I’m a 70 year old single healthy lady and retired last year from teaching. I was looking forward to having time for hobbies and yard work. Instead I’ve found I’ve lost interest in those things and becoming more dissatisfied by the day. I plan buy an older minivan and convert into a similar mini home for travel. I have a skilled brother who’s excited to help outfit the van with necessities. A minivan is a good fit for me to use as local transportation as well as travel. Wish me luck..I plan to be completed by mid summer and travel thru the fall. Should plans change in future I feel confident I can sell as mini conversion for amount I’ve put into it.
Try to get a newer or new vain, so at least u don't have too worry about it breaking down anytime soon. Use synthetic oil for oil changes. Good luck and stay safe!
Wow, it’s 11 months since.. I hope you have done progress with your plan. Life is simple, we complicate it . I’m happy that your letting your soul experience life with curiosity and allowing change for the unknown. Fear is dissolved when you let your heart be the captain of your Journey
I bought an older model sienna, middle row seats out and left stow back seats in. I’ve only camped a few times but love it! Everybody laughed when I bought a minivan but now everybody uses it to move furniture and make Home Depot runs. My trip across country is out for the moment as I share care for my 95 year old Mother but she lives independently and is healthy at the moment. Thanks for the well wishes.
If you were to ask a child to show you around the new fort they just built, it would go insanely similar to these interviews 😂. Everyone is just so excited and proud. It's so cute 🥰
@@AdiAsaf Listen. Most people are struggling. If the entire time we're all wailing and crying and never finding hope in anything, we may as well give up. We can't be constantly agitating politically and besting any comments with an eye to what's going to sound so terribly ON. I'm FED UP with the constant besting in one liner comments and oxygen theft. So it's not cute, it's TRAGIC. Life sucks and then you die. Happy?
Lots. of people like to live like this, rent and utilities free. Go visit Bend OR for an example of how people are abusing blm land. I wonder how much you'll still find to admire. It worries me.
This is a lot more of a practical video of how to do vanlife simply. Those builds I see so often just aren’t in my price range, and at that point I might as well just get an RV. I like this lady’s way of doing it.
Yup, nothing wrong with simple Also I see all these ppl putting thousands of $ into a van build but to me this is just then less $ they have to spend once they're out on the road
Sweet set-up Lee ... hope it's not too windy for you guys down there. Blowing like crazy here in 'Laughlin' ... just north of ya'll. Take care. Be safe.
Lee you're so fun! And organized! As soon as you said "Indian style" I was hooked! I love your setup. You have so much room in your Sedona! I don't know how it compares to my Isuzu Rodeo for floor space, but I'm going to experiment with something similar to what you have now before I start to build.
Doing Indian style in 2006 sedona, with 230,000. Very dependable van. One thing I got I like is a Thule! Easily attached to roof rack and holds a lot stuff!
This space is amazing! I love how she managed to keep a lot of personal space for herself and had everything neatly organized. This seems actually doable. Love her spirit!
I’m 73, semi-retired lady & I’d love this simple life but don’t know how I’d manage my life issues. I have health issues, am on meds which must be filled every 30 days, I have to see dr. every 4 months, I need WiFi for my laptop because I still work part-time. I think I missed my opportunity but love these videos, especially older ladies. Thanks for sharing your cool home on wheels!
Agree with lady below. You can definitely stay internet connected for work, but it sounds like you would need to possibly transfer your health care closer to where people live the nomad style, so you could get to the doctor and pharmacy on your schedule. Of course, I’m writing this from my living room of my house. (I have no street cred).😎
You can get your prescriptions for 3 month supple, that's what I do, also, see your Dr every six months, unless you're so I'll, you shouldn't be living this lifestyle anyway
That's the minivan version of an 'open floor plan'. It's amazing how much stuff you can stuff into a minivan and she's certainly utilizing all the space.
Bob Wells had a no-build by putting a army cot(twin bed) which is 39 inches wide. Lee's set up is better with the open space. and you stretch out, toss and turn etc.
Yes..she gave me hope with this video..downsizing to a minivan stressing about a lack of space n how to build a bed etc..im an old hippie chick..why I never thought of using just the floor. Duh..lol I sure plan on it now..a million things running thru my mind..i also don't have half the stuff she does but I will be getting a tent..oh..and those rubber mats then rugs..i need cushioning for my bony hips n broken tailbone..im so excited now..cant wait til payday..lol
@@davidleigh443 I saw that too..its also a bit long for a minivan..i think it was 75 or 76 inches..im only 5'3" and it's not easy finding a shorter sturdy cot with space under it for storage..i have 3 dressers like hers in my current van and a little kitchen set up n a fridge..so still lots of floor space even after I build my mini bathroom n closet..✌💖😊
@@cherbear1996 I have a Coleman Confort cot. The bed is 69 by 25 inches. With the legs extended is 72". Its like 17 inches tall/ I have 4 big boxes under the cot.
@@MonicaHernandez-yn8ct that would prob be perfect..thank you..i dbld up my 3" memory foam..fairly comfy..but not quite wide enuf..will for sure measure n see if that works n look it up...space as you know is a premium n under bed storage would help..im finding even without a bed I'm still moving crap to get to other crap..lol I don't have stow n go seats either so really zero storage other than the dressers..i took the 2 bigger ones out..will get 2 smaller ones I think? Space is tight for sure..i also need to get rid of some crap n organize better which is harder to do without the right stuff..thanks so much
Perfect Lee. I'm saddled with a huge house, and all alone. Formerly we were a family of 6. Funny thing about space... you can only be in ONE PLACE AT A TIME. The rest is superfluous.
I'm still working, have a house in Phoenix and in Sedona. I LOVE having 2 homes. I'm familiar with both, set up the way I like it. both have a vibration of their own. I work in Phoenix and weekend in Sedona.
For anybody living the van or tiny house life, a lot of space is not the priority or major concern. All the space they need in the world, is outside the van or tiny house. That's the beauty of down sizing.
@@valerierogers9609 Yep. I admire these people. I live vicariously in the stories of their adventures, wishing my mind would release me from my fears and inhibitions. I remember one woman, who said something like the Nike slogan, "just do it." She was 70 y/o, healthy, strong in mind and body, and her van home was gorgeous -- suited to her needs. She had a beautiful spirit.
This lady is such an ispiration. I wanna be like her, right now not when I'm her age. I sometimes feel too old for things and just put myself down a lot, so this was a really nice video to watch and get inspired again. Thanks!
I just turned 52 a month ago & I am ready for this life too. What I like most is she bought an 06 minivan and did not spend a ton of money outfitting it. If she gets tired of this life it will be easy to transition back. Very inspiring!!!
52 must be the magic number! 52 in two months! This gives me hope! I'm looking at a future of homelessness and see that I can indeed have a home without living in a room in a terrible neighborhood.
I have been looking for vans I found a Dodge caravan with 200,000 miles. They have 3 they were taken out of service. They belonged to a school bus company. I think that's too many miles. But I keep looking. Those vans I looked at were taken good care of. Great idea to look for a van at school bus place
I love her layers of flooring carpeting with thick blankets on top. Looks firm and forgiving. Lee's physical flexibility matches her bendy sense of adventure. Embrace the Bohemian inside! Lee's living it for us.
Space is really a state of mind. It seems like a nice space, actually, and she does have a lot of stuff. I want a fridge, but she might get there and then have to figure out some solar or something. I like the no interview interview. A really nice 20 minutes of video. She explains here van and she explains the overall concept.
For those needing power without outside solar. 4PATRIOTS has a portable generator that stores power and portable solar panels for around $2800. Well worth the money, small, quite, powerful, full solar recharge or you can plug it in as well. They also have the best ER food supply deal 4 weeks plus extra and comes in a low profile waterproof totes for around 200$ well worth it.
@@MinivanLee if you ever want to visit joliet illinois look me up on face book. We are not too far from interstate 80 and 55 and have plenty of room for you to park your van, camp, fish if you want to. We have extra poles and an extra bedroom/bathroom if you want to come indoors while you are here. We would love to visit with you "online auntie"
Love her van and she explained things so well. Very neat and love that she sits on the floor and has plenty of room. Great ideas too. Thanks for sharing.
Tristan this was excellent! Many times so many questions are asked and the person showing their build can fade to the background. Thank you for just allowing her to speak.
Absolutely love it. My wife and I have utilized our Dodge Caravan as a living space many, many times over the years when traveling. We don't have near the amenities you do, but not a full time gig for us. We love traveling this way when doing a 2 or 3 week trip down south during the winter. Can always get a nice room occasionally if we want a change of pace. I'm impressed and you genuinely seem happy with the life style. All the best to you.
On close ups, her face looks old, are you blind??? Lol - but she's full of life, like her personality, I think she's smoking a funny cig why laughing so much 😊😊😊
Outstanding! I am in the process of deciding which Sprinter van I want to buy, but I do own a van like this, and I'm taking off in about a month with it for a trip "around the world," I don't know where I'm going or for how long, I only know I'm taking off. I'll come back when I'm ready. I got a lot of ideas from this video that I liked, so thank you! Cheers.
Hi Tristan, When I first watched this video, one issue came to mind, and that was Lee has to 'build her bed every night. Since then I have watched some Van videos whereas the Nomad has to truly build their bed each night. They might have to pull out some boards or add cushions to build a bed but they do not have any space such as Lee's no-build build. Also, some van lifers build a platform and place containers or milk crates underneath, but then if you are tall like me (6'1) headroom may be an issue. Additionally, Lee's idea of rolling up her bedding and laying on top of her rear plastic dressers is a fantastic idea which gives her space back for daytime-especially if the weather is bad and she wants to bide her time inside for a bit. Lee has proven that Simple = Genius. Great job Lee.
I am currently building out my van and when I first started I was actually planning on not building a bed ... I’m a floor hippie anyway.. but I love this 💜
I love her van and the simplicity. My setup is really similar as i wanted a much simpler life, “camping” style like she said. The crazy expensive and elaborate builds would be cool if you had a ton of money but if you can be happy with less then it’s all you need. Anyone can do this, and you don’t gotta go all out.
1) This is good living. 2) I wish my parent/ parents were this cool. 3) Those cheap Ozark tents are great for storage, bathrooms, and marking your campsite as taken.
Wow! I am so happy for this lady she gets to live her dreamlife. She is so excited to show her van and talk about vanlife. It takes a lot to get ready to live this way. Wishing her to be in great health and happiness.
i am so impressed with Lee's attitude and ingenuity AND her size and flexibility. If one is going to live in a small space, it sure helps to be compact and flexible. Alas.
Window covers/insulation (10mm thick) for my 4Runner, 5mm black EVA flexible foam sheets 24" x 40", and Reflectix (another 5mm) glued together with 3M Hi-Strength 90 spray contact adhesive. Go heavy on the glue, I'm talking wall-to-wall coverage on both the foam and the Reflectix. Then using the templates I made for the six side windows and the back window (equals 4 templates) trace the window pattern onto the oversized black foam with a silver Sharpie and cut to exact fit using very sharp 10-12 inch scissors. All black on one side for heat absorption in the winter and silver Reflectix on the other side for heat rejection in the summer, and with 10mm total thickness good insulation with little or no bending or warping and no VOC smells. Store in overhead cargo net when not in use.
You make being homeless feel like THE GRAND ADVENTURE ! I'm retired, in my mid sixties, and this is our SECOND CHILDHOOD ! Be safe out there. Here's a tip for you. I buy the large cans of wasp spray that can shoot up to 25 ft. Makes a great weapon if your not carrying. Cheap, too. Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.
Have you seen that one girl with a white snake, she’s a van life youtuber. She more than glamorizes the homeless car life. It’s sad and a scam. She has massive followers after a couple vids, she even got a commercial on tv, it’s a show for the masses. ... homeless is NOT a grand adventure.
@@wordsunheard2383 lmao shes not the first person to live in a van. Type in van life and you will see that these people aren't homeless and want to live in a van. Some people pay $40,000-$80,000 for a van build out. Just because her video got picked up doesn't mean she is a scam and that van life is a scam. You are just new to the idea.
I love this lady, she is so happy and having a ball with life. my memory is not as good as Lees so I would have to label every thing in ever box. Good Job.
I lived in california from2008-2010 in my kia van 2005. I took out the back seats,had a full sized air bag, extension cord for my laptop,,,was very comfortable,,went all over san francisco,santa cruz,,monterreyetc. Plenty of Mcdonalds breakfasts,occasional chinese buffets,spent many hours at various 24 hour fitnesses,,,lots of girl watching at different malls went to various beaches, a fun experience,Saved lots of money on rent,hotel bills etc.
Lee is starting with a great approach to this lifestyle - a positive spirit, and a (relatively) uncluttered space. Both, I think, would be important to health (mental & physical) and sustainability. Thanks for the video Tristan!
Thank you, Great info. I drove to Alaska from Orange county, Ca. 2 years ago with SUV car camping hiking. It was perfect but I plan to get a van when I get ready to go around country. If i could do it with SUV, I will be much more comfortable with van. Thank you for showing.
I really amazed how beautifully she organised every stuff into a minivan like Sedona............Wishing many more happy miles through out her entire life...........
The rubber around the window for the clips, that's Robert Whitham 😁 I was just watching that video (again) a few days ago! Lee has a fantastic spin on the "no build". In doing my prep research I've been binge-watching videos getting on a year! I've learned to stop thinking that I won't get anything new from a video - I always do! Most people are doing essentially variations on a theme, but they'll always have one or two things they've devised that nobody else has done. I love this idea inside the van, it makes me think of a play area lol If my back wasn't a problem and my sciatica wouldn't come back to haunt me, I would love this as an option!
Starting van life soon after too many shady situations and thousands wasted and forced to leave or surrender my animals. it's been heartbreaking for me and kiddos. Breaking cycle! ..got the van Ty for ideas💖
Thank you so much for sharing your home here. It is absolutely amazing what you have done to the inside and so many good ideas for storage! I am thinking of buying a campervan to spend alot of time in, so will copy some of your ideas. I hope you don't mind! I live in England and want to travel all over Wales in mine! 😀
What a smart, classy lady. Love the no-build. I'm thinking about doing something similar in a Prius V. And thanks for the video.... I looked up and 23 minutes had gone by like it was 10. Will be subscribing to her channel.
Because of this video, I am hunting down a Kia Van and will get on the road within months! This woman makes it sooo clear that less is more and you don't need to build
I love this lady! I am also retired, but my mobility and health issues (cancer in remission) mean that I need to stay close to my health providers and familial support😍 and I am thankful for them. I have traveled to many countries in the past and memories of camping with my ex husband in Alaska, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and other places make me glad that we had the opportunity to do so much. I hope that she has only great experiences and makes many new friends!
What a terrific role model for all of us too afraid to just get out there and go for it! Lee is enjoying her life adventures and has such an enthusiastic way of sharing that she makes me want to get out there too! Life is too short to be unhappy. Thanks for sharing your story and creative ideas Lee!!
This is my favourite kind of vanlife vid. No fancy build, just some blankets and Walmart drawer. It does what it needs to and it doesn't need to be fancy to do it.
I’m going to retire in 2 years, I cannot drive, but looking at all these nomads people gives me the sense of doing “boondoggles”, but then I think of my two adults children, grandson, & the church life I have here in the city I lived in. That type of lifestyle is for people that may be loners but are very proud, strong and full of courage and that I appreciated and applaud them.
I’m a 70 year old single healthy lady and retired last year from teaching. I was looking forward to having time for hobbies and yard work. Instead I’ve found I’ve lost interest in those things and becoming more dissatisfied by the day. I plan buy an older minivan and convert into a similar mini home for travel. I have a skilled brother who’s excited to help outfit the van with necessities. A minivan is a good fit for me to use as local transportation as well as travel. Wish me luck..I plan to be completed by mid summer and travel thru the fall. Should plans change in future I feel confident I can sell as mini conversion for amount I’ve put into it.
Try to get a newer or new vain, so at least u don't have too worry about it breaking down anytime soon. Use synthetic oil for oil changes.
Good luck and stay safe!
Wow, it’s 11 months since.. I hope you have done progress with your plan. Life is simple, we complicate it . I’m happy that your letting your soul experience life with curiosity and allowing change for the unknown. Fear is dissolved when you let your heart be the captain of your Journey
Best of luck young lady!
I bought an older model sienna, middle row seats out and left stow back seats in. I’ve only camped a few times but love it! Everybody laughed when I bought a minivan but now everybody uses it to move furniture and make Home Depot runs. My trip across country is out for the moment as I share care for my 95 year old Mother but she lives independently and is healthy at the moment. Thanks for the well wishes.
@@lorihamlin3604 Great to hear about this .
I am so glad that it is working well for you. Be Safe n healthy
If you were to ask a child to show you around the new fort they just built, it would go insanely similar to these interviews 😂. Everyone is just so excited and proud. It's so cute 🥰
YOu're so right! We are just building cubby houses.
I’ve wanted to do this since I was 5. Still want to big time. Im gonna do it. Watch out.
She has her own channel, she is a free spirit for sure!
Cute...for crying out loud...this is sad
@@AdiAsaf Listen. Most people are struggling. If the entire time we're all wailing and crying and never finding hope in anything, we may as well give up.
We can't be constantly agitating politically and besting any comments with an eye to what's going to sound so terribly ON.
I'm FED UP with the constant besting in one liner comments and oxygen theft.
So it's not cute, it's TRAGIC.
Life sucks and then you die. Happy?
Every time she laughed, I laughed too. She is a fun person. I don’t even camp and I wanted to go camping with her.
soylarcandles Let’s go!! 😃
ua-cam.com/users/minivanlee
It’s me Minivan Lee
Loads of Videos. Come on over
Me too, it’s making me to think to do the same thing
Is this a campsite in Arizona?
Same for me!!
If you can live lime this, I can only imagine how much money you save by not having to pay rent and utilities every month. I admire her.
Lots. of people like to live like this, rent and utilities free. Go visit Bend OR for an example of how people are abusing blm land. I wonder how much you'll still find to admire. It worries me.
This is a lot more of a practical video of how to do vanlife simply. Those builds I see so often just aren’t in my price range, and at that point I might as well just get an RV. I like this lady’s way of doing it.
Yup, nothing wrong with simple
Also I see all these ppl putting thousands of $ into a van build but to me this is just then less $ they have to spend once they're out on the road
I love her. I wish for her health,safety and appreciation by all those she comes into contact with.She has certainly lifted my heart.
Me too!, she reminds me of an old friend
Agreed! Amazing energy!
She's so full of life, and it's exciting to see her get started on her dreams.....
Well done on a simple set up/start up......best of wishes.....
gym shoe Us vanners never mention it because we don’t want people to know we’re pretty darn secure.
@@jeffreyvasquez3911 word.
@@aliceshaw8265 If something is off, start vehicle and drive away. Utilizing your 2A also helps.
@@aliceshaw8265 ខខដ៍
@@aliceshaw8265 Never ever reveal your “security measures” to anyone. That is, the “first part” of your security!!...Think about it. 👀
Thanks Tristen. It was fun being interviewed.
Sweet set-up Lee ... hope it's not too windy for you guys down there. Blowing like crazy here in 'Laughlin' ... just north of ya'll. Take care. Be safe.
Lee you're so fun! And organized! As soon as you said "Indian style" I was hooked! I love your setup. You have so much room in your Sedona! I don't know how it compares to my Isuzu Rodeo for floor space, but I'm going to experiment with something similar to what you have now before I start to build.
Doing Indian style in 2006 sedona, with 230,000. Very dependable van. One thing I got I like is a Thule! Easily attached to roof rack and holds a lot stuff!
Lee, You have great energy! take care
*Thanks for sharing your story and home with us.*
This space is amazing! I love how she managed to keep a lot of personal space for herself and had everything neatly organized. This seems actually doable. Love her spirit!
That's what I thought too, until I saw all the shit out in the tent; that stuff has to go somewhere...
I’m 73, semi-retired lady & I’d love this simple life but don’t know how I’d manage my life issues. I have health issues, am on meds which must be filled every 30 days, I have to see dr. every 4 months, I need WiFi for my laptop because I still work part-time. I think I missed my opportunity but love these videos, especially older ladies. Thanks for sharing your cool home on wheels!
So maybe you can go for 30 days at a time!
Agree with lady below. You can definitely stay internet connected for work, but it sounds like you would need to possibly transfer your health care closer to where people live the nomad style, so you could get to the doctor and pharmacy on your schedule. Of course, I’m writing this from my living room of my house. (I have no street cred).😎
You can get your prescriptions for 3 month supple, that's what I do, also, see your Dr every six months, unless you're so I'll, you shouldn't be living this lifestyle anyway
Watch Bob Wells Cheap RV Living channel on UA-cam.
If your meds say you can't drive with them then that's an issue. Otherwise you can go a few days at a time. Like long weekends.
That's the minivan version of an 'open floor plan'. It's amazing how much stuff you can stuff into a minivan and she's certainly utilizing all the space.
Bob Wells had a no-build by putting a army cot(twin bed) which is 39 inches wide. Lee's set up is better with the open space. and you stretch out, toss and turn etc.
Yes..she gave me hope with this video..downsizing to a minivan stressing about a lack of space n how to build a bed etc..im an old hippie chick..why I never thought of using just the floor. Duh..lol
I sure plan on it now..a million things running thru my mind..i also don't have half the stuff she does but I will be getting a tent..oh..and those rubber mats then rugs..i need cushioning for my bony hips n broken tailbone..im so excited now..cant wait til payday..lol
@@davidleigh443 I saw that too..its also a bit long for a minivan..i think it was 75 or 76 inches..im only 5'3" and it's not easy finding a shorter sturdy cot with space under it for storage..i have 3 dressers like hers in my current van and a little kitchen set up n a fridge..so still lots of floor space even after I build my mini bathroom n closet..✌💖😊
@@cherbear1996 I have a Coleman Confort cot. The bed is 69 by 25 inches. With the legs extended is 72". Its like 17 inches tall/ I have 4 big boxes under the cot.
@@MonicaHernandez-yn8ct that would prob be perfect..thank you..i dbld up my 3" memory foam..fairly comfy..but not quite wide enuf..will for sure measure n see if that works n look it up...space as you know is a premium n under bed storage would help..im finding even without a bed I'm still moving crap to get to other crap..lol I don't have stow n go seats either so really zero storage other than the dressers..i took the 2 bigger ones out..will get 2 smaller ones I think? Space is tight for sure..i also need to get rid of some crap n organize better which is harder to do without the right stuff..thanks so much
What a lady! She is so positive and energetic
Excellent atitude she's the kind of person you would want to hang out with.
Perfect Lee. I'm saddled with a huge house, and all alone. Formerly we were a family of 6. Funny thing about space... you can only be in ONE PLACE AT A TIME. The rest is superfluous.
I'm still working, have a house in Phoenix and in Sedona. I LOVE having 2 homes. I'm familiar with both, set up the way I like it. both have a vibration of their own. I work in Phoenix and weekend in Sedona.
Yes we all have way more "stuff" than we need. It is dangerous though for a woman.
Thank you, Tristan, for interviewing Lee. She's a kind, brave soul and seeing her in her simple van is inspiring. Her experienced advice is helpful.
@6:20 she has a "munchies" drawer...that's why she's laughs a lots😉
What a sweet lady....
awww I liked her right away. She has spunk. Cheers
For anybody living the van or tiny house life, a lot of space is not the priority or major concern. All the space they need in the world, is outside the van or tiny house. That's the beauty of down sizing.
I know huh. The outdoors really extends one's living space.
@@valerierogers9609 Yep. I admire these people. I live vicariously in the stories of their adventures, wishing my mind would release me from my fears and inhibitions. I remember one woman, who said something like the Nike slogan, "just do it." She was 70 y/o, healthy, strong in mind and body, and her van home was gorgeous -- suited to her needs. She had a beautiful spirit.
Bob Wells always says his house might be small but his backyard is enormous.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Yes.you said it
This kind of living makes one grow wiser and think deeper and get the real meaning of life, I can say it from my own experience.
She is living her best life. This is the no build build for me. No fuss easy travel around the USA goals.
I’d love to hangout with this woman she’s always laughing and smiling I love her! 😭♥️
Me too
This lady is such an ispiration. I wanna be like her, right now not when I'm her age. I sometimes feel too old for things and just put myself down a lot, so this was a really nice video to watch and get inspired again. Thanks!
Never too old to start living & enjoying life! Do all you can while you can.
I'm 52 years old and I am so ready for this life. God bless you. I admire you for doing this
You can Do it Lorrie! I am 49 still have 8 more yrs before my retirement and I am in love with this life style. Less means MORE!! Good Luck Lorrie! 👌😊
I just turned 52 a month ago & I am ready for this life too. What I like most is she bought an 06 minivan and did not spend a ton of money outfitting it. If she gets tired of this life it will be easy to transition back. Very inspiring!!!
52 must be the magic number! 52 in two months! This gives me hope! I'm looking at a future of homelessness and see that I can indeed have a home without living in a room in a terrible neighborhood.
@@Noduhdork Magic 52 indeed! Turned 52 in December. I've been ready for years, about a decade.
I have been looking for vans I found a Dodge caravan with 200,000 miles. They have 3 they were taken out of service. They belonged to a school bus company. I think that's too many miles. But I keep looking. Those vans I looked at were taken good care of. Great idea to look for a van at school bus place
I love this setup and the space it gives. At sixty-nine, I could handle this style easily. Thank you for sharing. You’re awesome.
Hi, I'm White Rose, glad to meet 'ya!
Well then I can at 66, SA a different though and caravan parks ridiculous on one night stands
Great job Tristan. I like the way that you just let her talk.
Gonagain that’s exactly what I thought !!
Me too.
Me too - love to hear their tips n tricks etc
She’s gorgeous. Her energy is equally as inspiring as her set up ❤️🙏
Agree
I love her layers of flooring carpeting with thick blankets on top. Looks firm and forgiving. Lee's physical flexibility matches her bendy sense of adventure. Embrace the Bohemian inside! Lee's living it for us.
Here here. Wish I could get out there and do that.
Space is really a state of mind. It seems like a nice space, actually, and she does have a lot of stuff. I want a fridge, but she might get there and then have to figure out some solar or something. I like the no interview interview. A really nice 20 minutes of video. She explains here van and she explains the overall concept.
She does have solar
For those needing power without outside solar. 4PATRIOTS has a portable generator that stores power and portable solar panels for around $2800. Well worth the money, small, quite, powerful, full solar recharge or you can plug it in as well. They also have the best ER food supply deal 4 weeks plus extra and comes in a low profile waterproof totes for around 200$ well worth it.
Love the space and how simple her build is. Awesome interview, thanks for letting her explain her design and reasoning without interrupting.
No prompting, no interrupting and she told us.... she covered everything. A pleasure!
she seems like she'd be my favorite aunt if she was my aunt
enkor2113 Consider me your online Auntie. 😎
@@MinivanLee if you ever want to visit joliet illinois look me up on face book. We are not too far from interstate 80 and 55 and have plenty of room for you to park your van, camp, fish if you want to. We have extra poles and an extra bedroom/bathroom if you want to come indoors while you are here. We would love to visit with you "online auntie"
She just seems so happy and content. Good for her to go for it!
Love her van and she explained things so well. Very neat and love that she sits on the floor and has plenty of room. Great ideas too. Thanks for sharing.
Lee, you just changed everything for my husband and I on van life.. we LOVE the non-build! We're very excited!
I love her! Watched the whole thing and was so interested compared to other van builds and hers is the simplest! Awesome setup. I wish her luck!
Tristan this was excellent! Many times so many questions are asked and the person showing their build can fade to the background. Thank you for just allowing her to speak.
How inspiring! She's done a great job making her van livable! I want to do this too! Thank you!
OMG, I love her! She's way too cool for my dad, but MAN, I wish he were more of a catch so I could keep her 😃🤗
Ohh, give your dad some credit.....I'm sure at one time he was a catch...he jus had to probably work real hard, forgot who he truly is :)
Absolutely love it. My wife and I have utilized our Dodge Caravan as a living space many, many times over the years when traveling. We don't have near the amenities you do, but not a full time gig for us. We love traveling this way when doing a 2 or 3 week trip down south during the winter. Can always get a nice room occasionally if we want a change of pace. I'm impressed and you genuinely seem happy with the life style. All the best to you.
You’re so positive which is good. Stay safe from strange people
The lady looks so young. Love her style, so elegant and beautiful xxx
Her pigtails are young!!! Lol
On close ups, her face looks old, are you blind??? Lol - but she's full of life, like her personality, I think she's smoking a funny cig why laughing so much 😊😊😊
Outstanding! I am in the process of deciding which Sprinter van I want to buy, but I do own a van like this, and I'm taking off in about a month with it for a trip "around the world," I don't know where I'm going or for how long, I only know I'm taking off. I'll come back when I'm ready. I got a lot of ideas from this video that I liked, so thank you! Cheers.
So refreshing to see a lady with so much zest! Love her enthusiasm and bounce!
The Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, so I'm thinking her daughter must be as fun and pleasant as her Mom'a. I like her simple cozy van.
This lady is adorable! I love the simplicity of her van, she has all that she needs. 💗
Loved how she made her rig work for her! It's awesome!
Hi Tristan, When I first watched this video, one issue came to mind, and that was Lee has to 'build
her bed every night. Since then I have watched some Van videos whereas the Nomad has to truly build their bed each night. They might have to pull out some boards or add cushions to build a bed but they do not have any space such as Lee's no-build build. Also, some van lifers build a platform and place containers or milk crates underneath, but then if you are tall like me (6'1) headroom may be an issue. Additionally, Lee's idea of rolling up her bedding and laying on top of her rear plastic dressers is a fantastic idea which gives her space back for daytime-especially if the weather is bad and she wants to bide her time inside for a bit. Lee has proven that Simple = Genius. Great job Lee.
I love her! She’s so happy with her life but she’s also extremely organized both wonderful attributes. Keep up the great work,
This is what Bob Wells calls a "no-build build". Keeping it simple. I like her Renogy panel. I have that same one.
What a cool woman. One of a kind. Love the van layout as well 🙂
I've been watching videos of people living in vehicles lately, they are all so happy, positive and welcoming.
Love the idea of setting up a tent solely for putting extra items in. Like a storage closet. Really opens up the living space when parked!
Wow!
This is the neatest, best organized woman I’ve seen!!! She is AWESOME!
Everyone else I’ve seen living in their vehicle seems crammed up.
😁👍👍👍
I am currently building out my van and when I first started I was actually planning on not building a bed ... I’m a floor hippie anyway.. but I love this 💜
Floor hippie, lol
I love her van and the simplicity. My setup is really similar as i wanted a much simpler life, “camping” style like she said. The crazy expensive and elaborate builds would be cool if you had a ton of money but if you can be happy with less then it’s all you need. Anyone can do this, and you don’t gotta go all out.
What a sweetheart! I love this woman! Thanks for sharing. She has some great ideas and a wonderful spirit. Enjoy the Journey!
I seriously hope I’m as cool as she is when I’m retired! What a wonderful spirit she has!
I love her "boop, boop boop" on the internet- lol. Great lady- fun van.
ua-cam.com/users/minivanlee
It’s me Minivan Lee
Loads of Videos. Come on over
Hahhahaha!! That was hilarious. I am gonna steal that :)
Lol!
Me too! She'd be a hoot to hang out with!
1) This is good living. 2) I wish my parent/ parents were this cool. 3) Those cheap Ozark tents are great for storage, bathrooms, and marking your campsite as taken.
crj moto Thank you yes. The tent. was a last minute but I’m glad I had it.
Same idea nice big pop up with the security on sleeping in vehicle . motorhome in UK cost a fortune
Wow! I am so happy for this lady she gets to live her dreamlife. She is so excited to show her van and talk about vanlife. It takes a lot to get ready to live this way. Wishing her to be in great health and happiness.
This lady is rad and I'm a fan of the set up. Very organized.❤️
i am so impressed with Lee's attitude and ingenuity AND her size and flexibility. If one is going to live in a small space, it sure helps to be compact and flexible. Alas.
Window covers/insulation (10mm thick) for my 4Runner, 5mm black EVA flexible foam sheets 24" x 40", and Reflectix (another 5mm) glued together with 3M Hi-Strength 90 spray contact adhesive. Go heavy on the glue, I'm talking wall-to-wall coverage on both the foam and the Reflectix. Then using the templates I made for the six side windows and the back window (equals 4 templates) trace the window pattern onto the oversized black foam with a silver Sharpie and cut to exact fit using very sharp 10-12 inch scissors. All black on one side for heat absorption in the winter and silver Reflectix on the other side for heat rejection in the summer, and with 10mm total thickness good insulation with little or no bending or warping and no VOC smells. Store in overhead cargo net when not in use.
You make being homeless feel like THE GRAND ADVENTURE ! I'm retired, in my mid sixties, and this is our SECOND CHILDHOOD ! Be safe out there. Here's a tip for you. I buy the large cans of wasp spray that can shoot up to 25 ft. Makes a great weapon if your not carrying. Cheap, too.
Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.
Kathy Bowen how do you carry if you’re going from state to state?
Have you seen that one girl with a white snake, she’s a van life youtuber. She more than glamorizes the homeless car life. It’s sad and a scam. She has massive followers after a couple vids, she even got a commercial on tv, it’s a show for the masses. ... homeless is NOT a grand adventure.
@@wordsunheard2383 lmao shes not the first person to live in a van. Type in van life and you will see that these people aren't homeless and want to live in a van. Some people pay $40,000-$80,000 for a van build out. Just because her video got picked up doesn't mean she is a scam and that van life is a scam. You are just new to the idea.
@@2PiNkStEr well said!
@@PatriotSteve I can't recommend this book enough for traveling with a CCP www.amazon.com/Travelers-Guide-Firearm-Fifty-States/dp/0578607875
I love the headliner lights for mood. This helps when a person get through tough times...mood lighting at night is important with this style #vanlife
She just proves that life is about exploring and loving life. Material things are just stuff. 🙏🏼♥️🌟✨
I love how simple yet effective this is, great job Lee 👏🏻👏🏻
I agree, sometimes the simple setups are the more profound! Here here! Go Lee!
@@AdventuringArthur Hear! Hear!* 😁
The most organized minivan set up I've seen. I like it :) Love her personality. Hope you enjoy your time camping.
I love this lady, she is so happy and having a ball with life. my memory is not as good as Lees so I would have to label every thing in ever box. Good Job.
She is definitely a survivalist. Love her personality ❤️
I love how she describes everything in detail too. 👩🏾🦱💐
Love her style, energy and enthusiasm! Lots of great simple stuff here thank you Lee!!
great video, what a happy camper Lee is! She's doing it her way.
I admire her. I love the simplicity. I could totally live like this. ❤️ She’s a pro at packing all that in. Wow!
Wonderful love her cowGirl boots. Full of energy. Thank you for posting, truly wonderful lady
Very organized, well planned.
It's fun to see how much joy this woman finds in "the simple things."
I lived in california from2008-2010 in my kia van 2005. I took out the back seats,had a full sized air bag, extension cord for my laptop,,,was very comfortable,,went all over san francisco,santa cruz,,monterreyetc. Plenty of Mcdonalds breakfasts,occasional chinese buffets,spent many hours at various 24 hour fitnesses,,,lots of girl watching at different malls went to various beaches, a fun experience,Saved lots of money on rent,hotel bills etc.
Lee is starting with a great approach to this lifestyle - a positive spirit, and a (relatively) uncluttered space. Both, I think, would be important to health (mental & physical) and sustainability.
Thanks for the video Tristan!
Don't forget the old put out two chairs trick. No one needs to know you're by yourself.
amazing trick, especially for solo female travellers. Thank you!
Great idea!
I would put out 6 ! 😁 with my tribe
Great idea 💡
Thank you,
Great info.
I drove to Alaska from Orange county, Ca. 2 years ago with SUV car camping hiking.
It was perfect but I plan to get a van when I get ready to go around country.
If i could do it with SUV, I will be much more comfortable with van.
Thank you for showing.
Thank you for sharing your Full Time living show and we love it! God Bless you!!!🙏
I really amazed how beautifully she organised every stuff into a minivan like Sedona............Wishing many more happy miles through out her entire life...........
The rubber around the window for the clips, that's Robert Whitham 😁 I was just watching that video (again) a few days ago! Lee has a fantastic spin on the "no build". In doing my prep research I've been binge-watching videos getting on a year! I've learned to stop thinking that I won't get anything new from a video - I always do! Most people are doing essentially variations on a theme, but they'll always have one or two things they've devised that nobody else has done.
I love this idea inside the van, it makes me think of a play area lol If my back wasn't a problem and my sciatica wouldn't come back to haunt me, I would love this as an option!
Linda Sue Thank you yes it was Robert Whitham. When I watched his video and saw that I had rubber, I was pumped. The system works.
Wow!!! She is amazing, living a simple life but it looks like that is enough for her happiness 💕😊
Her joy is contagious. Can we hang out? I love the simplicity of her set up and I love her laugh 😂
Lee has great energy. Thank you for interviewing her for us.
Starting van life soon after too many shady situations and thousands wasted and forced to leave or surrender my animals. it's been heartbreaking for me and kiddos. Breaking cycle!
..got the van Ty for ideas💖
Thank you so much for sharing your home here. It is absolutely amazing what you have done to the inside and so many good ideas for storage! I am thinking of buying a campervan to spend alot of time in, so will copy some of your ideas. I hope you don't mind! I live in England and want to travel all over Wales in mine! 😀
What a smart, classy lady. Love the no-build. I'm thinking about doing something similar in a Prius V. And thanks for the video.... I looked up and 23 minutes had gone by like it was 10. Will be subscribing to her channel.
Charles Harris thank you Charles. I’m in the city again atm in Nevada. Will switch boondocking and city dwelling throughout.
I think she lost her marbles
Minivan Lee I’m in Pahrump Nv. Would love to meet up. I’m 72 retired teacher (female)
Thanks Tristan for showcasing her. it gives us other oldies hope, lol! she is definitely inspiring.
Because of this video, I am hunting down a Kia Van and will get on the road within months! This woman makes it sooo clear that less is more and you don't need to build
This is the style setup I like the most and do myself, inexpensive and simple! Thanks for sharing
Love this great lady. Minnie van lee,you go lady. Thanks for sharing and hacks, tips. Oklahoma solo Senior💗
Janice Peck ❤️
Chock full of good tips! I’m also planning the same “build” for my minivan. I love the idea of a tent to offload stuff
Thanks for the tour! I wish she explained her bathroom set-up & showering. As Bob Wells says, these are important aspects to van life! :)
and she mentioned Planet Fitness, where she most likely showers...
I love this lady! I am also retired, but my mobility and health issues (cancer in remission) mean that I need to stay close to my health providers and familial support😍 and I am thankful for them. I have traveled to many countries in the past and memories of camping with my ex husband in Alaska, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and other places make me glad that we had the opportunity to do so much. I hope that she has only great experiences and makes many new friends!
What a terrific role model for all of us too afraid to just get out there and go for it! Lee is enjoying her life adventures and has such an enthusiastic way of sharing that she makes me want to get out there too! Life is too short to be unhappy. Thanks for sharing your story and creative ideas Lee!!
Delightful human.
So glad she can do this.
Hope I can...
Amazing, congrats, she is a inspiration and an example of “ less is more “
This is my favourite kind of vanlife vid. No fancy build, just some blankets and Walmart drawer. It does what it needs to and it doesn't need to be fancy to do it.
Plain and simple agreed!
I love her voice and how she talks. I am listening to her without even watching the video while I do other things on the internet. Love this video
I’m going to retire in 2 years, I cannot drive, but looking at all these nomads people gives me the sense of doing “boondoggles”, but then I think of my two adults children, grandson, & the church life I have here in the city I lived in. That type of lifestyle is for people that may be loners but are very proud, strong and full of courage and that I appreciated and applaud them.
Me too! I applaud their courage to challenge the status quo. Such an inspiration.
What an amazing transformation to a functional practical conversion! Take Care