4.5 Years LIVING IN A VAN // 8 Tips on How to Start (and SURVIVE) Van Life
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- -FAQ'S-
- I lived in my car, full-time, starting on Sept. 01, 2019
- Make & Model of my car was a 2018 Buick Encore
-I lived in my car to save money & pay off debt, which I successfully did (check out videos/playlists below)
- I totaled my Buick on Sept. 2022 & bought a 2022 Ford Transit Connect XLT LWB Nov. 2022
-Living full time in my van since May, 15, 2023
-My goal is to save money, buy land, & build a homestead
- BUY ME A COFFEE - buymeacoffee.com/simpleenough
CASH APP Was Shut Down! Buy Me A Coffee is Current Donation Option
- VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT! -
Wrecking the Car I Live in: • From Living in a Car t...
Quit My 80k Job: • Why I Quit My High Pay...
Becoming Debt Free: • FINALLY Becoming Debt ...
Story Times: • Storytime
VLOGS: • Vlogs
- MY MOST USEFUL PURCHASES -
Please use these links if you purchase a product we suggest. We (literally) make pennies from your purchase, but every penny helps!
~Van Build Products~
Insulation: amzn.to/3IDI36U
Spray Adhesive for insulation: amzn.to/3IhbOJn
Kilmat Sound Deadener - amzn.to/3xD2HxG
Alternative Sound Deadener - (I used Kilmat, but it's currently out of stock. This is a good alternative) - amzn.to/3EmseiD
Tool to remove air bubbles: amzn.to/3xEIjMA
Loctite - amzn.to/3IhOnzv
Rivet Nut Tool - amzn.to/3IDChCd
Kreg Pocket Hole Kit - amzn.to/3YJC324
Spyder Spade Drill Bit Set - www.lowes.com/pd/Spyder-Sting...
~Power~
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smar DC to DC Charger - amzn.to/3622pG7
Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter - amzn.to/35LhPij
Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - amzn.to/3vPyhst
Battery Capacity Monitor - amzn.to/3HYSUoD
Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium Portable Power Station - amzn.to/3apC9ST
Goal Zero 12 Volt Car Charger - amzn.to/38R2Bna
Goal Zero Regulated Cable (to keep fridge from shutting down) - amzn.to/2viRSEq
Goal Zero 12V Yeti Link LI To Lead Acid - amzn.to/2TF6tCe
~Sleeping~
Memory Foam Camping Mattress - amzn.to/2VOjiNz
Milliard Reading Pillow - amzn.to/39mCqWK
~Food/Kitchen~
Water Dispenser: amzn.to/3mhGBet
COSTWAY Car 54 Quart Travel RV Refrigerator/Freezer - amzn.to/2Tjbv8A
Smittybilt Transit Insulation Bag (fits COSTWAY Fridge) - amzn.to/3atmQZI
Reusable Sandwich Bags - 6 Pack Leakproof Freezer Bags - amzn.to/2VFX8wM
Electric Immersion Heater 300 Watts for Water Coffee Tea - amzn.to/2TtExRG
Collapsible Bucket - amzn.to/32MeKZm
Collapsible Portable Wash Basin - amzn.to/38kPhr1
~Storage/Containers~
INNO BRA240BK Ridge Cargo Box - amzn.to/2uUvBg8
Mesh Shower Organizer Hanging Bathroom Caddy - amzn.to/2vEx4HA
Car Trash Can Garbage Bin - amzn.to/2IeMqVV
Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Cube Set - amzn.to/2x9dWlB
TOURIT Insulated Cooler Backpack - amzn.to/2PZWQNN
~OTHER~
LED Color Changing Puck Lightings - amzn.to/3CwbiUo
Door Window Mosquito Nets - amzn.to/3pSOZ6h
Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum - amzn.to/3J0kwLi
Rechargeable Portable Fan - amzn.to/3Cv222T
Reflectix- amzn.to/2TDebN8
Car Windshield Sun Shade - amzn.to/39x3e6V
2-in-1 Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm - amzn.to/2Tz6UOG
Propane/Natural Gas Detector - amzn.to/3cyQApV
Female Urination Device - amzn.to/38gf3g8
Outdoor Folding Table - amzn.to/32MeRnK
Mosquito Net - amzn.to/39mEfD4
Neodymium Strong Magnets - amzn.to/2PNovBo
Tongue Cleaner Scraper - amzn.to/2IhIh3I
00:00 - 03:38 First tip
03:39 Second tip
08:57 Third
11:12 Fourth
13:27 Fifth
13:58 Sixth
16:55 Seventh
20:26 Eigth
- BUSINESS INQUIRIES -
Please direct all business inquiries to simmpleenough@gmail.com
#vanbuild #vanlife #fulltimevanlife
Van life
Living in a van full time
full time van life
van conversion
van life meals
cooking in a van
Don’t let FOMO make you broke…that’s one of my favorite tips in this video! I hope you found this video helpful. See you next week 😊❤️
I loved the FOMO point to. Great advice!! Thank you for doing this video.
See you next week and you take care also!
YOU are Absolutely Right... I Have Been living in My Tiny House for almost 15 Years... 2026 is when I will Reach My Financial Goals to Buy 35 acers of land and have a small house built on that land... SET YOUR Financial Goals and Fight Toward Those Goals...!!!!
35 acres?!?!! That’s awesome and very inspiring!
I started out by following the Dave Matthew’s Band around the country during their tours and would come back to my apartment to refresh! I did that for 2.5 yrs while ordering what I thought would sustain me on the road. Then I gave notice to my complex (10yrs) and took off! I gave most of what I owned away for free and I believe that generosity helped me. Why? Because there were no expectations and it enabled me to pay off $100k in debt in 5.5yrs which in turn made it possible to finance my current home!
I never thought that it would take me that amount of time! The value of Life took on a whole new meaning and opened a gate to my current relationship to God!
I’m grateful for the experience and to be quite honest, I’m setting it up to go back out now! Praise the Lord
So I get you Monique! 🌝🌼
What an awesome journey you’ve had! Following Dave Matthew’s for 2.5 years and paying off 100k in debt 😮😮🙌🏾. Congrats. I hope you have fun when you get back on the road!
"She is a wonderful young lady. It's hard to understand why anyone would come here to spread hate."
❤️
Hi Monique. My name is Kimberly. I am currently living in my Buick Encore, inspired by you. After my 5th child graduated high school last year, I left shortly after. I’m goin go 56 yrs old and I can’t believe the amount of PEACE within I’m gaining from the experience. You are an amazing inspiration and keep posting. Maybe I will start a channel one day.
That’s awesome! I’m so happy this experience is giving you what you need 😊.
I make $100,000 a year, (which is not a lot of money after taxes) but I hate my job because of its negative impact on my mental and physical health. I am considering living part-time in my car to save money because I move from State to state every 3 months so I can retire in North Africa. Great advice and Blog
I get it. I really hope you achieve goal 🙂
I JUST took the seats out my caravan and I’m just so excited like i can’t believe I’m starting finally!! I’m glad you still do van life as another solo black girl ☺️☺️☺️ 🥰🥰
Woohoo!! I’m so happy for you ❤️❤️
Monique, I love the way you show up in life. You are brilliant, very transparent, loving and kind. Most important, I believe, is that you are confident in the woman that you are. Simply put "YOU ARE ENOUGH"!! and you are loved and admired. I will follow you until you reach your goal of purchasing land and building your peaceful, comfortable abode. God be with you...
Thank you so much, Donna ❤️❤️
I tried it for 2weeks! LOL! I hated it! I was so miserable! Car battery died! Bluetti died while cooking! Too Hot! Too Cold! But guess what! I want to try it again.....LOL!!!!
lol 😂😂
I’m so sorry that you’re being harassed. So glad you notified police. Why can’t people just let others live? Unless they find valid CAUSE to be concerned, because you do have to be vigilant in these times, leave folks alone!!
I agree with your tips. I’ve been doing vanlife in Australia for 5 years. I do it as a cheap, simple way to live and not for travelling. I usually do house sitting over the winter, which gives me a break from colder weather and I can give my van a thorough clean and do repairs 🙂🚐
Been there with the fridge, plumbing, towing issues that came with it! People who film, follow and want you arrested!
Thank you for these videos, I appreciate you sis, and from watching multiple of your videos, your head wraps are always on point and this is from a Hebrew israelite. I pray you are always safe with this life style. I'm learning a lot from you. I get sad when I see you cry but I know it's something you need to get over whatever is troubling you. Keep up the good work. I'll be waiting for that 1,000,000 subscriber video
Thank you 😊
I used to skip over ads now, I let them play & refill on tea😊I been in my vehicle for 1.5 years, and it's tight but I make it work, at times it gets frustrating/overwhelming 😢waiting to get my van. I remember a video of yours in your camry(I think) & you spilled your meal , such a mess, UGH. Gas is insane in Cali🤬
Thank you ❤️😊. And I remember that video 😫!!
Those are the most consistent tips I've heard among youtubers. I'm glad to know how intelligent and sensitive you are. Thank you so much 🙏.
You’re very welcome, and thank you.
Thanks, this was so helpful! It's one thing to learn how to deal with the nuts and bolts of vanlife, but it's the emotional aspects that weigh on me sometimes. That feeling of being a loser is strong. Thank you for your insights into mindset. I'm a lot older than you, and I moved into my minivan because I can't afford housing. I would like to have a small bit of land and a tiny house but I don't know where, so it seems my personal odyssey these days is to find where is "home." Hence, road trip.
Your right sweetie, ive been practicing too. I bought me a wonderful 2002 chevy express in 2016. Gorgeous van. I got sooo lucky with this van. I have been getting it fixed up slowly. Apparently it sat for 7 years. And with me,when i went through a financial difficulty, it sat for 3 years,but I got it fixed up and it runs like a top! Getting every thing removed and setting it up. Getting ready to take it out for a 2 week run
Love your videos and really enjoy your healthy cooking. Be well!
Thank you 😊
Haha… as you were finishing up with your thank you and expressed the reminder of the goodness in humanity I let out a loud AMEN!! ❤ I can’t explain, but you single-handedly encapsulate that with your videos. Keep enjoying your adventures!
Thank you ❤️
End goals are important. That's what you learned from your father. You pushed tgru regardless.
Very good not superficial tips, thank you. The WHY are you doing this is most important in my opinion (not a van dweller, just living vicariously lol)
When I get a new van I would like it to be visually appealing but I doubt I could get mine to look like I imagine. So I keep that in mind. Then I won't be disappointed.
Also, i too am learning about the non negotiables. Especially for cooking. If i want it bad enough,i WILL find a space
What a lovely young lady. Telling her truth. Have been watching her lately and has inspired me to try on my days off. Thank you ❤
Hello…I’ve been watching your channel for a while now, and I’d have to say, this is the most helpful video. Thank You for all the tips for anyone interested in this lifestyle. It certainly helped me. Be safe out there and again “THANK YOU”. 😊
😮😮😮 I’m just doing my routine listening and then you say she’s following you? And she’s in the system? She better go find something safe to do 😂 that’s what my Aunt says. She’s the sweetest person but she doesn’t play about her safety.
Yea, I don’t know what’s up with her. Of course the cops couldn’t tell me why she’s in the system or anything else about her, but I’m glad I reported her.
Maybe a woman who look like you hurt her feelings at some point or stole her man. I once had a female supervisor who hated me. Came out that it was because her husband cheated on her and broke up their family with a woman who looked similar to me. Some women are weirdo male identified females and it tends to always come back to something to do with a piece of man in their lives.
Kiaora from Aotearoa NZ, really enjoyed your video, its not pretentious, doesnt gloss over anything. Everything you have said is true, vanlife has two sides just like anything, and you explained it really well. I am not a full time van dweller but I travel around on my van Queenie on road trips around NZ, sometimes for weeks at a time. When the time is right and Ive done my dash, I will be selling my van. Nga mihi from Mems' Journeys
Thank you 😊
Thanks for sharing as it gives me ideas on how to make short trips in my car.
You’re very welcome 😊
i am following your videos keep them coming 🥰
Thank you 😊❤️.
lol I have been living vicariously through you for months now because I don't have gas money. That's funny I always say I am living through you van lifers. I have kids and a house so ya.
lol!
Here's 30 minutes of very real suggestions for anyone starting to dream about #vanlife. And yes, I travel with a strong Vita-mix blender too. 👍 Rock on 🙂.
Thank you!
Hey Monique... That was very informative. Thanks for the tips. You make van life seem so ideal.
Hi Selahbrooke ❤️. Thank you 🤗
What an awesome video. This is great advice for those thinking of living in their vehicle. I love my suv because the back seats lay almost flat. I take my granddaughter beach camping every year and she loves sleeping in my car. She says she feels like we are in an adventure. I love the outdoors and being away from crowded areas. I am married and have a house. My husband is awesome. He understands why I love living simple. He loves it too but because of health reasons he is not able to do it full time. So our plans had to change. I do adventure out as much as I can and he comes with me when possible. So I say, if this is something you want to do, do it. Don't wait, don't over think it. Plan it and do it. Only you know what you need and want.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Blessings to you always. 😊❤
That would’ve been exciting for me as a child, too. Wonderful memories you two are making ❤️. Heck, I’m grown and I still get jittery with excitement at the thought of camping near the beach! I’m glad your husband is able to enjoy it with you occasionally. Blessings to you and your loved ones 🧡🌼.
Yes on the Vitamix !
I don't know what I'd do without it 🙂
Great video
Vitamix is the only brand I’m loyal to!
Thank you 😊
I went everywhere!!!! #RoadTripping
From the mountains of Oregon to the swamps of Louisiana as well as the prejudices of Florida!
Proud of you. This does work
Thank you
This video is insightful, informative and answers fundamental questions I had. I am considering van life.
This video is on time,I was just thinking about this.
You gave a very thorough rundown on van life. My main question is how can young people(I'll just use this general age bracket as an example), afford everything it takes to go from city to city, state to state, even some van lifers from country to country? Is it all because of being able to work remotely? Or hoping to find work in town on some temp jobs? Even someone retired on social security doing van life only gets their benefits once a month and has to stretch out that money for 30 days. Working out on the road can expect weekly/biweekly checks, but from where, from who? People who are dreaming just like you did years ago about making a go at van life, the missing piece of this whole puzzle needs some clarity. The vagueness on what does pay for gas, food and all the other variables just might be causing the uncertainty on how to do it. The videos, the music, the tours and all the smiles only romanticize this lifestyle. Your channel is down to earth on a lot of things though. I'm sure a lot of viewers appreciate that.
Thank you 😊.
I’ve made several videos about how I make money while living this way. When I lived in my car, I worked full time at a desk job, then I was offered a private chef job and worked that until my debt was paid off. Then, I quit that job and did gig work for money (door dash, Amazon flex, instacart, Instawork, Upshift, Shipt, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, etc…). I even have tagalong videos where I take you to work with me. I have a video talking about the seasonal work I’ve done to make money (beet harvest). There are many other videos on TH-cam showing how people are making money while living this way. Hopefully this helps you.
Ya remember no rent 100% great reason.
You are such a smart cookie. I love that about you. Enjoy this well put together informational video. Thank you for sharing and stay blessed.
Thank you ❤️❤️
You have an incredibly peaceful yet mighty spirit. I pray that you continue to be protected & provided for while navigating this life 🩷🙏🏻
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. It's truly inspirational!
Thank you ❤️
Good Morning Precious! 🌞
Mentally healthy suggestions SimmpleEnough! 🌸
Good morning ☺️
Ty so much for all of your wisdom filled insights. Very well articulated. I love your videos and encouragement.
You’re very welcome ❤️❤️
True words, Monique. 😊
I like you am thinking about doing this so i can save money. Even if its just the 1250 i spend on my apartment every month i would rather save that and pay off debt than pay for an apartment that i barely use. In about 3 years i can save 100k starting from 0. This is very tempting. I'll use your video for pointers.
$1250 is a nice chunk of extra money to put towards debt each month. I’m happy you found the video helpful 😊.
This was so beautifully done. I started not to watch, because I thought, ‘this isn’t something I’ll probably ever do, I don’t really need to know the tips’; but I’m so glad I watched! I should’ve known that Monique would make it visually interesting. Illustrating the things that you were talking about. I wasn’t subbed when you were in your car. Seeing those clips kind of makes me want to go watch a few videos from that time. Then, of course, your calm, relaxing voice & articulate speech. Not to mention, great advice! I hate when it ended!! 😂
Thank you so much! I worked hard on this video, so your comment means a lot 😊❤️.
Hugs sis 😊 we got you
🤗❤️
Agreed. Take your time
Another great video and really important information! Thank you!✌🏼❤️
Thank you ❤️😊
This is great!!
So glad you did this!
I think the mindset is the MOST important. I know why I want to do this when I'm able.
I'm just waiting for my adult son to move out.
I know I can't do just any vehicle because of my work needs. I plan to continue to work, since I work from home already. Because my work requires to have two monitors, I'd need enough space to set them both up.
I've been looking at used Class C RVs to start me off.
I can convert the Dinette into my workspace!
This is my plan to be able to eventually retire. I have been so busy paying rent and all the things that Sticks & Bricks requires that I have nothing left for myself. I'm done paying into something that will never be "mine" so I'm taking back my life!!
I'm so sorry you're having issues with that stalker again! That's scary!
TBH: It sounds like she's prejudiced against you because of your hijab. So sad that people are like that! 😢😢
Yea, a Class C is the way to go. When I moved into my car, I rented a small, cheap, shared office in order to take a work-from-home job. There was no way I could’ve fit those two monitors in my car!
Monique 👋,
Good Morning and thanks for uploading this video… it is EXTREMELY informative and I’m sure folks interested in Vanlife 🚐 living will get so much out of this.
I’ve been full-time living for years now and I relate so much to this video. It took me a while to get used to my new life but I hated paying rent and utilities so I knew something had to give.
Now I save so much money by eliminating other crazy expenses. I’ve traveled back east many times, but I find it a lot easier to live life on the road in western states because there are TONS of National Parks and BLM Land you can use if you want to stay away from the city.
Anyhow, awesome video Monique and thanks for pointing out the safety and mental portions because it is extremely helpful and important. Please be safe out there and enjoy your upcoming week. I look forward to your next post/adventure. 🖤
Good morning 👋🏾😊,
Eliminating expenses is definitely one of the biggest perks for me! I’m really hoping I can travel slowly, keep my gas costs relatively low, and take advantage of all the BLM and national parks over there.
You be safe, as well 🤗
These were good tips and advice. Lovely. Stay safe and TFS.
I live in Florida, and I had panick attacks while sleeping in my car because it's a small space, is definitely not comfortable, it made my legs swallow, and the thing about going to a gas station in the morning to pee, or waking up to the gym to shower and then going to work. hahaha that did not work out for me, but I'm glad you have enjoyed it 😊🙏💃
Lol, trust me…I get it. Thanks 😊
Hi monique great video important & helpful information about vanlife sleeping overnight parking seems like it could be a daily challenge which could build frustration. But I enjoy watching your journey please be careful and safe.
Hi! I’m happy you found the video helpful😊
This was a good one!
Thank you!
As Salaam Alaikum Monique. You have been a tremendous source of inspiration to me thank you 🙏❤️
Wa alaikum as salaam! You’re very welcome ❤️❤️.
Love your channel, absolutely wonderful tips for van life.
😊❤😊
Full of information by a pro. Thank you and mashalla ❤
You’re very welcome ❤️
Thank you soo much for sharing. Hope to start my van life journey this fall. ❤
I just learned about FOMO 😂, luckily I don’t suffer from it .
I’ve been on the road for 4 years now and mostly spend my winters in Arizona. It’s been a huge learning curve and I have been blessed in many ways.
Your perspective is refreshing. Thanks for sharing your truth. Oh and by the way, I too drive slow on country roads 👍🏼
Luckily, I haven’t suffered from it either! I’m glad you liked the video 😊.
SA. Hi Monique.. enjoying your videos always! Your latest is simply great guidance for those thinking of starting full time van life!
Monique, can you please read my post in 'Slow days and frustrating ...'
TC and stay blessed.
AS! Thank you. I’ll search for your comment later today 😊❤️.
You are very smart thanks for the tips
You’re very welcome, and thank you.
Thanks for sharing I have a truck and been looking for ideas cause one of these days I might want to get away. I have to plow my driveway during the winter and it’s intense at times, but the All Mighty helps me. 🌿🐓🍁🐈⬛🌱
One of the girls I mentioned, Hanna Lee Duggan, leaves her home in the winter for similar reasons; it’s too intense. I’ll probably do the same if I get land in an area with harsh winters.
Love it -- you are super organized and a great teacher!
I am so glad I found this channel ❤️
Aww, thanks ❤️
EXCELLENT VIDEO! 😂🎉❤👍🏼
You're videos are so informative. You have a really cool vibe. Thank you for sharing!
Great video as always 😊
Even in the home there are issues, but the cost is less. You had a goal & is consistent. Regardless of the hard days. It gets greater later.
Very good tips🌻👣
Thank you 😊
Thanks Monique, this was a really practical and helpful video❤😊
Thank you💜
❤super informative video ❤thank you😊
Thanks !!❤
Thank you that helped a lot ❤
Great advice!
Hi Monique! Happy Day!
Hi! Happy Sunday 😊
Thanks for the tips
good to know.
Inspiring
Great video! Good tips!
What an awesome video!
Excellent video 🙌🏾
nice to see u again
Thank you ma'am!!!
Great advice.
Such good advice.
Great video
Very helpful information, great video!
That was a great video. Great advice.
Thank you
I totally get your sentiment 👌🏾👍🏾
🥰Another great video, good advice, thanks for sharing....💗
Thanks! Love your content!
Thank you so much
GREAT & WONDERFUL tips!!! I love and appreciate them ALL!!
Unfortunately, there are many people who are mentally unstable, please stay aware and safe! Wise choice to document with your local police station. 💙
My house frustrations make me want to live in a van lol seriously
Hello thank you for this video it answered a lot of my questions and gave me things to think and prepare for before i get started.
I just decided to start practicing. I bought enough gear to sleep overnight somewhere. Imma take short trips to see if living in my SUV is doable. Before I just jump right into van life. I currently have ppl telling me I can’t do it 😩🤦🏽♀️
I love your videos. I have No plans to live in my vehicle but I do camp. You have great tips regardless. I do know people that may consider it or think it’s glamorous. Your tips are sound. I’m definitely sharing your video. Thank you!🙏🏿
Hi Monique, SA. Please check 'Static Campervan' with the title 'will my $20 air cooler cool my van ... '
Hi, wa alaikum as salaam! Is this the comment you left on my other video that you wanted me to look for? I still haven’t had a chance to search for it.
I did follow your suggestion, though, and just watched Static’s video. I’m currently in a humid area and he says those a/c’s aren’t good in humid areas, but I might try it once I’m on the west coast. Thanks for the suggestion 😊!
You know that woman who has been following you may have put an apple AirTag somewhere on your van. That may be how she is following you. Check the outside of your van.
I’ve checked. So far, I haven’t found one.