A COUPLE have revealed they decided to leave their home to live permanently in a caravan, and now they are not paying rent.
Zach and Freya say that caravanning is very cheap, with their only major expenses being food and diesel.
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The couple travels in a caravan through their native New Zealand, documenting their journey in videos posted on their YouTube channel. @CaptainZachspearo.
In a video, Freya said the couple spend around £40 each time they fill their tank with diesel, but she added that the caravan is often left stationary for days, which saves them money.
They also try to keep their food costs low by only buying items that are on sale.
To heat the caravan, they use a gas bottle, which costs £20 and, they say, “lasts for ages”.
Read more stories about the caravan
They also have solar panels on the roof of the caravan, which they use for electricity.
Freya and Zach try to use as little water as possible when washing dishes and showering to save costs.
Despite the caravan being quite small, Freya assured that there is ample storage space.
There is also a small kitchen, complete with an oven and stovetop, so the couple can save money by cooking their own meals.
Freya admitted they eat a lot of tinned food, but added that she loves baking banana bread in the caravan.
“You can definitely bake in this,” she said.
During their travels, Freya works as a teacher and Zach as a tree surgeon, but the couple say they think caravanning is so cheap that you can do it without having to work.
The duo do not have to pay to park their caravan anywhere, because they are members of the New Zealand Campervan Association, which means they can park their caravan on campsites for free.
The campsites also have toilet facilities, meaning that, unlike many other caravan users, Freya and Zach don’t have to deal with their own waste.
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.
When they are down to one pair of underwear and need to do laundry, Freya and Zach head over to one of their friends’ houses to do the laundry.
The duo work part-time during their travels and spend their free time cycling and pursuing their hobbies.
“I just sunbathe and read a book, go for walks and explore the city wherever we are,” Freya said.
“If we like a place, we stay there for a few days, and when we feel like we’ve done all we can do, we just move on to the next destination.”
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