Can Van Life be the Key to Living the Dream?

Ready to Save Money and Try It?

Living in a Van: A Choice for Financial Freedom

When I started researching living in a van, I had no idea that some vans could be so pricey. I also learned that for some, living in a van is a lifestyle choice, and people have been living on the road in them for many years. It is not just people that are homeless that are living in vans!

I had mistakenly assumed that only individuals facing financial problems and or homelessness would live in a van, without considering that some people opt for this lifestyle to save money and experience nature.

This story will focus on living in a van to save money, see new places, and be independent and free!

One Lady and Her Van

One such person is Christine Schaffer. She made the decision to live in a van as a way to save money and experience nature. She is a freelance photographer, so she can make money while travelling.

There are bills, of course. As a professional who wants to live a quality life, there are expenses such as storage facilities, the internet, insurance, vehicle maintenance, water, utilities, dumping fees, electricity, and parking — if in a big city. Christine also maintains a gym membership to stay fit and clean.

She purchased the SUV for $70,000. The total cost of living in an SUV and Van for three years is $37,000. Living in an apartment would have cost her this amount for three years: $131,000.

Total savings of 94K.

But this does not consider the 77k spent on purchasing the two vehicles. So, her total savings for three years is 17K. Her now SUV is very luxurious, albeit small. But she started with a van.

Is it possible to live in such a small space?

While living in an SUV appeals to some, it’s not for everyone. Challenges such as finding a place to park overnight and living in a small space can be complex for some people.

However, the benefits can outweigh the challenges for those committed to the lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a way to save money and take control of your life, living in an SUV may be worth considering. Personally, I think I would prefer to purchase a tiny home outright and fix it up.

Cons…

It could get very lonely on your own.

Where do I wash my clothes?

What about toilet facilities? That would have to be built in for me!

I have considered living in a van to see different places, but in the winter, the UK is so cold that it would be horrible for me.

But sometimes in the summer, I wish I had a van and could travel around the UK without the additional cost of hotel accommodation, but at the same time, I would want a super van with all the mod cons — like Christine’s!

I don’t do well in small spaces- I need room to breathe, think, and, most importantly, for all my clothes!

If I tried on a thousand outfits in a tiny apartment, I’d be buried alive in a pile of fabric.

At least in a bigger space, I can hide them in a walk-in wardrobe when my mother turns up unannounced.

But I suppose I could always take a page out of Christine’s book and keep my SUV clutter-free — for the sake of YouTube viewers, of course!

A Word of Caution

Some people have no choice. It is not a lifestyle choice. They are homeless.

Some people and families with children have been forced to live out of a suitcase due to financial situations. In that case, this is not a great life choice and something the government should be doing something about.

I would be deeply disappointed in my government if I were the prime minister or president, and I knew thousands of homeless people were living in their vans, many with children.

This would be a state of emergency for me, which would have to be dealt with through a five-year emergency plan. No one should be forced to live in their van due to financial issues or homelessness, particularly those with children.

Have you ever considered living in a van to reduce your living costs?

Or have you already tried it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Tagged supportive friends. Let me know if you want to be Added or Removed!

Jan Sebastian 🖐👩‍🦰 The LARO ✨✨ LaurenJane Imothoughts Ashllyn T. Rampath