From Fear to Freedom - Solo Van Life Changed Her Life

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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
In this video, Nicole offers an in-depth tour of her self-built camper van, designed specifically for full-time van life. Nicole shares the story of how she designed, built, and now lives in her van with her dog, Lemon. With practical tips, personal insights, and a detailed look at each part of the van, this tour provides inspiration and guidance for women seeking independence, adventure, and a minimalist lifestyle on the road.
The Kitchen: Cooking in Comfort
Nicole’s passion for cooking played a major role in the design of her kitchen. She prioritized having ample counter space, utilizing every inch of her camper van efficiently. Equipped with a three-burner stove and oven combo, she ensures she can prepare homemade meals wherever she goes. To maintain a clutter-free environment, Nicole has designed custom storage solutions for all her cooking utensils, spices, and pantry items. One of her favorite features is the recessed spice rack, built into the wall to make use of otherwise wasted space. A full-sized refrigerator and freezer allow her to store enough food for weeks off-grid, making it easy to maintain her off-grid lifestyle.
Smart Storage and Organization
For anyone looking to live in a camper van, storage is key, and Nicole has this aspect down to a science. She shares how she has utilized hidden drawers, custom closets, and even a full-length wardrobe to keep her clothes and essentials neatly organized. She emphasizes the importance of downsizing, something that van life has encouraged her to do. Though she admits it was challenging at first, Nicole now loves the simplicity and freedom that comes with having only what she truly needs in her van.
Full-Size Shower and Bathroom Convenience
One of Nicole’s must-haves in her camper van was a full-size shower. She shows off her bathroom setup, complete with a 2.5-gallon water heater and a recessed caddy for her toiletries. As someone who dislikes using public restrooms, Nicole designed her bathroom to be both functional and comfortable. The water system allows her to shower regularly, making it easy to maintain her personal hygiene while living on the road.
Living and Sleeping Area: The Controversial Convertible Bed
Nicole opted for a U-shaped bench seating area that converts into a queen-sized bed. While she admits that converting the bed back and forth can sometimes be a hassle, she appreciates the flexibility it offers for working and relaxing in different spaces. Her van is fully equipped for all seasons, with plenty of storage for winter and summer clothes in the overhead cabinets and under-bench compartments. She even added a clever solution for storing her fishing rod under the benches.
Electrical System for Off-Grid Living
Nicole explains the details of her electrical system, which includes a 3,000-watt inverter, two 100-amp lithium batteries, and two 90-watt solar panels. This setup allows her to stay off-grid for extended periods, and the alternator charger ensures her batteries stay powered while driving. She also has the option for shore power when needed, making her setup versatile and self-sufficient for full-time van life.
Embracing Van Life and Pushing Boundaries
Nicole shares her journey from finding van life on KZbin to building her own van from scratch. She encourages women to push past fear and embrace the freedom that comes with living on the road. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a van build or camping in remote locations, Nicole’s message is clear: don’t let fear hold you back. Her story is an empowering reminder for women to take charge of their lives and follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may be.
Shot by - / theaveragebrad
Edited by - / filmbro_
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[@purelightlove8888]

Bravo Nicole, Beautiful Job! Your Van is something I want to do too ✨ and I too find endless information about everything and anything on KZbin it’s a treasure trove of knowledge, from people just like you and me… 🐶you and Lemon have Vast Amounts of FUN!! ✨🌟💜🌟✨

[@cynthiachambers4105]

Beautiful Van Build and You did a AWESOME JOB. Stay Focus and Having Fear will be in the Past. Your Pup Lemon is Adorable and Thanks for Sharing Enjoyed and Blessings 🙏❤️🥰😇🐕 From Pennsylvania,USA

[@ericonabuell]

Nice build .. hope it suits all your needs, looks like it does . Nice and bright . Little sailing trick ..if you dont want to do the dishes right away place them in the sink covered in water and a bit of detergent, the motion of the driving van will wash them for you. Enjoy. Stay safe, stay kind .

[@angelfain8040]

I am a over the road truck driver and I also keep a good many clothes on the truck, I use packing cubes to separate my seasons and to make everything more compact, and organized. Just a suggestion.

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

You can definitely see how much thought and research was put into designing this to fit her needs perfectly. She also has the ability to change anything she wants on her own. Very impressive. I love the layout and the storage options she’s created. Inside is also just beautiful throughout. I like what she said about women- to refuse to live in fear and to get out there and live your life. ❤️😊

[@franksyUK]

I Really enjoy your videos! I am being evicted from my wee cottage in the highlands and have bought a Mercedes bus to live in full time! I have even started to video it for YT! thanks for your inspiration! God bless

[@mkfd4571]

Good luck to you. All the best!

[@law81669]

I love all the colors you used which are my favorite , if I had a van, I think I would have the layout just like yours, thanks for sharing😊

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Nicole, good Onya I just love it when I see you ladies like yourself stepping out and doing something that is a little bit different to the norm. I think van life is just so wonderful if you can get used to living in a small space just fantastic and if you don’t like your neighbours , or where you are, you just move , I think more people just get trapped in a normal way of life. I live in a three bedroom house with a granny flat by myself and two dogs. What a waste of space anyway keep up the good work. Really appreciated your video Cliff from Australia

[@candirijo1991]

I like. Beautiful vanhouse

[@kimski5391]

Beautiful home you have!🤩I'm glad you have a bath/shower I've seen others that prefer not to have one... that would be a must for me. Happy travels to you and Lemon(she's so sweet)

[@nnesechuksorjiyoung2255]

Same!

[@JulyMoon82]

Her van is very nice! I like the simple layout. It's pretty but very functional. 😊

[@jacquelinecunningham5912]

Nicole, awesome presentation! I hope you're able to continue not only remote work, but adventures for you and Lemon! Take care and again, wonderful job on your van. Be blessed!

[@Smiley-fv8zi]

To not stop yourself bc you fear something is an important reminder!!

[@meridethhendry5733]

WoW! You did an incredible job on your build. It looks so comfortable and cozy.

[@lindar6151]

I love your build - it is just perfect. I also love your lemon-Beagle! I am a beagle owner too!

[@jaymahoney3040]

you have an amazing life,im jealous.....i hope to start one when i turn 68 in 2 years and hopefully retire full time by 70,thank you for your video,it helped alot,Jay

[@andrewhancock2451]

Love your bright colours and your white and light green. Your shirt resonates with the cabinets! It blends nicely with the light brown wood ceiling, cushion, and the white+brown of your cute dog!

[@gigiburke]

I enjoyed watching your video and how you didn't let fear stop you from going for it!

[@janef.spicer-locante5731]

Great Story Nicole!! KZbin is very helpful for sociable research, making getting started more informed and fun learning. Lemon looks pretty comfortable out there. Congratulations!!

[@bonitak8483]

Beautiful home! I admire your bravery. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

Love it! Courageous and inspiring 💚

[@lisasavas5805]

You have utilized your space beautifully. Go girl❤

[@LS-gh9hl]

I made mine this way too. But after tracing the templet onto the reflectix, i cut 1/4" wider all the way around, it tucked into place perfectly. Then i sewed a small pull tab onto the edge for easly removal.

[@Weezieweeks]

Amazing build! I love it so much! In the oven, it looks like a pampered chef (or the like) stone to help maintain and stabilize the temperature. Put it on the lower rack or even on the floor of the oven. That way the pan still has the regular oven air circulation. I always kept a thermometer in there, too. These days, those digital ones might work even better as not opening the oven to monitor the temperature.

[@rhondamckinley4373]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home 😊

[@lexhemart]

Love the color of the cabinets and all the details!

[@emgee4075]

I'm impressed! Great job figuring it all out and putting it together. Looks great, and I love all of the thoughtful design decisions!

[@naturegirl5681]

What a beautiful peaceful looking home! I love it!

[@suezaple4950]

Nice build Nicole you have a nice home on wheels for yourself and dog love the layout its stylish simple , practical . and has a shower toilet combo Bonus with enough water for your needs has all one needs I like that . Your very inspiring . Love your attitude and why of thing all the best to you and your pup. Ontario Canada .

[@christinamontecalvo-fetta5428]

Beautiful, God bless yiu and the fur baby ❤

[@txxxchao]

Beautiful van and apears very functional. You've done a fantastuc job by yourself! Bravo.

[@malcolmcampbell9360]

Brilliant girl be safe Malc ⚓️🌹

[@BethAldermanRochelle]

4:01 Precious!! 7:56 ♥ You have a very nice van. I love the set up. It's nice and clean, it's airy and I love the soft colors. Thumbs up!

[@natureatitsbest751]

Thanks for the showing of your van. Excellent job! Looks very nice. And congrats for taking the leap. 🇨🇦

[@raquelkhadiri162]

Beautiful floor plan and colors too. Loved it

[@rogertemple7193]

As always this is another great tiny house on wheels both inside and outside with everything that you need and this a really awesome vanhome take care and thank you.🚐🇺🇲🚐

[@MichelleJones-p4e]

Very cool! Love that she has an oven. The shower looks great! Glad she has a fur travel Buddy!

[@auntiem75]

Nicole, Beautiful build. Mary 😊👋👍

[@dmwi1549]

Way to go! Nice van build!

[@Toytatu]

Beautiful, from fear to freedom

[@johnshams6921]

Now that's freedom!

[@dalemink7631]

I love what you have created! Great work! That is on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing!!

[@tammycruz8189]

Beautiful Clean Build ❤❤❤

[@cindygaudet1390]

Good for you!❤ I have lived what if for 50 plus yrs. Sigh great job and beautiful van.

[@robp3431]

Turned out beautifully !!!

[@Smiley-fv8zi]

The bathroom is amazing! I hate public bathrooms, too!

[@emartin851]

Very nice build, the colors are lovely!

[@fauxmixedhair]

Beautiful! It has such a polished/finished look. Great job!

[@ms.rickie]

What a great video. You actually say what the price of the van was and what the price of the bill was. I can’t tell you how much I have wondered when I’m binging all of these vans. Your van is beautiful.❤

[@tinakeene1566]

Nice. Great job!!

[@Rlaplante73]

Great build ... thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@vickyking6727]

Awesome job 😊

[@maryanntime]

Love your fur babies name. I have a feeling there is a deep meaning behind it 🍋

[@royc5974]

Beautiful van. I can’t imagine doing anything like this by myself.

[@tabitha-sk5kc]

Nice! Love this design. Very pretty kitchen...you did a great job. Adorable little dog.

[@25EpicPsychology]

Vanlife is My Dream RVing.

[@dawncrawford6806]

love the color of your lower cabinets nice bathroom too

[@hollyvick181]

Love the blue green.

[@Justabuckeye]

Beautiful van great job

[@freedomontheloose]

Very nice Rig! Great job, safe travels!

[@R-cg4on]

Really nice build.

[@pateisele4513]

Beautiful! ❤❤❤Love it!

[@maggiezemanek9656]

Beautiful puppydog!❤ your van is lovely!

[@c.j.carter6680]

Congratulations!

[@jeradfry345]

These builds are always spotless like they have never been used.

[@isminiunhinged]

I mean they interviewed her....dont you think she prepared by cleaning before?

[@mikecollins8241]

They usually do these interviews when the builds are just finished.. most are sold in a year..

[@pdq5465]

I understand your comments, but I myself am a neat freak, so my van interior would look much like hers does. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

[@VirginiaBarber-nv9hj]

Lovely build!

[@paskalelauzon3876]

Gorgeous van!

[@joanneganon7157]

Nicely Done ! Happy Trails 🎉 JO JO IN VT 💞

[@Akstergrind]

Wowee, that is one seriously swish van you have there! Sheesh!!!

[@tWz4462]

Congrats❤

[@hollyvick181]

Lemon lol cute

[@pbenson56fran]

Very smart Nicole in your build.

[@jackiem1093]

Gorgeous ❤what a great job!!!

[@hollyvick181]

Virtual assistant. Cool

[@marianfrances4959]

Awesome!👍😎🇨🇦

[@yanaesprit7286]

Congratulations ❤ I would like to ask, where do you do your laundry ?? I think that’s the main challenge bc laundromats are just not preferable. Thank you

[@randibesser3202]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤loved your courage 😂you did a fabulous job what state do you mostly live in. Do you think it’s safe for a single woman to live alone on the road. I miss so much living in my small home, it had a huge backyard that myself and my dogs lived outdoors from morning till evening t🎉until sunset. I’m an artist and get inspired outdoors. But after my whole family died including my dog I was shell😅😅 s ocked. It scared me to start over again alone, but this is what I had been dreaming of and I’m 68 now and before I died I want to live like I loved. Any advice or help

[@SF-ru3lp]

Such a classy interior. Congrats! G Ire

[@synthaking8299]

My dream van / home! You should start your own van conversion company ❣️❣️❣️

[@paulnolan4464]

Van life in Australia is becoming popular

[@nemanjagradinac5419]

Amazing

[@JPA34698]

Is lemon a lemon beagle? My brother had a lemon beagle named Lemmy!

[@davidplotkin5173]

Thanks for sharing the amazing job you've done! QUESTION - how do you find places to stay each night? RV park / BLM land / friend / Target / bonafide campsite etc. Just looking for ideas. Thank you!

[@Smiley-fv8zi]

Wow!!

[@GHE2005]

Very nice build. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Did u weight ur van b4 & after ur build.

[@m.anttonen2874]

Beautiful!

[@katiem6773]

Beautiful van. I love the colors and brightness.

[@BrendaLee8]

Very nice ❤

[@hannahg5216]

Gas. Talk about how much that costs and the upkeep of the engine along with the wheels. Please.

[@stephenschuit7880]

Greetings. You have a very nice approach and pleasant spirit, so thank you. Quick question. With being a regular showerer, as you said, you are, where does your shower grey water go? Into a holding tank, or does it drain directly outside? And if the latter, is that considered environmentally appropriate? Thanks.

[@LiveLifeLori]

Hey Nicole, can you share how you became a virtual assistant? Thanks!

[@mikefranks4528]

Are gas stations your number one source of water tank refill?

[@bekind6513]

Great work but the toilet , shower puzzles me.hows there room to stand in it

[@dogcatparty7371]

10/29/2024 Great video here by 'Tiny Home Tours'. Please type a friendly comment for Chantelle (not a typo!!!) at 'My Basic Journey'. She lives tiny with her tiny dog Joey. She is missing her father who died about six months ago. She took a photography class and does excellent nature videos, similar to Jane Goodall!!!

[@lkp3401]

Nicole, where do you go to fill your water tank?

[@MaureenPetit-o1p]

What kind of van do you have

[@melstephen5191]

💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@daviddring8692]

Wow 25,000 dollars for DIY. That's a lot Could get it done by professional Campervan builder in UK. Probably around 20,000 dollars.

[@jedics1]

I'd say its scarier to not do van life in our croney capitalist economy with the work till you drop and own nothing reality we have now....Work less with more free time and way less regulation. A fixed bed is silly when it takes up 50% of the space that is used only to be asleep although I would be looking at the bed on the ceiling with a motor to lower it system personally, bed is ready with the push of a button and you don't even need to make it because its all hidden in the ceiling :)

[@slickwilly4613]

I really doubt you made this van by yourself

[@jonathanhopkins1403]

Why? Because you couldn’t?

[@slickwilly4613]

@@jonathanhopkins1403 Correct.