Hi everyone, thanks for the support and brilliant comments. Unfortunately the comment section is getting targeted by scammers. If you receive a message on here using my image which claims to be from Telegram or that you have won a prize please ignore it. As extra precaution I've changed the settings to 'approved only' so don't worry if your comment doesn't immediately appear, it's just that it's awaiting my approval!!
@@T1tusCr0w It's not. You can get free gym by applying for the restart scheme. Pay absolutely nothing. Also a gym is a public place. It's just pervert bait now.
People do realise what's going on, billions of pounds are being spent on bombs and bullets to maim folk in Ukraine, for a start. In Leeds the council have yet again put up tax, spending extra millions on housing ILLEGAL immigrants on orders from the government. Don't get me started on net zero polices, but yes, we know what's going on! As yet there's nothing we can do about it.
@Anne Woodward obviously you have no morels then IV done jobs that a lot would not do freezing cold in rain mud up to my eye balls soaking wet yes grave diging 11 years in a minuse 28 cold store plus carrying 30 tones a shift on my own and push bike to and from work in all weathers and for crap money and no doubt you can't say the same
I sold my house and brought a narrowboat. I live in a marina works out for mooring, electric, water, coal and rubbish collection about £120 pw. No council tax. Debt free is enlightening. Good luck x
Wishing you all the best! I grew up in W.Yorks & some of my best memories are of my Dad getting a REALLY old van, painting it bright yellow (it was the 70's!) and taking us all over the place. We slept like sardines in the back, got moved on a few times in the night, ate horrible tinned food on a tiny camp stove & it was bloody brilliant!
Same here in Australia. Landlords, agents have got greedy which is forcing more people onto the streets as homeless. I work weekly with these homeless in my town and the numbers are growing fast. The world is getting greedy and too much concentrate on self instead of others. God bless you and your kids🙏🏼✝️
So the cost of everything increases (including mortgage rates) so everyone increases their prices but only landlords are labelled as greedy 🤦🏼♀️ people are clueless
@@monikawojciechowska8964 and agents. Rent increases of $120-$140 PER WEEK in a single increment are not justified regardless of the economy. I feel for the landlords and agents but many of them are increasing rent solely in order to continue their lifestyles so as not to have to tighten the belt like everyone else, but at the ruin of their tenents. This is happening so much in Qld. Tenants are not personal cash cows for landlords who dont want to change their lifestyle one iota.
@@manoffaithministry people won't rent out their house just to barely get by. What's the point? You do it to make money, it's a business and they take all the risk (like damage) and hidden expenses (such as cost of repair and taxes) people don't think about. People get furious at landlords because they make a living through passive income instead of being a brokie like everyone else.
@@monikawojciechowska8964 It's not fair to blame landlords. I have a rental property. It runs at a loss during the year, so I usually get a few grand back at tax time. It is certainly not making me a wealthy man. Recently, I had tenants who put holes in walls and doors all over the house. They smashed the glass in the kitchen sliding door and even pulled up floorboards.
It is not merely greed but part of a world wide agenda. The freemasons are deliberately trying to destroy and wipe out a huge chunk of humanity. The land lords are almost all freemasons also, and have been told by their higher ups to do this.
Good luck with this, I think a lot of folk are thinking of doing something like this. One piece of advice I heard from another UA-camr (who was homeless) was to get a discount monthly pass at a gym - generally you can spend hours in there (great for bad weather), use the shower facilities, chat with others etc.
Thank you for sharing your story brother. All the best to you, your girlfriend and your daughter. Decent people doing their best and many people understand you x
My site agent who is in his late 40 lives in his Mercedes sprinter. He's kitted it out with solar panels etc and even has a small log burner in it. He loves the freedom and says he's never been happier
Easy James. Loving the videos. Me and Katie have found campervan people the most welcoming and friendly. We’ve just got started too producing regular youtube videos after watching other van lifers for years. feel hopeless at the moment but you are smashing it. We have a bigger van but 4 bloody dogs so just as little room. We live in Stockport so not too far away. Keep it up guys.
Get a gym membership for a nationwide gym, get one for about 30 a month. Most of em are open till very late and it gives you access to showers and hot water etc.
As a father of 4 children,,time absolutely does fly...I can remember doings things with them all...And now they are grown up,,they have their own lives..I don't see them much as I would like now.. Take every chance,every opportunity.. Absolutely fantastic video..On a humble human level..💯👍💯
What a great move ! I did the same thing five years ago and it’s the best thing that I have done. Living in a house is a permanent ridiculous drain on the finances, I wouldn’t go back to bricks and mortar 👍
Take my hat off to you pal. Rents and mortgages are atrocious these days...even if you can pay for the roof over your head there's the energy and food which is now shocking. I really hope it works out for you and your kids mate.
My experienced tips......Save all your previous rent money....use supermarket toilets etc for dumping...find a number of safe locations ...rotate regularly...watch out for car park cameras that can fine you...... Keep low profile...get a friend for mail address .
Good luck fella 👍 i did it 3 years ago this march and sold the property i lived in and never looked back . Only one tip comfortable bed and diesel heater in you van .the diesel heater best £100 you will spend in your lifetime . Makes a steel box warm and toasty . Im 54 and save a fortune and dont worry about increasing bills and stuff .
Love your courage I'm from london and that's the crazy mentality everyones adopted we've become zombies to the system doing things out the box its whats needed
This video fills me with so much joy and hope and "YES! Go on! Fair play, mate, I hear you completely!!!" I shared the exact experience as you regarding your landlord and the rented house you were living in. It's sickening that this is a totally legal practise that happens to thousands of renters across the UK, especially families (I'm a single mum of two kids with three cats, so while the van life really appeals, I'm not sure how I can actually do this yet, and am researching my options, hence finding your video and channel!). But I believe we are all being literally forced into impossible living situations so that we, as humans, can learn to adapt to our situations, and find better, more fulfilling ways of living. Thank you for sharing your unique experience and perspective on things, it's so helpful to those of us feeling these same feelings about the shittiness, monotony and rigidity that has become 21st century "living". I truly wish you and your daughter all the best and all the love and luck in the world on your adventures!
Not it is not merely about adapting, but rounding up the secret society criminals in power and putting them behind bars. How much longer do you think you can 'keep adapting'? When these demons see large numbers of people trying the van life, they will come along and try to make it illegal or slap crippling taxes on it (camping tax, campsite tax, park on the road side tax, bed inside the van tax, gas cooker inside the van tax etc). In other parts of the world they send the military, mercenaries etc and brutalize tribal communities, in an effort to drive them off their wilderness lands and into urban slums and force them to participate in the monetary rat race system to survive. This is ongoing in places like Brazil, Kenya, Congo, India etc
I'm right with you buddy, I'm in West Yorkshire and doing similar but with a 7.5 ton. People do think you're crazy but follow what you believe, you can always go back if you choose to
Absolutely love this! Why don’t you go one step further and perhaps get yourself a caravan and live on a campsite. We were in the same boat as you and bought a tiny house in 2020, lived on a campsite and our quality of life has improved significantly. Housing is so expensive that buying or renting is such a miserable way to live and more people should be looking outside the box! Hope everything goes well 👍
With so many options to make life easier absolutely go for it, I wish I had it as easy when I did it I'd still be living in my van today, happiest I've been was van life back in the 90s
Totally understand your decision given the situation you found yourself in, and lets face it, reaching that point of "why not" may not be a lifelong lifestyle but it's better than getting screwed over by all and sundry of today's UK. Sounds like your location 'options' could be the thing that makes it work? And, we are a long time dead :) Hope your ex landlord finds it impossible to let out the house...now that would be poetic justice :) Best of luck on this adventure :) Bet your daughter will love sleeping in the van?
@@bythecurb sad to say but with we humans greed always wins! Not wishing to be morbid but, I can't see us humans being around for another 1000 years or whatever, we don't have what it takes to stop it now? So, get the best out of life you can now :)
Totally with you mate. In a similar situation myself but without a van 😅 Living costs are going insane. It’s near impossible to survive these days. New subscriber for you here. I wish you every success.
Mate, fair play to you, forget the advice you're told on here, do what you think is right and learn from any mistakes you make, I've been living in my van for over a year, and adventure for your two kids equates to time with you.
Sad to hear that but understandable! I'm in a same sort of situation and sold my house and all belongings past October 2022 and put my money in a camper van,upgraded it for long periods of off grid living and still doing it! I won't say it's always easy, but it's definitely doable! I'm now considering a career change that soothe / compliment my life in a better way. I also have two kids,one off almost 11 and one of becoming 17 later on this year. The youngest is still loving the experience, my oldest not so and tends to stay at her moms house,but we still have contact in person ever so often. Anyhow, I wish you and your family all the best especially in these hard times we're living and what's ahead of us 🙏🏻 Greetings from the other side of the canal, Holland 🐺 hooowuuu!
"By the curb," definitely get a good memory mattress. Amazon are great, do your research. Get a comfortable rest pad for your 5 year old and an outdoor Camp awning to attach to your Van. You will be financially better off, stuff anyone else that is genuinely negative. The thing you have to do is make your van comfortable and do what is right for you. You have resources to change things up. Doesn't matter how small a space. You work with what you have. I have part-time car camped in a tiny Cheverlot Spark. I used what I had until I could upgrade. I am now in something bigger and I can tell you, prefer my set up in the smaller car. I am a solo lady part-time car camper. I have been met with views because of my culture we don't camp. Well I do and love it. So you do you, if it doesn't work at least you tried it for yourself and gave up on your terms, no one else's. What everyone forgets is when they want to do something they go ahead so you focus on your needs right now. Your be happier and your kids will love you for it.
It all sounds so glum depressive. Go watch some of the American vanlife or European. Explains you imagination make it an adventure FUN! Even if England’s weather can be so glum. Also monetise it BECOME A VANLIFE UA-camR
caught this video by sheer luck, fair play to you dude I wish you all the best and am glad to think there are other people out there who wont become a slave to this system of keeping people in thier miserable lifestyles. Im sure there are individuals who look down on you and what your doing, but you have somethings others cant fathom which is freedom. keep grinding buddy.
I admire you for taking such a huge step backwards in one sense and being somebody who has seen my own rent go up by nearly 25% landlords are just rinsing tennants. I wish you all the best and hope you have some great adventures with your daughter !
Just stumbled across this channel what a brilliant idea you have and fair play to you brother! I’ll subscribe and follow your journey. I only said to my partner a few weeks ago we should do van life and I can see me doing this one day x
Good luck on your new lifestyle! I'll be doing exactly the same thing when it's time for me to move out of the house I'm living in atm. So exiting 😁 looking forward to watching your adventure unfold 😊👍
Hi Pal, thought I'd just make a comment on this video. I am a landlord, only have one house rented but still, I understand your disappointment in the rent rises and prices of houses that are advertised to rent. From a landlord's point of view, we have also been hit by price increases. I have a buy-to-let mortgage due for renewal, and the renewal rates are far higher, so I am forced to increase my rent too. Don't want to but I have no choice, with a bigger mortgage, insurance increases and increased maintenance charges, taxes etc we landlords have to pay if I don't put the rent up I may as well sell, it pointless keeping. If other landlords feel the same way and we all start selling then there will be far fewer properties to rent leading to an increased shortage of houses to live in. I think your decision to become an almost full-time van lifer is brilliant, absolutely nothing wrong with that choice, it is an adventure and gives you the freedom to do far more in your life with your child as well. You've done your research, and you know what it's all about so all the best to you. These days for most anyway, it is a choice and there are loads of us van lifers, part or full-time. Prove all the doubter wrong, enjoy it.
Thanks Andy, there are some brilliant landlords out there, I personally know a couple. They always go above and beyond for their tenants. The whole cost of living thing in the UK is ridiculous now. Food is probably the worse, it seems to be going up daily.
@@bythecurb The problem is that we got a system that allowed Andy and other people to treat houses as investment. Housing is an essential good and should be for consumption not investment. If we continue this insanity the next thing would be water.
Fair play to what you're doing mate! takes a lot of guts, love how most people think you're crazy when they're the crazy ones getting mugged off paying massive bills
We sold our house before Christmas and we're moving onto our 22ft boat. We're currently renting a holiday let while we get some work done to the boat as it's not livable right now (our original plan didn't work out due to problems with the house, otherwise we would have moved out and gone straight onto a larger boat). We had to do something as this country is being run into the ground and it was getting harder to manage. Good luck with your journey. I honestly think you're doing the right thing, even if friends and family don't yet see it.
Subscribed pal, loved your honesty and the things you discussed,i think a lot of people will resonate with your words, especially with cost of living ect, you'll have some great times and what wonderful experiences for your daughter too, keep us posted mate 😊
It’s a ridiculous state of affairs that people are having to make choices like this because they simply can’t afford to live in an actual house. I’m a 30 yr old single person and the thought of renting or buying a home in this current financial climate frightens me. It does cross my mind often that I could finance a camper van and simply live in that for a while and save up. Can use it to sleep in and get to my jobs, essentially hitting two birds with one stone. I wish you all the best.
I get you mate when me, my wife and 5 year old daughter were in a rented house i bought a flipping great big white luton van it was a wrecker but fixed it up as my daily runner kitted it out as a camper with serval small rooms, our landlord was a complete nightmare we lived there 10 years never missed a payment or complained about anything she was a right dragon always putting up the rent and always moaning about something and when we left she took us to court for damages that had nothing to do with us luckily the court sided with us as we took photos and videos of eveything the day we moved in of the house's condition, we were saving for a house and by the time we paid the rip-off rent amd bills we didnt have a lot left over to save so we said begger it were live out the van for a year or 2 put the money we would of paid for rent aside and bought a house, now we use the van for holidays but it was good fun living in the van for a while our daughter certainly liked it especially as her bed was in the luton box on over the cab, i can see many people living out their vans soon this country is beyond ridiculous now. If i was a single man with no responsibilities i would live out me van all the time, i liked the freedom of being able to go anywhere an hitch up for the night and we saved an awful lot of money by doing so.
Iv got custody of my granddaughter she’s 12 Iv had her from birth.. and Iv told her soon as she’s 18 I’m getting a motor home Iv got a few friends who’s done it for year and they love it new place every day
Best if luck mate. Life's to short to worry about other people's opinions. You live your life and be happy with your family. You'll have trying times but at least you've done it on your terms. Stay safe mate
Well I'm glad this vid popped up this morning. Your opening lines sound almost identical to my position and plans. 2 kids part of time, every penny i earn goes on renting/running the house. Can't even put fuel in my work van to take kids where i want to take them, and even struggle to feed them some days (though obviously thats the only real priority so always comes first while other bills build up. Got til end of month to decide on van or lodge at a friends, but even with my bills halved I'd still struggle. Will stay in touch fella, follow your story fella, and take inspiration. Best of luck!
Systemic poverty is the economic exploitation of people who are poor through laws, policies, practices and systems that perpetuate their impoverished status.
I think you will have a great time living in the van but not having standing Headroom will soon get tiring just getting changed is so much harder when you cannot stand up. My first van was a standard Swb transit low roof, I had it fitted out really well and traveled all over France and Spain having a wonderful time but when it came time to change it when it failed it's MOT I bought an older motorhome with full standing Headroom a shower / toilet and two double beds, it cost me £4500 and was wonderful and again traveled all over Spain in her. You don't need to spend £20000 to have a fabulous home on wheels.
I’ve done it for five years now, you’ll get lots of advice from people, my tip, join a cheap gym, the showers are worth it. I use pure gym and swap to wherever I’m working at the time. A hi-viz jacket is a great thing to have, I’ve walked into many a place and used showers, sports centre, even a bus garage 😆 be surprised what a bit of cheek will get you. Finally, Dorset is the best placed I’ve lived, lovely people,
Don't wish things were easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom - Jim Rohn
I bought a 60 ft narrowboat, fully fitted out with central heating and log burner, fully fitted kitchen, dinning area, living room with tv. good size walk through bathroom with bath and shower and a carpetted bedroom with dressing table wardrobes the bed is a fixed king sized with storage under..Like you when I told family and friends they were happy but sceptical until they visited then they wanted to do the same.. with the £12000 a year saving, maybe you could consider a life afloat? All the very best in your adventure, I will be following .. David.
Mate I'm genuinely happy for you. Forget what every one thinks. Many people hate instead of helping. Good on you son! Take the kids camping and its true they grow fast. Forget the modern day society, life is an adventure. Wish you the best of success and I'd love to do the same.
I did a few months in an old Talbot express a couple of years ago. Loved it. Nights were cold though. If you ever come through Shropshire and need house stuff, like kitchen or shower etc, I will help. I'm still a vannie at heart. Looking at boats now. They're cheaper.
I feel exactly the same and just put my property on the market with my mortgage about to double. I’m hoping I can get a quick sale and although I’m slightly anxious about Van life I know I can save money to also do more things with my daughters, that’s what life is really about. I’m going to start watching a few more of your videos, I hope it’s going ok for you. …..Smithy
I did the same for about 18 months but the cold winter nights got the better of me, its handy that you have a business premises that you can sleep in overnight, that's the avenue I would go down, just have to keep it quite 😂 Good luck to you, I have subscribed.
Mate, you can succeed again never give up. As long as you are alive God has a plan for you...keep trying and don't give up. Be positive and you will.make things great
Just found your channel, great stuff... Not sure if you have one but a Bluetti power tank and solar panels are a game changer for living in a van. Cover all you power needs.
hope all goes ell for you, just about to watch your video of your first night, i have subbed to give you that little bit more support. Im in london/kent and yes the prices are totally bonkers. all the best to you and hope that you can have that special adventures with your children
Best of luck. The caveats you mentioned make it a great opportunity to jump into vanlife especially with having a smaller van. I hopenit works out well.
I don't think your mad at all,go for it and have the best adventure with your little one. There are some great set ups around for having 2 single ish sized beds in the van,one goes width ways for the little one and one length ways for a adult but you could always make that with a flip out or pull out section to make it a double.
My mum and dad are leaving next March to leave in a van (Due to rent costs) Sold everything they own, building a camper in a long wheel base transit. I’m not in the position to help financially but they are so happy to go on their adventure. They are 58 and can’t wait. I’m so happy for them 😊
There is a video called 'why hot tenting sucks', it might also apply to campervans. I've thought a lot about it after tenting many times. It could be a better idea to put a bike in your van to explore, save gas, get exercise, cook outside, and avoid a stove/fridge inside. You dont want to get stuck in a van, like stuck in a tent. Get a bike and cook outside.
I hear you brother, feel for you. I live in Batley, a good friend of mine just recently has had to put £150 of his own D.W.P money towards his rent per month due to his landlord/s raising his rent. He is on decent money from the dole as he has an awful illness which involves his eyesight so he's classed as 'blind' and gets full sick pay (around £1,200 per month I think) but he told/showed me the amount of rent per month on basic 1 room houses and they were lousy; I was shocked at what you now get for your money rent wise. I'm fortunate enough to be a homeowner, but if I was in your situation and I had a van I could make do as living conditions, damn right I would do as your doing. It's ridiculous now what people are just expected to pay per month to rent properties that are at best incredibly basic. I really feel for young people and couples who are desperately trying to get a foothold on the property market. I'm constantly reminded of just how lucky I am, and I'm grateful for my situation. What worries me is, it's bad now and it's only going to get worse, much worse. You strike me as a guy who knows how to be positive even in dire situations, think of it as a mental battle, I'm sure you will be just fine as you have plenty of other options open to you as opposed to just always being stuck in the van. A good mattress is also a must I'd say. All the best to you and yours in all you do, from a fellow Yorkshire man.
@@bythecurb Yeah, I think you're right. The world's gone to $hit since I was a lad (born in '73) but I loved playing out with me mates and all the mad stuff we'd do...I don't see that in kids these days. On a plus note, you got another subscriber, me yeyy!! I'm just about to watch your first night in the van vid, I hope all's well.
The best of luck my friend On making the stand against the greed of landlords and banks!!!! You may look at it as your mid-life crisis ! 😮 We are all due one as we grow up 🙄...
Hi everyone, thanks for the support and brilliant comments. Unfortunately the comment section is getting targeted by scammers. If you receive a message on here using my image which claims to be from Telegram or that you have won a prize please ignore it. As extra precaution I've changed the settings to 'approved only' so don't worry if your comment doesn't immediately appear, it's just that it's awaiting my approval!!
Shame our country is that messed up that honest hardworking people can’t afford to live anymore. You seem a great dad btw
Thank you, I can afford to live but I just want a better quality of life! 😀
@@bythecurb Get a gym membership at a local leisure centre💪probably £250 for the year.. be able to relax, sauna, steamroom, jacuzzi and showers.
@@djokovic1747 that’s good advice.
Yet we run to the polls to vote tory every time.
@@T1tusCr0w It's not. You can get free gym by applying for the restart scheme. Pay absolutely nothing. Also a gym is a public place. It's just pervert bait now.
Many people feel exactly the same. The cost of living is going beyond ridiculous and people don't realise what is going on.
Good luck on your journey.
Thank you!
People do realise what's going on, billions of pounds are being spent on bombs and bullets to maim folk in Ukraine, for a start. In Leeds the council have yet again put up tax, spending extra millions on housing ILLEGAL immigrants on orders from the government. Don't get me started on net zero polices, but yes, we know what's going on! As yet there's nothing we can do about it.
I know what's going on it's them at the top creaming the cystem and still want more to live in there castles
@Anne Woodward another one out of touch sorry you must need more money than me
@Anne Woodward obviously you have no morels then IV done jobs that a lot would not do freezing cold in rain mud up to my eye balls soaking wet yes grave diging 11 years in a minuse 28 cold store plus carrying 30 tones a shift on my own and push bike to and from work in all weathers and for crap money and no doubt you can't say the same
I sold my house and brought a narrowboat. I live in a marina works out for mooring, electric, water, coal and rubbish collection about £120 pw. No council tax. Debt free is enlightening. Good luck x
Sounds lovely!
Wishing you all the best! I grew up in W.Yorks & some of my best memories are of my Dad getting a REALLY old van, painting it bright yellow (it was the 70's!) and taking us all over the place. We slept like sardines in the back, got moved on a few times in the night, ate horrible tinned food on a tiny camp stove & it was bloody brilliant!
Amazing memories
Same here in Australia. Landlords, agents have got greedy which is forcing more people onto the streets as homeless. I work weekly with these homeless in my town and the numbers are growing fast. The world is getting greedy and too much concentrate on self instead of others. God bless you and your kids🙏🏼✝️
So the cost of everything increases (including mortgage rates) so everyone increases their prices but only landlords are labelled as greedy 🤦🏼♀️ people are clueless
@@monikawojciechowska8964 and agents. Rent increases of $120-$140 PER WEEK in a single increment are not justified regardless of the economy. I feel for the landlords and agents but many of them are increasing rent solely in order to continue their lifestyles so as not to have to tighten the belt like everyone else, but at the ruin of their tenents. This is happening so much in Qld. Tenants are not personal cash cows for landlords who dont want to change their lifestyle one iota.
@@manoffaithministry people won't rent out their house just to barely get by. What's the point? You do it to make money, it's a business and they take all the risk (like damage) and hidden expenses (such as cost of repair and taxes) people don't think about. People get furious at landlords because they make a living through passive income instead of being a brokie like everyone else.
@@monikawojciechowska8964 It's not fair to blame landlords. I have a rental property. It runs at a loss during the year, so I usually get a few grand back at tax time. It is certainly not making me a wealthy man. Recently, I had tenants who put holes in walls and doors all over the house. They smashed the glass in the kitchen sliding door and even pulled up floorboards.
It is not merely greed but part of a world wide agenda. The freemasons are deliberately trying to destroy and wipe out a huge chunk of humanity. The land lords are almost all freemasons also, and have been told by their higher ups to do this.
Good luck with this, I think a lot of folk are thinking of doing something like this. One piece of advice I heard from another UA-camr (who was homeless) was to get a discount monthly pass at a gym - generally you can spend hours in there (great for bad weather), use the shower facilities, chat with others etc.
Thank you! I've got a gym pass already so will be going on most days 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story brother. All the best to you, your girlfriend and your daughter. Decent people doing their best and many people understand you x
Thank you. I appreciate your comment 🙂
I wish you the very best of luck. It's amazing how much easier life is when you realize you don't need all that ''stuff'' that ties you down.
So true!
My site agent who is in his late 40 lives in his Mercedes sprinter. He's kitted it out with solar panels etc and even has a small log burner in it. He loves the freedom and says he's never been happier
Easy James. Loving the videos. Me and Katie have found campervan people the most welcoming and friendly. We’ve just got started too producing regular youtube videos after watching other van lifers for years. feel hopeless at the moment but you are smashing it. We have a bigger van but 4 bloody dogs so just as little room. We live in Stockport so not too far away. Keep it up guys.
Thank you, I bet it's a tight squeeze with the dogs!!
@@bythecurb we throw them outside at night. Keeps those people faggin outside the pub away. 🤣
Get a gym membership for a nationwide gym, get one for about 30 a month. Most of em are open till very late and it gives you access to showers and hot water etc.
As a father of 4 children,,time absolutely does fly...I can remember doings things with them all...And now they are grown up,,they have their own lives..I don't
see them much as I would like now..
Take every chance,every opportunity..
Absolutely fantastic video..On a humble human level..💯👍💯
Thanks Mark, I appreciate the comment
Anything done with your children's best interests at heart is always the best decision.
Well done mate 👍
Couldn't agree more
Yes well said Paul
What a great move ! I did the same thing five years ago and it’s the best thing that I have done. Living in a house is a permanent ridiculous drain on the finances, I wouldn’t go back to bricks and mortar 👍
Good for you. Will be a big change but you will adopt. Hope all goes well.
Just wow!!! Love your reasons, it will be absolutely worth it all the way 🌈
I hope so!
Take my hat off to you pal. Rents and mortgages are atrocious these days...even if you can pay for the roof over your head there's the energy and food which is now shocking. I really hope it works out for you and your kids mate.
Thank you John
My experienced tips......Save all your previous rent money....use supermarket toilets etc for dumping...find a number of safe locations ...rotate regularly...watch out for car park cameras that can fine you...... Keep low profile...get a friend for mail address .
Good luck fella 👍 i did it 3 years ago this march and sold the property i lived in and never looked back . Only one tip comfortable bed and diesel heater in you van .the diesel heater best £100 you will spend in your lifetime . Makes a steel box warm and toasty . Im 54 and save a fortune and dont worry about increasing bills and stuff .
Thanks 👍
Love your courage I'm from london and that's the crazy mentality everyones adopted we've become zombies to the system doing things out the box its whats needed
This video fills me with so much joy and hope and "YES! Go on! Fair play, mate, I hear you completely!!!"
I shared the exact experience as you regarding your landlord and the rented house you were living in. It's sickening that this is a totally legal practise that happens to thousands of renters across the UK, especially families (I'm a single mum of two kids with three cats, so while the van life really appeals, I'm not sure how I can actually do this yet, and am researching my options, hence finding your video and channel!).
But I believe we are all being literally forced into impossible living situations so that we, as humans, can learn to adapt to our situations, and find better, more fulfilling ways of living. Thank you for sharing your unique experience and perspective on things, it's so helpful to those of us feeling these same feelings about the shittiness, monotony and rigidity that has become 21st century "living". I truly wish you and your daughter all the best and all the love and luck in the world on your adventures!
Thank you so much, van life is about to become massive with more and more people choosing to opt out of the 'rat race'
@ajmerriman2230 Don't give up your dreams. "One day, Rodney"😛
Not it is not merely about adapting, but rounding up the secret society criminals in power and putting them behind bars. How much longer do you think you can 'keep adapting'? When these demons see large numbers of people trying the van life, they will come along and try to make it illegal or slap crippling taxes on it (camping tax, campsite tax, park on the road side tax, bed inside the van tax, gas cooker inside the van tax etc). In other parts of the world they send the military, mercenaries etc and brutalize tribal communities, in an effort to drive them off their wilderness lands and into urban slums and force them to participate in the monetary rat race system to survive. This is ongoing in places like Brazil, Kenya, Congo, India etc
Weve been on the road for over 2 years with our two children, best thing we ever did. Go get it
I'm right with you buddy, I'm in West Yorkshire and doing similar but with a 7.5 ton. People do think you're crazy but follow what you believe, you can always go back if you choose to
Thanks mate!
Absolutely love this! Why don’t you go one step further and perhaps get yourself a caravan and live on a campsite. We were in the same boat as you and bought a tiny house in 2020, lived on a campsite and our quality of life has improved significantly. Housing is so expensive that buying or renting is such a miserable way to live and more people should be looking outside the box! Hope everything goes well 👍
Thank you, anything is possible 🙂
They're making it illegal
I think you are 100% doing the right thing! I have often thought about living in a van myself. No council tax / rent, etc.
Thank mate
Ahh amazing, so in awe of you, can’t wait to follow your success
Thank Nicky
Go for it mate, sometimes we have to think outside the box to break those chains!
With so many options to make life easier absolutely go for it, I wish I had it as easy when I did it I'd still be living in my van today, happiest I've been was van life back in the 90s
Thanks Im loving it so far!
Totally understand your decision given the situation you found yourself in, and lets face it, reaching that point of
"why not" may not be a lifelong lifestyle but it's better than getting screwed over by all and sundry of today's UK.
Sounds like your location 'options' could be the thing that makes it work? And, we are a long time dead :)
Hope your ex landlord finds it impossible to let out the house...now that would be poetic justice :)
Best of luck on this adventure :) Bet your daughter will love sleeping in the van?
The house is back up to let at £250 per month more!!
@@bythecurb sad to say but with we humans greed always wins! Not wishing to be morbid but, I can't see us humans being around for another 1000 years or whatever, we don't have what it takes to stop it now?
So, get the best out of life you can now :)
Totally with you mate. In a similar situation myself but without a van 😅
Living costs are going insane. It’s near impossible to survive these days.
New subscriber for you here. I wish you every success.
Thanks
Hope you stay well and blessed brother.. God bless you and keep you safe and warm 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
Good luck with your new adventure.
I am sure it will be great fun!!
I hope so!
Mate, fair play to you, forget the advice you're told on here, do what you think is right and learn from any mistakes you make, I've been living in my van for over a year, and adventure for your two kids equates to time with you.
Hey guys, I did it!! Here is the link to the video of my first full night in my van - ua-cam.com/video/4629hyXzRxY/v-deo.html
Sad to hear that but understandable!
I'm in a same sort of situation and sold my house and all belongings past October 2022 and put my money in a camper van,upgraded it for long periods of off grid living and still doing it!
I won't say it's always easy, but it's definitely doable!
I'm now considering a career change that soothe / compliment my life in a better way.
I also have two kids,one off almost 11 and one of becoming 17 later on this year.
The youngest is still loving the experience, my oldest not so and tends to stay at her moms house,but we still have contact in person ever so often.
Anyhow, I wish you and your family all the best especially in these hard times we're living and what's ahead of us 🙏🏻
Greetings from the other side of the canal, Holland 🐺 hooowuuu!
"By the curb," definitely get a good memory mattress. Amazon are great, do your research. Get a comfortable rest pad for your 5 year old and an outdoor Camp awning to attach to your Van. You will be financially better off, stuff anyone else that is genuinely negative. The thing you have to do is make your van comfortable and do what is right for you. You have resources to change things up. Doesn't matter how small a space. You work with what you have. I have part-time car camped in a tiny Cheverlot Spark. I used what I had until I could upgrade. I am now in something bigger and I can tell you, prefer my set up in the smaller car. I am a solo lady part-time car camper. I have been met with views because of my culture we don't camp. Well I do and love it. So you do you, if it doesn't work at least you tried it for yourself and gave up on your terms, no one else's. What everyone forgets is when they want to do something they go ahead so you focus on your needs right now. Your be happier and your kids will love you for it.
You've got this!
It all sounds so glum depressive. Go watch some of the American vanlife or European. Explains you imagination make it an adventure FUN! Even if England’s weather can be so glum. Also monetise it BECOME A VANLIFE UA-camR
Interested rates have gone up 3x 4x that’s why.
caught this video by sheer luck, fair play to you dude I wish you all the best and am glad to think there are other people out there who wont become a slave to this system of keeping people in thier miserable lifestyles. Im sure there are individuals who look down on you and what your doing, but you have somethings others cant fathom which is freedom. keep grinding buddy.
Thank you
All the best mate l understand you decision, just do what is right for you and your daughter as you said time is flying good luck.....
Thank you!
I admire you for taking such a huge step backwards in one sense and being somebody who has seen my own rent go up by nearly 25% landlords are just rinsing tennants. I wish you all the best and hope you have some great adventures with your daughter !
Just stumbled across this channel what a brilliant idea you have and fair play to you brother! I’ll subscribe and follow your journey. I only said to my partner a few weeks ago we should do van life and I can see me doing this one day x
Thanks for the sub James
Good luck on your new lifestyle! I'll be doing exactly the same thing when it's time for me to move out of the house I'm living in atm. So exiting 😁 looking forward to watching your adventure unfold 😊👍
Thank you. Good luck with your move into van life when it happens 🙂
I fully get this , good luck , the Uk has gone bloody mad in all honesty
Good luck mate. All the best
Hi Pal, thought I'd just make a comment on this video. I am a landlord, only have one house rented but still, I understand your disappointment in the rent rises and prices of houses that are advertised to rent. From a landlord's point of view, we have also been hit by price increases. I have a buy-to-let mortgage due for renewal, and the renewal rates are far higher, so I am forced to increase my rent too. Don't want to but I have no choice, with a bigger mortgage, insurance increases and increased maintenance charges, taxes etc we landlords have to pay if I don't put the rent up I may as well sell, it pointless keeping. If other landlords feel the same way and we all start selling then there will be far fewer properties to rent leading to an increased shortage of houses to live in. I think your decision to become an almost full-time van lifer is brilliant, absolutely nothing wrong with that choice, it is an adventure and gives you the freedom to do far more in your life with your child as well.
You've done your research, and you know what it's all about so all the best to you. These days for most anyway, it is a choice and there are loads of us van lifers, part or full-time. Prove all the doubter wrong, enjoy it.
Thanks Andy, there are some brilliant landlords out there, I personally know a couple. They always go above and beyond for their tenants. The whole cost of living thing in the UK is ridiculous now. Food is probably the worse, it seems to be going up daily.
@@bythecurb The problem is that we got a system that allowed Andy and other people to treat houses as investment. Housing is an essential good and should be for consumption not investment. If we continue this insanity the next thing would be water.
You could always get a job and pay your own mortgage!
Fair play to what you're doing mate! takes a lot of guts, love how most people think you're crazy when they're the crazy ones getting mugged off paying massive bills
Thanks mate
We sold our house before Christmas and we're moving onto our 22ft boat. We're currently renting a holiday let while we get some work done to the boat as it's not livable right now (our original plan didn't work out due to problems with the house, otherwise we would have moved out and gone straight onto a larger boat). We had to do something as this country is being run into the ground and it was getting harder to manage.
Good luck with your journey. I honestly think you're doing the right thing, even if friends and family don't yet see it.
Hope it works out well for you mate. Whole world is putting the squeeze on all of us these days
Just the UK and parts of the western world. South East Asia is doing just fine. Russia is also predicted to grow economically more than the UK.
@@psyber_spaced1192 source?
Subscribed pal, loved your honesty and the things you discussed,i think a lot of people will resonate with your words, especially with cost of living ect, you'll have some great times and what wonderful experiences for your daughter too, keep us posted mate 😊
Thank you for the sub 😀
Your vids just appeared on my feed. Im into campers myself. Good luck to you buddy, hope all works out.
Thanks 👍
Hello mate, welcome to the community. I hope the road keeps you safe 👍
Good luck, I hope it all works out for you, they're bleeding us all dry !
Thanks
I remember this song as a stranglers fan so good 👍
It’s a ridiculous state of affairs that people are having to make choices like this because they simply can’t afford to live in an actual house. I’m a 30 yr old single person and the thought of renting or buying a home in this current financial climate frightens me. It does cross my mind often that I could finance a camper van and simply live in that for a while and save up. Can use it to sleep in and get to my jobs, essentially hitting two birds with one stone. I wish you all the best.
What are you doing at the moment instead if you are not renting or paying a mortgage?
I get you mate when me, my wife and 5 year old daughter were in a rented house i bought a flipping great big white luton van it was a wrecker but fixed it up as my daily runner kitted it out as a camper with serval small rooms, our landlord was a complete nightmare we lived there 10 years never missed a payment or complained about anything she was a right dragon always putting up the rent and always moaning about something and when we left she took us to court for damages that had nothing to do with us luckily the court sided with us as we took photos and videos of eveything the day we moved in of the house's condition, we were saving for a house and by the time we paid the rip-off rent amd bills we didnt have a lot left over to save so we said begger it were live out the van for a year or 2 put the money we would of paid for rent aside and bought a house, now we use the van for holidays but it was good fun living in the van for a while our daughter certainly liked it especially as her bed was in the luton box on over the cab, i can see many people living out their vans soon this country is beyond ridiculous now.
If i was a single man with no responsibilities i would live out me van all the time, i liked the freedom of being able to go anywhere an hitch up for the night and we saved an awful lot of money by doing so.
Hey, a great way to stay warm in the van thats cost effective is to use an eletrical blanket connection up to 12v works great 👍 😀 low wattages.
I've just got one and it has really helped
Iv got custody of my granddaughter she’s 12 Iv had her from birth.. and Iv told her soon as she’s 18 I’m getting a motor home Iv got a few friends who’s done it for year and they love it new place every day
I've lived it rough in my life, good luck mate, don't let the B........ get you down
Best if luck mate. Life's to short to worry about other people's opinions. You live your life and be happy with your family. You'll have trying times but at least you've done it on your terms. Stay safe mate
Well I'm glad this vid popped up this morning. Your opening lines sound almost identical to my position and plans. 2 kids part of time, every penny i earn goes on renting/running the house. Can't even put fuel in my work van to take kids where i want to take them, and even struggle to feed them some days (though obviously thats the only real priority so always comes first while other bills build up. Got til end of month to decide on van or lodge at a friends, but even with my bills halved I'd still struggle. Will stay in touch fella, follow your story fella, and take inspiration. Best of luck!
Systemic poverty is the economic exploitation of people who are poor through laws, policies, practices and systems that perpetuate their impoverished status.
I think you will have a great time living in the van but not having standing Headroom will soon get tiring just getting changed is so much harder when you cannot stand up. My first van was a standard Swb transit low roof, I had it fitted out really well and traveled all over France and Spain having a wonderful time but when it came time to change it when it failed it's MOT I bought an older motorhome with full standing Headroom a shower / toilet and two double beds, it cost me £4500 and was wonderful and again traveled all over Spain in her.
You don't need to spend £20000 to have a fabulous home on wheels.
Thanks David, my MOT is due at the end of the month. I'd be screwed if it failed but shes in pretty good nick (touch wood). I agree about the headroom
Enjoy the experience,life is short so live it,as most people just exist. Good luck wherever you land .❤
Good luck. Hope it all works out well.
Thank you!
I hope it is all working out well for you :)
I’ve done it for five years now, you’ll get lots of advice from people, my tip, join a cheap gym, the showers are worth it. I use pure gym and swap to wherever I’m working at the time. A hi-viz jacket is a great thing to have, I’ve walked into many a place and used showers, sports centre, even a bus garage 😆 be surprised what a bit of cheek will get you. Finally, Dorset is the best placed I’ve lived, lovely people,
Thanks Pat, Im at the gym most days, little work out, sauna & shower! 😂
Just do it, I’m jealous, you are going to love it, get on track with it… your children will love it too x
Don't wish things were easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom - Jim Rohn
Nice one. Good luck, I'm sure you won't regret it
Fingers crossed!
I bought a 60 ft narrowboat, fully fitted out with central heating and log burner, fully fitted kitchen, dinning area, living room with tv. good size walk through bathroom with bath and shower and a carpetted bedroom with dressing table wardrobes the bed is a fixed king sized with storage under..Like you when I told family and friends they were happy but sceptical until they visited then they wanted to do the same..
with the £12000 a year saving, maybe you could consider a life afloat?
All the very best in your adventure, I will be following ..
David.
Spot on buddy iv had a guts full of these rising costs I wish u all the best and u never know u myt make a good living off UA-cam 👍
Thanks Scott
Mate I'm genuinely happy for you. Forget what every one thinks. Many people hate instead of helping. Good on you son! Take the kids camping and its true they grow fast. Forget the modern day society, life is an adventure. Wish you the best of success and I'd love to do the same.
Braver man than me all the best and will keep watching your vids to keep a check on your progress.
I wish you all the best - Tiny living is the new best thing. Cost of living is ridiculous, I'm down south in London and things are just as bad x
Thank you. You have it much worse in London!
I did a few months in an old Talbot express a couple of years ago. Loved it. Nights were cold though.
If you ever come through Shropshire and need house stuff, like kitchen or shower etc, I will help. I'm still a vannie at heart. Looking at boats now. They're cheaper.
Thank you for your kind offer Paul. Van lifers are the best!! 😀
@@bythecurb they totally are! They're like a big family. Everyone waves at each other as they pass too! I loved that.
Good luck brother. Live your best life. ❤
Good luck! I'm looking forward to seeing your adventures!
Fair play to you mate you've earned a sub best of look on your journey!
I feel exactly the same and just put my property on the market with my mortgage about to double. I’m hoping I can get a quick sale and although I’m slightly anxious about Van life I know I can save money to also do more things with my daughters, that’s what life is really about. I’m going to start watching a few more of your videos, I hope it’s going ok for you. …..Smithy
Mate, van life is without a doubt the best thing I've ever done.
I did the same for about 18 months but the cold winter nights got the better of me, its handy that you have a business premises that you can sleep in overnight, that's the avenue I would go down, just have to keep it quite 😂 Good luck to you, I have subscribed.
just found your channel mate subscribed straight away please keep uploading ❤
Thank you!
Mate, you can succeed again never give up. As long as you are alive God has a plan for you...keep trying and don't give up. Be positive and you will.make things great
Well I camp in a Sprinter in August and it can be bloody freezing! So make sure its insulated!🥶🥶
Thanks. Got good insulation and getting heating in this week
Just found your channel, great stuff... Not sure if you have one but a Bluetti power tank and solar panels are a game changer for living in a van. Cover all you power needs.
They are on the shopping list!
hope all goes ell for you, just about to watch your video of your first night, i have subbed to give you that little bit more support. Im in london/kent and yes the prices are totally bonkers.
all the best to you and hope that you can have that special adventures with your children
Thanks for the sub!
Best of luck. The caveats you mentioned make it a great opportunity to jump into vanlife especially with having a smaller van. I hopenit works out well.
Thank you
I don't think your mad at all,go for it and have the best adventure with your little one.
There are some great set ups around for having 2 single ish sized beds in the van,one goes width ways for the little one and one length ways for a adult but you could always make that with a flip out or pull out section to make it a double.
My mum and dad are leaving next March to leave in a van (Due to rent costs) Sold everything they own, building a camper in a long wheel base transit. I’m not in the position to help financially but they are so happy to go on their adventure. They are 58 and can’t wait. I’m so happy for them 😊
That's brilliant, good luck to them :-)
İ understand u 100%, i feel pretty much like u( i ,m fron Spain).The same is happing to us & i thinking about doing same as you.God bless us all❤❤❤❤❤
Good luck James 👍🏻
Thank you
There is a video called 'why hot tenting sucks', it might also apply to campervans. I've thought a lot about it after tenting many times. It could be a better idea to put a bike in your van to explore, save gas, get exercise, cook outside, and avoid a stove/fridge inside. You dont want to get stuck in a van, like stuck in a tent. Get a bike and cook outside.
Good for you ! I hope the weather is good to you ,wish I could do it ,I’m envious .
Totally understand your choice! Best of luck to you.
Looking forward to seeing your adventure 😊 Roll on summer.
Well done you for taking to the road...freedom. It will be a fantastic adventure. Wishing you happy days in your fabulous van!
Thanks so much!
I converted my van 2 years ago, I live and work all over Devon as a plasterer, me and the dog, best thing I ever did
You go for that it's a really good idea good luck to you I hope it all works out .
Thanks 👍
You're welcome
I hear you brother, feel for you.
I live in Batley, a good friend of mine just recently has had to put £150 of his own D.W.P money towards his rent per month due to his landlord/s raising his rent. He is on decent money from the dole as he has an awful illness which involves his eyesight so he's classed as 'blind' and gets full sick pay (around £1,200 per month I think) but he told/showed me the amount of rent per month on basic 1 room houses and they were lousy; I was shocked at what you now get for your money rent wise.
I'm fortunate enough to be a homeowner, but if I was in your situation and I had a van I could make do as living conditions, damn right I would do as your doing.
It's ridiculous now what people are just expected to pay per month to rent properties that are at best incredibly basic.
I really feel for young people and couples who are desperately trying to get a foothold on the property market.
I'm constantly reminded of just how lucky I am, and I'm grateful for my situation.
What worries me is, it's bad now and it's only going to get worse, much worse.
You strike me as a guy who knows how to be positive even in dire situations, think of it as a mental battle, I'm sure you will be just fine as you have plenty of other options open to you as opposed to just always being stuck in the van. A good mattress is also a must I'd say.
All the best to you and yours in all you do, from a fellow Yorkshire man.
It will get worse, makes me think it could all be planned!
@@bythecurb Yeah, I think you're right. The world's gone to $hit since I was a lad (born in '73) but I loved playing out with me mates and all the mad stuff we'd do...I don't see that in kids these days.
On a plus note, you got another subscriber, me yeyy!! I'm just about to watch your first night in the van vid, I hope all's well.
@@bythecurb It is all planned. Invisible people who dictate to governments. Does 'covid' fiasco not give you food for thought?.
The best of luck my friend
On making the stand against the greed of landlords and banks!!!!
You may look at it as your
mid-life crisis ! 😮
We are all due one as we grow up 🙄...
Thanks
Your right mate prices are skyrocketing, you seem a good dad
Very best of luck mate !!!! - Subscribed
Thank you
Good for you, follow your heart you won’t go wrong. We live in rip off Britain! Take care 🤗👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you! Will do!