SOLO FEMALE living in self built Toyota Hiace

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

A huge thanks to fellow KZbinr Grant Margetts for helping me film this video, please go check out his amazing videos of Tasmania . kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZDJqmWnh7Chf6M

[@grantsyourwish]

It was a pleasure to help you film your van tour. It’s meeting wonderful people like you that is the best part of living and traveling in a van.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I couldn’t agree more 🥰

[@amiralions2681]

I would not have believed van life Australia was a thing, I just thought it was too hot, but you make it look easy!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It’s not hot here all the time and you can follow the good weather. It is simple but not easy 😊

[@bxboa]

I love the curtains for the storage. It does make it look more Organized.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I think so too!

[@suenicholson6280]

Wow I have always wanted to go around australia and see all the amazing spots and beaches out there. I am so inspired by your posts and your set up. I am also a single older lady and totally resonate with what you are doing. You are so inspiring please keep posting.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you.

[@tambee5446]

I really loved watching your van tour. I'm just starting out myself. I have a very basic setup and felt quite inferior compared to all the amazing vans I've seen on KZbin. You have some great ideas for storage and they really resonate with me. You make me feel like I can head out on the road right now. I love the handmade touches you have and I may even try some for myself. I feel so much more confident to hit the road now and hope I can meet you somewhere on the way.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Tammy, I am so glad you enjoyed the video. You definitely don’t need fancy to hit the road, just functional. Go for and would love to meet up one day.👏😊

[@wendee2022]

Ditto

[@sharilhouston8916]

Me too Hubby 50-years moved to Heaven last year. I am now 78 and opportunity opened up for me to move into senior housing. Everything within walking distance... Mary artist craft store/health food store/ pool / library doctor/ Park/ living in an apartment on roof of four-story 50-unit apartment with raised beds all-around of gorgeous Flowers and it's been wonderful. The thing that is stressful to me is having to fill out all of my financial handling of my income and I feel invaded by the government because it's government subsidized housing and I understand why they do it but I like you feel like I want freedom to be able to be inspired by Papa God's artwork in nature that inspires my art and creativity/writing/writing music and worship So your video definitely definitely definitely and what I'm feeling like I need to do is take three days out of the middle of the week and do maiden voyage practicing and see what I can live with and without LOL and still be able to function. So that hopefully in the fall I will be able to go full-time if I'm able to with all this stuff that's going on with our country. Thank you so much for your vulnerability and willingness to share how simple and cost-effective what to do with the rest of our lives.

[@martaescobar7625]

I took the passenger seat out and built a box, on top of the box is my Chihuahua's travel bed/carrier (it's the base of her stroller). That seat takes up a lot of room. Don't throw it away, but......

[@sgreene2058]

Some great takeaways from this. My plug in fridge arrives this week and I've noted your solution to keep the cord from getting bent.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it helped

[@denisedicarlo2538]

I love how organised your van is. A place for everything exactly where you need it most. And simple not costly solutions to storage. I especially loved the bright cheerful wall hanging pockets you made too. Your bed was great too. Like Goldilocks in the three bears its wonderful to have a bed that is just right for us. 😊Well done Brenna on your van !

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 😊

[@cinderella5006]

I really like your no nonsense videos, you don’t add a long intro at the beginning or a long exit at the end, well done 🤗

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks, I have always been a “get to the point “ kind of person 😂

[@LotusPoet]

Great tips. Thank you! I love your creativity, especially with the fabric hanging organizers and with the mosquito netting hack you showed in another video. You've put a lot of thought into your rig!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@AtHomeInTurkey]

I love your build. Just like with mine, you did it yourself and how you want it!

[@charmainesouth6807]

Thankyou Brenna for this video. I'm following you and have watched maybe all of your videos. Atm I'm renting a unit, single with my little furbaby Lola. I'm unofficially retired and in the near future, Lola and I will be living on the road. So thankyou again for your inspiration 💓 you are living my dream ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You are so welcome!

[@christinesmith8721]

Great 👍 van tour its very well organized...lm aged 77 and bought my first camper a year ago 😀 but here in NZ they are not into such things as van living...I'm very limited in where I can stay to keep it cheaper... I couldn't live in a van couldn't cope with not being able to stand up and move around freely..I love my 1997 Isuzu campervan with lots of space and storage ❤️ 💙 Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in your van..I also have a little 🐕 doggy fox terrier she's a good guard dog 🐕 and great company...God bless 🙌 you with safe travels xx

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Safe travels to you too 😊

[@CindyCaVANas]

I love your no build, build..It's what I'm doing with my van also. I think it looks more like a home, rather than a build where it's permanent. Thank you for sharing!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Cindy, it definitely has a homey feel to me.😀

[@michelle7352]

Best organized van I've ever seen! Bravo!

[@christinecarvalho436]

I have seen a lot of van tours, but your van is the best set up and use of space I have viewed to date. Well done!!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Christine😀

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Thanks for the video I really ~really like this build. It looks comfortable even if she cant stand up.

[@janetkoball44]

Thanks for another great visit. Great use of space. See you on your next one.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

See you then 😊

[@fionarusak225]

Thank you so much for showing your van its fantastic Love your dog 🐕

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Our pleasure!

[@angelareimann6433]

You have given me confidence in planning a van fitout down the track. It doesn't need to be big but it does need to be clever 😊 .

[@HappyTailsandHappyTrails]

Love how thorough your were! Lots of great ideas!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@juliebingham5057]

Its good to see van camping from an Australian perspective than from others in the world.. This way we Aussies, I'm in Sydney, have something to relate to & we know what materials can be brought here & where. Its very helpful to know these things...thankyou. Would've liked to have seen your cooking setup in more detail, but you've shared lots of useful things. Re insulation of your van was it hard to do. Are you happy with your choice of van. How often do you have to get it serviced, is that inconvenient as its your home & if its a long service or something big has to be repaired where do you live. Do you have good maps, if so what do u recommend. Keep on keeping on.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I recommend you watch my Q&A videos I answer all of your questions there.

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

You are very organised, a place for everything and everything in its place!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It is the only way to live in such a small space 😊👍

[@spicycin4414]

Thank you for sharing your build. I love your paper towel holder, it’s brilliant! You gave a lot of great ideas. Safe travels!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks, so simple yet very effective.👍

[@jenniferkennedy4700]

Thank you. Love how you have done it and kept it simple. Re purposing things. Using all space and in a handy way. Keeping life comfortable and basic. Well done 👏

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Jennifer, I love my little home on wheels.

[@debslifesimplified6406]

I just came across your channel. I'm always looking at new van life videos. Thank you for the tour

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Welcome!

[@robynshore7942]

I love your van. Thank you. Lots of ideas to help me when I start my van life.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Very well thought out. Good use of items you previously had. Your are very creative. Luv book holder😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you so much!

[@gailkellum832]

I love your homemade journal keeper, toy box and the way you've organized using bins. I'm using your idea for journal holder when I start my van build.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful😀

[@michael_cheryl_vanlife702]

Love your video. You look so organized and creative. Thank you for sharing!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You are so welcome!

[@deborahreynolds1552]

Great idea to build a bed that is just right for you. Great storage solutions

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Deborah, I guess if I ever decide to sell the van I will need to include in the ad best suited to a person 5’2” 😂😂

[@susanlewis1875]

A totally enjoyable and informative video! Thank you so much for sharing. Happy travels!

[@laurajames1902]

Love how you have repurposed so many things from your home!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Laura 😀

[@della7]

Thanks, Brenna! I've watched many van life videos and yours is one of the most practical ones I've seen. I kept stopping it so I could make notes. Don't wanna forget the WD-40!!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful! The essentials of van life- WD-40, Duct tape and baby wipes 😂

[@della7]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully - Duct tape, yes - adding that to my list too. If you're ever passing through Narrabri NSW area, please come and stay for a few nights at our farm so I can pick your brains! Lol!

[@andrewmcphee8965]

Hi Brenna, love how you have stashed things everywhere, but are organised at the same time. I am planning on buying a Hiace and becoming a grey nomad (62 yo atm). I'm looking forward to fitting it out - my emphasis will be on light weight and efficient storage. You have given me a few good ideas! Oh, and I noticed the Ontario plate and your slight accent - I was born in Edmonton. Might see you out on the road one day, best wishes!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Cheers 👋

[@oldladycamper]

Well thought out use of space! Some nice little touches as well :)

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😀

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

Yes I think it’s more my style I don’t need everything young people tend to do, but getting ideas

[@mimitravels710]

Very functional!

[@pootlingalong8928]

A happy place indeed 🤗

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes indeed!

[@VanventureswithKaia]

I like your van setup Brenna my fur baby also has the passenger seat for her bed & her kitty litter tray

[@gailwynne6135]

Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed your post

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kiaorable]

Hi Brenna, just came across your KZbin, really enjoyed how you have set up your Toyota, I also live full time on the road, 2 1/2 years now and love it, changed my van internals around to suit me, I’m looking forward to starting at the beginning of your travels. Cheers Judy

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Welcome aboard!

[@dianemurillo6017]

fantastic , thank you for sharing

[@sandydouglas3799]

I love your van. Thanks for the tour. I also watch Vancity vanlife too. Sandy in NZ

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@fayhone565]

That was very done I enjoyed every moment of the tour of your van what a great job you did to the van

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks, now you know how to build yours.😉

[@funzeevanzee]

Great setup.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@pumpin]

I love your Ontario plate on the wall. I traveled for 6 month with my Australian partner in a Toyota camper van. I loved your beautiful country.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I’m so lucky to live here 😍

[@patrickjobling8676]

Gotta tellya mzz pilgrims .. that is one of the finest and simplest setups iv seen to date.. im a firm believer in at least 3to 4 fire extinguishers ..one dosnt cut it ..anywhos super fabbo in all directions..😍😎😁pip pips and carryon pilgrim .

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks

[@ekdaufin1485]

Great detailed tour.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alicebarrington1109]

Love your beautiful cute van setup and Abby.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you! 🤗

[@lindaed3594]

Very practical. Thank you 😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You're welcome 😊

[@ParArdua]

My two favourite items are the fly-mesh door and the awning. Alas they didn't make the cut, but thank you for showing how many amazing storage solutions you have created.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Sorry I missed those things, I didn’t want to make the video too long. I will be doing a video on window covers and will include the fly screen. I have the awning out in my video “How van life unleashed my creativity “ if you want to check it out.

[@KimNamJoon-oo6xq]

Beautiful van!❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you! 😊

[@strongsus4798]

I recently started watching your videos and would like to thank you for your time and effort. You have given me some amazing ideas and great tips. ❤ Thanks from South Africa Martina

[@suchetadutta1570]

Very nice set up...

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks!

[@elainemcintyre4407]

Thanks Brenna, you are very well organised. I love your walking tours & love seeing your dog. All the best Elaine

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Elaine for taking the time to leave a comment 🥰

[@Kiwiwanderer]

Very practical. Very simple and budget friendly.

[@helenguy9475]

I’m just about to start the journey don’t even have a van yet. You’ve given me lots of ideas. Love your can-do attitude. All the best and safe travels. 👍🤗

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Go for it!

[@unconditional1958]

This is the perfect video for us newbies starting out. Love, love, love it :D

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Susan, I can’t believe I am already on my third year in the van😊

[@unconditional1958]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully I just today purchased my van (to be converted) :D I am so excited. Its a 2016 Toyota diesel/auto and came back with flying colours from the mechanic check....YAY!!! Step one, tick

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yay! So exciting 😊

[@chanellebryson-mw7gy]

GreatVid.. just got myself a van and slowly doing it up so I can travel more. Lots of helpful hints. Thanks.. happy travels

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susannewilliams7347]

Thank you Thank you Brenna for your videos I was feeling so confined and these have been so liberating for me. In the past my late husband and I would love to go for long drives on mainland Australia.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Susanne, I am happy I can bring some joy into your life.🥰

[@maryk790]

NICE BUILD

[@brigidnewton5939]

Cool video and great ideas! Thank you 👍😊 we are planning on converting our Toyota Hiace to a (temporary) camper. Your video has so many space saving ideas and knacks. ❤️

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Happy travels 😊

[@uehara112005]

Thank you for sharing ,iam single mom same as my sister ad we are planning to build our camping car .and you help us alot really. Keep safe .God bless us.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Jasmin, all the best for your family.🥰

[@kenneth7610]

I wanted to say first I love the build of your van and also the background music is awesome!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Kenneth😀

[@kayboku7281]

Nice work!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks!

[@kerryedgell8951]

Hey hi I have watched 3 of your videos and I am so interested in what your doing. I live in WA in a small country town just up the great eastern highway from Midland. I now want to do what you are doing. Thanks for sharing. It's cool you know WA, it is beautiful here.🇦🇺🌞😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Very cool!

[@joshdaley3214]

Im 22 and just want this lifestyle

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Josh, you can make it happen. It took me 2 1/2 years to make it happen. Baby steps each day and you will get there.👍

[@sarirose8651]

Hi Brenna and Abbie, I've only discovered your KZbin channel today. Thank you Brenna, your a delight to see, so inspirational ! I spent 5 years travelling solo in my Sprinter however have now sold my Sprinter and settled down for a while but looking for to having more part time travels in my little Iload camper. 😃 safe travels Brenna!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Part time travelling sounds great, I have often thought I will do that once I get sick of full time.😀

[@norafinley5216]

Nice set up van Brenna. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe xx

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks for watching Nora. xx

[@maryhight6030]

Great organization, really appreciate you sharing. Happy Vaning💖

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Mary 🥰

[@allthingsnu4673]

Nice job. You've done exactly what I plan to do... use everything from my house that I can in the van I plan to get. I've already started putting things in a closet as I prepare.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Haha, I had a big box in my closet where I put things that might go in the van too.😊

[@ianm5249]

Some great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks for watching Ian

[@wendee2022]

Just found your channel. I really enjoy the energy you put into your vlogs.😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 🙏

[@SandVan]

Great little van tour 🚐🤩excellent use of space 😀👏👏👏

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@carolynsevilla8255]

I love your van! Cozy and homey.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Carolyn, I love it too🥰

[@jitendrasengar6362]

Superb video....😊 Love from india...

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you so much 😀

[@448bubble]

Great! Few things there I'll be using!!!!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Christine, glad you got something out of it. I watched a ton of van build videos before I did my van and got a little something from most of them.😀

[@kimbly6939]

So good to organize. Love it

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you! 🤗

[@GilbertNichols]

I enjoyed your tour. I noticed you don't have a ceiling exhaust fan. I have never heard of "fabric glue." I am sewing-challenged and anything to simulate sewing without needles would be fine for me. I have never heard of the Toyota Hiace. They don't sell that here in the States. I have a Toyota Sienna. I like the cargo van idea, but would need a popup for it as I'm over 2 meters tall. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks

[@widowswatch6610]

It looks nice and cozy. 👍

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

My big cubby house 😊

[@SimpleEssentials]

Hello from Melbourne, Australia! 🙂 Gorgeous little van, just found your channel!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@findikussa]

❤

[@ellen6742]

Love it Brenna.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@MsNZgal]

Hi Brenda. I just had a thought that if the toilet roll looses its firmness over the plug, you could use a cut down pool noodle.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Bron, that is definitely an option.😊

[@franciehansell1862]

Fantastic, I'm thinking of getting a Hiace here in the UK. I have had a small van before but I think this looks about the right size for 1 person. I love the way you have organised the inside, I may steal some of your ideas! What sort of insulation did you use behind the wall panels and the roof?? I've tried a few different ones but would need good stuff for being out in the UK! You have inspired me although I'm keeping my house, when I retire in 2 years I'm off around the UK! Can't wait. Than you for the ideas. Francie xx

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi Francie, thanks for your comment and your question. I agree that this size van is perfect for 1 person (and a dog of course). If you watch my "coldest night in the van" video I explain what I used for insulation in the van. All the best on your adventures.

[@secretlocketsparks8092]

Have you ever thought of white washing your wood inside the Van. It would be nice ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Nope, I like the natural wood look.

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Get a 10 inch water filter screw type and a caravan silver nitrate filter. A water bug will knock you off your feet for months. Very difficult to get rid of.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I use a Lifestraw filter for the water I drink

[@cja888]

Great tips! I have my van and slowly trying to work out what can go where. Especially love your use behind the seats. I'll be pinching some of those tips. Would like to find one of the toy storage units to try. Thanks for sharing Brenna

[@cja888]

Oh And really looking forward to your review of your power bank xx

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Coll, I rearranged things a few times but finally happy with where everything is.

[@olivepostma6874]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@patricebest545]

Love this and in Australia I'm 63 Want to do this Is it too late for this old lady me I mean Stay safe ⭐

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It is never too late to try something new 👍

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

And age is just a number 😊

[@aliceanderson723]

Hi Brenna..I love your videos...they are very watchable. I live in Ontario, Canada and notice you have an Ontario license plate on the wall of your van. Did you live here once upon a time?

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes I did😊

[@kerilockwood7819]

A lot of stuff 😂. No way could I remember where everything is. Well done.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I don’t remember either 😂

[@kerilockwood7819]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully I’m really interested in how often you stay in camping grounds and how you find legal places to park if you don’t. Have you done a video about that? This is the thing that worries me the most about doing something like this. Also the cost of camping sites

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I use Wikicamps to find all my camp sites and how long I stay somewhere just depends on how I am feeling at the time. I have a couple of expenses videos that break down all my costs.

[@kerilockwood7819]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully cool thank you. I will check that them out.

[@adamtait-main7634]

That's amazing! What an amazing setup, I admire how you really utilise all the space, I just bought the same van as yours 1 year older and it's an empty canvas haha, I'm going to build a bed base then go from there, any tips you can let me know?

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You can do it! My tip would be to think about you want to live in the space. I spent a lot of time sitting in my empty van imagining how I would live in it.

[@donnawiseman3686]

Hi, what a lovely set up. Can i ask do you have insulation ? And how to you manage condensation issues? 😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I do have insulation. My "coldest night in the van" video covers the insulation

[@karenkazjefreys2913]

great tour did you make the bed base yourself ? looks sturdy

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I certainly did, very easy to make

[@creatinghanley]

Hi, I just found your channel today, started binge watching, you are fantastic! I have a couple of questions, I live in the USA, and gasoline here continues to rise in price - with the weight in your van, do you need to fuel up often? Lately I’ve been watching van life vids and no one mentions how much fuel they use traveling around from place to place. I have a 2109 6cylinder Ford pickup truck (empty, not converted) and spend about $100USD every week traveling to work and back home. Fuel is expensive. Do you find fuel expensive? And what are your tips to conserve fuel ?

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I have a budget of $100 a week for fuel and that is it.😊

[@nicolettekeleris8375]

Hi brenna I love your set up I was going to start my solo travels in a Honda cry n swag at Xmas but I think I’d love a van do you have any tips on picking up work along the way I never have trouble finding employment when I’m permanent but I’m worried about finding temporary travelling work thank you stay safe ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I don’t have any tips on picking up work as I have regular weekly clients. I’m sure you can find some videos on KZbin about how to do it though 😊

[@hanamamavanlife]

very good😊👍💕