1 Year Ago I Left my House to Live in a Tiny Van
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- Опубліковано 26 січ 2024
- I just realised that it is one year since I moved into my tiny van fulltime and started my van life journey. Here are my thoughts one year in.
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Welcome to my Channel,
My name is James and I live full time in my tiny van, however this is not just a van life channel. I enjoy travel, food and drink and making videos 🙂
When I turned 50 I decided I’d had enough of the rat race and working long hours just to pay rent and bills, life was passing me by and I needed a drastic change.
FAQ
Where is Helen?
Helen has a responsible full time job and two children so unfortunately she can’t join me on every trip. I really wish she could.
What equipment do you use?
My vlogging camera is a GoPro Hero 9 but I also use my pixel 6a phone and Lumix G80 camera for other footage
For editing, I used Premiere Pro on an old laptop but I’m saving to buy a more powerful computer.
Do you have children?
Yes I have a 6yr old daughter who lives with her mum but I see her quite a lot. I don’t usually put her on the vlogs and if I do, I block out her face for privacy reasons. I also have a grown up son.
How do you fund your lifestyle?
I don’t need as much to live these days since going full time van life but I receive a small percentage of income from the ads that UA-cam put on the videos.
Why the sponsored videos?
I only accept sponsorship from companies I use and trust, this is my fulltime job and my income, it’s how I support my family. (I have Patreon if you prefer videos with no ads).
How do I contact you?
Please contact me here: james@bythecurb.co.uk
Its no ones business apart from ur's and Helen's they dont need to watch the vlogs ...... DONT JUSTIFY YOURESELF ..... those who have nothing nice to say jog on!!!!!😊
Thank you 😊
Totally agree, ignore the haters, they're just jealous!!
At the end of the day it's your way of life, if it's not theirs why are they on your site? They're not forced to watch you. We find you and Helen 1 of the best x
Some crappy people about focus on the positive ones 🇬🇧👏🇬🇧👏🇬🇧
You’re not fake and do not have to answer to anybody.
You live your life how you want to and come across very well
Fuck the negative people
You and Helen and your little channel really do make a lot of people happy and most importantly it makes you happy
Keep up the good work.
Thank you, that's a great point. It really does make me happy 😊
Do your thing, James. Ignore the haters, their comments tell you all you need to know about them. 😂 It's easier to poke holes in someone else's efforts than do stuff yourself. You're living your best life. More power to you!!!!
Thank you :-)
I’ve been following your adventures from the start, I’ve really enjoyed being along with you and Helen on your journeys. Just keep being you James, nearly 40000 people are following your channel for a reason, just remember that. Ignore the others 👍🏻
Thank you 😊😍
Hi James, I remember that first vlog like yesterday. Hard to believe its a year already. Dont you be explaining yourself to anyone regarding how you live your life, no ones business but yours. Youve done brilliant and life is for living 😊
Thank you Sandra 😊
James and Helen there’s no way you need to justify yourself to others. It’s totally up to you how, when and where you spend
your money. PLEASE don’t take notice of anybody’s negative comments! We love your channel and Helen. Stay safe
Have you tried silicon earplugs, they are comfortable
you always talk honestly . thats why your channel is so enjoyable. we are 75 and 73 soon and health issues become a neusance . lots of blood tests , appointments ,if you can get one . up until 5 years ago no real issues , live the dream while you can . you are good people .
Watched from 1st video and never missed one been on this adventure with you……. Feel like I know you both personally here is to another year ❤x
Thank you Jill, thanks for sticking with us, I feel like I know you too even though we've never met, I always remember your lovely comments
Ignore the haters. You've got one of the most refreshingly real channels on UA-cam, one of the very few I watch in the first few hours of uploading. Carry on the good work.
You carry on living your life James … you don’t tell other people how to live there lives.. so you enjoy and all the best buddy 👍👍
Thank you 🙂
Came across you by accident 5 or 6 months ago, subscribed and still here. You are great entertainment. Hope this grows for you because you are very good at this. I appreciate the effort you put into this enterprise.
Thank you, I appreciate that
Happy Vanniversary 😊yay !
I can still remember you posting your keys through the front door when you packed up your house.
Your van life has been so full of joyful experiences both with and without Helen. And I, for one, have loved you sharing with us. As I told you before I am not able to go far now so I get so much pleasure from seeing your adventures both home and abroad actually !
As for the naysayers, go and watch paint dry and bu..er off.
We love you James and Helen.
Your daughter loves you wherever you live she's going to be proud of you whatever you do.
Long standing and devoted friend...
Janice 👵 xxx Mwah xxxx
Thank you Janice for being with me for so long 🙂😍
What a lovely comment 😊
Happy vanaversarry James.
I’m looking to go full time from March in my Peugeot Expert. I will continue to work full time (on line) and will be able to free up £1000 to £1500 per month.
I also have kids that live with their mum.
At the end of two years I’d have saved around £30k
It will be hard at first but you won't regret it. Good luck mate
James followed you from the beginning of your journey. I love you and Helen, you both make me laugh and your both down to earth good people. Happy anniversary 🎉🎉🎉🎉. Peace 🧚
From watching your videos from when you started really helped me through hard times, and helped me out mentally as well. Always relaxing to watch, think you're on a path to greater things whatever they say, I look forward to more of your vlogs keep it up 😁👍👌
Thank you. That really means a lot. 😊😍
I can only repeat the same , cought the channel on start up ,helped me through and out of a very dark place indeed! I'm still not there yet I still have work to do on myself.Would rather hang around with totally honest genuine good people than all the fakes and haters out there,and let's face it there are an awfull lot of those!
@@bythecurb it does with us watching you as well, I always wind down before going to sleep catching up on a few UA-cam vlogs , and some do it really well, and it puts you in a better state of mind, as I overthink and worry a lot, but this really does help 😊😊👌👌
James you are a top bloke. I've been watching your videos now for about 10 months and this is only the 2nd time I have commented. I watch your videos while I'm running on my treadmill and I almost fall off sometimes with laughter. Keep it going mate because you are making people smile in the times we are living in. We need more people like you on here.
Thank you for watching. Please be careful on that treadmill 😬😂
Hi James, I’ve loved your journey and letting us in with Helen and your family. Thanks for being you, and not putting on a show. Just being you and Helen, it’s great and I look forward to the madness which is great.
Stuff the idiots just be yourself and keep doing what you’re doing!!!👍
Thank you 🙂
A whisper off 35 thousand subs IN A YEAR! Do you know how rare that is James? Please *please* stop justifying yourself and brooding on negative comments. You have so many of us who really like you and Helen for a myriad of reasons but in a nutshell - you're both real as they come AND the quality of your vlogs - the cinematography etc - it's gorgeous. You are living your best life - ENJOY IT!! All love and respect, Sarah 😊❤✌
Thank you so much!
It's funny ny rent has just been put up again by 200 and I'm thinking what am I working for what? My Dad just passed and I was his carer, and I'm thinking on hitting the road so this video came at the right time ❤
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. You could always give it a go mate
@@bythecurb Thanks I have watched your channel from Day 1 and I'm now thinking what have I got to lose as I don't have any family so nothing to tie me down I guess
Hello James, you shouldnt have to justify the way you live to anyone but im sure people appreciate your openess and honesty about your life. I have wanted to live in a van and be free for the past two years, I know it will happen eventually. You have inspred me and spurred me on so much. I absolutely love watching your videos - they cheer me up no end ! You and Helen are just wonderful together. Thank you to both of you. Stay safe, take care and keep the videos coming.
Thank you so much, good luck with van life when you start 🙂
Happy 1 year of freedom anniversary James. Let's get you onto 40,000 subscribers by mid February. I have worked 20 years in hospitality (being the Cumbrian Basil Fawlty) and I know how stupid some people can be when it comes to opinions but I was once told opinions are like arse holes, we've all got one. The normal folk like us love your Vlogs because of how you two are, I suppose we see a bit of us in you both, just normal Yorkshire folk living our lives and yours is just like a mini fly on the wall documentary/pub review. You are 80% Grumpy, 20% Happy and 0% Fake and that will do for me.
Haha thank you so much 😀
Many thanks for the last 12 months
Thank you John, you're welcome :-)
Take no notice, their jealous numptys. I love watching you and Helen,good laugh!! X
Thank you
James,when you put yourself out there on YT you'll always get the haters.Ive been following you for a while now,and didn't realise the van life was a financial choice..good on you!..for what its worth your in my top three youtubers i follow.Keep doing what you do,its 👍
Thank you mate, I really appreciate that
I agree with everything you said we have lived in our motorhome until recently and even though we did mostly campsites you can't live any cheaper. The noise is an issue ,the driving is stressful but the places we visited and the people we met ..priceless .I love your channel and your a great bloke ,keep doing what your doing...well done for a year of entertainment.
Thank you 🙂
van life is just a season of your life, enjoy it! loved the bald teacher story. keep being real.
God that year has flown by! I remember stumbling accross your channel and have followed you from the start and I really look forward to your adventurers with or without Helen as your a true and honest northern bloke - stuff the haters there are only jealous, if it makes you happy keep doing what makes you happy life is too short 😉
Hi James, i came across your channel a few months ago, and i subscribed straight away. You and Helen are just brilliant. The amount of effort you put into your videos does show. I wish i had the freedom to visit all the places you and helen do, and om so grateful that you take us all along. I wish you all the success because you deserve it xx
Thank you so much 🙂
My hubs and I have really enjoyed the 12 months of vlogs. We love how you are so down to earth and real. Well done 🎉 Take care xx
are you a bigamist.
It's not just the cost of everything that is killing us all with stress, but the sheer number of things you need to do just to survive nowadays. Your vanlife has its downsides but seems to me that the simplicity far outweighs the complexity of the conventional grind. Having kids myself, and being of a similar age to you, I understand the emotional turmoil that comes at times but we need to remember that you only get a short time on this planet. 99% of the crap we worry about is just imaginary, enjoy life anyway you can.
Spot on
James it sounds as if your letting the idiots get too you , DONT as long as you and Helen are good and happy that's all that matters , as fun and live life , take care
Brilliant video mate. Im 50 myself this year myself & find it pretty inspiring. Takes balls to do that my friend
I started living in my car, the old Honda jazz, a few weeks after you started in your van, I consider I’m a full time car dweller now, even though I’ve been in a winter let since October, I had hoped to be back out on the road sooner but on moving in I got Ill with covid and then put my back out at work, so plans to put some actual fixed units in the car ( I had lived with just the mattress and plastic boxes for 9 months) got delayed. but now 4 more days and I’m back to the car full time. Yes, as an older lady sometimes it can be a bit daunting, finding good park ups where you feel safe is, I think, the most important thing, otherwise as you say you don’t get a decent sleep. I’ve enjoyed visiting new places which on my pension I couldn’t do in a house, and now in two weeks I retire to live off my little pension, confident I will manage after learning to live a more frugal,life in the car. I think ignore anyone who says you’re not full time because you don’t spend every single night in the van, who cares, and I reckon your daughter will look back on this time as a great adventure, my kids still,talk about the times I would take them off in the tent for six weeks in the summer hols, and they’re now all in their 30s, and two of them love to camp with their own kids. Enjoy the next 12 months doing whatever suits you. Take care. Pam @Camperjazz
Thank you Pam, time has flown hasn't it? Hope everything goes well when you get back to the car
People talk rubbish. They are spiteful. Jealous of how we van lifers are out their living life. Most wish they could but don't have the strength. I'm 5 years in my little van now and I'm ready to get a big one and carry on living in freedom. Just keep living your dream buddy
Fake my arse,you and Helen are the best thing thats happened to you tube in years.Can I just say you deserve 400.000 never mind 40.000 ..your input from different towns ,beautiful scenery,knowlege,facts , to pure comedy is on another level.
Dont change your ways James,Helenybobs your that good.
Thank you :-)
Love the videos helen is a legend you are too. My lady loves you both. Screw the haters james
Thank you :-)
G is for "Goodun" ❤😂😂😂
Good video as always James. I presume you've looked into renting a garage? Perhaps there isn't any in your local area to rent or cost is too high. Just thinking for parking at night where you wouldn't be buffeted by the wind and you wouldn't be bothered by what's happening outside the van, although a year on sounds like you've adapted to the second part
Have loved watching your adventures this past year - hope it all goes well in the next year!
Thank you 🙂
You, sir, are my bloody hero!!
I’m 67 now and wished I’d had the balls to do what you guys have done !!
The world is full of good honest people, but the small percentage of Richard Heads , always seem to come to the surface.
Rise above them my friend!
Keep up the good work 👍!
Can I recommend the town that I live in, I was originally from Warrington but now reside here in Nantwich.
It’s got fantastic history, in fact today is the Battle of Nantwich.
The sealed knot society act out the battle on the banks of the River Weaver. The Parliamentarian’s versus The Royalists.
There’s also a Secret Bunker in a village just outside of the town. It was built during the Cold War.
Best wishes to you guys, Badger & Glenys. XX
Wow Badger & Glenys, that is a lovely comment, thank you so much 🙂
Why can't these self-serving "critics" just enjoy your content. Your content opens our eyes to places we wouldn't have thought of visiting, and your dry humour certainly puts a smile on my face. Good on yer!! Just ignore the sad lot that can't go a day without knocking someone's way of life. There's must be oh so perfect! 👍
James you really do not have to explain yourself or your lifestyle to the negative viewers, the vast majority of your subscribers are thoroughly enjoying the videos that both yourself and Helen are making for us... keep up the good work... looking forward to the next year of content. All the best, David
That year has gone so quick, I’ve loved watching all your adventures with Helen I love all your videos. You’re enjoying life & that’s what it’s all about ❤😊
James truthfully your the best thank you for the past year, one day will bump into you and a pint on me.
Blimey a year that's flown by 😊
Congratulations on your first year dude, its been great to see your channel grow and i hope you reach 40,000 subscibers soon then quickly on to 100,000.
Just back from Alicante 24-26 still nice here😊
I need to go back 😊
You aren’t doing anything wrong,you took a lot of pressure off yourself and I am doing van camping at a weekend because I enjoy it,my children are jealous that I am fit enough at my age (75)out enjoying travelling it’s a good life,so take no notice of others and enjoy.
Thank you, Van life is fantastic :-)
Happy anniversary James , keep doing what you're doing it's great content 👍
Most genuine vanlife video I've seen in a long time. Enjoy your journey and take lessons and ignore opinions. Happy trails man!
Keep taking no notice, life's too short. Jealousy or envy don't get anyone anywhere. You need to think of yourselves in this world and grab opportunities as and when !
James your spot on,,, live life to the MAX,, been following you since 1k subs❤
Live your life and enjoy...
Hi James not missed a video since you started,love it mate,great content and always enjoy your adventures with Helen.heres to year 2 👍🏻😀🍻cheers mucka
Never change who you are, I have been watching from your first video and it has been great to watch your channel grow
If there's any justice James, you'll be pushing 60K subs by mid February.
Happy first year anniversary! Well done.
I've been following you for just about the year and I've stayed because you come across as genuine and every week there's something fun and interesting. I hope you get your 40k subscribers soon - well deserved mate. 🙂
I'd love to see you visit Hull again with Helen! Loads of pubs you'd love.
Thoroughly enjoyed your adventures from first finding them just after you started vlogging James.. All the best to you Helen and the family and look forward to accompanying along the next 12 months👍👍
Nobody’s business what you do and don’t do. Helen is great love seeing her on your vlogs.
Absolutely Love watching you and Helen . Sending you Both much Love.Please don’t ever Change x❤️🚐
I've loved watching you & Helen over the last year James. Highlight of my week when I see you've posted a new video. Power to your elbow pal 👍🏴
Well done on your one year anniversary. If my circumstances changed tomorrow I’d certainly give it a go! Just keep doing you on these vlogs James and you’ll be at 100k subscribers never mind 40k and you’ll deserve every one of them. All the best!
I love your straight forward honestly,it’s so refreshing,,,
Love your channel. Keep doing what your doing ❤
Well done mate I really enjoy your travels! And Helen is lovely so funny! John in Cotswolds happy 1 year in! 🎉
Brilliant James congratulations on your first year on the road. Keep up the great content, ilove it all and I'm looking forward to Helen and your continuing adventurse 😊.
Brilliant and truthful video. Hope you have a great year in you van and hope you and Helen do get together and be happy for the rest of your life's.
I'm a full time van lifer mate, like you. I'm a sub contract carpenter working in construction. I work all over the country and the firm I sub to put me in accommodation if I want it. That doesn't make me a fake does it ??? There are many forms of van life my friend and you are definitely not fake. Its your life and you should live it how you want. Don't listen to the morons who talk shit. Brilliant channel, thank you for sharing your life with us 😊
Thanks mate, appreciate that
cant believe its a year since i started watching just crack on with what your doing ignore the negative comments from jealous people
Really enjoyed that vlog. You’ve done well james
Well done, James. That year went quickly. Keep on being you and doing what you are doing. Don't have to explain yourself it's a free country. Roll on 40,000 subs🎉🎉🎉🎉
Don’t explain your self James , love seeing you and Helen .
You’re having a great time now and see what happens in the future. Good for you ❤
Great interesting videos. Big fan of folk vehicle living around the world . Taking control of your life is the right thing to do. Uk authorities and general population need to accept and embrace this type of lifestyle. Happy travels ! 😃
Love watching you guys what ever, thx for ya honesty 👍
Fantastic love watching you and helen be it in the van or on holiday, great content and very funny. Thankyou keep it up!
its been great watching your vlogs james keep going ta
We've enjoyed it mate 🍺to another one.
I think you are both amazing. Thanks for the quality content week in week out 😊
Good for you mate. The destructive critics are often the ones who don't have the balls to try what you are doing. They will be sat in the old folks home one day wishing they had taken the risk to change their life. By all means, put them straight when they come out with their ignorant comments if you feel the need but don't waste any time letting their comments bother you. Success is being content in life so it doesn't matter how you live your life as long as you are not harming other folk. Keep doing what you enjoy doing (both of you). We only get one shot at this life. Tek care.
Mate, I have been a sub from first few episodes, watched you post your keys and leave, you have come so far, and it's developed well. Well done always a good watch
Stop worrying about what others think of your channel, congratulations on a year in , hope this year is better for you and Helen , all the best for 2024 😊
Well said James your doing a great job there is always some one in the world who jealous of what you do keep the good work going and its nice seeing you with your family and Helen hope to see you somewhere in yorkshire
Respect you you… forget the haters and knobheads… what you do and how you do it is your business. 👍👍👍
Enjoy your life and have lots of fun and laughter. All the best for the future. ❤❤
I have some questions. Please tell me to poke off if you wish… 1. What do you do for work to keep the pennies coming in? 2. How much does it cost you to live in the van? 3. Where does your mail go? 4. What happens comes service time (if the van has to stay in the garage overnight?) Seriously considering getting a van…
No problem - 1. I do full time UA-cam 2. I've never really worked it out but its just food, diesel & a few other bits 3. My mail goes to a relatives address 4. Fortunately I've not had the van in a garage overnight but if I did, I'd have a night of luxury in a premier inn or stay at Helens
Hiya James , we’ll done on one year ! Love the vids , keep em coming ! 👍
Great insight n tips thanks
Some people are so sad they need to take a swipe.. Jealousy kills the soul! Take care & enjoy.
You keep doing exactly what you our doing,you will always get a few people who haven't got much of a life who will pick yours apart,you have good things going on there. Mate,true inspiration
Just dropped onto your blog lad, thar don’t look fake to me lad, you’re just living the dream, so keep it going 👍
Well done to you for having the 'you know whats' to take that leap .. you are fab at it, we love watching ya.. its a win win and long may you carry on. Oh and soundtrack's improved😀 love your and Helens adventures its crackin 👍
Enjoy your blog James and Helen is marvellous
Great stuff James
Enjoyed all your videos, both home and abroad and just being yourselves
You've come a long way and we've enjoyed the journey. Keep it up! 100K this year for sure.
Thanks. That would be awesome
I totally get where you are coming from. It's no one's business but yours how you live your life. Totally admire what you do and love all the different places you go to and Helen is so lovely. Hats of to you both you're amazing 😊
nice one i am 60 wild camping i enjoy it some people like a wee winch great wee channel 👍
Brilliant vlog as usual - love your honesty. Looking forward to your adventures in 2024 👍
Thank you 😊😍