We are a family of 5 living in a caravan – it is stressful but we don’t pay rent

A WOMAN shared a glimpse into her life with a family of five who live in a caravan.

Claudia, a mother of three, said her family decided to leave their home and move into a caravan because they could no longer afford the sky-high rents.

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She and her partner realised that they would have to work extremely long hours and never see their children if they lived in a house in their hometown of Dublin, so they decided to downsize drastically.

“We have less space now, but we have more time together,” she said in a video posted to her YouTube channel BamblesBooks.

“And we attach more value to that.”

When they first moved into the mobile home, they only had one child, but in the past five years their family has grown and two more children have been born.

They even have a dog, Monty, who completes the family.

Claudia explains that the caravan is extremely cramped and that it can be stressful to live in it, especially in winter, when the family has to spend more time indoors.

However, she said she feels like she would still feel cramped if she lived in a house, and she believes it is your mindset, not your environment, that affects your feelings.

She added that it can get very cold in winter as the family only has small electric heaters to keep themselves warm.

“I would like a wood stove to heat the house,” she said.

And in the summer the problem is exactly the other way around: the large windows in the caravan make it heat up like a greenhouse.

In addition, it is difficult to keep the caravan clean, as there is limited space and her children, aged seven, four and two, are constantly running around.

“It’s absolutely worth it, considering the freedom we have,” she said.

When Claudia bought the caravan, it had ugly built-in furniture. She and her partner decided to take everything apart and make their own furniture, using things they bought at Ikea.

They also removed the carpets and laid their own wooden floor.

The caravan has a beautiful view of the sea and they even have a small garden outside, where they keep their own chickens.

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.

The family has been continuously renovating the house since they moved in and plan to soon install bunk beds so their youngest child can get out of bed.

“Everything we need to do, we can do in this small space,” she said.

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