A WOMAN who was fed up paying expensive rent has revealed how she sold everything and moved into a £2,000 caravan.
Gemma picked up the van on Gumtree and said her new lifestyle has transformed her life and even made her healthier in five key ways.
In a clip on her @happilyevergolden page, she said: “These are some of the ways van life has made me healthier from better rest, less stress and more steps!
“It’s not for everyone but I’m becoming really grateful for this chapter.”
The first way her life has changed is she no longer has a garden, but sees this as a good thing as she now has to take her dogs on walks.
Instead of letting her pooches run around their outdoor space, she gets her steps up each day while giving them exercise and quality time.
The next perk of caravan life is using the showers at the gym, which is not only good for “unlimited water”, but also incentivises her to work out.
While some people would get fed up with the “lack of storage”, Gemma said this actually helps reduce her waste, as she has to do intentional eating.
One of the main benefits to her health has been “less stress”, and this is from having “less bills.”
She also added that the small safe space enables her to have “better rest”, and seeing the incredible views encourages her to spend more time outside.
Gemma explained how she stays in seasonal campsites, and has a “normal” life that requires her to get to a place of work.
She added: “It’s a big change but was so necessary for us and no regrets.”
Many people were impressed, with one saying: “PERFECT LIFE.”
Meanwhile, one added: “First thing I noticed when I moved into a van almost 10 years ago, was how much my health actually improved.”
Gemma previously shared how she had to dodge a number of “van scams” before finding an old tourer caravan from 1999 on Gumtree for £2,000.
Describing it as “old but clean”, she got to work to transform it into the perfect tiny home on wheels.
The caravan was naturally a fraction of the size of her rented home, so she had to sell, donate or get rid of nearly 90 per cent of her possessions.
After numerous visits to the tip, she even got on first name terms with the “dump workers.”
The caravan owner didn’t have long to get her caravan in ship shape.
Gemma wrote: “We had two days to transform it into a liveable and cosy space whilst on a relative’s driveway.
“The simplest and most effective way was to white everything with plans to add colour later.”
She showed the interior of the caravan after it was given a lick of white paint and it looked like a new and fresh living space.
Gemma continued: “With the paint barely dried we parked in our first pitch.”
Thankfully her two golden retrievers seemed completely at home in the caravan from the start.
She added: “They settled in immediately.
“And now we’re sharing our story of van life, dogs, saving money, minimalism and adventures.”
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
