I converted my van into a home on wheels – it’s only costing me £260 a week
The cost of living crisis has led to the emergence of more alternative lifestyles around the world.
An Australian shared how she saves money living in her converted van.
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In her viral videoTikTok user Cass (@cassadvantures) shared her bus expenses and talked about some of the negative aspects of life on the road.
Cass explained that she worked as a traffic controller and put in long hours every week to save money for her adventure.
She said she was inspired to “explore my own backyard” when the Covid lockdown was first put in place.
After saving money, Cass bought a van and paid a company to convert it into a home on wheels.
Once she started travelling, she set herself a budget of £260 a week.
However, she indicated that the amount often fluctuates depending on her weekly expenses.
She gave the example of having to pay for repairs when she re-registered her van.
“I had to get my car checked out, all the tires and brake pads replaced, there was a lot more that needed to be done,” Cass explains.
She added that her spending would be lower in other weeks and she might only spend £155.
“My biggest expense is probably fuel, and I expected that,” she told her followers.
Cass explained that she saves money by avoiding expensive grocery stores and fast food restaurants.
She also revealed some unexpected downsides to living in a converted bus.
Her biggest challenges were keeping the bus clean, staying productive in bad weather, and trying to live a minimalist lifestyle.
She also complained of the “super hot, stuffy nights” when sleeping in her van.
Cass described the constantly busy life as “exhausting” and said she sometimes feels pressured to constantly enjoy the spots she parks in instead of simply relaxing.
The Rise of the Van Life
The rise of camper life began during the pandemic in 2020. With no one able to leave the country, staycations became popular for many, says camping blog adventurous campers.
In addition, rising rents are discouraging many people from renting a home, especially as wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living crisis.
Although the van has become popular again, in the 1960s and 1970s many people chose life in a van.
Finally, she said finding a place to shower and park overnight can be a constant struggle.
Her followers shared their thoughts about her unique lifestyle in the comments.
“This is so helpful!! I’m about to buy a van for a spin so thank you for being so open about the financial side of it,” one viewer wrote.
“You planned it well, saved up and did it. You won’t regret it,” another TikTok user commented.
“Well done for saving up and preparing yourself for the adventure of a lifetime,” said a third person.
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