🚿 Showers, Toilets & Staying Human
Instagram doesn't show this part, but every vanlifer masters it fast.
Showers — the usual suspects: truck stops (Loves, Pilot/Flying J: $12–$17, clean and private, towel included), gym memberships (Planet Fitness ~$25/month works at 2,000+ locations — the classic vanlife shower plan), campground showers, rec centers and public pools ($2–$6), and state park day-use showers. Free options: beach rinse-off stations, hot springs, and friendly hosts.
The toilet question. Most vanlifers carry one of: a simple bucket with bags (works, zero dignity), a cassette toilet (empty at dump stations), or a composting toilet ($$$ but no chemicals, empty every few weeks). Rule #1 from everyone: learn where public restrooms are — truck stops, big-box stores, libraries, parks, visitor centers. Use the Places map's toilet/dump tags.
Laundry: laundromats every 1–2 weeks ($6–$12/load with drying). Truck stops and campgrounds often have machines. Quick-dry merino and a 5-gallon bucket plunger wash stretch you between visits.
Water discipline: refill jugs at campground spigots, rest stops, and some gas stations (always ask). Know your daily use — most people live comfortably on 1–2 gallons/day for drinking and dishes.
The rhythm everyone settles into: gym shower every day or two, laundromat weekly, free spot in between. Within a month it's just... life.
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