How I Started Vanlife |

Often, I get asked how I started my vanlife journey, so I thought I would share a little bit of my journey with you!
I got my van back at the beginning of Covid but it wasn't until I found myself stuck in what seemed like a no-win situation, that I finally pushed myself to live the dream I always dreamt of.
Thanks for following along and subscribing!
Much love!
WANT A HANDWRITTEN PERSONAL POSTCARD FROM MY COLLECTION?
bit.ly/traveli...
Find me on socials!
Facebook: / ninjamom.jen.owen
Instagram: / ninjamomjenowen
VAN TOUR 2023: • VAN TOUR | Updated No ...
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/a...
LINKS TO OTHER VIDEOS SHARING ABOUT MY VAN:
1. First Van Build Tour: • Minivan Camper Convers...
2. Leveling the Floor Part 1: • Leveling the Floor in ...
3. Leveling the Floor Part 2: • Building a Floor in My...
4. Creating my DIY Blackout Window Covers: • Creating DIY Blackout ...
5. My Bed Set Up (Trunk Bunk): • #VANLIFE | My Trunk Bu...
6. Night Mode First Van Set Up Tour: • "Night Mode" Tour of M...
7. Rain Shields for your Windows: • Get Some Rain Shields ...
8. New Floor and Storage: • New Floor and Storage ...
9. Side Table Build: • New Side Table for Van...
10. DIY Fabric Rainbow Curtains: • DIY Fabric Strip Curta...
11. Putting up a Ceiling Tapestry: • Decorating My Ceiling ...
12. Bed Set Up and Update: • Minivan Camper Van Bed...
Other items you will find in my van: (Please note that these are affiliate links and if you purchase through them, it puts a few pennies in my gas jar!)
SAFETY ITEMS:
• LED Safety lights + Window smasher: amzn.to/40lMYQm
BEDDING:
• My pretty top quilt: amzn.to/3f6CWNY
• Pretty warm blanket: amzn.to/3yQDdMI
• Trifold Cot Mattress: amzn.to/3hPKfez
• Cot Sheet: amzn.to/3LCRmpz
• Pretty colorful throw pillows: amzn.to/3vd2EGb
• Trunk Bunk: campncar.com/
DECORATIONS
• Ceiling Tapestry: amzn.to/3n8135l
• Fairy lights: amzn.to/3oE99PK
• Sarong (tapestry I use for privacy): amzn.to/3yULv66
• Cork Lights: amzn.to/3uBmnhv
• Poster 1: amzn.to/3ySuDhG
• Poster 2: amzn.to/3Tww5jo
• Tapestry Corkscrew Pins: amzn.to/42rBTyv
• Colorful Rugs: amzn.to/42opNGC
• Steering Wheel Cover: amzn.to/3n7Y64L
• Seat Covers/Organizer/Trash bins - fbuy.io/natura...
• Diego: amzn.to/3TyAlPh
• Matt A Dore: amzn.to/42pZxeO
• Collapsable Tote (Hiding my cooler): amzn.to/3yS8Gzn
FOOD AND KITCHEN
• Igloo cooler: amzn.to/3wGBEiu
• Mini Dash Toaster Oven: amzn.to/3mXNCoi
• Trash can: The "Home Store
• Hot Logic food warmer: amzn.to/3yUp0jg
• Cooking Utensils: amzn.to/3JV4Qfl
BATTERIES AND SOLAR
• Bluetti 600 W: amzn.to/3FB8MPH
• Jackery: amzn.to/3pawCbK
• Jackery solar panel: amzn.to/3vIMdBB
• LED Emergency lights: amzn.to/3FE0ZAG
• Jackary Jumper Cables: amzn.to/3lt6knA
• RV Power Cord adapter: amzn.to/3Z67ovc
OTHER ITEMS:
• Tent: amzn.to/42thVU4
• 12 V Electric Blanket: amzn.to/3JvXzkH
• LED light/Fan: amzn.to/3Z9Zmli
• Laptop table: amzn.to/3fzZG9g
• Thermometer: amzn.to/42s0Ny1
• Reflectix: amzn.to/3p6QRqu
• Compact Work Table: amzn.to/3lAbfD3
• Mandala Laptop Cover: amzn.to/3yOkouZ

[@donnad5986]

I love you, I Love your Light.! I love your channel, I’m not always able to leave a message, but I enjoy each and everyone of them and when you post your stories on the community board, oh my goodness you reach right into my soul every time! I emailed Natural Life and told them that they need to give you a percentage off coupon because you had posted for me that, that’s where you purchased some of your wonderful items from and I have spent way too much money there since April 21.! Lol. I I plan on retiring in a couple weeks so I’ve kind of gone wild spending there while I can.! I am a School Van Contractor, I cannot convert my van into anything until I do retire, as I use my vans to transport children to school. I’m hoping to get the guts up to follow in your footsteps.! Even just taking short trips to start with.!! Thank you for you.! Excited to hear about your new lifes changes. You are a treasure.!! Blessings. 💖💖

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you so much for sharing that! Made my day! Maybe you can do weekend adventures in the van and get away now and again! When I started, I just went on weekend trips for about a year until I went full time. Even a night away in my van made me happy!

[@BusAMove6694]

Rent has gotten out of control. Can't wait to get this bus going.❤❤❤

[@thetravelingdork]

It really has. :( It's crazy out there. I hope you get things worked out soon too!

[@dianaharvey6066]

Girl, I love your story...pushing through your fears! I've lived 67 years. My husband and I camped for nearly 20 years. He taught me so much. When he passed away 5 years ago camping was my medicine. I now have a Nissan NV200 with a pop top, solar and self contained. Last year I drove to British Columbia for a month from the bay area where I live. I've camped mosting in California and much of the southwest for 20 years with my husband. I wanted to experience different places my husband and I never traveled to. Reinventing my life with NO fear. I am so proud of you and just love your home so full of color, much like your sweet personality! I wish I could show you my van...

[@thetravelingdork]

Oh goodness! Thank you for sharing that with me! I am sorry for your loss but so happy that you found happiness on the road to go to places he would have loved to go with you (and I hope you know, he's along for the ride - right there in your heart)

[@part-timephilosopherLol]

Your channel just popped up on my feed this morning, i’ve got my feet up in my caravan and just made coffee. North Frontenac Ontario at the moment ~ I have an off grid property here

[@thetravelingdork]

Hello fellow wanderer!! That sounds incredible!! Thanks for saying hello!

[@jessicanichter4646]

Hello! I have loved watching your van videos, it feels as though I'm watching my dreams get created! I have the same year and model minivan, and I would love to hear your tips for building out the van cheap and alone! I will be watching your videos.

[@thetravelingdork]

I have a list of videos in the description to show how I leveled my floor and made some of the things I did for my van life. It was really nice to do it by myself. I used to be married to someone who did everything for me and I never got a chance to learn.

[@Tattiepoo1]

I made my curtains the way you did. I love them. Stay safe and I love your adventures.

[@thetravelingdork]

YAY!! I still have my original ones I made though they need a little TLC here as the sun in AZ is making that adhesive melt away and my fabric keeps getting floppy and trying to fall off! haha :)

[@thedogmom68]

I just found your channel! I’m so happy to learn more about you and your journey. Can’t wait to hear the Big News!! ❤❤

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you! I can't wait to share!!

[@theoriginalmusicalpainter84]

youre so brave and admirable for women everywhere!!! and YOURE SUPER CUTE SO dont let anyone tell u otherwise!

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you!

[@nwdragonfly]

You are wonderful.... such a authentic vibe... your van looks so cozy like an alternate magical Dimension a world of is own....❤

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you so much! I'm pretty sure my van is a portal to happy land. :D

[@GratitudeDrumming]

Love hearing your story, always - didn’t know about the mold, how awful! Glad you found an incredible solution. You are ahmazing!!! What’s next???

[@thetravelingdork]

Lots of exciting things happening soon. I'll send you a message. :D

[@lisamiller6848]

This is EXACTLY why I'm going to get into my living in my car or van life ❤️

[@thetravelingdork]

It is so hard when you are stuck in a home that is unsafe or makes you sick. At the time, I was angry and upset that I had gotten myself into such a rotten living environment but once I started living in my van and had the freedom to travel and to be healthy - and ultimately find myself in a state where I am happy and safe, I was thankful for the situation that shoved me out of my comfort zone and into van life. :)

[@lisamiller6848]

@@thetravelingdork omg that's how I feel bc it's not just the mold it's the toxic relationship....

[@BusAMove6694]

When I first started sleeping in the bus it scared me. But now it's starting to feel like home. ❤❤❤

[@thetravelingdork]

I was nervous in my van too at first. My first big trip in my van, I tried sleeping at a rest stop and got scared by some shady characters who seemed to be following me so I stopped trying rest stops and learned how to be safe and comfortable. Then it started feeling like home. :)

[@newman_LaRue_Jr]

Stay Strong , safe , healthy , happy on travels 💯❤️❤️❤️

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you!!

[@MyWellnessJourney1]

Just subscribed. Lobe your channel. I started van life Nov 2022. Working a static job now but transferring to Oregon in September. Loving vanlife!

[@thetravelingdork]

Congrats! It's quite the fun life huh?!!

[@MyWellnessJourney1]

@@thetravelingdork It took some adjusting, but makes for good content!

[@tabathacole]

🦋💗This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing it, Rainbow Lady!!! I’m getting myself prepared to do the same as you have done and your videos pump me up, sister! I am sending you good vibes and anticipating the news and new adventure you’re gonna share with us in your next video!! I bet it’s gonna be goooooood!! Much love to you!💗🦋

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you!! I am so glad my videos make people smile and help a little somehow! I started my channel to document my journey for myself and didn't really expect anyone to follow me but here I am, with people like you giving me little compliments and letting me know that my journey has helped them with theirs. :) Thank you!

[@ronaldseitz3677]

You are very awesome 👍 lady And just keep going forward Enjoy your day, night, weekend ☮️

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you!

[@johnwillard6198]

I’m a 63 yr old hair stylist . I have 03 dodge caravan with 133,000, runs great but struts seem suspect . I’m going to take it from sw MT to Lyons Colo. soon , it’ll be my first outing in it overnight . I have some fear I must admit . Approx. How much $$ can I expect to go through in a month ? I know it varies , I get $1200 a month from a rental and SS , my lumbars are herniated and doing hair is getting more and more difficult . On another note have you heard of Phosphoescent ? How about Lord Huron or the Turnpike Troubadours ? Just a few bands I’ve gotten into in the last few years , oh ya and check out Sierra Ferrell to . Safe travels ! Love your spirit .

[@thetravelingdork]

Hi John! That sounds like a great road trip. I have never been to Montana and only briefly drove through Colorado. It really depends on each person as to how much everyone spends on the road. When I am doing full time van life, I saved money by stealth camping in residential areas where I would just find a safe neighborhood somewhere in the day and scope out a place I wanted to park on the street and then go back at night when it got dark, park in a neighborhood and then crawl in back and go to sleep and then get up early in the morning and head out and then I didn't spend any money on camp spots or anything. I also preplanned where I asked friends and family who might be along my journey path if I could sleep in their driveway or in front of their homes too. That was nice as well siince then I could get to see familiar faces. I only purchased the amount of food I needed per day so I didnt waste anything. And didn't really have a lot of expenses except for food/gas and whatever bills I have normally. Thank you for the music suggestions too!! I always love adding new music to my playlists!

[@year3thousandmusic]

Great story! I'm about to buy a van and start my journey as well just waiting on those paychecks to make it happen. Just subscribed btw 😊

[@thetravelingdork]

Good luck on your adventure and I hope you get to start soon! It has changed my life!

[@Kimbers58]

🤩🙋‍♀️ looking forward to your big news ❤ Stay weird Friends

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you! Me too!! :D

[@VivecaV2020]

I’ve been watching your videos for quite a while. I have to say I love your colorful than you are very creative and I am so proud of you pushing passed your fears and going forward and I’m looking forward to hear your big news.

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you so much! I can't wait to share with everyone!

[@karenb1627]

Manifest it☯️☮💜

[@thetravelingdork]

YES!!

[@judylowe2688]

I could totally relate. That was a smart decision to move into your vehicle!❤❤❤

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you! Yeah, I knew I wanted to camp all summer anyway so I figured why pay for rent on an apartment I couldn't stay in anyway, especially since I didn't plan to spend much time there and when I did have to go home, it made me sick. :/

[@vuloira]

⚘️🌞🌻💞🫂

[@thetravelingdork]

Thank you!

[@mistylane9703]

Could you make a video about balancing vanlife with a remote job? I just got a remote job arrangement that would allow me to pursue more travel, but there’s the issue of power and Wi-Fi. The only solution I’ve thought of is working out of coffee shops, but I don’t want to spend 8 hours everyday in a coffee shop 🤔

[@thetravelingdork]

Sure!! Thank you for the idea! I will work on that soon and get it up for you!

[@thetravelingdork]

For now here are some things I do: 1. Got myself a little Jackary 240 battery pack and a solar panel - so I can sit outside in pretty places/at parks or in my van and work for the day and keep my laptop charged. I use my hotspot on my phone for wifi 2. Public libraries are free and have tables and you can work all day there if you want and not have to buy any coffees or deal with loud music overhead or people etc. I prefer a library to a starbucks any day.

[@mariacassity7206]

Congratulations cutie

[@thetravelingdork]

Thanks love!

[@FinneousFogg-ix6vr]

You could have started a online business selling mold, pollen and fungi's spore samples.

[@thetravelingdork]

HAH! Now you tell me! I totally missed out on a gold mine opportunity!

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

You should've reported your landlord for unsafe housing.

[@thetravelingdork]

Hi Maria! Oh trust me, I did. But it was during covid and the city and health department were shut down and it was going to be months before they could get someone out to even inspect the unit and I was getting sicker and sicker and just had to get out. Then the prices of everything else to move into were so outrageous and overpriced that it was impossible to find anything in my price range that wouldn't end up being the same kind of situation or in a scary part of town. :( But I am glad I got into my van - it led me to where I really wanted to be.

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

My friend is going thru the same issue as you did. The mold making her sick. Land lady won't do squat. I'm sending her these video links cuz she is contemplating living out of her van (at my house). I'm glad you made the report. People should never endanger another humans life for the sake of being cheap or purposely neglectful!