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Picture your ideal backyard and magnify it into a vast valley of wildflowers or transform it into a serene beach with crashing waves - that is the oasis some people have created for themselves by taking their life on the road. Van life is a growing lifestyle among adventurers who convert old buses and vans into whimsical mobile homes ready for wherever the wind takes them.

Founder of 'Van Clan', - an online community and content page for van conversion lovers and travel addicts - Brandon Saltalamacchia, told Bored Panda that the first allure of Van life is the freedom it gives, "People want freedom to escape the ever daunting bills, stress, and constraints of “real life”. The thought of having a minimalist lifestyle for a little while is certainly an aspect of living in a van that intrigues many newcomers, and it’s certainly true." These tiny houses utilize economical space design to fit all the necessities one would find in a normal-sized home. Ovens, closets, beds, and fold-out desks they all fit in the living quarters of these gorgeous mobile dwellings that would make Marie Kondo proud. The other obvious benefit, according to Saltalamacchia - cost. "All you need to sort is insurance, food, and gas, and then you can go anywhere your heart desires, all while taking in the ever-changing world around you," he said, adding that cost is the most common question they receive on their page. Scroll down below to see some of these fantastic houses on wheels designs and don't forget to upvote your favs!

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#1

We Expect That It Will Take About 2 Years Give Or Take To Complete Our Trip Across The U.S. And Canada

We Expect That It Will Take About 2 Years Give Or Take To Complete Our Trip Across The U.S. And Canada

We are so excited to finally be on the road after first purchasing our bus 2 years ago! Our build took a year and a half to complete.

going_boundless Report

Not sure if life on the road is right for you? According to the Van Clan founder people from all walks of life are jumping on board with this new trend, the only qualification - an adventurous soul. "It’s your typical adventurous human who just wants to live a little, you could be 18 years of age straight out of school, or freshly retired, there’s no real type of person who takes on this lifestyle, but you can bet your money, that each one who does has an adventurous streak in them that wants to discover new places and meet new people," said Saltalamacchia.

#2

This Is The Coolest Bus Ever

This Is The Coolest Bus Ever

To answer everyone’s concern how do we keep everything still while we are moving - we use Velcro tape! Thus, after a few attempts of driving the bus, surprisingly everything stayed as it is without taping it. Gotta thank the soft air suspension of the bus

big_little_life_ , big_little_life_ Report

Getting started on your van life journey may seem daunting but Saltalamacchia has some words of advice for newcomers before they purchase a van or throw down money on construction supplies."If you’re looking at taking on the van life we really suggest you think about it hard. Is living in a tiny box really what you want? Do you want someone knocking on your vehicle at 2am in the morning one day because you’ve parked in the wrong spot? Do you want to pee in bushes now and then? These are some of the things that will most likely happen, but you’ll be rewarded with many incredible experiences along the way." 

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#3

One Of Our Favorite Parts Of The Bus Is Her Fully-Functioning Kitchen

One Of Our Favorite Parts Of The Bus Is Her Fully-Functioning Kitchen

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If you think you have what it takes to tough it out in the great outdoors, the Van Clan founder says there are some logistics to consider while planning, "Firstly, if you’re buying an already converted van, you may have to redesign it to your style if not, then you’ll have to do a conversion that has multiple uses, for example, your seating will convert into a bed, and then convert into a desk, and while all that’s going on, it’s storage space at the same time. Secondly, do you want a toilet and/or a shower? If so, again, prepare to somehow fit it in to your vehicle, for smaller vehicles this might not be an option. And thirdly, test drive it. Find a rental, and rent it for a weekend, see if you can deal with the space, does it drive well? And is it something you can LIVE in."

#4

Our Sweet Bus Is Starting To Look More And More Like A Home!

Our Sweet Bus Is Starting To Look More And More Like A Home!

Our sweet bus is starting to look more and more like a home! We are almost at the finish line. We absolutely cannot wait to move in

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Downsizing is cost efficient in the long term, but how much does a van conversion set you back? "Van conversions vary in price, you can go as cheap as $1,000 if you really want the bare bones and fancy finding scrap wood, or you can go all out and have conversions well over the $10,000 mark, " explained , "It all depends on the size of your van, and how deep you want to go with the conversion, we recommend doing it yourself with a budget, it makes every inch feel more YOU." As for monthly expenses the cost is very little, he said, "Your biggest outgoing is gas, then food, then insurance. You can do it all on as little as $250 a month, but your average van lifers is most likely spending around $300-$600 per month living in a van, and that’s including gas."

#5

School Bus Coversion

School Bus Coversion

I really enjoy designing alternative spaces and giving them a new feel and life. When I first got my bus it was an old yellow bus just like the one most of us probably took to school. With some planning and imagination, I turned it into my home. Most of the time, I forget that ‘I live in a bus.’ It just feels like home to me

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One hesitation people have about a smaller home is not just missing the larger luxuries but basic hygiene, however this expert said that the idea that van life people don't shower is probably the biggest misconception about this lifestyle. "This could not be further from the truth, yes, there’s times where you don’t shower for a couple of days, but getting to a water source, or using a portable shower bag is very common with van lifers. Most of them are very clean!"

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#6

I Won’t Say I Don’t Love The Escape And The Pleasantries Of Traditional Accommodation. But I Can Say That For Now Vanna The Van Is Home

I Won’t Say I Don’t Love The Escape And The Pleasantries Of Traditional Accommodation. But I Can Say That For Now Vanna The Van Is Home

the_wayward_blonde Report

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Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks ultra-cozy, but wouldn't all the wood not be extremely heavy?

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But who has the time and resources to just take off for a year? "Many people think you have to do van life for years, no, you could be doing it for a year, a few months, or even a couple of weeks, hell, you could be a weekend warrior, someone who likes to do it on the weeks only. Van life can be a day, or a lifetime, it’s your path, you can choose how long it lasts."

#7

Everyone Meet Atlas (Sprinter Lwb High Roof). He Is My New Home

Everyone Meet Atlas (Sprinter Lwb High Roof). He Is My New Home

It's been a long time getting to this point and I am super happy with how it turned out

palmtreesandfunnythings Report

It's hard not to daydream about traveling around and spending the night with breathtaking views in the background, but just like with anything on social media Saltalamacchia warns to take these #VanLife instagram pics with a grain of salt. "Van life is one of the most glamorized lifestyles on social media, not everyone eats strawberries on top of their van, looking at the sunset with their cute dog but I think knowing this will let you take each picture with a grain of salt. These moments can happen, but trust us, it’s not every weekend, some weekends you’ll be stuck in a shopping mall car park, but then some weekends you’ll be on a beach with a cold beer, reading a book with no care in the world."

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#8

This Is Our First Van We Ever

This Is Our First Van We Ever

This is our first van we ever had in Australia, we had to cook outside rain or shine, you couldn't stand up inside and we shared a single bed for a whole year! This tiny little home started our love affair with life on the road, it gave us a crash course in alternative living and the kind of freedom that tasted bloody beautiful! We discovered a life which was possible if we put our minds to it, one which was at times.. really hard but worth it every damn time! A life we had been dreaming of

slownsteadylivin Report

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However, if you weigh the pros and cons and think you have what it takes to be one of these van explorers, the van life enthusiast says it is well worth it, "The most rewarding part about this lifestyle is the peace of mind you get when you’re on the road. You have very little outgoings, you have the choice to go wherever your heart desires and you get to meet a lot of incredible people. The lifestyle is the rewarding part, it all comes together to be a relaxing, slow yet eventful way of living that many can’t wait to start. Time slows down when you live the van life."

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#9

We Converted A 1966 Greyhound Commuter Bus Into A Cute Mobile Home

We Converted A 1966 Greyhound Commuter Bus Into A Cute Mobile Home

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kmine67 avatar
M. Mole
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Love the clean lines and the fact that it looks so roomy!

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#10

We Were Living In A 5000 Sq Ft House Sick Of Living The “Normal” Life That Everyone Thought We Should So We Packed Our 4 Kids Into A 250 Sq Ft Converted School Bus And Headed West And We’re Loving It

We Were Living In A 5000 Sq Ft House Sick Of Living The “Normal” Life That Everyone Thought We Should So We Packed Our 4 Kids Into A 250 Sq Ft Converted School Bus And Headed West And We’re Loving It

The house is a blessing to stay in but there are so many things about our bus that we miss! Beyond the obvious… the fact that it is “our” space… cleaning 250 sq ft is NOTHING compared to a normal sized house! It takes the family 30 mins to pic up our whole bus versus a few hours getting a home nice and clean…I feel like I can’t keep up!

Gabriel and Debbie Report

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hashwadoobies
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel bad for the lack of privacy for those children, especially that little girl.

cathyroberts avatar
Wanda Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel bad for the way we've been reduced to a society that makes snap judgments on other peoples lifestyles with little to no information.

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kmine67 avatar
M. Mole
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the clean lines! But not sure I'd want to live that close to 6 other people for too long. ;)

21blackm avatar
purpler7355 avatar
Just a Purpler
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coming from a family of 6, I don't think this would be too hard. I lived in a fairly big house, but all the space I really needed was a small area to call my own. Living in hotel rooms when we'd go on vacation for example was always fun for us, we'd have our own bed (most of the time), and that's all we needed. It was fun when the smaller hotel rooms brought us closer together. Maybe it would have got old if we'd done it more often than we did, but somehow I think if we'd been living in a bus like this, the constant changing scenery and new adventures would've kept us happy.

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ebony1k124 touch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

5000sq ft tells me someone had a great job and had the funds saved to purchase and convert this bus. The kids can go to school online and while this is not a conventional upbringing, the tons of things these kids will see, experience will ensure they never run out of things to say and will always be the popular kids whenever the family does plant roots down again.

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Vicki V
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How lucky these kids are, traveling experiencing the sites, the sounds of all things they would miss living in a traditional home.

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Debbie Mayes
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Super appreciate the feature but would love it if you would link to our IG (themayesteam) rather than another article for image credit :)

annarepp avatar
Anna Repp
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has been my dream for a long time, but I'm postponing it till my daughter goes off to college. I would not want to uproot her and lock her in a small space with me... Kids need good schools, kids need friends with whom they can escape their families and learn independence. Sure, traveling is great, but living on the road is not good for children, I think.

emilyc-radford avatar
Em Rad
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would of loved to see bedroom pics. Trying to figure out 6 people in 1 van. I'd go crazy sharing such a small space with my 3 kids!!

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Doodlebug
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was wondering where everyone sleeps, too. Maybe it's like Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the beds are in the luggage holds! Lol.

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Iulia Kelly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a family who did this. At least in their case, no one was happy but the dad. The kids and mom were all lonely and depressed. Mom tried to make the most of it. It definitely was not all sun tans, glasses of Chardonnay, and batik pillows.

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, quite lovely, to make such a big change with your family size is huge , however with your positive happy attitude it will only get better, there will be issues, as with all life, the experience of travel and nature for your children is priceless, have them write in a journal !!!

chelseasanders avatar
Chelsea Sanders
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For everyone being judgmental about the kids, I HATED being trapped in my hometown. My family never went anywhere. I would have loved to do this. I'm sure as the kids get older they will settle down into a house so everyone has privacy and friends. But while they're small, why not enjoy their alternative life and travel together?? And the worry about "privacy" is such a first world problem. Read Trevor Noah's book--many families in other countries live in a one or two room house and share beds. It's not horribly scarring. Your standards are just different.

megravely avatar
Mary Ellen Gravely
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

positiveness better than living in a concrete jungle the great out doors is so positive for children maybe each one could have their own little pop up tent for privacy a family that camps together stays together have fun

erosa1224 avatar
Orionpax75
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it I think lol but what happens when these kids turn into 16 and 17 yr olds?!? JS lol

siler_sam avatar
Tina Vandeweghe
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

compact yet, nice and clean. Everything in it's place. love this too.

danatimmermon avatar
Dana
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The thing I don't get is how you could live in a tiny house or something like this with children, who knows maybe they love it but you have to think about whats best, kids and dogs need room to play, and need friends to socialize with

pam_donahue avatar
Pam Donahue
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand about cleaning a smaller space getting done swiftly. It's so pristine, looks like it was just driven of the show from floor!!! KUDOS

sharronlynnparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You must be a close, and loving family, otherwise, it could be difficult, an incredible experience for the children, unfortunately, the baby will not remember too much !!!

maxfakerson avatar
max fakerson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kids look like they don’t like it, the parents are grinning from ear to ear while the kids are looking like theyre done, I hate these parents

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Harleen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"We had a nice house and a good life, but we got sick of it and forced our children into a new lifestyle because we can!" I hate to say it, but it sounds a bit selfish and irresponsible to me. Maybe YOU love it, but those kids don't look happy. Did the kids want to do this? Did they understand exactly what the situation was? Or was it just "this is what we're doing now, guys! We're gonna live in a bus! FUN!" Because I can almost guarantee that if they had a choice, that's not how they'd choose to live.

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Bridgit Gilmore
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have loved to do this when I was a kid. You have no idea whether they asked the children or not. Judgy much?

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Markus Holstein
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

So none of the kids are gonna go to school and face careers as unemployed assistant garbage men. And they'll have no social contacts outside of their own family. Good luck trying to have a decent conversation with one of those fabled "other people" if you ever move out.

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#11

How I Converted A Rusty Cargo Van Into A Unique Mobile Studio

How I Converted A Rusty Cargo Van Into A Unique Mobile Studio

It cost me $12k and took 10 months on and off. All together about 3 months straight work

zachboth Report

#12

First Project - Volkswagen T3

First Project - Volkswagen T3

oleyworkshop Report

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ADHORTATOR
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A "sleeper" van... standard van on the outside, home sweet home on the inside

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#13

Somedrifters

Somedrifters

This build has been quite a process. Most of the time it’s excitement, dreams and drawings, but there have been countless moments of extreme frustration and major setbacks. A 6 month project has turned into two years. We have sold our home, lived in our parents house, just sorta circled around looking for things to do while expecting the bus to be finished just around the corner.


Sometimes it’s felt like the worst idea I’ve ever had, like a never ending problem machine that’s going to take me down with it…like something I shouldn’t have tried… …and then there’s days like these.
Where the fog breaks, and I get a glimpse of the future, of the bus finished. Of my lil’ lady and I’s life on this beautiful dream machine.

somedrifters/ Report

#14

My Cozy Adventure Rig

My Cozy Adventure Rig

Note: fireplace is a low heat electrical and is at a safe distance from curtain - no threat to start a fire

Modifeye Report

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Wanda Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys I think that's just one of those electric heaters that's made to look like a fireplace, there's no chimney or other ventilation, though I agree it looks cozy.

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#15

My New Home

My New Home

Carl’s conversion is in full swing. I can’t believe it’s actually happening! Can’t wait to start exploring

michelle.lawrencee Report

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#17

This Car Means Everything To Me And It’s Crazy How Happy I Get Putting All My Money And Effort Into This Home

This Car Means Everything To Me And It’s Crazy How Happy I Get Putting All My Money And Effort Into This Home

Whenever I look at my van, it’s like falling in love over and over again. Sometimes I just can't believe that I built it 

susicruzz Report

#18

Our Home On Wheels

Our Home On Wheels

We are definitely not experts, we’ve been working it out as we go (eg. when we hit the road the only tools we packed were a hammer and a tiny screwdriver - which I don’t recommend doing if you plan to drive any car, let alone a vintage Kombi, around Australia

elisecook Report

#19

A Couple Late Nights And A Few Too Many Mcdonald’s Runs And We Have A Cabin On Wheels Complete

A Couple Late Nights And A Few Too Many Mcdonald’s Runs And We Have A Cabin On Wheels Complete

Paved-To-Pines , michaeljourneys Report

#20

Living The Van Life And Inspiring Everyone To Get Outdoors

Living The Van Life And Inspiring Everyone To Get Outdoors

ourvanventure Report

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Just a Purpler
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the simplicity! I hope to do this myself someday, but I'd like to have an actual house somewhere to come back too as well :) The simplicity of this one makes it a wonderful way to escape without having to worry too much about anything ! I love it!

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#22

It Feels So Good To Finally Be Done With It. Now It's Time For The Best Part, Seeing The World In It And Decorate It With Bits And Pieces From All Over The Place

It Feels So Good To Finally Be Done With It. Now It's Time For The Best Part, Seeing The World In It And Decorate It With Bits And Pieces From All Over The Place

thelifeofdjango Report

#23

We Transformed This Camper Van In 6 Weeks With Only £1000

We Transformed This Camper Van In 6 Weeks With Only £1000

The van rebuild was a real labour of love, they wanted to create a relaxing and happy environment. A place where they could really feel at home. They had no idea what an arduous task it would be. They worked tirelessly night and day, for 6 weeks. With very little spare money, they had to learn new skills and become resourceful. Building everything themselves from scratch. Scott became a carpenter, plumber and electrician and Ellie a seamstress, painter and decorator.
What they achieved is a touching tribute to their Florence, a dream that never came true. Sometimes the dreams that do come true are the ones we never even knew we had.

Ellie Morgan Report

#24

I Had So Many Requests For A Room Tour Of Our Build, So Here It Is

I Had So Many Requests For A Room Tour Of Our Build, So Here It Is

Kick off is the view from the sleeping/living space including our loved „entertainment area“ the cubic mini. The burning fire adds so much warmth to the whole place and makes it super cozy. It was important for us to keep our build spacious. There is a real cabin feeling inside. On the left is our kitchen counter with sink and quite a bit of storage space underneath. Since we wanted to use a portable gas stove to be able to cook outside as well, we didn’t build a fixed one into the kitchen area. In the drawers, we have dishes, food supplies as well as our freshwater tank, our compost toilet, and our 200ah batteries. The whole build is done by ourselves, and you probably can tell we are not carpenters, so we just call it style 

wetravelbybus , wetravelbybus Report

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Random Panda
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but did I misunderstand that the toilet is in the drawers next to the food and under the cooking area?

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#25

Then And Now. It’s 2 Years To The Day Since We Picked Up Our Little Van. Looks A Wee Bit Different Now

Then And Now. It’s 2 Years To The Day Since We Picked Up Our Little Van. Looks A Wee Bit Different Now

camperdreamin Report

#26

Think We’re Nearly There

Think We’re Nearly There

georgeholliday , madeontheroaduk Report

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A Rose Among Thorns
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very interesting! I love the fact it has a little but high-tech music and stereo area.

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#27

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home

We have finally hit the road! After 5 days of non stop designing and renovating we finally have our new home for the next 3 months 😻🚐 Can't wait to share the interior with you guys and our months of adventures 👌🏼❤️ The first night at this beautiful spot was a success and I'm already in love with the states and this van ... (and yes, this home will be up for sale at the end of our stay)

cleocohen Report

#28

Our Firetruck. Dwelling Through Europe With My Sister For Over 8 Months

Our Firetruck. Dwelling Through Europe With My Sister For Over 8 Months

Well, we don't have a toilet. Sometimes that makes things a bit complicated. But it also makes us really creative, and we have a funny reason to ask people for help. So at the end that is working out fine. We did some isolating, but during the winter it still gets pretty cold. We have a heater only after an hour or two it is too much for the batteries. Besides that, I'm pleased with the setup

lucepukie , lucepukie Report

#29

In Two Weeks We’ll Be Setting Out For Our Journey To Alaska. We’ve Added A Few Finishing Touches To Our Little Home

In Two Weeks We’ll Be Setting Out For Our Journey To Alaska. We’ve Added A Few Finishing Touches To Our Little Home

chuckthevan , chuckthevan Report

#30

A Little Glimpse Into The Home We Tuck Ourselves Into Each Night

A Little Glimpse Into The Home We Tuck Ourselves Into Each Night

freeandaddicted Report