Finally Got "The Knock" After 2 Years of Vanlife - Day in the Life

I suppose it is bound to happen to all of us at some point - that rude awakening in the middle of the night! This was how I handled my first knock while living fulltime in a van. Life moves on though, and here is a look at a day in my vanlife in the city of Calgary.
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@user-uk6yz1my8h]

May I suggest always going to the front of your vehicle and checking to see if its really who they claim to be. Opening your side door right away can put you in danger. Now a days, better be safe than sorry.

[@genieabbi2531]

I agree

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

... or, the use of well-placed cameras.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

There is a curtain on the door, he could peek out. But I do like the idea of surveillance cameras strategically placed that will also alert him to break INS if he's out in the jeep.

[@l.b.3148]

Agreed

[@sarahpierson6937]

Safety first! Could be someone lying about being the police too.

[@marconion]

****33K SUBSCRIBERS**** Thank you everyone for the support and as always go out there you guys, be happy, be creative, be yourselves and most importantly BE POSITIVE. Remember.... only dead fish go with the flow.

[@beaming_life_travels215]

I’m watching this 5 hours after the video dropped and it’s now 33.1K - fabulous Matthew your channel is growing in leaps and bounds - well done.

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

That's almost exactly how my knock went. I was working for a shop that customizes VW Westfalia's and given permission to sleep where they park the busses. People in the apartments behind didn't like that. They kept filming me then called the police. The officer told me to have a nice night, locked my door for me, went on her way, and didn't bother me again.

[@andrewjoyce3634]

As a truck driver getting “The Knock” has an entirely different meaning 🤣. Glad it went well for you and hopefully no further hassles

[@Trucker101]

exactly what i was thinking of. 30 year driver here

[@donnamoore7554]

😂😂😂😂😂. I have trucker friends.

[@authordanigray]

That's the one thing I remember about Calgary weather, you never knew what it was going to be like. When we were kids, my dad BBQ'd Christmas dinner (steaks) and us kids were running around outside in shorts. All signed up for Craze, I hope my wallet (and hubby) forgives me!

[@bigbadjohn2543]

External cameras would be awesome

[@sturmfrei_unterwegs]

Hi Matthew, I am a 57 y.o. mum of 2 kids, living in the very north of Germany, and I have build out my own van (Citroen Jumper, like Ford Promaster) for the last 1,5 years to live in it, as soon as my youngest kid mooved out. I discovered your channel something about one year ago and I love your positivity and your minimalistic lifestyle. As you asked I would love to buy your stickers and put them on my van! That would be marvelous!

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

The biggest problem with "getting the knock" is that you are now on the cops radar, especially with Lucky's two-tone paint job. So if they see you around in their patrol district they may hassle you again at 2am. I know of it happening with other van-lifers in the city.

[@tjellis1479]

or to meet the cats....😆

[@bonniejackson1321]

love how the officer was smitten with Penelope...fascinating content...🥰❣👮 Appreciate how open and civil you were through out the entire unpleasant process Matthew.

[@ramblynrocketeer]

🎭🎟️ Create a One Act Play where Matthew plays each character of *THE KNOCK* Think of the possibilities of costumes where you could sew a stretch double combo police officer outfit 🤩🧵🪡 and the voices you could portray!! Oh My Goodies!!! I am having way tooooo much fun thinking up ideas … no more typing…tah tah for now & ALOHA 😎🤙

[@ketoauntie7301]

Nah, that’s an official 👮🏼 knock 😂😂😂

[@karenlowes7802]

So cute of Penny to introduce herself to the Calgary police!😂❤

[@fasttruckman]

Sadly, there are a lot of people "living the van life" who do not obey laws, respect property, are disrespectful , destructive, and not model citizens.

[@VanlifePLUS]

100% true

[@judymoyer3093]

Matthew you are a kind soul. God Bless you and yours

[@alandarrow1597]

I worked in a tourist beach side city in California and had to make 1000's of knocks. Let me tell you, there are real good people living the van life out there and there are really stupid A-holes as well. The people like you Matt, always got freebies from me. Calm, polite, respectful = Have a good night sir. Sorry to bother you.

[@kattilathehunfreedomfighter]

My very first week as a new vanlifer starting my journey in Southern Commiefornia, I got two knocks on two separate nights when I wasn't bothering anyone. It's very invasive and aggravating, especially when it's already stressful enough being a newby and trying to figure out where to park and sleep each night. Cops and security always love to knock right when you've finally fallen asleep. I just wish people would mind their own business and stop being Karens and Darrens..🤬

[@lgDukeCity5018]

@@kattilathehunfreedomfighter Something is going to have to give. The way the economy has been and will continue to be I'm afraid, is chasing people out of their homes and apartments. People on low and fixed incomes are in a world of hurt.

[@kattilathehunfreedomfighter]

@@lgDukeCity5018 Yes, I agree. I can see and feel the screws tightening on all of us little by little. They want full control over us eventually, sooner than later.

[@alandarrow1597]

There are bad people out there. Take care folks. The Police are on your side

[@kattilathehunfreedomfighter]

@@alandarrow1597 There are still some good cops out there, but unfortunately the police are not on our side anymore. They've gone full on rogue and we now live in a police state. Instead of "serve and protect" they're now "harass and collect" (revenue). I say this as both a former LEO myself and later a police accountability and transparency activist. The proof is in the pudding.

[@josephmalloytravels7516]

2 years before a knock is pretty good for what i see, what would happen if they went to Amber's van first😮

[@donnamacleod2947]

So glad it was the cops and they were polite to you. Congratulations on the brand ambassador gig! Keep smiling!

[@sheilacaine]

😂😂😂 I can actually see you saying Morning to the cops. Crack me up. I shared your video with my son tonight because I think he will appreciate your humor and honestly I think he can use your humor in his life right now. Much ❤ Matthew. Thanks for the fun.

[@carmelrickman9748]

I'm glad everything was OK after "The knock". Take care of you and yours young man and much love as always.

[@brendasweetapple7444]

Happy to hear that the knock wasn't the worse knock ..:) Look forward to each and every video.

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Nice to see that you’re supporting local businesses (& vice versa). They seem to be a great fit for your lifestyle & interests. Looking forward to getting my stickers. Big hugs to you & Penny🥰💞😘🍀🏴‍☠️

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Wow your editing Matthew has always been captivating but I must say wowww you nailed this one. Your skills are superior. I can feel the enjoyment and love you put into your work. Growth yes may your channel exceeds all your expectations you deserve so much. Subscribe if you haven't because this creator much deserves top recognition. His journey, his humour, his values, his knowledge, his various content is all 💯 Never stop being yourself always be positive and don't pay attention to any negativity that may come across. Society needs to change, changes take time we must stand united. Much love 🤗🤗

[@christophererato2354]

Mathew , Your videos give me calm . I have a feeling I might end up in a van the way things are going . My job took a beating ever since covid it has not been the same. No ones fault just very exposed to the gas and interest rates. Anyways Its people like you who provide people like me with hope. Knowing others have done this and to see that you are happy.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Stay strong Christopher - I truly enjoy this lifestyle and am thankful that I gave it a shot, it friend things around for me. I’m very fortunate that I have the gift of gab and some people took notice, which allows me to make a living doing something I truly love - however, it is entirely possible to make this lifestyle work with a “regular 9-5” or Mickey Mouse job even. You got this!

[@Winniebago]

Thats actually a pretty amazing streak. Im super careful w signage and where i park. 6 months in, no knock yet 🤞

[@Pammellam]

Congratulations on 33,000 subscribers!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you!

[@lindahutcheon6538]

scary getting knocks in the middle of the night! glad it worked out ok!

[@danthevandan]

congrats on the brand ambassadorship gig 👍 as one who covers the back of our van with stickers I agree 100% with the outdoor resilient brands, I hate when they fade and curl after a few months 😠

[@patlodge8420]

Wow a knock on the door bet that was scary and thankyou Matthew for thanking us for watching you are brilliant watch all your videos xx

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thanks so much!

[@SherryArnold-gq1or]

Matthew you crack me the hell up, lmbo, i love your life, i would love to live the way u do, i also love all of ur videos, stay safe,and warm, im watching u from West Tennessee, USA

[@peggybaker69]

Glad it turned out ok with the police at your door. Enjoy your videos Matthew. So glad your doing well now. All the best to you.

[@terryshaw3493]

Police!!?? big surprise. Always best to be on your best behavior. I think Penny may have saved the day. 🙂 Sending love and hugs!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hello Matthew & PRETTY Penny!👋 What a BUMMER that the 'po po' woke you from your slumber ...the nerve of SOME PEOPLE'S KIDS!😳😆😂. That collaboration with CRAZE is AWESOME ...got'ta LUV that candy, I mean CAMPING store!🤭. I'm serious ...it's ALWAYS FUN whipping around town with you. LUV the hanging clothing storage bin, for the 'WIN'!🙌. Continue to take care of yourself, stay safe & God bless you!!!!👍🤗💖😇

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

YESSSS ... it's after 1am (USA - Eastern Time), and I'm just now able to view (& comment on) this WONDERFUL footage. It's been a MANIC MONDAY, for sure!😳😇 ...Nite, nite!😊💤😴

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Congratulations on the Brand Ambassadorship!

[@missy4cdts]

Matthew yes I would order your stickers I would be excited too! I’m so sorry you got the knock at 2am but I’m glad everything was ok 😊 Thanks for sharing ❤😊❤

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Matthew well done for securing an ambassadorship for such a great company and local too! Its so important to lend our name only to good companies because that reflects back on us. I forsee a great parnership here going forward and wish every success for you and Craze Ourdoors!👍 Btw I'm glad the ginch and socks have a new home!😉

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

For sure, LG! ...and I really LUV that GIFT!👍🤗💖😇

[@fairoasis]

OMG, I love that store!!!! Hope they end up shipping to the US.

[@angela23]

Thank you for the stickers, Matthew, I got them today! 🤩 Congrats again on the brand ambassadorship with Craze Outdoors! 🎉 I'll be sure to check out their website, might find myself some Christmas gifts. 😁 Glad everything turned out okay after getting the knock. Paying for parking on an app is so convenient, only problem is that you don't have a ticket to display on the dash to notify others. Miss P's eyes when you called her out for taking a dump, 😂 she totally looked away, as if to say, "Daaaad, seriously?!"

[@kaytoka717]

Craze Outdoors is a very cool looking store - I will definitely have to check it out next time i’m out that way. 😊

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

Nice gift from Frances! Maybe tuck those dangly things between the top of the stoage unit and the cabinet? Everybody just calm down! 😂

[@ashleylamborghini]

for everyone thinking it was me it wasn’t 🙄🙄🙄 not yet 😏

[@rajanikumari3672]

🤣🤣🤣

[@An_Eclectic_Mind]

😊 Hello, I know you get excited when you see candy stores...I was 😮😮😮😮🎉🎉🎉😮😮😮😮, then😢😢😢😢, remembering they don't ship to the U.S..

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

Me too!!!! Might just have to drive up there...

[@laurastewart2418]

Sorry I had to make one last comment...that new cubby set up at the end was really cool... inspiration for all of us with our organizing needs and ideas...stay safe!

[@bettygarcia5963]

My goodness! Its like being in my favorite candy store!!!!

[@redCasper-DeFi101]

I love your videos, you seem to be a very good person. Positivity is the key to happiness. Planning to have a Van Life in the future here in Edmonton. I am actually playing all your videos from the very start of your Journey and makes my day everytime I watch. ❤ Keep it Up man! 👻

[@HalfFastForward]

I find it easier to go with the flow, but I choose when to jump in and out. I do sometimes like a little Dead/Phish as well. Your channel is uniquely you, and it is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@sunshine47476]

Hi Matthew. HI Penny. Like always, another great vlog!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@connieshutts7074]

You really rocked the tunes on this video!!😊😊😊

[@wandaesch7314]

Living north of Edmonton I get to the mountains periodically for hiking and camping. I will be taking the long route home from Kananaskis to visit Craze Outdoors. Looks like another great Canadian outdoor business. Thanks for the introduction to them.

[@my2cworth4U]

I had the same thing happen a week ago at 2am in Australia. They said they had an emergency call from a campervan in the area and I was the only one there. 🤔 They apologized and told me to go back to sleep. Yeah, right!

[@seanrobesyn7808]

A wise man once said empty the pee bottle... not so long ago? 🤣🤣 in another KZbin Video? Chrome? 😝😝 great videos Matthew. You keep it real!

[@JaimeSummers69]

Kudos to the store's owners. It must have taken them a long time to set up a store like that. I will definitely be checking them out if I ever get to Calgary again.

[@Felurian_]

I got the knock once…I had accidentally parked on a military training ground (I didn’t see the flags- it was dark!) 😅

[@l.b.3148]

Love that store. You had to feel like a kid in a candy store with cool gear.

[@elaineg4921]

BLESSINGS ALWAYS

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

LUV that, Elaine!👍🤗💖😇

[@endah9692]

"Good Morning" 🤣

[@freedpeeb]

Live human being first, VanlifePLUS vlogger second. Glad it was friendly even if it was disturbing.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@abeach5420]

Oooo K now . . . *snnnap dude* Brand Ambassador . . .yeah ur !! Congrats. *THIRTY THREE THOUSAND+ Subs* Ohhhh yeah.

[@donnamoore7554]

Awesome store. Wow!! I could camp out in there for a few days and play with everything. Thanks for sharing.

[@Tannertraversed]

Glad you handled the situation with stoicism! Did you have your jeep in tow at the time?

[@VanlifePLUS]

She was parked beside Lucky and since I had her disconnected I had paid for her as well

[@Tannertraversed]

That's fair. Maybe having 3 vehicles was the cause for alarm. Some people's kids!

[@staceygiometti9680]

Nice Store.😊

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

👍

[@t.drayer11]

Hey...a knock is a knock. I've had a couple myself.

[@chrissycanvasart]

Oh the KNOCK.. never fun lol . When we in Scotland it's great because most places are remote but as I say never fun 😊 glad all was OK and friendly coppers xx

[@alanshaffer6724]

Hi Matthew

[@VanlifePLUS]

Hi Alan

[@jpz_6904]

Yea yea yes. I’d like to get one of the Jeep vanlife stickers. It would look most excellent on my Wrangler. Cheers!

[@Yvonneb_]

Great video xx

[@patriciabrackett4402]

Happy trails ❤

[@amyfollmer1412]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@mariepalkiewicz852]

Great video! Lovvvvve that store!

[@HelixRsix]

90 BUCKS to send it to us in Aus blimey that is absolutely ridiculous vote no for UPS delivery lol and Matt it’s always a great time watching ur high jinx puts a big smile 😊 on my face thank you

[@vinylove86]

Heya Matthew! I saw you were talking about postal rates for your stickers and I hope to help you with it! If you send anything in a puffy envelope, it will be considered a package. So a 1 oz letter is $0.53 and a 1 oz package is $4.60 starting. International 1oz is $1.90something while I don’t even know international packages. This is all US$ as well. I would def try to send what you can in reg envelopes while sticking to fragile stuff in puffy envelopes! All the best!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Will def be doing that going forward! Thank you

[@traveldreamer4616]

Congrats on the new partnership.

[@Blackxs93]

Awesome shop

[@Pammellam]

Postage and shipping is the pits. It costs so much. You found a good solution. You have to keep checking up on things. Also, find the best deals on envelopes etc! Congratulations on the sponsorship deal. *AN IDEA* I know you have shown already many of the things that you have gotten from _Craze Outdoors_ but it would be cool to add 1 or 2 *Show & Tell* segments where you _show again_ how you use the items you have. Doing one every now and again would be a good reminder… You could make a _cool title_ with _music_ , _…ta da ta da…_ _drum roll,_ and here is my *jet boil* and so on and so forth.

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Great video

[@LifeWithBillSiff]

That would be tough getting woke up lol thumbs up

[@GypsyJvan]

I haven't got the knock, yet..thanks..

[@aaronthedj12]

Craze looks awesome. I’ll stop by and check em out … 👍👍

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

Hi Aaron 👋

[@aaronthedj12]

@@sarah_n_tank_girl hi !!

[@stacynoble3909]

I think I need to go shopping in that store!! Craze eh!!

[@CreedStonegate]

Stickermule is great I sold art stickers for years and many customers had them on their cars for a long time and they looked exactly the same. I had one on the back of my wheels for 2 years and it looked the same as the day I put it on. And if you're shopping with them, be sure to check their weekly deals. With the deals I could get a batch of smaller stickers at a price that let me give them away with orders. I don't work for stickermule, just a happy customer. Love the show, keep up the great work man!

[@larrywnewcomb250]

Good Tue morning 11/21/23 to u sir! Happy Thanksgiving Day week from El Reno, OK. Nice to watch your vlog with my cup of coffee!! It was a well created video that i could not believe that it flew by soooo quick for a 32 min video!! VERY ENJOYABLE!! Can't wait for the next one.

[@christinamann3640]

I’m not sure I would do so well at 2 AM. With words. Or remembering who I am. The police would have probably tested me for drugs, that’s how badly I deal with sleep deprivation. You did so well with it, and Penny certainly helped with turning on the charm.

[@laurastewart2418]

I knew it! Sure enough toward the end I had to laugh!😆

[@Leon-to5zl]

I would love to order some.

[@ReneeWalker69]

I love that store maybe sometime I can come from Washington state and visiting

[@laurastewart2418]

Cooool store! Wish I had a jackery or whatever for the occasional outage

[@TheSmallsRVAdventures]

That knock is always scary. It’s great that you had the receipt on your email. I can see how easy it can be to forget things at a time like that. Great video Matt. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobbyj3701]

You're the BEST! Thanks for your entertainment life in the van! We need you in the usa, lol

[@VanlifePLUS]

I’ll get down there one day!

[@bobbyj3701]

Bring yourself down ay... I be on the Jersey Shore. @@VanlifePLUS

[@patricklockerby4308]

Watching in the UK where it's morning. Thank you for reminding me to take my meds. 🙂 I don't vanlife any more - yes, it's a verb - but I enjoy being reminded of the fun I had way back.

[@danielellington8407]

I really hope Cruze outdoors will ship to the United States! I found some cool “Toys”. Looks like a great week in Canada, sunny, dixxon flannel! Hey with Thanksgiving in the U.S. this Thursday Happy Thanksgiving Matthew! from my family to yours! Stay safe, Stay Warm. Be thankful.

[@thaberny13]

I want those stickers and will purchase them any way that you feel is best/ easiest!!

[@mariannejennisch9293]

Yes keep us in the USA info next year

[@glennarussell4682]

Thumbs up from S. California.

[@Hakliva]

My stickers are from stickermule, and I have been pleasantly surprised. I have one with the edge that has lifted some after 6 months... but i think that could have been the application... but they have not faded, and I love the sales they have lol!

[@msanabria8159]

You might need to extend it for Brooklyns stuff..😊😊❤

[@traveldreamer4616]

Definitely want to purchase stickers

[@rebeccachandler6901]

Hi Matthew and Penny❤ would love to order your stickers!!❤

[@starrwinter]

I thought this might be the engine knock of doom, and although not a pleasant knock at least not that one 😂

[@incognitoatunknown2702]

Keeping your envelopes to a standard snail mail size should keep costs down, Matthew. Put a thin piece of card backing in with the stickers. Keep it to within the weight limit for a regular envelope for Canada Post if possible (I mean how many stickers is one person gonna buy in one go?) You can get a rubber stamp with a clover leaf or pirates or tacos or something to stamp the card backing and even write a short personal note or just a basic "Thx from Matthew & Penny." on the backing card. People love that personal touch no matter how small. The card will provide some support for the stickers in transit as well as doubling as a thank you note. You could even get fancy and grab a generic rubber stamp that says "Do Not Bend" for the front of the envelopes. You can start to scale things up from there by investing in green envelopes or having those backing cards printed with your channel/socials on one side and personalize the blank side. You could even get little baggies to put the stickers in before placing them in the envelope but that will add to your costs and overall weight. Don't forget to change up your stickers every so often or have a special 'limited edition' drop once in awhile to encourage people to repurchase. Just a few tips from my grey matter knowledge bank. Hope they give you some food for thought. *and don't totally undercut yourself on the price either. See what other vantubers are charging and go from there. Now when can I buy my darn stickers?ó

[@kathleencrane-grylls5416]

Well let me kno next summer I’m in US but interested in the store!!