I’ve given up my house to live in a caravan – there’s no space, but I love it

The CARAVAN life may not be for everyone, after all there are many compromises.

The lack of space alone is enough to put some people off vacationing there full-time, let alone living there full-time — but Ashley Diedenhofen isn’t one of them.

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She showed off her rolling house in a YouTube video, and it doesn’t even have electricity.

When you first enter the caravan, you enter the living area with two sofas on either side.

With no electricity on board, Ashley had to come up with a clever way to light the space at night.

Instead of relying solely on her phone’s flashlight, she bought a light diffuser, a small plastic cone-shaped object that helps spread the light further — and it’s a lot cheaper than hunting for endless batteries.

As for storage space, it is quite limited in the caravan, especially since it is not just Ashley who lives there.

Many of her clothes are folded on the floor, while her boyfriend uses the overhead storage space.

“Here’s our ant colony,” Ashley pointed out in the viral video, showing a corner of the trailer infested with ants.

“I’m doing everything I can to get rid of them,” she said.

The kitchen area of ​​the caravan has a large oven and hob.

There is a sink, but the caravan is not connected to water, so that is of no use to them.

“It’s just for show,” Ashley said.

However, there is more storage space above the sink, which is useful for storing dishes. bowls and cutlery, as well as the few staples she keeps in the pantry.

Privacy is also at a low level in the caravan, because the bedroom has no door.

In fact, it’s just a double bed in the back corner of the open space, but it’s more than enough for Ashley and her boyfriend while traveling.

The good newsor perhaps bad news, is that she can reach the bathroom from the comfort of her bed because the bathroom sink is in the right position next attached to it and also has no door.

Fortunately, the toilet does.

“We never use the toilet here; we use the outside air,” she explained.

After showing off her home tour online, people were stunned by the couple’s simple approach to caravan living.

One of them said: “She’s afraid to wear shoes inside and cover them with towels so it doesn’t get dirty, but still there are ants walking loose on the furniture… girl, do something.”

Others were concerned about the lack of water, with one person commenting: “You might as well live in a car if you don’t have electricity and water. Even DIY vans have water and electricity.”

But some praised Ashley’s ‘minimalist’ home on wheels.

“Enjoy the freedom and save money while leaving the materialistic world behind, well done,” said one.

“Great caravan, keep the windows open even though it might get smelly,” wrote another.

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How much does it cost to live in a caravan?

LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in Britain. Here is an overview of the possible costs:

Initial costs

• Caravan purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age and condition)
• Caravan insurance: €200 to €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 television: £20 – £50
• Gas for heating/cooking: £15 – £40

Other potential costs

• Waste disposal costs: £8 – £25
• Transport costs (when moving): Variable, depending on the distance
• Optional extensions (awning, solar panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-off)

Example monthly budget

• Pitch costs: £400
• Utilities: £80
• Maintenance and repairs: £40
• Internet and television: £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 for saving

• Pitches costs outside peak hours: Look for lower rates outside of peak season.
• DIY maintenance: Carry out minor repairs yourself.
• Energy efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce energy costs.

Although the initial installation costs can be significant, the ongoing costs of living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those looking for an affordable and mobile lifestyle in Britain.