From fully-equipped motorhomes with entertainment systems, toilet and shower facilities, to transit vans with a mattress thrown in the back (and everything in between), van life is becoming increasingly popular for a range of reasons: Post-Covid, many people realised that they are a simple, cost-effective way to see the country (or even the world)! There is a real sense of freedom about condensing everything you own into a small space and being on the move - going wherever you want with no plan and unlimited freedom. You can connect with nature and there is a diverse and inclusive community on the road (and online) - people are really helpful and it's a great way to meet people.
Sounds good, doesn't it? But how about living in a van full-time? Post-covid, many people are turning to their vans as a permanent place to live. We spoke to some guys who have made the jump to full-time van life.
Julian: decided to go full-time due to the cost of housing
"About 8 months ago, I worked out how much I’d paid in rent over the last 8 years and I was shocked so there and then decided to live in my van when my lease was up. With the end of my job and the extortionate Brighton rents, the decision to go full-time van life was a no-brainer. Just before I moved in my van a good friend said to me “you don’t need a career anymore, you just need a job,” and that was totally right. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do to earn money but the aim was something less stressful and all consuming. So, I’ve ended up doing gardening for the last few months - I have no pressure and no responsibility and that’s great. As far as park ups go I’ve never had a problem - you just have to be discreet and leave no trace. Living in such a small space is fine; I had loads of belongings before and I’ve whittled down to a fraction of that - and still have stuff I don’t need. I know I haven’t done a winter yet and that it will get colder. I’m in the process of putting a diesel heater in and the van is well insulated so it’ll be fine. I promised myself that I’d escape the worst of the bad weather so mid-December I’m going on a little road trip for 6 weeks. I’m aiming for Italy as I’ve always fancied seeing rural Italy - and of course indulge in some lovely food. I’m really excited about going. I never could have escaped for 6 weeks in my old way of life! I'm really enjoying it so far and learning to slow right down and I can’t wait for the adventures that I’ll have and people I’ll meet."
Max: lives in his van after a relationship breakdown
"I'm 40 and live in the south-east in the van full time alone. I split up with my ex and find that I get more financial freedom with the van and more opportunity to travel and I can be closer to my son when I need to see him. I work from the van most of the time, full-time for an insurance company. The van has a built-in shower and toilet so I need to fill the water tank up a few times a week from a dedicated water point. The best part of van life is the freedom to move about and the cheaper cost of living, along with being more connected with the outdoors. The worst bits would be running out of gas as I don't have space for a back up canister and having to empty the toilet. Also things can break in the van so you have to learn how to fix things to keep mobile."
James: Covid and health problems pushed him to live full-time in his van
"Following the triple whammy of covid, family illness and bankruptcy, I decided to do something I always wanted to do - live in a motorhome. I borrowed enough money to buy a 26 year old beauty with low mileage. She was in really good condition and the owners were proper cool, it felt like this was definitely meant to be. Her name is Flo, named by previous owners. I'm lucky as I can empty the toilet at my parents and get water and get the occasional hot meal and showers when I need. I live full time in the van, in Worthing as I work here as a decorator/builder. I have to move most days so finding somewhere to park isn't always that easy but it works most of the time. Nearly 4 months in, I love it! I feel a lot more chilled, away from the dramas of life and it has de-stressed me a lot, which for me is really needed as my mental health can be a bit up and down. Winter will be interesting, but the mo-ho warms up quickly. I've got decent gas heating which blows the hot air around, super cozy in the evenings. All in all I would say this is the best decision I have made in a while, met some really nice peeps doing the same kinda thing, can't wait to go on some adventures when the time allows."
Scott: Disillusioned with the rat-race, he decided to live full-time in his van with his partner, Leanne
"On the 1st of April 2020, my brother Craig died of Covid and then 10 days later, my dad died of it too. I inherited my Dad's house but didn't want to live there so sold up and moved to the seaside. We had our own business making displays for beauty salons and tattoo studios. When the cost of living crisis kicked in, I also worked for a DIY store. After a while, we just thought "why are we working so hard and getting nowhere?" So we sold our home and business, bought a 9 meter tag axle motorhome and set off travelling. We had never even been in a rental, let alone had a motorhome or even a caravan! We've travelled the whole of the UK and Ireland for the last 15 months and loved it. We've also recorded everything on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@runawayrowells) as I tried so hard to make sure my brother and my dad wouldn't be forgotten, so we figured, what a great way to prevent ourselves from being forgotten after we've gone?"
One thing that all of these van-lifers have in common is the fact that none of them regret their decision. And who cares if you have to empty the shitter every now and then?!
