Interesting ideas that make sense for some people. The initial cost of the van and conversion, especially in areas that have few long-term RV spots, might be daunting, but the math can work out for people who are minimalists (if you want to keep your sanity) and enjoy the flexibility.
Ironically, the more people take advantage of that, the lower housing prices would go due to slumping demand. It probably wouldn't catch up to salaries but it would be helpful.
What would bother me (as a retired but still nerdy accountant) is ongoing expenses - insurance, repairs, fuel - for the van plus the cost of ultimately replacing it when repairs are no longer economical. Year by year you would either need to take into account depreciation on the van or - more use from a practical point of view - save each month towards the next van. I think this is where the van living plan can fall over.
Unless you live in a city with good public transportation, you need a vehicle anyway. So yes you save for repairs and eventually replacement. Don't you do that if you live in a house?
Sensible people do, yes, but there are so many van dwellers - as in those who talk about it online, not the whole population - who believe one of the great things about it is no costs. You'll often see mention of repairs but rarely a discussion about preparing for replacement.
Something else bothers me if I took up Van Life (which is VERY attractive to me). Where do you live when your van breaks down and parts must be ordered and you have to wait a few days or even a week while your van sits at a repair shop?
There's really nothing free in America. Yes, there are ongoing expenses always wherever you live. But at the end of day, the van life prevents you from being evicted from a rental property that you have very little control over with rising rent costs. It's not a perfect solution, but a doable one.
Renting is becoming a nightmare - in the UK too but not as bad as in the US, I think. Sadly, attempts to give tenants more legal protection in the UK is making private landlords sell up and long term that might make renting even worse because of lack of supply. I'm all for being able to choose the van life, I just worry when I see "no costs". That's just the accountant in me. I'm no way against anyone's choices.
Im Not a teacher or writer but I do work from home that said require 3 22” monitors and solid internet so I’m looking at this lifestyle for possibly after retirement. My biggest concern is the cost of a van and what to do with all my ‘stuff’ which currently takes up a 2/2 duplex plus 2 10x20 storage units. Short of getting rid of everything (not likely) I will probably need another storage unit and eventually have to downsize even more than I already have and find something more permanent. It seems daunting but your post is encouraging at least
I’ve thoughts but this as a serious option. My 1 and only reason for it investigating further is the fact that I live in the North east and am quite concerned about winter. I think I would love this as an introvert, minimalist, and homebody who also likes to travel.
I have middle aged and older Canadian friends who are doing the van-life option--problem is our Canadian winter isn't conducive to living in a vehicle--and we don't want to go 'down south' anymore. My solution for four years now is a fixed in place 'park model home' bought second hand at a very reasonable price in a small trailer park by a lake. It's only open from May to October and in winter, I do pet and housesitting---and save my pennies to spend time in Spain. It's barely doable financially but gives me both a home and an escape from winter. I'm a writer so my seniors govt pension and a bit of freelance income has to cover everything. How long I can manage it, remains to be seen but so far so good! I write about life, politics and travel at Tiny Home, Bigger Life on Substack.
Johanna...you are ahead of the game of life. You mentioned "you barely get by". Isn't that true of most of us...and the ones who got ousted from their apartment is still barely getting by. But you are able to escape Canada's harsh winter months and enjoy beautiful Spain. You're so blessed! I'm intested in reading your prose and Substack. Thanks for commenting
Good morning from Australia! Your article resonates so much with me, home affordability in Australia is definitely out of reach for our younger generation and a lead weight of mortgage repayments for those that raise enough for a deposit. The cost of vans in Australia is just as out of reach however. The overall math would place the van life in front.
I look forward to reading your articles as I plan our transition to van life.
Thank you for your research filled article and recognising that our way of life may have to change.
Thank you Lee for your comment. Van life is better when you keep it simple. You can live with far less than you think you can. I would suggest that you have a hobby or some form of entertainment while living in tight spaces, such as a van or a car. You will feel more comfortable and learn to like being outdoors more. Nature is uplifting for our spirits. Anyway, good luck while transitioning to van life.
Living in a van has been in my thoughts. My only concern is that I’m very tall, 6 ft. I already camp in a tent, and live an outdoor lifestyle not full time. But, my tent allows me to stand up, the van would not. My research shows that most women are short that live in vans. Am I missing something? Let me know.
You mention Tucson, AZ but not air conditioning. A van, even insulated, still gets hot inside just like a car does. 400 Watts of solar isn't going to provide AC--it's really not enough for even a small refrigerator and cooking on an induction burner or an Instant Pot. It will get you by, barely, in the long days of summer, but what about winter? In cold weather you have to deal with condensation buildup. You can't just pop in to many RV parks on a whim these days--many are booked months in advance. Safety is an issue on our public lands—lots of people are living full time out there—you’ll run in to lots of trash, human waste and less than savory characters. And then there’s the price of fuel…
Sizing down is good! How far down is the question. We’ve owned four different RV’s and pulled ski boats all over the country. I could live in one now that I’m alone, if I still wanted to travel but have chosen a single wide home on my son’s rural property for the past 7 years and recommend it highly. I would assume with so many in the same economic boat, appealing parks might be more available, not the old trailer trash that usually comes to mind. Good for you for following your dream!
I’m a new subscriber and, while I’ve been intrigued by this concept for years, I’m finally leaving home ownership behind and looking for something different. One issue that concerns me is that if safety and security for a single older person on the road. I look forward to learning more about this lifestyle through your column!
Welcome Patricia. I have loads of information for single older women who want to be involved in the van life. There are very good sole women nomad caravans that you could join, with no obligations or expense. you are free to leave whenever you please. Yes, safety is my major concern. There are safety rules to learn and live by, while being aware of your surroundings at all times and pre-planning your journey. With cell phone services, you are always just a phone call away from help if you need it.
It’s nice to read of your successful van life. I may be headed there. —
A sub-class of nomads —
a large minority of us long-haul truck drivers live in our trucks full-time. Most of my paycheck goes to the ex and adult children living with her. They leave me enough $$ to buy food and Substack / phone subscriptions. Thankfully, they let me stay overnight in their house for those rare medical / dental appointments.
HI Randolph,IF you've been a long-haul truck driver, then you know what the road is like and you know how to get around. May I suggest if you start this life style, please get a hobby or a side hustle, something you may be interested in doing. It makes life more contented. Are you thinking of getting a van and fixing it up?
Trust me, I've thought about it way more than I should have. Both for the practicality AND the adventure of it.
Interesting ideas that make sense for some people. The initial cost of the van and conversion, especially in areas that have few long-term RV spots, might be daunting, but the math can work out for people who are minimalists (if you want to keep your sanity) and enjoy the flexibility.
Ironically, the more people take advantage of that, the lower housing prices would go due to slumping demand. It probably wouldn't catch up to salaries but it would be helpful.
Think of it as alternative housing.
I just hope they find community
What would bother me (as a retired but still nerdy accountant) is ongoing expenses - insurance, repairs, fuel - for the van plus the cost of ultimately replacing it when repairs are no longer economical. Year by year you would either need to take into account depreciation on the van or - more use from a practical point of view - save each month towards the next van. I think this is where the van living plan can fall over.
Unless you live in a city with good public transportation, you need a vehicle anyway. So yes you save for repairs and eventually replacement. Don't you do that if you live in a house?
Sensible people do, yes, but there are so many van dwellers - as in those who talk about it online, not the whole population - who believe one of the great things about it is no costs. You'll often see mention of repairs but rarely a discussion about preparing for replacement.
There’s many that do as well, but their primary income is making YouTube content.
Something else bothers me if I took up Van Life (which is VERY attractive to me). Where do you live when your van breaks down and parts must be ordered and you have to wait a few days or even a week while your van sits at a repair shop?
I suppose you'd have to stay with friends or family for a while. So it helps to have lots of them!
Hi Sharon,
There's really nothing free in America. Yes, there are ongoing expenses always wherever you live. But at the end of day, the van life prevents you from being evicted from a rental property that you have very little control over with rising rent costs. It's not a perfect solution, but a doable one.
Renting is becoming a nightmare - in the UK too but not as bad as in the US, I think. Sadly, attempts to give tenants more legal protection in the UK is making private landlords sell up and long term that might make renting even worse because of lack of supply. I'm all for being able to choose the van life, I just worry when I see "no costs". That's just the accountant in me. I'm no way against anyone's choices.
I would love to do this. But I do have a place to live and we are managing right now.
that's good to hear.
Im Not a teacher or writer but I do work from home that said require 3 22” monitors and solid internet so I’m looking at this lifestyle for possibly after retirement. My biggest concern is the cost of a van and what to do with all my ‘stuff’ which currently takes up a 2/2 duplex plus 2 10x20 storage units. Short of getting rid of everything (not likely) I will probably need another storage unit and eventually have to downsize even more than I already have and find something more permanent. It seems daunting but your post is encouraging at least
Thank you. But remember the more stuff you the less freedom. It's your choice.
I’ve thoughts but this as a serious option. My 1 and only reason for it investigating further is the fact that I live in the North east and am quite concerned about winter. I think I would love this as an introvert, minimalist, and homebody who also likes to travel.
Maybe you should give it a try and travel south where the weather is warm.
I have middle aged and older Canadian friends who are doing the van-life option--problem is our Canadian winter isn't conducive to living in a vehicle--and we don't want to go 'down south' anymore. My solution for four years now is a fixed in place 'park model home' bought second hand at a very reasonable price in a small trailer park by a lake. It's only open from May to October and in winter, I do pet and housesitting---and save my pennies to spend time in Spain. It's barely doable financially but gives me both a home and an escape from winter. I'm a writer so my seniors govt pension and a bit of freelance income has to cover everything. How long I can manage it, remains to be seen but so far so good! I write about life, politics and travel at Tiny Home, Bigger Life on Substack.
Johanna...you are ahead of the game of life. You mentioned "you barely get by". Isn't that true of most of us...and the ones who got ousted from their apartment is still barely getting by. But you are able to escape Canada's harsh winter months and enjoy beautiful Spain. You're so blessed! I'm intested in reading your prose and Substack. Thanks for commenting
Yes, i am blessed that i am able to live independently in summer and to housesit and travel in winter. What i can't afford is travel health
insurance--which can be somewhat unnerving at my age! I admire your determination to create a home on your own terms!
Good morning from Australia! Your article resonates so much with me, home affordability in Australia is definitely out of reach for our younger generation and a lead weight of mortgage repayments for those that raise enough for a deposit. The cost of vans in Australia is just as out of reach however. The overall math would place the van life in front.
I look forward to reading your articles as I plan our transition to van life.
Thank you for your research filled article and recognising that our way of life may have to change.
Thank you Lee for your comment. Van life is better when you keep it simple. You can live with far less than you think you can. I would suggest that you have a hobby or some form of entertainment while living in tight spaces, such as a van or a car. You will feel more comfortable and learn to like being outdoors more. Nature is uplifting for our spirits. Anyway, good luck while transitioning to van life.
Living in a van has been in my thoughts. My only concern is that I’m very tall, 6 ft. I already camp in a tent, and live an outdoor lifestyle not full time. But, my tent allows me to stand up, the van would not. My research shows that most women are short that live in vans. Am I missing something? Let me know.
You mention Tucson, AZ but not air conditioning. A van, even insulated, still gets hot inside just like a car does. 400 Watts of solar isn't going to provide AC--it's really not enough for even a small refrigerator and cooking on an induction burner or an Instant Pot. It will get you by, barely, in the long days of summer, but what about winter? In cold weather you have to deal with condensation buildup. You can't just pop in to many RV parks on a whim these days--many are booked months in advance. Safety is an issue on our public lands—lots of people are living full time out there—you’ll run in to lots of trash, human waste and less than savory characters. And then there’s the price of fuel…
Sizing down is good! How far down is the question. We’ve owned four different RV’s and pulled ski boats all over the country. I could live in one now that I’m alone, if I still wanted to travel but have chosen a single wide home on my son’s rural property for the past 7 years and recommend it highly. I would assume with so many in the same economic boat, appealing parks might be more available, not the old trailer trash that usually comes to mind. Good for you for following your dream!
Thank you Karen
I’m a new subscriber and, while I’ve been intrigued by this concept for years, I’m finally leaving home ownership behind and looking for something different. One issue that concerns me is that if safety and security for a single older person on the road. I look forward to learning more about this lifestyle through your column!
Welcome Patricia. I have loads of information for single older women who want to be involved in the van life. There are very good sole women nomad caravans that you could join, with no obligations or expense. you are free to leave whenever you please. Yes, safety is my major concern. There are safety rules to learn and live by, while being aware of your surroundings at all times and pre-planning your journey. With cell phone services, you are always just a phone call away from help if you need it.
It’s nice to read of your successful van life. I may be headed there. —
A sub-class of nomads —
a large minority of us long-haul truck drivers live in our trucks full-time. Most of my paycheck goes to the ex and adult children living with her. They leave me enough $$ to buy food and Substack / phone subscriptions. Thankfully, they let me stay overnight in their house for those rare medical / dental appointments.
HI Randolph,IF you've been a long-haul truck driver, then you know what the road is like and you know how to get around. May I suggest if you start this life style, please get a hobby or a side hustle, something you may be interested in doing. It makes life more contented. Are you thinking of getting a van and fixing it up?