Wait... They LIVE in a Van with Their 2 Little Kids!?

Episode 8

Welcome back to the Life on a Stick Podcast! We're Malin and Tom, and this week, we’re diving into the highly anticipated van life episode. Living in a van full-time with two young children isn’t just a conversation starter—it’s an entire lifestyle that sparks endless curiosity. We know you’ve got questions, and we're here to answer them!

Van Life with Kids

For us, living life to the full means enjoying the little things, appreciating our journey, and making the most out of every day—even if it means living in a van with our two kids. Trust us, it’s not as difficult as you might think!

Showering in a Van

One of the top questions we get is about showering. Surprisingly, not having a built-in shower isn't as inconvenient as it sounds. We use outdoor portable showers and sometimes take advantage of lakes, campsites, and public showers. Recently, we upgraded to a foot pump-operated portable shower and even have a privacy solution with a shower curtain attached to the van doors using rubberized magnets. It’s a simple setup, but it works wonders for our van life routine.

The Bathroom Situation

Next up is the toilet situation—a topic that always raises eyebrows. We swapped our traditional motorhome toilet for a DIY composting toilet. This composting setup has been a game changer, separating solids and liquids, making it smell-free, and easy to empty. We’re quite proud of the toilet we built, and it really suits our needs for a life in a van.

Washing Clothes on the Road

Laundry is another major topic. While it’s a bit more challenging in Sweden due to the lack of laundromats, other countries like Spain make it much easier with public laundromats available at petrol stations. In Sweden, we often resort to hand washing or take advantage of friends’ washing machines. Yes, it means we're washing clothes less frequently than if we had a washer-dryer in a house, but we manage.

Cooking in a Van

People often assume cooking in a van is hard, but it’s not as bad as it seems. We have a stovetop oven called an Omnia, and while it requires some adaptation, we’ve found it perfectly sufficient for our needs. Sure, we miss a bit of extra counter space, but our omnivorous diet has adjusted well to the confines and capabilities of our van kitchen.

Unique Challenges and Joys

Living in a van isn't without its challenges—especially with kids. There are days when everything and everyone seems to be everywhere. But the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. We're closer as a family, we've adapted well to our small space, and we've streamlined our needs and routines.

Give Us a Lift Segment

One of our favorite parts of the podcast is our "Give Us a Lift" segment, where we share inspirational or uplifting stories. This week, Tom shared a fantastic story about a woman who bought a $4 vase that turned out to be a 1,200-year-old Mayan artifact. And Malin revealed how the challenges of her cancer journey inspired her to speak up for change in the healthcare system. Both stories brought a unique twist to our conversation and served as a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.

Wrapping Up

So, are we insane for doing this? Perhaps a little, but it’s undoubtedly the best decision we’ve ever made. Van life has brought us closer and made us appreciate each moment even more. If you’re considering this lifestyle, we say go for it—just make sure you have a good relationship at its foundation.

Thank you for joining us on another episode of Life on a Stick! If you have questions or want to share your own van life experiences, drop us a comment or connect with us on social media. And don’t forget to tune in next week for more insights into our unique life in a van.

Til’ next time,

Malin & Tom