I bought an old caravan from Facebook and made it fancy using Temu bargains from £1.67
For many people, a caravan seems like a luxury, but there are also ways to purchase one cheaply.
One clever woman shared how she found one on Facebook Marketplace and transformed the inside into a luxurious and chic look.
TikTok user Jade, who posts under @jadegoodbyuploaded a video showing off her incredible DIY interior work.
She wrote: “Three weeks ago we bought a caravan through Facebook Marketplace and this is the progress so far.”
First the cabinet and doors were removed and sanded and primed at home.
Then they painted it with a stylish sage green paint and waited for it to dry.
They also painted the interior of the caravan white and green and added “a million layers” to it, but they were very happy with the end result.
She also added beautiful patterned tiles to the wall and covered the kitchen countertops with vinyl, but added, “This was the worst job ever, never again, thank you.”
At that moment Jade said, “The graft is grafting.
“But it’s definitely worth it. It feels like it’s slowly coming together now.”
Next one it was time to go shopping, and she went to Time to score some bargains.
First she put some individual stickers on the doors of the caravan and said the first one “literally took an hour” but she liked the end result.
She also received Temu curtains and rods for the windows and an “essential” bottle opener costing £1.67.
Jade also added some “cute” floral fairy lights to make the interior look stylish.
Eventually, the couple replaced the couch cushions with covers from She in and laid a new floor, and we were very happy with the end result.
Jade added that the first trip had been a “success” as they were able to use the sofa as a double bed.
She told her followers how she would tackle the bathroom next.
Many people were very impressed with her decorating work, one of them said: “This is beautiful! I am sending it to my partner now.”
Another added: “I so want to do this with ours but I don’t know where to start. It looks amazing.”
And a third commented: “I love this!”
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 is a breakdown of the costs involved:
Initial costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age and condition)
- Caravan insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing monthly costs
- Pitch costs: £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 removal costs: €8 – €25
- Transport costs (when moving): Variable, depending on the distance
- Optional extras (awning, solar panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-off)
Sample monthly budget
- Pitch costs: €400
- Utilities: €80
- Maintenance and repairs: €40
- Internet and TV: €40
- Gas for heating/cooking: €25
- Total: €585
Annual estimated costs
- Total monthly costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: €500
- Maintenance and repairs: €480
- Total annual costs: €8,000
Tips to save
- Rates for pitches outside high season: Look for lower rates outside of peak season.
- Performing maintenance yourself: Carry out minor repairs yourself.
- Energy efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce energy costs.
Although the initial costs of setting up can be significant, the ongoing costs of living in a caravan are relatively low, making it a viable option for those looking for an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.