VAN TOUR | 6 YEARS on the road FULL TIME | Don't start van life that way

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  • Опубліковано 27 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 301

  • @michellemack6640
    @michellemack6640 Місяць тому +127

    Thank you for showing that vanlife doesn't have to be about having the biggest and most shiny rig with all the stuff. It's possible to start small and constantly improve and be happy with the process. You have made your van a lovely little home.

    • @nancysweigart4123
      @nancysweigart4123 Місяць тому +9

      I think it's OK to change according to your needs and wants.

    • @MarieSchneider-wc5to
      @MarieSchneider-wc5to Місяць тому

      Congratulations

    • @tiffanylubeck3505
      @tiffanylubeck3505 Місяць тому +1

      Yeah I got out of suv life just to realize I'm losing all my savings so kinda need to go back to it soon, I loved watching her vids they really helped me out on the road last year, I think soon I'll be doing it again too.

  • @vickyschoeneweis4036
    @vickyschoeneweis4036 Місяць тому +27

    Emi, in August of 2017, I was post leg surgery, and basically trapped in a lift chair in my home, seeing a physical therapist. I was bored out of my mind, in a lot of pain, and that's when I discovered vanlife. I was 3 years away from retiring, and I just happened to catch Chrome's very first video. I'd always wanted to travel, but I knew that I'd never have enough income to travel the world on what retirement income I was going to have after working 45 years. Watching Chrome convinced me that, "I can do that!" My work vehicle was a 2010 Ford E-150 van. I worked in a state park, and I drove that work van for 6 years in all kinds of weather, lots of times having to let it idle for most of the day as I patrolled the park, and I was not permitted to drive it faster than 25 miles per hour on park property. I live in a southeastern state and it's VERY hot in the summer time. Even today it was 97F (36C), and the humidity is awful! That Ford van never over-heated even once in 6 years! It's a long story, but today I have a 2003 Ford E-350 hightop and I travel during the winter time out to the western states like California and Arizona. I doubt very much that I'll ever live full-time in my van. LOL, I'm almost 6 foot tall, and I need to be able to stand up. I decided I'd like a little more room in my living area. So a year ago, I bought a 2007 Ford E-450 shuttle bus. The living area is 7.5 feet wide and 14 feet long. I'm working on the build in it as I type this. My plan is to travel in my bus to Wyoming and Washington State next year. So, I discovered vanlife 7 years ago, finally got to travel for the first time in 2021 in my van. Ya just have to keep on keeping on.

  • @virginiajorgensen8614
    @virginiajorgensen8614 Місяць тому +38

    Congrats on your six year journey and all of the improvements and comforts that you have been able to add.

  • @shabazan
    @shabazan Місяць тому +50

    I found that An important part of happiness in vanlife is slowing down and learning acceptance of what is - while improving incrementally. ( You helped me with this)

  • @MsLori1973
    @MsLori1973 Місяць тому +37

    You've come a long way. I've been there. god, you made me cry. Watchin u work knowing your story. You gave me tears. I wish you always the very best. You definitely desrve it. Stay humble always ❤ your a wonderful person. Don't let anyone ever tell you any different 😊

  • @nailazion3113
    @nailazion3113 Місяць тому +44

    Hello Emi and Kelly......your van is simply beautiful and classy...

  • @loriaversher5477
    @loriaversher5477 Місяць тому +31

    Hi Emi, Thanks for sharing, I remember when you didn't have heat. You have made wonderful improvements and it looks so cozy!

  • @debjohansen7867
    @debjohansen7867 Місяць тому +27

    Hi Emi and Miss Kelly! Congratulations on 6 years! This is such an accomplishment. I liked how you expressed your journey. You have come a long way through your hard work, frugalness, and creativity. Your little home on wheels shows how much you value your life. Joy, blessings, and love to you both!

  • @cathylivingston368
    @cathylivingston368 Місяць тому +23

    Even though I still live in a disco van after 6 years, with a cooler, propane stove, air mattress, and lug-a-loo 😆 I STILL bought a bunch of stuff that I thought I "needed" because it was cool. A lot of it was junk to begin with, and broke, or just wasn't as functional as I imagined. Moving to a "minimalist" van life mindset is one step. Essentialism is my mantra now. By focusing on just the basics, you realize how truly little we need to "survive," and it opens up so much more time for other things, like taking a healthy walk, enjoying nature and interests, reading, contemplating, creating...whatever it is that makes you feel good. It's not van life itself that's so rewarding...it's the other things you get to do, that bring joy and peace of mind. That is something you can't buy, and sadly, most people never give themselves a chance to experience. I'm really happy for you, Emi. Your smile is genuine.

    • @tiffanylubeck3505
      @tiffanylubeck3505 Місяць тому +1

      Well said, I find my self missing road life so bad now and I'm losing my savings paying rent so in few months I'm going back to my suv to travel again and ya know it took quitting to realize how much I loved it. For the last yr I have felt trapped and made such little progress anyways. Goodluck to you out there and hope you keep going strong and enjoy the life 🎉❤

  • @rachadventuresinliv
    @rachadventuresinliv Місяць тому +1

    Happy Vanniversary 6 years of living your best life. Simplicity is happiness.
    Much love 😘😘

  • @robinfrazier4543
    @robinfrazier4543 Місяць тому +27

    Emi, you and Kelly bring more joy to people than you could possibly know. ❤🎉

  • @larryhunter8245
    @larryhunter8245 Місяць тому

    You took your time and added things as you could afford them. Its amazing what it has become today. It reflects you. Amazing job Emi!

  • @vanmoose76
    @vanmoose76 Місяць тому +12

    5 years…bravo!
    You and Miss Kitty are wonderful to watch and inspire many to consider living life simply. Thank you for the candid way you present your travels!

  • @christophgrail
    @christophgrail Місяць тому +2

    Hello Emilie,
    It's always nice to see your cat KELLY and you with your cool van in your videos and I'm always happy when you upload a new episode! I hope you and your cat are doing well and that you are both having lovely moments in beautiful British Columbia or Canada!
    Stay as you are and I wish you many, many more years in your beautiful van together with your adorable cat KellyMany greetings from Deutschfeistritz, Styria, AUSTRIA, Christoph and my 4 cats Barney, Kira, Sial and Ted 😊

  • @purplehaze5977
    @purplehaze5977 Місяць тому +14

    You have grown so much in confidence as well take care emi and kelly ❤

  • @damonswanson3156
    @damonswanson3156 Місяць тому +2

    Happy Celebration to you both! 😎

  • @loualwell7930
    @loualwell7930 Місяць тому +3

    Congratulations on 6 years of freedom.

  • @heavenbound563
    @heavenbound563 Місяць тому +13

    Thank you Emi for those encouraging words. My husband and I have been van lifers for a month now and I am so happy to be living in a van . So thank you for being a good role model for showing what real van life is. God Bless you and Miss Kelly.

    • @dross24MA
      @dross24MA Місяць тому

      Best of luck and joy in your new venture 🤩

  • @sandydouglas3799
    @sandydouglas3799 Місяць тому

    Well done for 6 years of living on the road. Your videos are very peaceful.

  • @lisaflores8801
    @lisaflores8801 Місяць тому +2

    I really appreciate your channel and your humbleness and kind spirit, your talent with tools, and a Camara and ability to tackle your problems with grace a giggle and a smile , happy anniversary!!!!

  • @ninjaotb9
    @ninjaotb9 День тому

    Thank you for being so gracious and showing us your lovely home! It is gorgeous, so bright and minimal. I completely agree that the process is a big part of living anywhere. Huge enjoyments 🥰 Kudos to you! Love seeing your V.I. vids, I am planning on heading there when it thaws in the spring.

  • @tarileeterrell
    @tarileeterrell Місяць тому +29

    I HAVE FELT LIKE RUNNING AWAY FROM LIFE! BUT GOD OPENED MY EYES TO SEE THAT ITS BETTER TO LIVE THAN JUST BE ALIVE❤️🙏🙏🙏

    • @RetiredLife825
      @RetiredLife825 Місяць тому +6

      I felt this same way. Packing up what I could live with in my eco boost and moving forward.

  • @glennda1939
    @glennda1939 Місяць тому

    CONGRATULATIONS
    Thank you for showing us where you started in van life. You've done great! You look beautiful! Be blessed!

  • @shabazan
    @shabazan Місяць тому +10

    I remember when you added the heater. Wow , times fly when you’re having fun! 🌹

  • @gladysfenick993
    @gladysfenick993 Місяць тому

    I love what you've done with the van thus far . The photo pictures really set the van off with the added new decor .

  • @petrabutler3463
    @petrabutler3463 Місяць тому +6

    You are an inspiration to me. I am 59 and just got a small camper. Just had a bed in it and I am slowly adding bits and bobs. Not to live in just to do little trips away. My partner in crime is my Dog Dexter 😊
    Love your videos, always makes my day when a new pops up.
    Lots of love from the UK 🇬🇧

  • @ElizabethSpyder
    @ElizabethSpyder Місяць тому

    Congratulations on 6 years🎉 Its wonderful watching your adventures, the upgrades to the van, and your ups n downs in life. Kelly is a great vanlifer as well. Love how you keep it all real.

  • @2INTUATIVE
    @2INTUATIVE Місяць тому +6

    I love how you kept things simple but very functional. Little by little...and it speaks volumes about the person you are!
    6 yrs! Congratulations!

  • @mchangmi
    @mchangmi Місяць тому

    Emi, you totally inspire me to not only do the van life, but that I can do it! I was a live in care taker but not any more and starting tomorrow I must live in my car, or motel, or couch surf with friends. I plan to start small, and eventually get a van and go for it I work here in southern California two part time jobs, with a modest income. Thank you Emi for this video, and for all the tips you have learned along the way that you now share with us here in YT land. Emi you are the best and I wish you all the best as well. See you in the next video.

  • @karenferguson8426
    @karenferguson8426 Місяць тому

    Just wanted to say …truely love both you and miss Kelly… you are and inspirational person a light to so many.. I love having the privilege to share in your life by watching … and. Cherish the time we met in person… your hard work and determination has sure paid off… your home is a dream out of a magazine and I’ve watched you build it and enjoy life’s beauty and pathways..it’s easy to do life in a way tha best suits us… congratulations on 6 years…see you down the road again hopefully one day… lol be from Karen and Donna … tiny prince and kitty kitty.

  • @allentowngal4769
    @allentowngal4769 Місяць тому

    Being debt free is the BEST thing I did before living full-time in my rv. Having a carefree lifestyle is difficult when you are already struggling.

  • @hr3134
    @hr3134 Місяць тому

    You emanate such a wonderful spirit! Your van design feels so open with the windows and beautiful photos... you've created a lovely little home :) Thank you for sharing.

  • @user-kev-k5v
    @user-kev-k5v Місяць тому

    Yes but Emily, your satisfied with what you have and it works for you my dear , and you do enjoy your life the way it is, I appreciate what you have done and I love watching you and miss Kitty your cat 🐈

  • @GenGenChilling
    @GenGenChilling Місяць тому

    Congratulations so proud of your progress. And your editing of scenic videography 🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @Cynthia-z8z
    @Cynthia-z8z Місяць тому

    Congratulations on six years.

  • @dwighthyde
    @dwighthyde Місяць тому +1

    You’ve done such a great job! Great message/story!!!😊❤️🙌🇨🇦

  • @Bhatia423
    @Bhatia423 Місяць тому +2

    Congratulations, Emy. You have done so good. Iam so proud of you. Sending you and Kelly a big hug. ❤

  • @ruthjohnson6369
    @ruthjohnson6369 Місяць тому

    Congratulations Emi. I have enjoyed watching the improvement you have made over time on the van. Great job on your lovely home on wheels.

  • @alicewonders9291
    @alicewonders9291 Місяць тому

    Congratulations Miss Emi 👣❤️ and Miss Kelly 🐾💖

  • @gailwalker5902
    @gailwalker5902 Місяць тому

    Emi your renovations this year have been just wonderful and I know your Van will continue to evolve as you have time to work on it but it has become very nicely designed for you and Kelly! Looks like summer traveling is going good 😊 stay safe and healthy as your travels continue! 😎❤️

  • @proudtexan5513
    @proudtexan5513 Місяць тому +2

    Your Van/HomeLOOKS AWESOME!!! Great job ,

  • @alariaesculenta8177
    @alariaesculenta8177 Місяць тому +1

    Great achievements ! Congratulations ⚘👍🇨🇦 You are inspiring, and I'm so happy for you to have grown and progressed so much. You have great skills in both construction and decoration. Lovely, cozy little home on wheels. I'm doing the same in my GMC, and it seems we never run out of ideas to improve and make things more practical, comfortable, and fun !🦖🚿
    I just hope the EV craze as well as certain ideas about how ppl should conduct their lives won't kill vanlife

  • @mikeanderson6522
    @mikeanderson6522 Місяць тому

    Thanks for your story. I agree. If I had one, I would do solar battery so I could have air conditioning. Technology is getting cheeper and I love the way people build it by watching videos. You did a great job on your van. Looks so nice.😊.

  • @theloveleebaker
    @theloveleebaker Місяць тому +1

    Hi Emi!
    Thank you for sharing the evolution of you and your vanlife. I’m starting my journey…tomorrow in my 2008 Honda Pilot and I’m so happy to have found your channel during my slow transition. Congratulations on 6 years of vehicle living! Sharing your highs and lows has been such a blessing for many of us on your channel. Looking forward to more of your van-life adventure!
    Sending you and Kelly so much love from Boston, MA❤

  • @maverick4080
    @maverick4080 Місяць тому

    Congratulations on your sixth year of living the RV life....✌😊❤

  • @kaytoka717
    @kaytoka717 Місяць тому

    I really enjoyed watching you refresh and make changes to your home over time, as well as keeping a balance with nature, working and your creativity / passions. Thank you for the reminder and the wisdom that you have to start somewhere and that it is a work in progress to getting it to where you are now and that is part of the joy. I think the Solar addition would be good just because then you wouldn’t have to be driving all the time in order to have enough power. It would also work in winter, but you would have to clear the snow off of it. I don’t think your viewers mind if you are hanging out in a comfortable or interesting spot for more than a day or 2. Especially in the summer - winter you kind of have to move more because of the cold and the challenges that brings on power and keeping warm. ❤😊

  • @Maggie-to9vv
    @Maggie-to9vv Місяць тому +1

    We are so happy for you 😊

  • @4runnerisfunner
    @4runnerisfunner Місяць тому +1

    Your van is beautiful ! I love all the changes, and you still have plenty of room. Pure class !!

  • @kimprocarione5473
    @kimprocarione5473 Місяць тому

    Congratulations!!! Wonderful job! I love Miss Kelly kisses! ♥️🐾♥️

  • @RoaringRanger
    @RoaringRanger Місяць тому

    I think this is one of the best set up I have seen.

  • @JCBthree
    @JCBthree Місяць тому +4

    Six years!...wow! That's along time! In a van!

  • @RLeeVanCamps
    @RLeeVanCamps Місяць тому

    Congrats on six years of good living!! You’ve come a long way and should be so proud😊 best advice start with what you have and grow from there

  • @caroljohnson5578
    @caroljohnson5578 Місяць тому

    Emi I have been following you for awhile now and have loved watching the progress of your channel and van!!! You have done such a great job in both areas, I am so proud of you!

  • @virginiacaston1456
    @virginiacaston1456 Місяць тому +8

    Congratulations on 6 years of vehicle dwelling! You have it set up in a way that works for you. It looks so cozy and comfortable! 😊

    • @dross24MA
      @dross24MA Місяць тому +1

      It looks "real" and truly liveable. 😊

  • @cindyloucreates
    @cindyloucreates 25 днів тому

    🎉🎉 congratulations on 6 years!! ❤❣️

  • @Just_Granny
    @Just_Granny Місяць тому

    You’ve come a long way. Your van is perfect! 😍

  • @user-kev-k5v
    @user-kev-k5v Місяць тому

    Good Morning Emily and miss Kelly , you’ve come a long way young lady , and look at your van now, amazed to see what you have accomplished through your years from car to van well done you did that 👍❤

  • @Angel-hd2rs
    @Angel-hd2rs Місяць тому

    Congratulations on 6 years!!

  • @amstergal
    @amstergal Місяць тому

    Your van and van life has been a labor of love, strength, determination sacrifice combined with your creative vision for a perfect cozy home for you and Miss Kelly.

  • @vivianrivers467
    @vivianrivers467 Місяць тому

    Great job, Emi!!! Love your channel!!!❤🐈❤

  • @patriciasancho8239
    @patriciasancho8239 Місяць тому

    Congratulations🥳🎉🚐 I love all your videos!! Your Home Looks so cozy. You’ve done a great job on it. A lot of men can’t do what you’ve done in van patch yourself on the back .. . Keep up the good work and stay safe, my friend.🚐🏔️😎🐾🐾

  • @MsSoozy
    @MsSoozy Місяць тому

    Less is more. I love your van and the build. 😊 This was nice Emi and it’s fun seeing the transformation from back then to now 😎☀️

  • @StaceyJackson-n9w
    @StaceyJackson-n9w Місяць тому

    Happy 6 year anniversary in your home and thank you for bringing us along. ❤🎉

  • @peggymccurdy1941
    @peggymccurdy1941 Місяць тому

    You have done a very nice job fixing up your home. 😊

  • @storiesfromhinterland
    @storiesfromhinterland Місяць тому +1

    Congrats and to many happy and cozy adventures to both of you 🎉🤗🌞.

  • @cherbear1996
    @cherbear1996 Місяць тому

    Thank you Emi...as I've said before, yours is def my fave van..open organized clean n pretty..I just bought a 2005 Chevy Astro after living in a high top Econoline for a bit over a year, then a Dodge caravan for about 4.5 years...the Astro was what I could afford on ssdi and the sweet spot is that it belonged to a fleet so well maintained..be another year before I can travel outside of my surrounding states but good things are worth waiting for😊be safe n happy travels..hugs to Kelly, n you too✌️❤️😊

  • @maddencrue
    @maddencrue Місяць тому

    Congrats Emi and Kelly 🎉❤

  • @lisagardner9798
    @lisagardner9798 Місяць тому

    Happy 6th year van life anniversary! Love your videos. Thank you for showing all the differences from the beginning. I think your van is very nice!

  • @karyn6143
    @karyn6143 Місяць тому

    I really enjoyed your show and watching your progress. You and Kelly have a great rest of the summer and be safe

  • @virginiatolles1664
    @virginiatolles1664 Місяць тому

    Best of all, you look happy.

  • @HannaloreJohnson
    @HannaloreJohnson Місяць тому

    I love the inside of the van!!
    I've decided that I will be using the baby changing table that has shelves with doors for my counter, mainly because it will fit my 2 burner camp stove and it has high edges around top where a little mattress sat!! Plus it's walnut wood and very sturdy being 50+ yrs!! And I'm not ready to part with it!!

  • @martaparsons5633
    @martaparsons5633 Місяць тому

    I enjoy your videos. You have wisely built your home a bit at a time. Safe travels❤

  • @patriciamuskevitsch8359
    @patriciamuskevitsch8359 Місяць тому +6

    Excellent video, so happy to see you progress.

  • @Vanhockeymom
    @Vanhockeymom Місяць тому

    Happy anniversary! Congratulations on 6 years!

  • @Musicescape17
    @Musicescape17 Місяць тому

    Happy Vanniversary ! 🎉👩🏻🐈

  • @tiffanylubeck3505
    @tiffanylubeck3505 Місяць тому

    Thanks so much for these vids they helped me so much in my suv on the road, then I got out of vanlife but am losing my savings so fast paying rent so in few months I got to pack up and go but to be honest I miss vanlife, I felt so free and mobile, could travel alot but it can get tiring also, thanks so much for showing us ways to make it easier, your my hero and its amazing your still going strong 🎉

  • @dix837
    @dix837 Місяць тому

    Bon 6ieme anniversaire Emy and Kitty tu es pas mal bonne d'avoir traveller pas de chauffage et de frigo pendant une couple d'années,j'ai une vieille sprinter 2005 acheté avec ma sœur qu'on a payé 20 000$ fini en plywood ça fait la job bravo a toi et ton super Kitty l'important c'est de faire ce qu'on aime ❤️😊👍

  • @paperbagnomad
    @paperbagnomad Місяць тому +5

    ive enjoyed your content throughout the years. thank you for the content creation. always a pleasure!

  • @kimberlyobrien4677
    @kimberlyobrien4677 Місяць тому

    Happy 6th anniversary!🎉 I love this video. So honest. And I love seeing some of the old pictures of your van. I would like to see pictures of what you had to do to even make it livable when you first got it. But thank you so much for sharing this.

  • @Lorelei-p5s
    @Lorelei-p5s Місяць тому

    Thank You !

  • @jackiewiseman5840
    @jackiewiseman5840 Місяць тому

    Love your video's, so enjoy watching your travels.

  • @Novideo549
    @Novideo549 Місяць тому +1

    Hola hablas español me gusta tus Videos saludos desde sacramento California

  • @quitaulla1569
    @quitaulla1569 Місяць тому

    Congratulations on your beautiful van! You did a wonderful job!👍❤️Hugs to you and miss Kitty. 🎉✌️😽

  • @denisediangelo1902
    @denisediangelo1902 Місяць тому

    Congratulations your van is pretty

  • @mjeanes4244
    @mjeanes4244 Місяць тому

    Love your home Emi 😍

  • @julieashton9401
    @julieashton9401 Місяць тому

    Your home is lovely x

  • @sherriberkley188
    @sherriberkley188 Місяць тому +1

    Wow Emi you have COME a LONG Way!

  • @wyomingwips7540
    @wyomingwips7540 Місяць тому +3

    Your Van looks so nice and homey. Just perfect for you and Kelly.
    Thanks for the tour.
    Take Care

  • @marnahyatt5983
    @marnahyatt5983 Місяць тому +1

    Congrats on 6 years! Your home is lovely!

  • @vickilee2185
    @vickilee2185 Місяць тому +1

    You have my respect for your patience. It has been a long time. I wish you and Miss Kitty all the happiness and good health that comes your way. Blessings always.

  • @mtcklc
    @mtcklc Місяць тому +3

    You’ve come a long way, Emi!!!

  • @larrywilliams4946
    @larrywilliams4946 Місяць тому +4

    Another GREAT VIDEO ..
    I’ve been with you from the beginning .. You & Ms Kitty are part of my family .. GOD BLESS BOTH OF YOU ..!!!👍😊😇😻🙏🏻🎶🇺🇸

  • @louise5906
    @louise5906 Місяць тому +1

    You got there. Good on you! 👍 Me too 😊

  • @famillehockey310
    @famillehockey310 Місяць тому

    I really like how your van turn Nice 👌

  • @Yvonneb_
    @Yvonneb_ Місяць тому +1

    Great video as always, really enjoyed it. Loved the tour. Congratulations on 6 years ❤❤ xx

  • @risingsun49
    @risingsun49 Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for being honest and so real. There are a lot of younger people who have more money to start and they buy expensive vans rvs but the reason why people started out doing this was because they were not rich and wanted to save money the rents housing was too high unaffordable the only way to save money is too live in a car. But it got trendy and it was never supose to be that way. As I thank you for showing the world why people live in vans.

  • @lynnnunezwhitlock1073
    @lynnnunezwhitlock1073 Місяць тому +4

    I began 4 years ago in a Honda Odyssey..Im now in a short bus..She is my baby and I love this life..even at 70 🦕💘

  • @jK-yj2tl
    @jK-yj2tl Місяць тому +3

    Great advice on staying simple and just getting out there. I really like how this van reflects your personality… Great job. Looking forward to your next video.

  • @elainepearman2309
    @elainepearman2309 Місяць тому +4

    Thanks for the tour Emi, I have followed you for some years now and have watched your van grow. All the best to you both, kisses for Kelly. 🥰

  • @KathyClark-us9op
    @KathyClark-us9op Місяць тому +1

    You done a good job improving your van. It looks so good.