I left everything to live in a camper van full-time – I save thousands on rent but there are some downsides
A WOMAN has revealed that she has saved thousands on rent by ditching her home to live in a campervan, but admitted that there are some downsides.
Alyssa was sick of the rat race, and since she had also been a fan of travelling, decided to move into a van full time, so that she could easily visit all of her favourite locations.
“I quit my job of 10 years, ended my relationship of four years, and moved out of my apartment”, she told Tiny Home Tours.
“I was so sick of the rat race and traditional life”, she added.
She moved in with her mum for a year to save up, and was able to purchase a 1992 Dodge Ram campervan for £11,400.
And although she now doesn’t pay any rent, she had to spend £1000 doing it up, and a further £460 on decor.
Alyssa said that she loves living in her tiny van, which comes with a built in sofa bed, but admitted that she hates the fact that she has to spend 15 to 20 minutes each day setting it up.
“I wish I had a stationary bed and another seat somewhere, because I just down have the energy or the desire to switch it”, she said.
Alyssa’s van doesn’t have a shower, so she has to trek to the gym if she wants to have a wash.
However, she said she doesn’t mind this, as it’s common for van lifers.
She also struggles for storage, but has come up with some inventive ways of storing her belongings, such as hanging her toilet rolls from the ceiling.
The van lifer added that she is unable to cook proper meals, as she only has a hob, but added that she is thinking of getting a collapsible oven, so that she can enjoy some more home comforts.
“I would love to make cookies”, she said.
Alyssa is a big fan of thrifting, and has managed to nab most of her decor from charity shops or vintage stores.
“It’s a lot of fun having something different to everyone else”, she said.
Alyssa’s grandma has even crafted a pillow and some other artwork for he, to make the van feel more homely.
The van lifer spends most of her time out hiking with her two dogs.
Is it legal to live in a van?
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.
However, when she is in her van, she works on her thrifting business from the comfort of her van.
Alyssa was at first worried about the dangers associated with being a woman travelling on her own.
However, she said that she has now realised that van life is no less safe than living in the city.
“I would really encourage women who are interested in a nomadic lifestyle to give it a try, as it’s so much more affordable and doable than people think.
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