From Vanlife to Living Out of a Duffle Bag

The commute begins and the week commences as I return to the city to see my daughter and get some upkeep done on the Irish Pirate Queen.
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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!

[@colette2552]

Well, I'm glad this video was a longer version! You see, I'm a VanLifer, and well, my mom passed away a year ago, and I inherited her dog. Today, he jumped out of the van, and he still hasnt been found!😢 Watching your channel helped take my mind off of it for a while. Just say a little prayer that when I start calling around in the morning, i find him😊 Thanks for your videos, Mathew ❤

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

I hope your pup comes when you call or if someone picked him up, they will have him at a shelter waiting for you to come get him. I'm sorry for the loss of your mom.

[@soulwriter7039]

That must be awful, not just because of the pup, but because it’s your Mom’s pup. Sending you warmth. Hope he is staying close and will be back quickly. Don’t forget to breathe. ❤

[@rachadventuresinliv]

😢🙏

[@VanlifePLUS]

I’m glad my antics could help bring some distraction to a terrible situation for you. You have my thoughts and hopes that your little compatriot is found soon 🙏

[@patriciac5214]

Collette, Try looking at your mom's home to see if her dog returned home. I hope you find him.

[@leec.7168]

I loved hearing Brooklyn repeat “tally freaking ho.” So cute.

[@BigV96220]

😂same nice to have something quirky for memories 🤪 😂❤

[@chrissylee4476]

Matthew before you let your big fat kitty cat on your newly cleaned weighted blanket, buy yourself a duvet cover and put the blanket inside. That way you can take the cover off and wash it next trip to laundromat!😊

[@dianehoule625]

That's just what I was going to suggest!

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Genius idea! And much savings on cleaning bill!

[@tracymac1111]

Great Idea.

[@simply2funcrafts-Cammy]

I came to see if anyone suggested this before I did hahaha it is the best thing to do I have 5 sons, and it saved me so many times, hahahha, duvet to the rescue lol

[@susanh3342]

@@simply2funcrafts-Cammy They have been around for a long time, I just started using them. I love them.

[@VaguelyMeandering]

That was lovely. Penny bookends on the video and lovely Brooklyn in the middle. I'm glad your physical therapy is working and you're able to keep the appointment with your commuting schedule. Watching you with your daughter makes my heart sing. Good on you friend, good on you!

[@sunshine47476]

I really like the longer vlogs. I was so happy to see I get over an hour of Vanlife Plus. Thank you Matthew. A nice way to wind down a long day❤

[@thomasharhen2168]

Stop it with the ADVIL

[@msanabria8159]

You r the BEST FATHER...❤😊. You r teaching a lots of man what a truly man is. GOD BLESS YOU MY KID.

[@BigV96220]

Amen to that 🙏 🙌 ❤

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Brooklyn is going to have such great memories of a sweet,kind and funny Dad. You are a positive force in her life . Karen from Florida 🌴💕

[@Brittanyjacks]

The kitty is so cute! I live in my car and just started my KZbin channel and so happy to be a part of the community . Thank you 😊

[@tinad1593]

I just followed you! ❤

[@hshalom9113]

So technically the cat is house sitting. 😂 How soon will you be putting a roof box on Grace? 😂🤣

[@Valerygallery]

Brooklyn is at such a cute age. She just loves all your funny faces. Cute little giggles.😍

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Lol, loved the surprise of that "unboxing" of the painting mat. More to come to go with that. You'll need stamps. 😊

[@hglenn55]

I literally LOL at the "Tally Ho!" when mini you repeated it 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@albertmeursault]

Those purrs are absolutely heartwarming ❤❤

[@tracymac1111]

Matthew, I love every episode, you are so clever with the story telling and your technical skills in photography and editing. It’s the way you see the world, the way you interpret and convey your feelings and experiences that make you unique in this utube world, the way you communicate to us, your audience, that draws us in and keeps us coming back for more. This episode is one of your classics, it was beautiful. Thank you Matthew.

[@shawnoutcelt]

Seeing you with your daughter..wow. Make those memories for her. Daddy is a little girl's first love and she will remember how you treat others and her. She's very lucky.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Banff for the 'WIN'!🙌 ...Such BEAUTIFUL scenery footage driving back to BC. Looks like PRETTY Penny is very happy to have you close to her again!😺. Continued PRAYERS for your safe travels 🙏🤗💖😇.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

That snow falling looks sooooo pretty ...😊

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hello Matthew, Lil Brooklyn, PRETTY Penny, Amber ...and Sheba!👋😺. Thanks for this look into your commute adventures from Calgary to BC, and vice-a-versa. The Airbnb looks really nice ...and the Daddy/daughter time was soooooo precious!💛🧔👧. Grace is looking really good ...and now I want breakfast, mind you it's after 11pm my time!😳🤭. AWESOME share as always, Matthew ...take care, stay safe & God bless!👍🤗💖😇

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Just another MANIC MONDAY, for me ...but I'm ALWAYS GRATEFUL!👍🤗💖😇

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Penny’s so happy to have her Daddy back home😻. I was so glad you stopped in Banff, I’ve driven in conditions like that too often and it is not fun at all - hypnotizing 😵‍💫. Have a great night, don’t overdo the deconstruction & get a great sleep for a change 🥰💞😘🍀🏴‍☠️

[@jo-Ann1969]

I love the snow when it's falling at night

[@cassandramartin3671]

You about gave me a heart attack when you said give up penny!!

[@jo-Ann1969]

It's beautiful where you're staying,it's like Christmas all year round 🫣

[@DGardhouse]

I would have loved to be the guy that invented the rubber/plastic lid for the cat food. Such a simple yet smart invention. As always, I enjoy living vicariously through your videos. Thank you for posting.

[@karolmolitor4675]

Buy a duvet cover for your weighted blanket. ❤

[@rajanikumari3672]

I was thinking this also.👍

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 Great video. You're an awesome dad.

[@amyhigdon6208]

Hi Matthew, Brooklyn and Penny! So glad you had a great time with the pirate princess! I totally get the not driving at night. Especially when it's snowing like that. It makes me feel like I'm in freaking Star Wars! Add those bright ass lights the cars have nowadays and astigmatism....no thank you! I'll stay home until daylight.

[@sylviesalim2314]

Have you considered putting a duvet cover on the weighted blanket? Might make it easier to jerk the cat hair off and you could easily remove the cover and through it in the wash.

[@Cpd0127]

Congrats Matthew. This video was so incredible in many ways. I loved every minute of it.I have to say you have succeeded in balancing your life with your little girl in every way. You are an awesome Dad and I can tell Brooklyn loves you so much and loves being with you. Thank you my friend for sharing your life with all of us. It is a joy to watch.

[@luccac6247]

God bless you and your daughter. I am a father to a beautiful 3 year old girl and i can honestly say her and my wife are the highest accomplishments in my life. Cherish every moment. There's bound to be plenty more as you navigate life. Thanks for sharing another vlog with us all.

[@kimbrueck7811]

Daddy’s home! Thanks for sharing Matthew. ❤❤

[@Lee-mmg]

I love snow falling. Love, love it! Always be safe kiddo. My sons had the wreck that took their lives driving tired. Right outside of Rawlins WY. My older son fell asleep driving. :-( Thank you! Always be safe! OK - candy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@christinamann3640]

19:07 “I highly recommend not unscrewing it from the base.” So you saw Amber’s vlog, then. 😆

[@rajanikumari3672]

You should get an inflatable toddler bed or a tot cot(extra large dog cot works also) for Brooklyn so she has her own little bed & you get to keep the big bed. They fold down to an easy portable size for stashing away.

[@donnamacleod2947]

Quality content Matthew,especially when you get to spend time with Brooklyn! Penny missed you! Keep smiling!

[@johnbean1994]

Great video! Beautiful view with all of the Christmas lights

[@LeonaM-MyABCs]

Well geez we're invested in this adventure - sat here telling Penny to enjoy the scratches and wondering whether you fed Sheba and how the watering schedule will work and do you have your meds and all the medical stuff.....but just know we're thinking of you.

[@karenlowes7802]

Lol! Overthinking; I recognize it!😂

[@Matthew33136]

Hey Matthew, your gas cans "filter" is actually a safety device, not a fuel filter. It's sometimes called a flame arrestor. gas cans came without these for years, so removing it should be fine, just be cautious around flammable liquid as I'm sure you are.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thanks for the clarification! That’s makes sense with what I was hearing regarding the horrible pour spouts as well. Yup, safety first! Thank you for watching

[@janetnegrillo5413]

Good safe choice Matthew look how beautiful it looks today safety is over first❤

[@roseharber-mamachipmunkscr6552]

Love watching you with the Pirate princess! You are such a good Dad!

[@marconion]

Quality content....... quality content!

[@christineayres7199]

The Cat is the Baby xxx

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Miss Penny.

[@bonnieedmondson9312]

Hey Matthew and Brooklyn. Matthew you are a great dad.

[@Schagalorian]

no joke I drove next to you a couple days ago!

[@barbatkinson5822]

So beautiful watching you with your precious daughter. I so enjoy your videos. 😊

[@williammullen3957]

Great video Matt! Looks like no cracks on the way back.

[@patrickfrantz2466]

I believe that the white doo-dad is a legislated flame arrestor feature...that is required now due to the akward, rigid "safety" spill spout that spills fuel everywhere while you are trying to use it. When the spilled fuel catches you and everything else on fire the doo-dad keeps the fire from getting back into the tank..supposedly. 😮..... miss the old days......

[@janetnegrillo5413]

I hope you find your dog sending you prayers and good luck wishes❤

[@danthevandan]

Smart decision getting a room in Banff, that road was scary lookin 😱 Benny's is on the itinerary for our April pass thru Calgary

[@loudybelle]

Great vid thank you from downunder ❤❤

[@1judyq]

I love those places when my mom’s in town during the Christmas holidays she stays there. She said the beds are comfy and she likes to have her own space.

[@user-bs5yz2ch6n]

Do not get rid of the cat, make a pillowcase for the blanket out of flat sheets, you could even put in a zipper

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Wonderful video and big help in winding down. Thanks for sharing...your daughters laugh melted my heart❤️🫠

[@socialmediadelinquent5781]

Whenever I hear somebody say they have too many pockets, it reminds me of a Darryl Worley song titled too many pockets on my shirt. If you don’t mind country music, that’s kind of a fun song.

[@authordanigray]

We use fruit, plain greek yogurt, and OJ in our BlendJet for our smoothies. We also turn it upside-down, take off the motor part and drink it that way. I'm glad you stopped for the night, driving tired and with that snow wasn't a safe combo.

[@GypsyJvan]

thanks..

[@regbillings4955]

🦎For Amber @19:06 lol. Great video Matthew, i really enjoyed watching sir :)

[@aussiejac]

So much to comment on. What a contrast of weather between the two areas (not sure what you call it). Love as always xx

[@karenlowes7802]

❤ Loved it! Thank you Matthew.

[@thomasharhen2168]

Ive slept standing on tree in Massachusetts overnight waiting on a friend to pick me up to go to Toronto!!!

[@christinamann3640]

52:46 when driving through snow looks like you’re flying the Millennium Falcon

[@evsheskin]

Just an idea…when you need to keep fruit frozen in winter, leave the package outside. I remember my grandmother doing just that before she had a freezer and the icebox (yes, I am that old) did not freeze. Love your vlogs!

[@jzthehorse2805]

Hi Matt and Penny . I was so glad that you poured the bottle sideways no glup glup. Love the video nice work. As you see, I haven't missed one video since covid . YUCK. Ride on IPQ

[@DantesBobolink]

seems like theres always an a&w in the shot lol

[@davidbalmer712]

We had rapid orange in 🇬🇧 a few years ago.dont think it exists no more

[@laurastewart2418]

And a meow at the tail end😊

[@alberttrucking1047]

So exited to se what u come up with on the van updates and what u dur to it its just love u when u work on it so exited 😊

[@richardvirchow2757]

Don't worry about what you are going threw over your medication I am on morphine and hirer-doses for my pain and I am on hospice care for the rest of my life. Consider yourself lucky to have less than what I have to endure while I am in hospice care I am going to have to increase the dose of Paine medication because I am unable to sleep without pain and I have a terminal condition issue with my gut and bowels full of scare tissue and at times, unable to go the bathroom. Sincerely! R.S.V.

[@inyourhomefitness2452]

Once again I had to subscribe to your channel which I did just 2 days ago grrrr. It seems I need to subscribe every time you post a video. In saying all that, another beautiful drive back to your parents place.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Ugh! Well thank you for continuing to subscribe - no idea why it is happening

[@lynnfrost5244]

I fall in love with penny everyti.e she gets sassy❤❤❤

[@JoanMulhern]

quality content matt! really!

[@dallaslemieux4161]

Awesome Matthew, enjoyed to the fullest 🙏🥰🤪🇨🇦

[@Ladythyme]

🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️WHAT? Almost 4000 views and only 850LIKES???!!!! C’mon people hit that button!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤❤❤

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

LIKED!👍

[@jaynedee4577]

Totally enjoyed your journey and what gorgeous scenery.

[@Yahoo12]

Brooklyn; can I watch tv? Matthew; not right now. Sweet Brooklyn; but that’s what I do. 😂🥰

[@sheilacaine]

Penny looked like the size of a toddler the way you filmed her in the beginning. 😂 I think she’s getting too much Puck. 😂😂

[@annewinning9723]

It’s winter in Canada….. weather is inevitable - best of luck

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Interesting vlog. Thank you for sharing.

[@ryanepp8174]

You need to try and set up an advertising deal with a hotel chain. I had one set up with all the billiard streaming I was doing. We can chat about that when we get together.

[@MrRedtaco11]

That was a great video Matthew. I can’t say that I miss going through the mountains at night in the dead of winter. Pushing out that extra day of vacation just became too dangerous. Night driving sucks. Glad you had a great drive. Got to spend time with Brooklyn and everything is on the up and up. See you in the next one bud. HI PENNY!!!!!

[@amyfollmer1412]

Incredible video. The Mountains are beautiful. Take care. Penny is adorable and Sheba too.

[@christiebolden2288]

A solution for your weighted blanket....get a duvet cover!!! I have a weighted blanket and 2 cats so I know your pain with the hair. I bought a duvet cover with a zipper and I am so happy I did!! I can just take it off and wash the cover!! Hope you give it a try!!

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Motion sickness meds help to fall asleep and don't "linger" the next morning and with no harmful side effects. The cheap ones at Walmart work just as the more expensive brands.

[@loretta6240]

Hi Matthew ❤wow a long video thank you I needed this ❤

[@junknapper]

The best for last. I also rotated my tires and I got to remember to retorque my PU wheels tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

That Dixxons sink or swim t shirt would make great bedtime attire for me, just saying....you wanna give it me Matthew?😉

[@garynewton2016]

good vid nice length. Didnt see Amber at Bennys or maybe off camera, Again family time is always a joy.Oh happy family day from the home of Wayne Gretsky. Keep on Cooglin

[@VanlifePLUS]

Who do ya think I held the door open for at Bennys? 😏

[@garynewton2016]

I figured that who it was but was a back quick view I couldn't imagine u there with out Amber I wish u had video of that it would be fun and entertaining@@VanlifePLUS

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@SharonVlaming]

I love all my leathermans 🤩

[@maryrinks8383]

Happy monday ❤❤ Matthew and miss Penny.❤

[@leolaniukeulady4172]

Had one of those crazy fillers on a gas can too. They are horrible, trade caps when it’s time to use it. (

[@flipwarrior]

Your videos are the best, and I look forward to them all the time!

[@edithtrowbridge1775]

I had both of f the rechargeable blenders, original and newer. It was okay, but. Since you have a power station and if you are not completely impressed you might check out the magic bullet mini. Very low wattage and I have even ground coffee beans in it. 200 watts.

[@karenbreslauer2053]

SCARED THE POOP OUT OF ME WHEN YOU PASSED THAT LOGGING TRUCK !!!!!!!!!! 🌴💕

[@DU112052]

Hi Matt!!

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Loved the longer video !!! It was apparent that Miss Penny missed her Daddy at the end of the video. I know she was happy to see you , her purr was a lot louder than her meow…. Lol Thanks Karen from Florida 🌴💕

[@Lilrosa-cs1pn]

I got stressed for you watching you drive in that snow! Love the ending lake shot. Stay safe!!

[@martindabritz8203]

book of words 😅

[@zekecanada5244]

Glad you came to your senses and booked out at Banff. I was thinking i certainly would start that drive at night, after putzing around all day. 👍👍

[@UrdnotChuckles]

Heck of a haul in Grace right there. Any chance you could get a rock protector or whatever for the hood to try and deflect things?

[@kristikarsten2854]

Good tip abound blender, thanks Matthew, love Penny's sounds, it's -20 in my city, feels even more, stay safe and warm