One Year Living In a SMALL Van: The Highs and Lows (year recap) | Van Life UK | E53
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- Опубліковано 9 лис 2021
- It's been one year since I moved into my van. So, I take a moment to look back on the past year. I highlight some of the good times and some of the not so good times. It's been one hell of a ride!
#vanlife #vanlifeuk #tinyhome
You must be a very strong bloke to go through your break up, give your house up and start a new era on the road in your van and hope your proud of your self! Good luck and keep it up mate.
Thanks mate, oh Gaz I was a wreck when I first started, the saddest point in my life, but the community and adventures built me up and made me tougher than ever, so I have the van to thank for that 💪
@@Nomadickangoo: "oh Gaz I was a wreck when I first started". Yes, that's the way we learn to follow the path we were born into.
No doubt your marriage was doomed from the start. As time went on, your relationship was on the way to separation. Believe it or not, that was for your highest and best good from the beginning.
What better way to get you to live in a van than "impoverish" you into doing so? We learn through pain and suffering - always have - nothing knew.
Aeschylus wrote (2500 years ago) "He who learns must suffer even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our own despair and against our will comes wisdom by the awful Grace of God."
PS: I'm a Medicine Man and a Buddhist. Oh, by the way, the best way to find your path of life is by doing EXACTLY what your doing.
This is what were Budda's last words; "Be lamps into yourselves. Relay on yourselves alone. And do not seek reliance on external support. Hold fast to the truth as a lamp. And seek salvation in the truth alone. Do not look for assistance from any one of other than yourselves."
And of course anyone new to this would ask, how can I do that? Nomad, you made a great first step. That is, living by yourself. That means no one to distract you from listening quietly while you meditate.
The key is quieting the mind in meditation. Answers will come after when you least expected them to.
Nomad, be well be wise, and stay the course.
Thanks gaz mate
Head up mate. Keep goin. I’m goin thru bad patch myself.
Been there !
I feel your pain, mate, same thing happened to me. Been living in a Ford transit connect for nearly 2 years. It's been a real eye opener from breakdowns to break ins but i think I've gotten over the worst of it. I'm an electrician and travel a lot for work, so the van has been a godsend saving me a small fortune on accommodation. Hopefully be getting a bigger van in a couple of months, but I'm gonna miss my transit, we've been through thick and thin and I'm not ashamed to say I'll shed a tear when we part ways. I'm not sure if I ever want to live in a house again or get involved ina relationship. I'm relatively free now, saving loads and making plans. All the best in your journey, mate.
Damn man, I've not been broken into... (yet) I'm glad you're enjoying your van life. I also recently got a bigger van, which you can check out on the channel. And I totally know what you mean by shedding a tear when you sell your van, I was so upset when the kangoo went 😢
Very true words mate. Were made to believe we need lots of crap we do not need.
What about tools? I'm a plumber and want to do this!
Seen someone up Whitby way living in a swb connect
@@SnakePliskin762 Not me. I'm 6' 3". I'd never be able to lay out flat in the SWB. I have the LWB. Perfect for stealth camping, but will be looking for something bigger after Chrimbo.
Love this. I have been living in a company car Tesla for 3 years, so all paid for and can charge it at work. Camp mode every night so no condensation, built in entertainment and have saved myself so much money avoiding rent, council tax, elec\gas bills etc. Marriage collapse and was left with 30k of debts which I have now paid off.
Wow dude that sounds amazing, I just looked up 'Camp mode' thats a good feature! What tesla is it? surely the cars are abit of a squeeze?
@@Nomadickangoo Model 3, BIK is only 4% so much cheaper than a petrol/diesel company car
@@Nomadickangoo Its decent enough size, can lay flat and no engine so get space in the front bonnet to store things as well
@@danmcadie2515 nice man, sounds like you have it all worked out ✌
Alot of people say they can't imagine changing living in there van when they do try this it is like there more at peace with it and less stressed
Im from Scotland. Last year I lived inside my van for a year in Northern Ireland.To be honest, it really was unsustainable, but in some respects quite an enjoyable experience. I spent Christmas day in a carpark with a flat battery. I had issues with a faulty alternator. During the winter months the temperatures went below -7. My duvet cover turned to ice due to the combination of the high humidity levels of my breathing, and the subzero temperatures. The van was insulated, but not the best quality of insulation. The van is a extra long Citroen Belingo, the length of a camping bed. However, the height inside the van was very restricted. It was certainly an adventure. I was working in Northern Ireland, so I couldn't afford the accommodation. I had to park in some rough neighborhoods. I was ever conscious of safety issues because there were youths setting vehicles on fire for simply the fun if it. As a precautionary measure, I had to sleep in the front passenger side to enable me to make a quick escape if the worse was to happen. At least I survived to tell the tale.
You’re doing a great job mate. Take my hat off too you. We all go through hardships. I’ve had so many at this point. They break you but they also rebuild you if give it enough time. You’re an inspiration, there’s probably more people in a similar position than we realise.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, you are right what you say about more people in this position.
I did 20 yrs in a wagon Mon to Fri. Best using truckstops for hygiene. You can shower and laundry.
Ipent 14 years and 6 months in a Roma home. Loved it. Got older and started to get annoyed by the restrictions everywhere for vans and decided to move in a tiny cottage in France.
Well done mate, it'll make a better person of you with the experiences your having, and although you have no one by your side to share everything, we see it with ya, and being on your own helps you think more clearly, and doing what you want when you want, without any opposition or extra negativity definitely helps you really find yourself.
I'm now subscribed and look forward to the next one. Chin up mate you should be proud of yourself.
Good luck to you sir ,life's not always easy ,but its the struggle that makes us stronger
The most down to Earth and honest review on van life, amidst all the BS that is UA-camd on this subject. Keep going!
Love and peace.
Wow, cheers Peter for this, stay safe 🙏🏼
Fair play man, a lot of respect for that! Relate to the UA-cam thing, hardly ever watch my old content but it's always good to have a look back every now and again to see how far you've come 💪🏼
They really do make great memoirs 👍
Kudos to you mate. Not easy living in such a small space but then I look at it this way. You can wake up wherever you want to and you don't have a mortgage or a landlord.
I've upgraded to a larger van now, but yes no pesky landlord!
Where do you shower and go to the bathroom and cook and eat ?
@@iFullgogo shower in gyms, cook in a camp stove 😁
Good luck buddy, stay strong and pat yourself on the back for the amazing job you're doing.Total respect 👍
Just wanted to say well done,must have taken courage and conviction to start that journey.
Your openess and honestly are commendable, sincerely best wishes to you, and to all whom take the van plan.look after yourselves.....
Lovely video (nice production) really enjoyed watching. Love that you’re so positive about living in the van. Best wishes for your next year. 🌷⭐🌷⭐🌷
What a great guy! You found your freedom ❤
Well done you for getting on with it hope you’re next year is a lot easier for you have a great life ❤
Happy you never gave up❤Take care and wish you nothing but the best😁
And what a year! It’s been a wild ride and a pleasure to watch along bro.
Great video, what a journey you have had so far. You was very brave starting in the winter. Jumped right in it! All best buddy hope to see you soon 😊👍🙏
Thanks PEAKY! Hopefully in the new year we can organise something! 😀
Hi nice video, thanks for sharing. I have watched tons of these van life/build videos and never seen yours till today. So glad I did. A lot of what you experienced reverberates with me. I also started living in my van in October (2021). Remember the condensation turned into little ice rivulets down the side before I insulated it. Oh gosh those were the times… Still living in it and also loving it. Thanks again for sharing.
Thanks peter
What a great video!
Very watchable nostalgia.
Looking forward to many more of your videos 😀
Thanks Tom! Bring on 2022!
Those Insta Pics can look So Great, living this way can be simple yet hard, staying at it can be so rewarding in ways others wouldn't know or understand!
Exactly mate, the freedom from all the BS is like nothing i've ever experienced before!
Thank you! I just finished my first full year in my camper! Really enjoy your richness in freedom
How are you finding it? Sorry for the late reply 🙏🏼
Epic story mate. Well done and good for you. Keep on Vanning !
Mate thank you it means a lot
You and Tim have kept me sane over the last year 😎😎
Glad to hear it mate 👍🏻😎
Just discovered your channel and in a very similar situation myself.. minus the van atm 😆. Been backpacking around with a camping set up since last winter while still going to work getting money together for van life. This is massive inspiration for me and solidifies for me that I’m not crazy 😂. Thanks mate new subscriber here ✌🏽
Hi, lovely to meet you... This just come up on our feed and in the first few minutes, we had to hit subscribe. The whole thing about not fitting in the back of the van and the camp bed was hilarious. We like how you laughed through that now, but it must have been frustrating at the time. Will watch your back vids. Many thx. ..😁😁😁
Hey, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! It's people like you that make me want to continue making videos 😊
i live in a van, 3 years now, with my wife and my kids, one hell of a journey. Wasnt really based on money, but more to just experience it. One thing I have learned for sure, when you live like this way, everything from here is a bonus and a luxury. Now I see houses and showers etc as such nice luxuries. Anyway, will continue to watch!
Wow man! With a wife and kids that's intense!! But glad you make it work! Thanks for watching bro! You should start a channel, would love to see how you deal with your van life
Really good watch, thank you.
No no, Thank you for watching 😀
Awsome video mate. Some great stories ups and downs and a testiment to what dosent kill you will only make you stronger 💪 👏
Thanks Chris, it was quite the journey so far 💪
Glad you included a clip of Tim wearing his most favoured t- shirt 😂
Brilliant video good idea loved it , shows how hard it’s been, well done credit to you keep it up and keep safe and give us more videos
Thanks Wiggy, was so fun to look back, i'm happy you and others have enjoyed it :)
Good man,some tough times but you got through,respect to the max.
Thanks Gary, got to keep going
U are awesome. Thanks for sharing your life and van life with us all :) the way things are going worldwide including here in Australia more and more of us are going to be living and travelling this way. I love the incredible countryside and buildings the uk has.
Oh I bet the weather In Aus would be great for Van life, beats the rain we have here all the time!
Just keep doing as you please, take small steps for greater progress. Take care
Wow you’re a cool guy and inspiring to us all solo campers etc wish you all the success… Top Man
Thanks mate, I appreciate that. Stay safe out there 💪🏼
Instant sub, love your outlook on life, wish you then best mate road to 100k subscribers
First time I've seen this.
Yer man is one of life's survivors.
Good on you, sir.
Thank you Graham, I'm sure you would do the same, stay safe sir 💪
hahah bro same time like me, November last year....well done!"!!!! wasnt easy...but i know what to expect right now.....just take care....and never let the wind to catch ya....
Great honest insight. A year in the life 👍🏻
Thanks Steve 😀
Congratulations on achieving a year in the van.. we are coming upto a year as well. It takes some getting used too, but from my point of view, best thing we've ever done.
Totally agree with you! Just checked out your rig! Woah what a beast!
@@Nomadickangoo thanks.. we started off in a Jumbo Transit, had that for 7 months.. 3 of us in it. Had to upgrade, just not enough room. Hats off to you for living in a Kangoo. ❤
How much is a van? Im 1000% considering this but sadly i dont know how to drive lol just need somewhere to sleep
You’re an inspiration. Top man. 💪🏻
am about to embark on van-life because of a relationship breakdown il b in a nv200 wish me luck
Good luck and have fun with it, sorry about your relationship
That's for sharing. best wishes for the future
Thank you Sally ♥️💙♥️💙
I think it's about time for a new 1 year update... 🤔😉
Had to support you after listening to your story…I admire your spirit
Thank you so much! It means the world to me your support
Every service station on the motorway has free showers so you don’t need gyms.
You are right! But I go gym every evening anyway so might as well wash while there :)
Wow great video man.
blessings bruv from a fellow full time van lifer now 5 years on still blessed davey
Woah 5 years! Impressive mate 👍🏻😁
I’ve just found your channel this morning and I can’t wait to catch up with your videos. Also just seen Socks With Sandals at the end of the video I’m subbed to him too 🤣 Take care.
Congratulations on making a year. As you say its a life style that suits some and not others. Also its a great thing to know that if life turns to shit ,as long as you have a van, you'll be Ok.
If you never know what to do, get a Kangoo!
Just found your channel- this is the first video I watched. Now a subscriber 😃 absolutely loved it. Hope you are well 😊
I really like the fact you've not done it for likes or to be cool like a lot of the girls do. Real life bro 👍
Oh I'm so far from cool so that wasn't hard 😂 thanks for watching bro ✌️
Fair play mate, I remember finding your channel around about the same time as finding Socks and Peakys and along with Liam the terrible I’d say you lot have gotten me through the last year of ‘nonsense’ with my sanity still intact! so thanks man I’m glad you like the lifestyle you’ve chosen 👍 it means I get to watch even more great sanity saving content instead of all the lies and BS thats being pushed out on the old mainstream brainwash box 📺 😉
Tim thats quite the comment mate, Im glad you enjoy my videos. Hopefully 2022 ain't full on nonsense!
It's good to have another like minded person watching and appreciate real, no Bullshit life as it is.
I'll be moving into my Touran (similar size to a SWB Caddy) in a year or so. But I've had the time and experience to build what I want for full-timing. After a truck, a Fiesta and two previous builds in the Touran I know what works and how much storage I need...but I still have slightly wonky cabinets!
I’ve done the same thing for the last year but in a Toyota estima enima. So cold in the winter. But now ULEZ has done me. I’m moving into a caravan tomorrow. One thing that helped me so much was I brought a BLUETTI power station. Run a tv,heater,charge my phone.
I feel for you man the change from living in a house then into this kinda situation is mad.
All the best man ❤️
Sorry about the ULEZ, that's why I left my job in London because I couldn't afford the ULEZ. I got a new van that is Euro 6 but in 2025 they are making it Euro 7... so I will be screwed all over again... Where do you store a caravan if you don't mind me asking?
Good job!
Great channel 🙂 inspiring 🙂
You are a very brave men. Good luck with that keep. Going from Lancashire England UK pendle 🇬🇧🍀🙏😎
Will do! Thank you!
Great video mate , very good advice 😀🚐👏👏keep doing what you do , great content , 🤩just subscribed 🤩
Respect to you mate, i love the van👍🏼
Thanks mate 🙂
Thank u for this sir
Thankyou, brilliant, made me think how I would cope with the same situations,. not as well methinks.
Mind over matter, I'm sure you would do great.
A nice rewind of the year that's gone by so quickly. It's the winter cold that is bad part. If you are in good health then it's do able with what you have, I doubt that I could hack it without the luxury of good heating.
Thanks buddy, nothing wrong with a good heater!
Fit a night heater ..
Wow tha algorithm is strong I'm going through a divorce and my head can't cope with looking for houses or flats and I'm thinking of doing the same thing...... admittedly I probably have a little more money to start off with mate all the luck in the world to you ❤
I'm glad you found me. Wishing you all the best! Let me know what van you end up with! 💪
@@Nomadickangoo Will do I'll also let you know if I chicken out I could be the wrong side of 40 for it lol
@@morgansteele3158 no mate you will be fine! Enjoy life ✌️
Wishing you both all the best, stay strong!!
Your lifestyle makes me jealous, mate. Keep on trucking, full respect to you.
As glamorous (or in my case not so glamorous) it may look, it's a hard old life
Could have made a hammock to keep storage space or a raised platform for a mattress
Well done for moving on with your life mate,and not moaping around. Just wish you got a bigger van for your first one.👍
Thanks man, took a while but i managed to move on 🙂 Feel free to check my newer videos, I got a bigger van now, LOVE IT
@@Nomadickangoo that's great I will defo check out your new vids and van. There is also so many tips from other van life people you will meet and probably already have. Yeah I split with my ex too and had to start again and rent somewhere new. I was hurt to start with but I soon realized I need to find someone that likes me just as much as I like them. I tend to go for the ones I have to chase . Instead now I am going for the ones that show they like me first. Good luck mate and I will defo see how your getting on.👍
God be with you son, sorry to hear about your break up with your fiancé. Things will look up for you, you are a great guy, the universe will be with you.
Fair play mate. Just reneba how to say remember ❤
🤣 I have a speech issue, but thanks for the reminder
Very very good and extremely engaging. .new sub today ..top bloke 👍
Thanks happy hermit! (Great name 😁)
Well done that man 👍
Thanks Tom 👍
Great video pal.. love your positivity.. you're smashing van life.. very tempted to convert my Chevrolet captiva into a stealth 4x4 off grid living vehicle 😁
Thank you Ian! I reck if you got the back seats out it would be a nice little conversion 👍
@@Nomadickangoo sounds like a plan👍 if I take the plunge and go for it in the new year I’ll keep you updated 😁
bro get couple of desicant bean bags for water mist
I was just recommended your channel, I’ve now subscribed what a journey you’ve had.. best wishes going forward.. I will watch some of the earlier vids now.
I was made homeless by the pandemic and made a camper out of a Ford galaxy and was just about to live in it when my best mate offered me a room. But I’m definitely a wild one and only spend half a week away. I’ve called my home on wheels Frankenshed because it’s so old and have to fix it a bit lol
Thanks for watching! 😃That's so funny a Ford Galaxy was one of my first choices when I thought about van life. I hope everything keeps getting better for you my man! And stay strong out there 💪
@@Nomadickangoo thanks, you too!
This was a really good and no nonsense video for me and i empathised with your situation and of course reflected on the covid time.
Enjoying your own company is key and you obviously have that aspect cracked. Its been a while since you posted this video so i wonder what you are up to now ? I will keep a look out for you. In the meantime best wishes. Mike in County Durham
Thanks for your comment Mike, glad it resonated with you. Feel free to check out my channel if you like. Stay safe 💪🏼
I feel this as I’m living it now.4 months in. Liked following and living it
Enjoy the experience my man
@@Nomadickangoo I am
It’s deffo new. Nights are getting colder too. Every day is a adventure. Living and working from my caddy van
@@sjiroofingandmaintenancese2494 I recommend an electric blanket for those cold nights 👍
I’ll bet you were glad they put all those teeth on the top six inches (150mm) of your saw, 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Winters coming, hope it’s not to rough on you.
well done bro, stick at it, we're all with you.
From pasty land.
ps.. ..get a diesel heater, makes a van a home.
Thanks Ant Man!
From back of my van land
Welcome to my world, it's the way forward 😊
It's a good world
im gonna be doing this soon, maybe in around 12 months. I need to start stashing money. I have a storage unit (indoors) that i have 24 hrs access to, so i can store stuff of my own in there too. I think it could work amazing, it's just a weird feeling but i also feel like i wanna do it 99% sure.
This is brilliant mate I hope you don’t mind me saying 👍
Not at all! I encourage it 😁
@@Nomadickangoo brilliant mate . Wish you all the best
Great video, I think before any fancy bits, priority would have to be electric and diesel heater for me!
I got me self an electric blanket in the end. Love it!
LOL. Corsa. Just watched your video mate. I live in my Corsa now for 7 months.
Wow now that must be a tight squeeze! How are you finding it?
You are handsome. You’re so relatable new subbed here. I’m currently in Spain. I’m a old lady bless you Sir!
Massive respect 👏
Thank you 😊👍
Really enjoying your journey. You are one of the few Real van lifers. Long may it continue, stay safe.
It takes real to appreciate real, and you sir is real. 💪🏼
Cheers Dave
Really enjoy your channel, keep it up :) also I think I saw your channel first before Socks with Sandals - dont forget to get your introductory fee from him :)
Tough times create tough people 💪
Yep good luck to you man...I'm 70 years old and still hacking it....out of love and the need to be free.
Hiya,are you still on road,your vids excellent,I've lived in transporter for 15 years,,your bang on with right attitude.peace x
Sure am buddy, check out some of my other vids if you ever get the time, stay safe x
Hey man i was just like you never touched a tool in my life or had any tools. I relied on a Neighbour to make me a bed, but then i bit the bullet. I brought myself a drill a Jigsaw a tape measure amd it brought me so much enjoyment making my own stuff in my van now.
Hey dude, thanks for your comment, yah man it's hard when you don't know what you're doing. What van you got dude?
@@Nomadickangoo i have just come across your channel man you have some good content. Yeah its a good learning experience. My van is a Vauxhall vivaro swb, i love it. I dont live in it full time but i am out in the van like 4 nights of the week or so.
My backup plan if I lose my job, and subsequently my house (mortgaged), is to get a van to live in. I'm thinking maybe more like an MPV. What do you about insurance in terms of the address it's kept at?
Amazing vid will look at the others sorry its the break up that put you in this position but you have become stronger top bloke
Thank you! It was a hard time, but it made me a better person person, if you check out my other videos there are many more Ups and Downs, but its all worth the adventure 😃
Hi! I just stumbled upon your vlog, and I just love it! You seem so down to earth and a really nice, honest human being. Congratulations to your 1:st year as a vanlifer🍀👌 I also bought myself an old van a year ago, and I have totally fallen in love with her! I’ve named her Grace and she is a VW multivan from 1992 🥰 we are ever so slowly starting to make my dreams come true with vanlife. Anyway, what I wanted to say is I wish you the best on your second year as a vanlifer and who knows maybe we’ll meet in Sweden if your planning to travel here one day. Travel safe and keep following your dreams! Best wishes all the way from Sweden 👌
Hello! Thank you for your kind comment!! I love the sound of Grace, she sounds like an amazing van! Hopefully one day I'll get my kangoo out to Europe! 🤞
Sorry to hear you broke up pal, you seem like a super nice guy. i hope you move on to better things. as they say everything happens for a reason..
Hey man, thanks for the comment, you and every one else has been super supportive and that's a great thing to see! 💪
@@Nomadickangoo good things come to good ppl keep that in mind just be patient 🙏
Omg
I am seriously laughing 😂😂
I am building off grid
My campbed was wet from body moisture 😮
It's how we learn
Warning to anyone who fancies the freedom life
The first winter is the hardest learning curve you will ever have .
Yah that's how I learnt too! Well done 👍
Great video i subbed to your channel 👍🏻
Legend, thank you Lesley ☺️