it’s a pretty good place to start. I have one rug that I’m taking with me and my second rug is getting close to being finished. I’ll post more about that later.
I also have the fabric for the curtains, so as soon as I’m done sewing the rug, I’ll start sewing those. Many of the comfort and decor items will come with me from my house. Things like tie backs and pillows, for example. I also just happen to have some patio lighting that will be great to add some night-time lighting both inside and out.
I also have a fridge/freezer combo that is not only able to be traditionally powered, but solar powered, too.
Mechanics
LuLu’s floor has been repaired along with some aesthetic changes on her bumper. She has a new starter and a new battery, along with 4 new tires. I have the parts to replace her ignition switch and her headlight switch. Here soon, a friend is going to help me rewire her. This will be when we start to assemble things for solar power.
The rubber on the sliding door has been replaced and I have rubber for the back hatch to replace next. I have a glovebox that I need to put in (which will be a great place to store smaller items that I use frequently or will otherwise get lost).
I also have vinyl to re-cover the visors. I’m planning on putting slightly bigger mirrors in place as well, so I have those too. The headliner and bows for the cab are also next to go up. I’m just waiting for the padding to go underneath.
Build
The floor. Oh, the floor. Some things just take a lot of time and effort, and this is one of them! Between repairing, insulating, and preparing the wood, there have been quite a few steps. I am getting so close, though. I’m pretty much one decently nice day from being able to finish sanding the boards for the floor. From there, it’s just lay, shim, nail, finish, and stain! “Just.” The engine compartment is also close to complete, but it won’t require the level of care the main floor does, as it’s a non-traffic area. For it, I need to finish cutting some sisal insulation padding, nail my boards together, and cut a hatch for the engine lid.
Currently in the “complete” category, though, is my bed loft! I won’t be able to fully finish it until I have the floor done so I know exactly how long to make the legs for it, but otherwise its done and fully functional.
The next stage is beginning to put in the paneling. I’m planning to do 1/4″ Birch as it is lightweight but hardwood nonetheless. I am going to start with the panel behind the drivers seat and the casing around the drivers seat. With that in place, I’ll have anchor points for the cabinet that will be going there.
My timeline has caused me to change some things, too. With combined time, money, and effort, I’ve decided that instead of making my own, I’ll just buy a pre-made unfinished cabinet. The width and height of what I need is pretty standard, so I found exactly what I want. Of course, I’ll need to make some changes and finish it, but I think it’ll be a much better solution than making it from scratch. I’m going to check out our local recycling center to see if they have anything that fits the bill before I make my purchase, though.
This will also give me more time to complete the under-bed storage, which is going to need to be custom. I have my general design created, so I just need to make a more precise model before I buy and start cutting materials.
Countdown to Van Living
Van living has its own set of unique items to make your living space useful and comfy. As I begin my countdown, I’ve been taking stock more and more. Instead of buying building supplies, I’ve been on the hunt for living supplies. Currently, I’ve accumulated the following:
- Solar panel
- Solar Inverter
- Collapsible bowls
- Hanging basket for fruit/veggies
- Fridge
- Lighting
- Stove
- Cookware, including my dutch oven
- Fire-safe kettle, cup, and plate
- Retractable awning supplies
- Trash-Pak
- Soft top roof storage
- Collapsible bucket
- Mini agitator for bucket laundry
So, overall, it seems like I’m doing pretty good. Still on my essentials list are:
- Compression Sacks (to keep my clothes in)
- Clean water and grey water jugs
- Sink
- Faucet and water pump/hoses
- Compact chair and table (for outdoor living)
- Toolbox
- Tiny home organizers
- Accessory battery
- Roof Rack
There are other things that would definitely help me out, but those are the big ones (in no, real particular order). General camping supplies is what I hope to rely on mostly, as they are made to be compact, so I need a variety of other items like that as well.
Still making the job thing work, so that is in progress. Still haven’t figured out what to do about my house, as my niece is now reluctant to move in. I also haven’t quite decided which internet plan I’m going to go with, but everything is in progress forward, so that’s all I can ask of myself sometimes! As for everything else, there is a lot needing to happen before the countdown is complete.
Here’s to a happy new year filled with plenty of adventure! Do you think I’ll get it all done before mid-March?
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