Living in a motorhome is a dream for many: waking up in the morning with a view of nature, changing location whenever you want, and enjoying the feeling of freedom.
Vanlife, living permanently in a motorhome, traveling instead of commuting—all this sounds like adventure and an escape from the classic everyday life. At the same time, the motorhome is not a holiday home but a real living space. Those who live in a motorhome organize their daily life, work, cook, sleep, wash, and plan—just on a few square meters and on wheels. BioTioo shows you how it works.
Why people leave apartments and houses behind
More and more people are consciously choosing to live in a motorhome instead of an apartment or house. High rents, rising fixed costs, little flexibility, and the desire for a different lifestyle all play a major role.
Instead of rent, garden maintenance, and additional costs, living in a motorhome is about reduction, mobility, and self-determination. For some, it is a temporary break; for others, the step to live permanently in a motorhome—whether in Germany or abroad. Both are possible but require some preparation and realistic expectations.
The advantages of living in a motorhome
The greatest advantage is clear: freedom. You decide everything about your place of stay, the duration, the route, and the travel pace.
Added to this is the closeness to nature, the feeling of adventure, and the possibility to combine work with travel. Many therefore experience motorhome life as a more conscious, slowed-down everyday life with less possessions but significantly more experiences.
The most important advantages at a glance:
- Maximum flexibility and location independence
- Often lower fixed costs than an apartment or house
- More intense nature and travel experiences
- Minimalism instead of excess
- Combining work, life, and travel
Disadvantages and challenges in everyday motorhome life
As nice as it all sounds: living in a motorhome naturally also has disadvantages. The biggest drawbacks are probably that space is limited and retreat areas are therefore scarce. The technology also cannot be too large and occasionally requires repairs.
In addition, the weather, the season, and external circumstances affect your comfort much more than in an apartment. Those who live permanently in a motorhome therefore need a certain degree of flexibility, calmness, and the willingness to always solve problems pragmatically.
Which motorhome suits your life?
Not every vehicle is equally suitable as a permanent accommodation. For example, panel vans are agile and suitable for everyday use but offer less living space. Large motorhomes, on the other hand, score with comfort, bathroom, and storage space but are not very flexible.
Caravans are also a good alternative if you want to stay longer in one place. In the end, your needs are decisive: do you travel alone, with a partner, family, or dog? Do you need a fixed workspace or a lot of storage space?
And how important is self-sufficiency to you? Gradually find out what you need, then the right motorhome almost finds itself.
Everyday life in the motorhome
Living, cooking, sleeping – all in one
Everyday life in a motorhome differs less from classic living than many think – it is just more compact. Cooking, for example, takes place in a small kitchen, while food must be well organized and the refrigerator cleverly used.
The sleeping, working, and living areas also share the same space – this is often an organizational challenge at first, but after a little practice quickly becomes a habit.
For everything to work, two things are most important: order and storage space. Every move should be precise and every item should have its fixed place.
Toilet and hygiene – a matter of comfort
At the latest in everyday life, it becomes clear: life in a motorhome is hardly comfortable without a toilet. Therefore, you have a choice between different camping toilets. Classic chemical toilets bring dependence on disposal stations, but also chemicals, odors, and additional water consumption. Especially for longer stays or self-sufficient camping, this quickly becomes impractical.
A sustainable alternative is the separation toilet. It works without chemicals and water, separates urine and solids, and significantly reduces odors. For people who live permanently in a motorhome or want to be independent of campsites, it is a real relief in everyday life.
Our tip: the robust BioTioo 2.0 separation toilet. It is easy to install and is hygienic, straightforward, and environmentally friendly.
Living self-sufficiently: electricity, water, and supply
Independence is one of the biggest attractions of motorhome life. Being self-sufficient means organizing electricity, water, and gas yourself. For this, a mobile solar system, the onboard battery, as well as the fresh water and grey water tanks provide a strong foundation.
If you plan all this well, you can manage several days or even weeks without a campsite. The best part: self-sufficiency creates flexibility, saves fees, and greatly expands your options when planning your route.
Working and earning money in the motorhome
Living in a motorhome allows you to comfortably combine traveling with working. Both self-employed people, freelancers, and remote employees can quickly convert their new living space into a workplace.
Usually, all you need is a laptop, internet, and a stable power supply, and the motorhome becomes an office on four wheels. However, working from home is not suitable for everyone, as the freedom to work wherever and whenever you want often requires a lot of discipline, planning, and clear structures. Only then do work and life not blur into each other.
Costs, finances, and ongoing expenses
Living in a motorhome can be cheaper than an apartment, but it doesn't have to be. The most common costs are for fuel, insurance, vehicle tax, repairs, gas, food, and parking spots. Those who plan cleverly, build reserves, and adjust their lifestyle keep all finances under control.
Typical cost points at a glance:
- Fixed costs: insurance, vehicle tax, health insurance
- Variable costs: fuel, tolls, repairs, parking spots
- Living expenses: food, internet, gas, laundromat
- Legal matters: registration address and gray areas
In Germany, permanent living in a motorhome is not prohibited, but the registration requirement remains.
A fixed registration address is therefore mandatory. It can be with relatives, on private property, or at an official permanent campsite. Fictitious residences are under no circumstances allowed.
Those living abroad must also deal with local health insurance, applicable tax issues, and residency regulations.
Living in a motorhome with family, children, and dog
Living in a motorhome is also possible with family, children, or dogs, provided there is enough space and clear structures for everyone. However, do not overlook compulsory schooling and the safety of the children.
If you take that into account, life on four wheels has mostly advantages for many families. Everyone enjoys spending time together, intense experiences, closeness, and the courage for spontaneity. This can create an environment where both children and dogs feel completely comfortable.
Motorhome living as a conscious decision – with BioTioo
Living in a motorhome is not a trend but a lifestyle choice. It entices with freedom, independence, and closeness to the world – but also demands giving up too many material things and good adaptability.
However, those who prepare well, know their needs, and rely on sustainable solutions can find a true home in the motorhome. In particular, a well-thought-out setup and a chemical-free composting toilet like the one from BioTioo make everyday life significantly easier and more relaxed. This way, the dream of mobile living comes true.
