Living in a van looks simple online. Beautiful sunsets. Cozy interiors. Total freedom. But what happens after you sell your furniture, give up your lease, and close the apartment door for the last time? The First Year Living in a Van is an honest and practical guide to what really happens during your first twelve months on the road. This book goes beyond the curated social media version of van life and explores the real financial costs, daily challenges, unexpected loneliness, and mental adjustments that come with trading stability for mobility. Inside, you’ll learn what most people wish they had known before converting a van, how much van life truly costs month to month, the most common mistakes beginners make, and how people realistically earn money while traveling. You’ll also discover how to manage hygiene, safety, parking anxiety, and relationships in a space smaller than most bedrooms. This is not a fantasy. It is a grounded, realistic roadmap for anyone considering full-time van living. If you are thinking about quitting your apartment and hitting the road, read this first.