I ditched my house to live in a caravan with my boyfriend – it’s infested with ants & has almost no space but I love it
CARAVAN life might not be for everyone, there’s a lot you have to compromise on after all.
The lack of space alone is enough to put some people off holidaying in one, let alone living in one full time – but Ashley Diedenhofen isn’t one of them.
She showed off her home on wheels in a YouTube video, and there’s not even any electricity.
When you first walk into the caravan you’re met with the main living space which has two couches on either side.
Since there’s no electricity on board, Ashley had to come up with a savvy way to light the space in the evening.
Instead of relying on her phone’s flashlight alone, she bought a light diffuser, which is a small plastic cone-shaped item which helps spread the light further – and it’s a lot cheaper than forking out for endless batteries.
As far as storage space goes, it’s pretty limited on the caravan, especially because it’s not just Ashley living there.
A lot of her clothes are kept folded up on the floor while her boyfriend utilises the overhead storage for his.
“Over here is our resident ant colony,” Ashley pointed to in the viral video, showing off a corner of the caravan infested with ants.
“I’m doing everything I can to try and get rid of them,” she said.
Over in the kitchen area of the caravan there’s a full-sized oven and stove top.
Although there is a sink, the caravan isn’t hooked to any water, so they have no use for it.
“It’s just for show,” Ashley said.
There’s more overhead storage above the sink though which does come in handy for keeping plates, bowls and cutlery, as well as the few pantry staples she keeps.
Privacy is at an all-time low in the caravan too, since the bedroom doesn’t have a door.
In fact, it’s just a double bed in the back corner of the open-plan space – but it’s plenty good enough for Ashley and her boyfriend on their travels.
The good news, or maybe bad news, is that she can reach the bathroom from the comfort of her bed because the bathroom sink is right next to it and also doesn’t have a door.
Luckily enough, the toilet does though.
“We don’t ever use the toilet here; we use the outdoors,” she explained.
After showing off her home tour online people were stunned by the couple’s simple approach to caravan living.
One said: “She’s worried about wearing shoes inside, covering with towels so it won’t get dirty, but yet she has ants loosely crawling around on the furniture…. girl do something.”
Others were concerned about the lack of water, as one commented: “You may as well live in a car if you have no electricity and water. Even DIY vans have water and electricity.”
But some praised Ashley’s “minimalist” home on wheels.
“Enjoy the freedom and saving money leaving the materialistic world behind, well done,” one said.
“Awesome caravan, keep the windows open; though it could get smelly,” another wrote.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.