If you are asking yourself the question, ‘can you live in a caravan with children?’, then you have obviously realized that there might be certain practical aspects that need to be addressed. We took the plunge to live and travel in a caravan with our three children, but not before doing extensive research. I’d now like to share that research, and our experience so far, in the hope that it might help you make the decision for yourself.
Space and Layout
Let’s face it, if you’re moving from a house to a caravan then you are going to notice the massive reduction in space. It’s how you use the space that’s important here. We moved from a three bedroom house to a caravan, so it was a major change for us. You need to carefully consider the layout that will work best for your family. Think about sleeping arrangements, storage for toys, clothes and other equipment, and areas for eating and schooling. You need to try to ensure there is enough space for everyone without feeling cramped.
We opted for a 6 berth caravan, we felt it gave us a little extra space than the 5 berth options. The layout we chose, was fixed bunks at the back, with a table for schooling / eating which could also be converted into an additional double bunk. Our double bed being at the front of the caravan. We also felt that a bathroom with a separate shower and toilet was important for us. Some caravans have the shower over the toilet (as a wetroom), but we didn’t like the idea of this with young children.
Consider an awning too! This has been invaluable for our family. The boys don’t like to sit still for long, and the awning creates a whole extra room. We opted for a fairly cheap porch awning rather than a full seasonal – it’s lightweight for travelling and easy to erect. We use it as extra living space, and extra cooking / food prep space. When the boys are a bit older, we may consider a tent insert so that it can be partly used as an additional bedroom.
Education
Consider how you will manage your children’s education while living in a caravan. We decided to de-register the children from school as it was our intention to travel around rather than stay in one place. If this is your plan, you should seek advice online for homeschooling laws and resources – there are even some online education options. Alternatively, if you plan to stay in one place for extended periods, you could research local schools and enroll – usually a residential campsite will allow you use of the address for things like this.
Safety and Security
Safety is a priority when it comes to children. Ensure the caravan you choose is safe, along with the area you choose to pitch it. Consider factors like locks, fire safety, carbon monoxide detectors and safe play areas. Our biggest gripe with the caravan has been the door handle lock. Our 2 year old consistently opens the door with ease, despite our many attempts to discourage him. We still haven’t found a solution for this, but we hope that he will soon grow out of it! If this could be a concern, you could consider things like a door chime to alert you when the door is opened.
Healthcare Access
Regular access to healthcare and emergency services is essential, especially for families with young children. Plan how you will access medical care, fill prescriptions, and handle emergencies while on the road. If you plan to travel abroad, make sure you have a GHIC for everyone and adequate travel insurance. We used an emergency hospital in Spain with ease; we simply showed my son’s GHIC and filled out a form, and they took care of the rest.
Routine and Stability
Children often thrive on routine and stability. Consider how living in a caravan will impact your family’s daily routine, including meal times, education, playtime and sleep schedules. We lack routine in some aspects because of the amount of travelling we do. However, we try to ensure some level of routine such as bedtimes, so that they still feel some level of stability. You know your children best, and can adapt to what suits your family.
Socialisation
Think about how your children will socialise and interact with other kids. If you are staying in one place for extended periods of time then it becomes slightly easier as they can socialise at school or local clubs and groups. If you are planning to travel, like us, then it sometimes takes a little more effort and thought. We try to offer opportunities for our children to make friends and engage with peers, but keep in mind that socialising with all ages is just as advantageous. We encourage them to play with other children on campsites, arrange meetups with other home ed families, and as they grow up we will encourage safe online communities.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Be aware of legal requirements for living in a caravan, such as registration, insurance and local regulations. Also, consider the financial aspects, including the cost of the caravan, site fees, utility bills and maintenance costs. We had quite a healthy budget when buying our caravan, so we made sure to buy one that it unlikely to develop major issues anytime soon. We also have an annual service to keep on top of maintenance. Site fees can often be more than you might expect, but overall we have a considerable cost saving compared to living in our house (which had a mortgage), as the bills tend to be a lot lower. We prefer sites with metered electric, it tends to be cheaper than paying a set fee.
Lifestyle Changes
Living in a caravan requires significant lifestyle adjustments. Consider how your family will adapt to changes in privacy, space, and amenities. Discuss and prepare for the mental and emotional adjustments that may be necessary. We are lucky that the children are young, so we will adapt as we grow.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
Think about how different weather and seasons will affect your living situation. Ensure your caravan is equipped for extreme temperatures, rain and wind, and plan for seasonal clothing and activities. We have now been through all of the extremes and it can be tricky at times. The Truma blown air heating in our caravan kept us toasty and warm through colder months, and when it is very hot we tend to spend more time outside since the caravan can get quite hot. For us, the worst element is wind! We have had some panicky nights, but following the advice found online (such as storm straps for the awning), we have survived and are still enjoying this lifestyle! If you’re a light sleeper, then you may need to invest in earplugs because bad weather can be very noisy.
Practicalities and Amenities
Think about the practical aspects of daily life, such as laundry, cooking and bathing. Ensure you have access to necessary facilities, whether in the caravan or at campsite facilities.
While our kids are young we like using the facilities inside our caravan, it’s easier than trapsing them to other buildings! But when they get older and more capable, we may send them to use campsite facilities themselves.
When it comes to daily chores, there are a few essential things that you must keep on top of every day. In the house, we were able to put chores off until the next day if we didn’t feel like doing them. That’s not really an option with this lifestyle – if we don’t fill the aquaroll then we will have no water. If we don’t empty the toilet cassette, then we will have no toilet. You get the point! However, I will say that once you get into a routine, these jobs become quick and relatively easy so we don’t mind them too much. The boys help with certain chores like recycling and filling the toilet flush. We are trying to teach them the value of teamwork.
Deciding to live in a caravan with children involves careful consideration of these factors to ensure a positive and practical experience for the entire family. It’s essential to plan thoroughly and involve the whole family in the decision-making process. If you decide to take the plunge, we wish you luck and happiness! If you have anything to add, or any questions, please leave us a comment below!
For further tips, check out some of our other posts on the practical side of this lifestyle here.
