1 day Ago By Sophie Warburton
A MARRIED couple have been living in a van and a canal boat for the past 12 years - they don't pay for heating or groceries but admit there is a huge downside. Emma, Reese, and their little dog Daisy live in a self-converted van named Romany and have been sharing their van-life adventures via YouTube. 4 The trio live in a 2019 Ford Transit van which they say costs £100 in fuel to fill up 4 For this couple their mission is simple, they want a 4 Reece's favourite thing to cook is a seafood paella 4 Emma takes the lead with managing finances The trio live in a 2019 Ford Transit van which they say costs £100 in fuel to fill up.
For this couple their mission is simple. They want to live a life outside the norm and to travel. The van is essentially a means to an end.
"Van life means something quite simple", explained Reece. "The van is just somewhere to sleep while you're travelling. So, it's travels first, and then the van," he added.
read more in money LOO-NACY I woke up to find 'stinky' portable loo outside door - now my home is unsellable HOUSE THAT My house is falling off a cliff but I won't move out - it's JUST staying upright The couple are also renovating a 57ft canal boat. In addition, they own a cottage, which they use as an Airbnb while travelling. A question the couple constantly get asked is how much does van life cost.
Emma believes this is an impossible question to answer because it really depends on how much you have to spend. Most read in Money RISKY BUSINESS Map reveals huge chain's 87 restaurants at risk of closure - see full list LAST ORDERS All eight Scots TGI Fridays sites put up for sale as restaurant chain goes bust CHECKOUT THIS Discount supermarket to shut doors on Boxing Day LAST ORDERS Huge UK restaurant chain COLLAPSES into administration as 87 sites up for sale However, she recommends buying as newer vehicle as possible with as little mileage as possible. The mum added; "You can put an absolute fortune into doing the back of your van up and it looks absolutely gorgeous - but if the engine goes then that's it.
" The couple explained that the most important factors in terms of cost are: Cost of the van itself Insurance Kitting out the van i.e. furnishings Where you want to go and what you want to do Fuel We ditched our home to live full-time in a campervan - now we pay zero rent, it’s so cheap if you don’t fork out for fuel Emma, who is mostly in control of managing their expenditures warned as a start-up, you'll need around £4,000 to buy a van.
Once you've got the van, it could cost anywhere between a couple of hundred to £15,000 to furnish. However, Emma advises looking on Facebook Marketplace, and eBay to find second-hand features such as rock and roll beds. Also, making your own furniture will help reduce costs.
Emma also explained that a great way to save on electrical costs is to use a general relay rather than a smart alternator. This is because a smart alternator requires a DC charger which can be costly. The couple also revealed that they don't have a shower, heating, or gas.
"When you start thinking about getting heaters in and piping all that stuff in unless you really know what you're doing I don't think you should be been messing about with gas," Emma warned. The same goes for diesel heaters, she adds. Instead, the couple use a transportable shower and use natural heat sources such as candles for warmth.
The couple also admitted they don't spend much on food as going for out treats like coffees can add up. The downside being that they will have to "share that slice of cake" from time to time, however, they understand their priorities. Reece on the other hand has some simple advice and that is not to stay at a campsite.
The couple claims campsites in the UK cost around £15 - £40 per night and it's "not what van life is about". "Campsites restrict you as there's no freedom of movement", said Reece. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'TOTAL CHAOS' Scots beauty spot CLOSED two days in a row as campervans gridlock narrow road DEAL ME IN Rangers' bumper new kit sponsorship deal is most lucrative in club's history "Van life means something quite simple.
Nothing too spectacular, just a van with your stuff in and the open road." "It's about being as simple as possible", added Emma. The Rise Of Van Life The rise of van life began during the pandemic in 2020.
With no one able to leave the country, staycations became popular for many say camping blog venturecampers . On top of that, the rising cost of renting a house has put many off doing so, especially when wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living crisis. Although it has gained popularity again, many people opted for van life in the 60s and 70s.
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