TOP 10 VAN LIFE HACKS | our must have items in our self converted van!

Hi friends! We are not the most experienced van lifers, but there are a few items/hacks that we have loved having in our van! All of the items are linked below!
Curious about how we built our van? -- • VAN BUILD
Follow our social media for real time updates!
Instagram: / johnandviv.co
Facebook: / johnandviv
Website/Blog: www.johnandviv.co
Links to Our Must Haves!
1. Walkie Talkies: amzn.to/3pNddwL
2. Portable Mirror: www.target.com/p/conair-soft-...
3. Shoe Storage - We built this into our van!
4. Pillow Covers: amzn.to/3aC1LOq
5. Collapsible Ladder: amzn.to/2MojXD6
6. Window Covers: amzn.to/3oJ8dIo
7. Strainer: amzn.to/3att8Kl
8. Collapsible Tupperware: amzn.to/36Bnep9
9. Induction Cooktop: amzn.to/3cB7sOX
10. Cutting Board: amzn.to/36ErEeZ
Stool: amzn.to/2NZqog5
Dog Bowl: amzn.to/3cEcgmY
Specific questions? - Message us on Facebook/Instagram and we would be happy to share any other details!
Links for what we used:
Our fan: amzn.to/2EyIO3a
Cross Nuts: amzn.to/32t2HBQ
Amazing Cross Nut Tool: amzn.to/2RlyMou
Kitchen Faucet: amzn.to/38UllWQ
Kitchen Sink: amzn.to/38VPgOq
Ladder: amzn.to/3lHzgDf
Gas Struts: amzn.to/39KLHt0
Paper Towel Holder: amzn.to/3oXBBvp
Bench Cushions: amzn.to/3sEsUYU
Blender: amzn.to/3qx1T85
Water Filter: amzn.to/35SLpPB
Handheld Vacuum: amzn.to/3irtGUM
Induction Cooktop: amzn.to/3qxBbvW
Ceiling Lights: amzn.to/35RLD9X
Spice Rack: amzn.to/3nCRBER
Knife Holder: amzn.to/3FFOe6h
Specific questions? - Message us on Facebook/Instagram and we would be happy to share any other details!
Music: Epidemic Sound

Пікірлер: 119

  • @ccaatttiraffe
    @ccaatttiraffe3 жыл бұрын

    I'm blown away by the blanket in pillow idea!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Changed the game!

  • @tanjaliljeqvist143

    @tanjaliljeqvist143

    Жыл бұрын

    I saw someone who puy their clothes in pillow cases

  • @dannidunn9302
    @dannidunn9302 Жыл бұрын

    I love the blanket in the pillow cover. Brilliant.

  • @leese.23
    @leese.233 жыл бұрын

    They were great! Especially love the coaster idea for leveling.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @theartistnextdoor1648
    @theartistnextdoor16484 ай бұрын

    Your interior is truelly inspiring

  • @phoenixsubliminals765
    @phoenixsubliminals765 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you😊. My favorite is the pillows with blankets inside... This is great for my tiny house, too

  • @sharoneasley
    @sharoneasley3 жыл бұрын

    I love the pillow idea. That’s where I can keep my hoodies. Great video. I have that ladder. It is awesome! Once I learned how to use it. I had my hands where your feet go when I let it down it came down so fast it bruised one hand and broke the other.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oh no! That's why I let John do it haha

  • @meowza7266
    @meowza72662 жыл бұрын

    Love the cutting board! And walkie talkies are a great idea.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @josephjuno9555

    @josephjuno9555

    11 ай бұрын

    We've tried several types of walkies, they lacked range and must be l9ne of sight? Didn't work in hilly fishing areas?

  • @businesswomanvig
    @businesswomanvig3 жыл бұрын

    It was the blankets inside the pillows hack for me Super inventive

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @badmedicine9206
    @badmedicine920610 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing these hacks. While I’m waiting for my camper van, I’ve watch quite a few vids but they are all pretty similar to each other. You really shared some tips that I’ve never seen and never thought of. Great job!

  • @stormdavies250
    @stormdavies25011 ай бұрын

    Love the cutting board idea!

  • @pamelalambe1356
    @pamelalambe13562 жыл бұрын

    Hilarious, and learnt something new.

  • @robertomantovani1252
    @robertomantovani125211 ай бұрын

    Pillow are super smart!

  • @jaymiddleton772
    @jaymiddleton772 Жыл бұрын

    I'll definitely be stuffing some blankets into pillows and... will be sure to keep an eye out for calypso-bill food containers =)

  • @jaynewarriner7214
    @jaynewarriner72142 ай бұрын

    I carry walker-talkies also! They are great esp if your cell service is sketchy

  • @sammyrox69
    @sammyrox69 Жыл бұрын

    honestly loads of great tips i’ve not seen on other videos! thanks guys

  • @catherinewinterburn1043
    @catherinewinterburn10433 жыл бұрын

    Pillow storage genius

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @lynnescaddan8919
    @lynnescaddan89192 жыл бұрын

    LOVE that mirror, that pillow is a great idea. The ladder is a great idea to help put a stop to thieves. All vans & RV should have em.

  • @musicelle812
    @musicelle812 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the thoughtful ideas!

  • @TimAndShannonLTD
    @TimAndShannonLTD Жыл бұрын

    We have the same trouble with our ladder - we're lucky when it collapses. Love your bloopers too! You guys are fun to watch!

  • @lauramiller4044
    @lauramiller4044 Жыл бұрын

    You two are great! Thank you for the hints!!

  • @ms.pirate
    @ms.pirate Жыл бұрын

    That dog just falling asleep like that. He obviously loves you both very much

  • @PsychicReverendDonnaSeraphina
    @PsychicReverendDonnaSeraphina10 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @vickiealderson3698
    @vickiealderson36987 ай бұрын

    Excellent hacks! Thank you!

  • @janneal9156
    @janneal91563 жыл бұрын

    Your van is the best .....your presentation was great ...so have fun stay safe.....cheers from Melbourne ....your dog is gorgeous I wouldn't go anywhere without mine....🚐🥂🐕🎿

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! Dogs make the adventure so much more fun!

  • @robint01
    @robint013 жыл бұрын

    Well done. Loved the bloopers you left in❣ Most definitely can use several of your hacks at home. Thank you 😊

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @TheRubeeRose
    @TheRubeeRose Жыл бұрын

    Loved this, thanks!

  • @the-wandering-wings
    @the-wandering-wings3 жыл бұрын

    lol the ladder takes ! the concentration to get it right was too funny! Also the cutting board hack: genius!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    The cutting board has been such a game changer! And the ladder bit makes us laugh every time haha

  • @mobilehomelife4028
    @mobilehomelife40283 жыл бұрын

    Hey, just found your channel, I love top ten items. I have watched many, all good, but yours is unique in that the items are more practically based as opposed to personal preference. I am not on the road yet, converting a short-bus. Like I said I am not dissing any of the other videos, just pointing out the difference, great tips. If I had to chose a favorite, the blankets in pillow cases, excellent use of space for extra items you can use in two ways.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oh thank you! Good luck with the bus conversion! Hope to see you on the road!

  • @tericorominas2364
    @tericorominas23643 жыл бұрын

    You guys are KILLING it!! Great hacks! Loved watching John and that ladder...lol . Stay safe, have fun! You know we are praying for you guys!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oh thank you friend!! Hoping we will get to see y'all this summer!

  • @watermelon4600
    @watermelon4600 Жыл бұрын

    you are soooo cute couple :) , the cutting board is a great idea ! didnt see anywhere before

  • @vickiealderson3698
    @vickiealderson36987 ай бұрын

    Your blankets in the pillow and the cutting board with legs hacks are brilliant! Thank you so much!

  • @juliaworksonstuff
    @juliaworksonstuff Жыл бұрын

    Dang! That pillow hack is AMAZING

  • @markfila6357
    @markfila63573 жыл бұрын

    Love all these hacks. It’s like backpacking but every single day :) love you guys and miss you

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Love and miss you!

  • @justaguitarplayer2059
    @justaguitarplayer20592 жыл бұрын

    Cool couple. I’d hang out with them. Good sense of humor

  • @mikemanjo2458
    @mikemanjo24583 жыл бұрын

    Great job! I love the toe kick storage. Brilliant! Stay safe. (Jane from SC)❤️🙏

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! You too!

  • @Expedition-Blackbeard
    @Expedition-Blackbeard2 жыл бұрын

    One of the best lists on KZread van life. Thanks for the tips!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wow, thanks!

  • @vanessamacdonald9153
    @vanessamacdonald91533 жыл бұрын

    Loved the video and the bloopers - please continue to show them too :) Great hacks! Especially the ladder and containers.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Will do!

  • @Ship-stuff
    @Ship-stuff3 жыл бұрын

    Loved all these hacks! I would definitely incorporate some of them in my sticks and bricks home - like the pillow hack and Tupperware. Y’alls videos are great and edited perfectly. Also, while I thought the blooper reel at the end of other videos was great, after seeing this video I think I kinda like it better when the blooper stays in the scene! Makes you guys more down-to-earth that you keep those blunders in there, lol. There’s already millions of videos on here edited to look like everyone is perfect. The way you guys do your videos feels much more authentic- hence I love to watch them! 😊

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!! Thank you for sharing that about the bloopers! We thought so too, but it's nice to hear that from others 😊

  • @gilanicalivanlife8056
    @gilanicalivanlife8056 Жыл бұрын

    Great ideas and I love your videos 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

  • @sleepingxrose
    @sleepingxrose2 жыл бұрын

    These hacks/tips/items are so smart! Most of them I've never seem/heard of

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    That was our hope! Thank you!

  • @thepandemicdiva3369
    @thepandemicdiva33693 жыл бұрын

    Great ideas!!

  • @tyoverboe7839
    @tyoverboe78393 жыл бұрын

    MAH! Yes! Awesome job!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Just for you!

  • @Ruthie888
    @Ruthie8883 жыл бұрын

    Great job! I especially thought the cutting board was great.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it!

  • @JennyYasi
    @JennyYasi Жыл бұрын

    I'd love to hear your van dog hacks!

  • @praguhbis
    @praguhbis Жыл бұрын

    I think this mirror is a great idea for others to implement. Having a fixed mirror may be dangerous in rough roads as it may shatter and hurt the occupant(s).

  • @ChooseThePathYouTake
    @ChooseThePathYouTake2 жыл бұрын

    HAHAHA. I'm dying with the ladder scene...we have the same kind and we have the same problems which is soo hilarious

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Right?! Too funny

  • @evelyndunn50
    @evelyndunn503 жыл бұрын

    Love this video!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @amaropargo8532
    @amaropargo85323 жыл бұрын

    Walkie Talkies !!! Makes things easier. Regards from Panamá

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Woohoo!

  • @mycrazylifewfawnlisette3582
    @mycrazylifewfawnlisette35822 жыл бұрын

    Love your unique must haves.... Great ideas!!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! 😊

  • @mycrazylifewfawnlisette3582

    @mycrazylifewfawnlisette3582

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@johnviv3956 aww no problem! I don't hit the like on many videos but this one definitely got it. I'm definitely going back to this video when im ready to build out.

  • @jrt4855
    @jrt48553 жыл бұрын

    Great hacks!

  • @cathietonkin5577
    @cathietonkin55773 жыл бұрын

    I want a van just like yours!!!! 🧡💛💜🤍 it..... love your hacks, especially the fold step stool! I’m extremely vertical challenge!!!!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    I am right there with you! haha thank you!!

  • @DeborahLong7777
    @DeborahLong77773 жыл бұрын

    Two cute and a dog lol. Great ideas for home or van agree!

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 😊

  • @pamelamilton6755
    @pamelamilton67553 жыл бұрын

    I thought he was a pillow until you pointed him out. lol

  • @kstepk5003
    @kstepk50033 жыл бұрын

    The cutting board is really good

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @craigeydmann
    @craigeydmann2 жыл бұрын

    Some great ideas#livingthedream

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @josephjuno9555
    @josephjuno955511 ай бұрын

    Great ideas and not just repeat what others said? Nice van!

  • @suellenw561
    @suellenw5613 жыл бұрын

    We have 4 cats that spend a lot of their napping time on our bed. Our "permanent" bedspread is a sheet. It's easier to wash when needed. I expect when our camper gets converted, the bed will have a sheet on top as well. We're planning to take one cat w/ us. The others don't travel. Being in our car freaks them out.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    We totally understand that! I love that you also travel with your pets, it is so fun!

  • @sspringer2000
    @sspringer20003 жыл бұрын

    Love this! So inspiring! Makes me want to minimize ☺️

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Go for it!

  • @conneyphu
    @conneyphu3 жыл бұрын

    You guys are super cute and I love your hacks 👍

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!!

  • @jjfresh.
    @jjfresh.3 жыл бұрын

    A tip for the window coverings: if the fabric isn't waterproof, or anti-bacterial, you will get mold from moisture on the windows.

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great tip! Thank you!

  • @cbosworth6808
    @cbosworth6808 Жыл бұрын

    May I ask if you have a link to your spice racks and magnetic knife holder?

  • @paulowen9432
    @paulowen94322 жыл бұрын

    Awesome vlog. Can you tell me where you bought the spice racks? Thanks

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Amazon! There are more details in our van tour video!

  • @JJAVA-wt6eo
    @JJAVA-wt6eo3 жыл бұрын

    I got that very same spotted stool at Target last week. The instructions stuck on it show that you are supposed to stand with your feet going "across" the bendable part, not as you are in this. I guess it's in case that it's not completely locked open, so be careful ...

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good to know! Thank you!

  • @cassandradevine4752
    @cassandradevine47522 жыл бұрын

    Just found his video, thanks for the tips! I'm just wondering how you lock your skis to the van and if you think they are safe leaving them outside the van in winter? And is there a way to convert it back to a roof deck in summer?

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good question! Our ski rack locks with a key and we have had no problems leaving them on the roof. We decided not to do a roof deck, but it would be easy to remove the ski rack and put a couple deck pieces up there!

  • @65plusfabulous56
    @65plusfabulous562 жыл бұрын

    👍👍

  • @julianroccopesa3491
    @julianroccopesa3491 Жыл бұрын

    ❤️❤️❤️,Ty ✌️🙏❤️🕯️🎈🌻😊

  • @Paplaito
    @Paplaito Жыл бұрын

    ok hold up she is actualy so freaking pretty godamn

  • @vickyfong4521
    @vickyfong45212 жыл бұрын

    You guys are so cute

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @adamhicks8231
    @adamhicks82312 жыл бұрын

    How do you keep your fresh and grey water containers from building up massive amounts of mold??

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Every time we empty the grey water, it gets rinsed out! Also we use a filter for our fresh water and the constant use keeps mold out.

  • @thermomixingwithkim
    @thermomixingwithkim2 жыл бұрын

    Hi can you tell me where you got the cutting board from thansk

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Amazon! The link should be in the description!

  • @gonnadanceagain
    @gonnadanceagain11 ай бұрын

    You are cute together❣️

  • @rowangallagher
    @rowangallagher Жыл бұрын

    Life hack: mirror

  • @LastNameTom
    @LastNameTom2 жыл бұрын

    What pot is that?

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    2 жыл бұрын

    Are you talking about the black water kettle? That is from Crate and Barrel!

  • @rowangallagher
    @rowangallagher Жыл бұрын

    This is accidental Alan Partridge material

  • @shandelebroyles1099
    @shandelebroyles10993 жыл бұрын

    I'm sorry but that shoe storage is way too hard to get to

  • @johnviv3956

    @johnviv3956

    3 жыл бұрын

    The shoe storage works great for us and is easy to access. Everything in a van requires extra work so it has not been an issue for us. I am sure there are other clever ways to store shoes that work great for other people!

  • @kuljitsingh5780
    @kuljitsingh5780 Жыл бұрын

    Good overacting in the end