OWNING a house can be expensive, so one woman shared how she decided to move into a caravan.
Gemma shared how she sold nearly all her possessions for a more simple and minimalistic lifestyle with her adorable dogs.
Taking to her @happilyevergoldenaccount, she wrote: “POV you got sick of renting a house and decide to take a risk and live in a van.
“Here’s the journey of moving in.”;
First up, Gemma had to find a caravan and said 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.”;
Her video has racked up thousands of videos and people seemed impressed with her frugal and wholesome lifestyle.
One person wrote: “This is exactly my dream.”;
Another added: “We have just been having a conversation about selling it all and buying one of these. I needed to see your tik tok today.”;
And a third commented: “This is brilliant. How exciting it must be for you!”;
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:£2,000 – £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.
