At Home With Rick: Pottering & Pondering Some Upcoming Changes. (Solo Life UK Diaries)

Quiet diaries of Living alone in the UK. Today: Pondering upcoming changes to the craft room.
#sololife #livingalonediaries #livingalone #lifeintheuk #sliceoflife #dayinmylifevlog

[@LuLuTheGremlin]

Honestly nothing better than that first coffee in a morning. I always look forward to mine, especially if you take the time to get the perfect brew.

[@Johnjoe321]

I’m loving that really catchy intro it’s like a combination of Terry and June and On the Buses! We all love and follow your projects so keep at it keeps the synapses firing! You might be living on your own but you have a massive family👍

[@SeaShoreAnnie]

Ahh that is such a lovely thing to say @Johnjoe321

[@rickvanman]

Aw thank you, that’s very kind 😊👍❤️

[@alison7974]

Great video Rick, I’ve been declutterring too recently, it’s really satisfying and energising to have a clearer space. Look forward to seeing the redesigned creative space 😊 🎨

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

I am digging the lighted Coffee sign. You can also get those hanging ceiling shelves to store infrequently used items. That frees up a lot of space.

[@sylviahopwood9730]

I loved the video you did with your friend and guest Alex Rigby ,where you just talked on the sofa ,it felt cosy to watch .Solo living is a good subject and not discussed a lot .I've been solo living for 20 years,raising my now grown up sons . You could do podcasts anywhere,from the van ,back garden,sofa .In fact most of your vlogs feel like a podcast anyway .You could name it Rickvanman solo living,so you keep it familiar to your followers .

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great ideas and suggestions 😊👍❤️

[@aneweratas3932]

Hi Rick, I'm from the states and very interested to hear how your life is there in the UK. It brings us together and makes us realize we all go through things and have so many similarities. It's really a great idea. 🙂 Maybe you could do a wildcard episode once a month on the out of this world subjects? 🛸 lol. Whatever you decide to do, we'll be here and looking forward to your new content! 👍 🙂

[@VHFUHWFRGD]

Bring back Ricks Allotment!

[@ninatheambulancecamper]

Before you got to standing a cube storage up backlighting and some plants or something in the background of a video, I was already there lol

[@rickvanman]

Great minds think alike 😁👍

[@chowceo]

I like your thought process Rick. I look forward to your new created room and declutter along the way. Creating is hopeful to the soul ❤

[@3-dog-solution]

Can't believe wot this pottering video tuned into, part 4 is riveting viewing. Podcasting with Mr Vanman's deep drive next, looking forward to it (them)

[@stewved]

yup that is one big job sorting all the stuff in that room. Might I suggest an almost opposite approach? take one quarter of the room and sort that. Sure it will have to be dome four times for the whole room but each job would be a quarter the size. I have the same trouble with getting rid of stuff that might be useful sometime in the future. Michael McIntyre did a funny sketch about a "man drawer" and I definitely have one🤣

[@GeorgeMonaghan]

Give to your local charity Rick. There is always someone who will consider it a great find and just what they were looking for.

[@twinsgran]

Anything you don't need, don't bin it, take to a charity shop or freecycle it. It may not have value to you, but someone will need it.

[@camelcasee]

But do it sooner rather than later or else you end up with clutter and a task in your mind.

[@WormsEyeView]

Cluter also takes up space in your mind. I find i get stressd when things are too clutter.

[@rickvanman]

Yes definitely agree

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Maybe it's the camera angle but there seems to be a huge difference in ceiling height between upstairs and downstairs in your house.

[@gpac1535]

I'd put that in my recycling bin. They can always remove it during the sorting process

[@karenspencer7678]

It will look like my spare bedroom craft room, full of stuff of every crafting kind 🤣 xx

[@karenspencer7678]

Oh heck never used, in a long time ever. 😱

[@selbermachenguru]

You look good, fresh and full of energy. Spring has sprung. PS: I painted my craft/stream room today, we all need small changes even now and then. PPS: Holy cow! You own TWO Cricuts? I sold my only one, to declutter life. Cricut was really nice the send you another. PPPS (I have to comment while watching, because I definetely would forget what I wanted to say at the end) I wish I could join you for a chat about creativity in your podcast, but live way to far away. Looking forward to upcoming guests.

[@xondominique2602]

no worries, i think we all 've got that clutter problem lol. i'm working on it gradually. i want to understand the thought process behind it and rectify it rather than be brutal with the effect instead of the reason. i'm getting there. it takes time and patience and kindness towards oneself

[@RoonerTheLooner]

Dear Rick. You seem to be a wonderful guy and I wish you all the best. Now listen to my advice, close up the shop and take a trip to a warm and exotic country with a totally different culture, I recommend Thailand because it is 100% safe and the people are so friendly. Travel around for a month, or two and when you come back home you will have a completely different perspective of things, and many things will seem quite trivial. Often people really need to get out of there little bubble and experience something completely different. Chanses are it will change your perspective of things completely. You will find many excuses not to go, like it is to warm, etc, etc. But you will get used to the warm weather and you will come back as a changed man. 🙂Thanks for the video, take care. Also keep in mind that travels are better the younger you are, if you wait 10-20 years it will be too late. Excuse my English, I am Swedish.

[@sparkyprojects]

What i would do is remove the left hand storage boxes as i think you have decided that's where you want the podcast, put them in the other room, move everything you haven't used in a chosen timeframe to that room, basically cut the room in half, anything that is left in the other room for more than a chosen period, get rid of it you say you use the printers a lot, no need to move them I wouldn't worry if recycling centres take material, just drop them into the clothing bin, that's their problem, i'm sure they'll find a use There's a couple of channels that already use boxes behind the table, Technology Connections is one of them, you would have to find interesting objects to fill the visible boxes, and maybe change them occasionally

[@hitchjack]

I use the “how much volume is this denying me in my house” approach these days. I find it good when deciding whether to get rid of something

[@rickvanman]

It’s a good approach 😊👍

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

It would probably take you about 8 hours just to go through the stuff currently sitting on my living room table! How different we all are. I for instance, live in America and absolutely LOVE having my hot tea in the morning. You live in Britain and love your coffee.

[@rossgilbert8232]

Hi Rick, . The water bottle, you could use as a windscreen washer filler upper for Gwenevieve and the cotton sheet for clothes for window cleaning and you contained with in the round containers .

[@tomservo75]

I have to get an actual house one of these days. Yes I have a bit too much stuff but there's not much space. Just a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and small office area. And the other week I bought 2 sets of plastic drawers and have no idea what to put in there! I've got all the clutter and some space to put it, just not a system that makes sense. At some point it's not worth the trouble to sell it. Old computers, chairs that have ripped fabric, etc

[@jmsonl]

Just bin it all. Something I certainly need to do.

[@glosflamingo9940]

I’m the someone, somewhere that would love to subscribe to your podcast 🤗

[@rickvanman]

Good to know, thanks :)

[@WormsEyeView]

I often find sticking things on the local facebook groups, for free. And crafters will come and get them.

[@James101]

Hi Rick. If those wall mounted cube shelves can be stood upright then maybe you could use them to create a partition to have a podcasting area separated from the rest if the craft room? Just a thought. I like to cut out scale paper cutouts of the large furniture objects in the room and then you can see how things will fit and what works best without the heavy lifting

[@normatrodd6666]

Hi Rick, enjoyed the video. Tear that cloth into squares for dusters and cleaning Gwen then just throw them away. I think the topic of living the single life would be a good one. I’ve never lived it till six years ago when when my husband of 54 yrs died, I wish like mad he was still here but there are definite positives to living single .Marriage is always a compromise ( tho a loving one ) but I’m a minimalistic person and he was a terrible hoarder his greenhouse had hundreds of yogurt cartons that he kept for seedlings and you couldn’t get in his shed which was full of things “ That Might Come In Handy “ 😂. Re unwanted items I sometimes put very good unwanted items out by my gate with “ Free “ and so far they’ve always gone usually on the same day. Also we actually have an old fashioned Rag and Bone man who comes past daily ( shouting out loudly ) he picks up almost anything. I’m a bit lucky as I live on a main road. He has taken vertical blinds, an electric radiator and almost anything. Anyone here’s to the next vid from you,looking forward to it xx

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for sharing, Norma 😊❤️

[@xondominique2602]

well, since you've watched aj, you know that he uses his creative mess without any screens, just some effective lighting and it actually looks very nice. i particularly like it. try something like that before making major changes.

[@andyrobinson326]

I found your channel maybe 8 years ago when I was researching how to build a camper, I'm sure yours was the first video I found that had a lot of useful info and convinced me to go for it and I still have the van. I admit I haven't watched all your videos but I always keep coming back with a thought of I wonder how Rickvanman is getting on and then I'll be binge watching your videos lol. An idea for a podcast or video would be 'who is Rickvanman' I have always wondered what is your story, what did you do for work when you were younger getting into youtube, have you been in a relationship before why you choose sololife. I would be interested to hear your story so I'm sure others would be too. Good luck for the future

[@1sweffling]

Take the material to charity shop: they either sell it to crafters or to the 'rag man' who takes it away and uses it to make paper and cardboard.

[@minibigs5259]

Podcast ideas that you're expert in: Van building - how DIY differs to commercial. Bespoke living.... or Whatever the professional term is for the HonestGuys and the science behind it. White noise, rain, 432/528hz, sleep talk down etc. ....and I'd like a feature request for HG. A 1 hour guided talk down with breathing, tensing etc + music in your normal pottering voice. Not your professional sexy HG voice. 😉 ....uploaded to YT music so Nest can control it.

[@ukfrenchcustomersupport4003]

Here are 50 themes that Solo Life UK Diaries can discuss in their podcasts: 1. Traveling solo and finding the best destinations 2. Managing finances as a solo individual 3. Navigating the world of online dating 4. Self-care and mental health tips for solo living 5. Balancing work and personal life as a solo individual 6. Exploring different hobbies and interests 7. Overcoming loneliness and building a strong support system 8. Embracing independence and self-discovery 9. Tips for cooking and meal planning for one 10. Building a successful career as a solo entrepreneur 11. Exploring the challenges and rewards of solo travel 12. Finding community as a solo individual 13. Managing household responsibilities on your own 14. Celebrating the joys of solo living 15. Navigating friendships and social circles as a solo individual 16. Exploring different living arrangements for solo individuals 17. Overcoming the stigma of being single 18. Exploring different forms of self-expression 19. Tips for staying safe and secure while living alone 20. Embracing minimalism and decluttering your space 21. Navigating family dynamics as a solo individual 22. Exploring the world of solo adventures and activities 23. Overcoming challenges and setbacks on your own 24. Tips for staying healthy and fit as a solo individual 25. Embracing creativity and artistic pursuits 26. Navigating the world of online communities and support groups 27. Exploring different forms of self-improvement and personal growth 28. Overcoming the fear of missing out as a solo individual 29. Tips for managing stress and anxiety on your own 30. Embracing the freedom of solo living 31. Navigating romantic relationships as a solo individual 32. Exploring different forms of self-discovery and self-love 33. Overcoming societal pressures and expectations as a solo individual 34. Tips for traveling safely and confidently as a solo individual 35. Embracing the beauty of solitude and alone time 36. Navigating the world of online communities and social media as a solo individual 37. Exploring different forms of self-care and self-compassion 38. Overcoming challenges in the workplace as a solo individual 39. Tips for managing time and productivity on your own 40. Embracing the adventure of solo exploration and discovery 41. Navigating the world of solo dining and food experiences 42. Exploring different forms of self-reflection and mindfulness 43. Overcoming obstacles and fears as a solo individual 44. Tips for building resilience and strength in solitude 45. Embracing the power of positive thinking and mindset shifts 46. Navigating the world of solo celebrations and milestones 47. Exploring different forms of self-empowerment and confidence-building 48. Overcoming self-doubt and insecurities as a solo individual 49. Tips for finding joy and fulfillment in everyday moments 50. Embracing the journey of self-discovery and personal evolution. I hope these themes inspire some great podcast episodes!

[@rickvanman]

Great list! Thanks for taking the time to share it 😊👍❤️

[@xondominique2602]

on the subject of podcast topic, i need not tell you paranormal stuff is widely popular so as long as you got good stories, you'll have views. aj stands out because he has great story-telling skills, just like you, and he has a unique take on stories even the most trite ones and people still watch. the story you shared was very valuable and interesting because it was your personal experience and you shared details that are not available else where. that's a great advantage. also, you can gather stories from your local area, your friends and family. we could also send you interesting things we've experienced and you can collate them into videos. i got some very interesting information recently. i actually already shared it but it seems you might have not seen it.

[@irenepotter2709]

Hi Rick, why don’t you have your podcast corner in the other spare bedroom? Irene 😀

[@user-zj9ow6vl1m]

i’m telling you Rick, if you do a few episodes of your podcast or even just a mini series of videos, talking about why you’ve been single your whole adult life, and what it’s like to be a single man, living in the UK, that stuff will really resonate with men today and that’s the type of stuff that goes viral. and then that’ll bring new people to your channel to see all of the other really enjoyable content you make and they’ll stick around.

[@SeaShoreAnnie]

Hi Rick, I think that sounds like a fantastic topic & there will be so much to talk about. Well firstly, according to The ONS (Office For National Statistics) There were 8 Million people living alone in the UK in 2022 & the numbers are growing annually, so plenty of potential for a big audience for sure, if that interests you at all. One topic I would be most interested in that I feel affects so many single people is, when you live alone are some energy companies taking money from our bank accounts via DD that they are not entitled too & is it by human error or dodgy software. I believe it is a massive issue that nobody appears to be talking about yet I see it everywhere in the comments section of so many videos. I think the idea of your podcast is a winner. There are also thousands of adults who, as much as they love their adult children, are basically stuck with them living at home throughout their twenties & thirties because they simply cannot afford to move out. I have my lovely daughter still living at home with me aged 29 & has been saving for a deposit for a home of her own, but the problem being her wages will mean once she moves out she can pay her mortgage & bills & there is nothing left. Imagine never being able to leave home, it’s a horrible situation for many young people & my daughter who is a local gov officer is also an introvert so the idea of sharing literally fills her with dread. There could be so many different topics incorporated into the umbrella topic of living alone, I think it’s a fab idea myself & I would definitely be tuning in for it. Good luck with the task ahead, you will make a success of it I am sure. Annie🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments, Annie 😊👍❤️

[@Krispitt]

I was sat in my leathercraft room watching this Rick, my room is a tiny single bed sized room which needs a major de-clutter! 🙃 Now I have a headache🤣

[@rickvanman]

I feel your pain 😂❤️

[@WormsEyeView]

I have often toyed with a vlogging corner in my house. But im yet to find a good spot

[@rickvanman]

If you do it without camera, you just need a mic and a comfortable chair 😊👍

[@BionicRasta]

I mentioned it before but to conserve space you could replace those two smaller older printers for the one A3+ Epson EcoTank ET-8550 all in one, which has 6 inks for better colour reproduction & a higher res scanner. Those into making t-shirts also convert them into a DTF printer to make stencil designs which are then hot pressed onto t-shirts.

[@rickvanman]

The eight 550 sounds like a great Printer. Not ready to make the change yet, but nice to know such a thing exists 😊❤️

[@janealdinger2235]

Solo Reflections in thé UK 13:21

[@ukfrenchcustomersupport4003]

Rick (long long time viewer) wish you will add a little more DIY content. I love leaning (even if it is from your mistakes ;) )

[@WormsEyeView]

Brendan uses a resin printer, and he stunk out the house. He was relegated to my parents attic for that silort of thing 😆

[@rickvanman]

Yeah, a wise decision, that resin smell is pretty rank 😊❤️

[@kalvaxus]

I think what you're the expert in is "Rickvanman". You might not consider yourself a brand, but in fact you are. You can do loads of episodes on different topics: voiceover, videomaking, gardening, solo life, vanlife, online businesses, LARP, roleplaying, VR/games. If you're gonna market your podcast as solo life in UK, it's gonna be quite a narrow market..

[@littlesid2023]

Seems like your planets are getting into alignment. Don’t need sugar…Don’t need things

[@charliesgrl2]

I am sorry, but my mind is focused on the space at the top of your cupboards, with a handle sticking out. What is it?! 😆

[@rickvanman]

😂 I think it’s just a plastic rod 😂

[@lindapeterson5810]

Can you do garage sales in your area? Is that a thing in UK? Be brutal in going through the house and sell what you can, then donate or bin the rest.

[@lindapeterson5810]

Donate before binning. Someone else can use this stuff.

[@grumpy_poo]

Why don't you freegle the stuff you no longer need or for some reason you can't sell... I have passed on loads recently.. Including a printer that someone was able to get working again.. at least someone can make use of the stuff you no longer want... even that jug, . Just make a box of ' mixed items from a craft room'

[@createdezign1840]

Aren't podcasts over saturated now (Coming from a person that produced podcasts in 2009)

[@rickvanman]

They are a growing medium, apparently, although I’m not worried about numbers if I’m honest, I just like the idea of doing one 😊👍

[@createdezign1840]

@@rickvanman It was a genuine question but don't let my negativity put you off. :) 145K subscribers speaks for itself... ;) Mild-mannered and everyday goes a long way. All the best mate.

[@MariePauleGauthier-wk3hy]

❤ a👃m short for 3 weeks but support will be back starting April

[@rickvanman]

You have been so kind, but please don’t feel under any obligation to support 😊👍❤️

[@MariePauleGauthier-wk3hy]

@@rickvanman I get pleasure from the way you are in your videos. I'll send you $2.00 weekly hoping others do the same I feel you must have suffered a lot before because your energy gives me joy..

[@AaronTheHumanist]

I hate seeing microphones in any videos, as in massive ones on booms and stands, as I don't feel they are any better than clip on mics or just camera mics. More natural conversation when just sat in a chair chatting.

[@tomservo75]

I hope you have enough ideas for enough shows. Just talking about single life can get dull after a while. Unless you have guests. I'm available any time next week :) Call it "Single Guys From Across the World"

[@tomservo75]

Rick if that's what you call cluttered.... It is quite sad to see all that stuff go that you've spent so much time and funds on. I applaud you for wanting to do the podcast thing. I do hope you can stick to it. You're emptying out an entire room of things that were supposed to be part of your "next thing." I also don't think you need a studio, why would you need to empty out the whole room? You've already got the computer equipment there, you obviously have a setup good enough for the THG videos, why couldn't you use that same exact space for a podcast? (Probably too late for that advice).

[@susanspiers1476]

prioritise !I would concentrate on the podcast alone-the whole room is far too big a job-just work on how you can sort the podcast side of things and make that your priority otherwise you’ll sicken yourself before you even get round to starting your podcasts🙂xx

[@rickvanman]

Oops, too late 😂 😁❤️

[@rickvanman]

@@susanspiers1476 already started 😂

[@xondominique2602]

the solo life theme seems depressing to me. it might attract "men going their own way" type of viewers, not too sure how you feel about that. i find it's a rather negative vibe. actually i don't think you need to restrain yourself to just one thing. look at joe rogan, he is all over the place.

[@Patsagilitybits]

I feel disappointed you're not doing the paranormal. There are hundreds of videos on single life in the UK. I've just had a look, but I haven't been tempted to watch any of them.