Ten Ways Living in a Van has Changed Me

[@ritadittrich4895]

I really enjoy your videos but this one has been very helpful. I can relate to every point on your list. Thank you and I look forward to more videos.

[@undertheradarvan]

Thanks for watching!

[@DottieStanley]

Great list for sure! We are never too old to keep on learning! It's one major way to keep our brains active and alive as we try to age gracefully!

[@terryrangergrumman1453]

Am 66 been living in my present step van for 13 years, other ones before that. Retired now, don’t want a house or many possessions just things I use a lot. Am a cabinetmaker so is fun building van, present one is 1988, totally rebuilt, engine to wiring. Have 2 big dogs so camping etc is my life. Retired to Vancouver Island(am Canadian) Am on the never ending dog walk now, lots to see here in British Columbia so no desire to travel outside that. Grew up travelling around the world (father in airforce) Very happy

[@undertheradarvan]

Inspiring to hear, rock on my man!

[@rja1980]

I love all the videos and scenic footage, you have been an inspiration to me I've been seriously considering trying to to give the van life a go. I love how you said people who rent and pay a mortgage are living an alternative lifestyle. I believe people need the security of a home base and it is a constant obstacle. There is so much to see out there take the leap and feed your inner wanderlust. Unnecessary belongings and an apartment keep you grounded and in a spending loop . If you haven't used a belonging in the last six months and it's not sentimental toss it l.

[@undertheradarvan]

Shedding unnecessary stuff get easier over time

[@michaelfox9750]

Nice video. I'm 61, debating van line but currently backpacking internationally for past 3 years. Staying in hostels, cheap hotels, camping. Still spend a few months a year back in US, see some family and old friebds--none of whom really get what I'm doing. Meeting other people backpacking and volunteering is affirming, and trying to explain yourself and your choices is pointless and draining

[@undertheradarvan]

Agreed! The worst part of vanlife is explaining it to people especially here in stodgy, stuffy, conservative New England.

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

​@@undertheradarvanDitto in Wisconsin.

[@mershanks]

Met a mom and her daughter last week up in Acadia. She ferried her Dodge Promaster camper from Germany to the States.

[@undertheradarvan]

I may end up doing this! I need to research it more.

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

I didn't know that was even an option.

[@UnboundSimple]

Some really good points in here for people to consider before doing any kind of tiny living. Especially about relationships and dating, and how living in each others' back pockets really is. So many channels on YT make it look like bliss. And maybe it is for them... but not for most nomads I've met IRL. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

So true. It's pure luck my partner & I have such a balance together + individually. Our value system is key - having very few differences there while complimentary on a lot of other aspects. We reflect upon often, how what we managed is rare & generally ill-advised.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

"I love everything about van life" and also "It sucks not to be able to take longer overnight trips and travel internationally . . . My social circle has shrunk. . . I no longer date." People can determine their priorities & decide vanlife is the best for right now. But there's always a tradeoff. No matter how wealthy you are or how large or small your home is, you always have to give up something. You give up certain kinds of adventure for other kinds. I'd miss deeper relationships & rest at home.

[@undertheradarvan]

True, everything is a compromise. For me, I got bored with the stasis of a brinks and sticks life. Others like to stay in the safety of a comfort zone.

[@MarkMayhew]

It’s cool to see somebody who obviously enjoys doing what they do!

[@undertheradarvan]

It took a while to get here!

[@peteranthonyofthefamilybir18]

7 years van life.. down by the ocean..! ❤ GREAT TIMES 😢 I'll never revert to stationary 'living'. - O'ahu Hawai'i

[@undertheradarvan]

I’m about to start year 3! Once you get the hang of it it really is a beautiful way to live

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

Your final point is a good one. My partner & I have developed so much in complimentary skill sets overlapping just well-enough. Innovation drives us to become better humans as we imagined ideally. It's not hypothetical. It's praxis. We're rare & what we've done is usually ill-advised. Started out homeless, still homeless, 7 years now, but also a function of systems broken & the 24/7/365 front-row seat to the realities we all face...yeah having our own choices count is transformational. Not giving up on that ever again. Mutual Aid we organized in our town, helping each other in a smaller town, keeps it real to be doing things to scale, cutting down on what wasteful harmful status quo conformity we can reject. Got into a camper a few months now, on a homeowner's land, it needs important fixes, & I got disability stuff goin on. It was def time for this tho. 100% also agreed re the alcohol beverages. Lke you said, I also have no issue...but any excuse & cops are so interested to be ridiculous... Nope. ❤ channel!

[@undertheradarvan]

All true! Thanks for following!

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

When I lived in my car, I had less trouble, less drama, more money... I'm going for that again, but with an RV this time.

[@undertheradarvan]

Only difference is car problems wouldn’t bother me when I had an apt to live in. Now even the smallest thing is big anxiety.

[@ginafera8132]

It is inspiring to see someone with this lifestyle in New England. So many people living in vans seems to be out west. How do you handle the cold, just insulation and warm clothing/bedding?

[@undertheradarvan]

I have a gas-based heater called Rixen’s which is clutch. Still winters up here are harsh and it’s tough.

[@genossinwaabooz4373]

Reflectix both bubble type & thin ($$) if implemented like a science, is unbelievable. Minnesota & Wisconsin winters! 7 years now! + the usual gear... A hygrometer too (thermometer) micromanaging humidity is just not optional...how we pack up our stuff to protect, it definitely works... But we had to put in the learning curve/testing our methods for a while. We dig it. Advantages are worth it.

[@lilyandrose8557]

Maybe you could try short trips away and practice leaving your van in a quiet corner of the long-term car park at the airport, gradually increase to two weeks away, baby steps you know?

[@rosariovorsatz4130]

Thank you for sharing your story. Nowadays, everyone wants to get away from all troubles. I respect your life choice. Good luck and may good spirits guide you always. 🙏

[@undertheradarvan]

Thanks 🙏

[@zajournals]

Very happy for you 👍🙂

[@undertheradarvan]

Appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@nahornig]

Enjoyed!

[@undertheradarvan]

thanks

[@pearlwanders8599]

You can meet so many people on the road. When I'm in town I have the same friends. I think it's an individual choice on that aspect.

[@undertheradarvan]

I have when I’m traveling west! But van dwelling community is so small up here in the northeast. I’d like to change that.

[@pearlwanders8599]

@@undertheradarvan definitely. I meet more non-van lifers on the road.

[@serenityjewel]

I'm an extrovert and thought the same thing - People are everywhere!!! - but it's very different on the road. You can meet a ton of people on the road but the relationships are usually superficial and short term. It's not the same as having a real community and constantly leaving people you really like and having to repeatedly make new friends can lead to a lot of grief and burnout overtime. This is especially true in the vanlife community where a lot of people are loners and/or scary weird. It's one of the main reasons people stop full-time travel and get a home base.

[@RetiredLife825]

I found you through pt van life black pearl. We need to live our best life.

[@undertheradarvan]

Absolutely 👍 thanks for following

[@sherried79]

I will be moving into my van at the end of June and I can't wait. I will be staying in Indiana and working for the first year or more then I plan to head west after saving some funds for a newer rig and living funds for the trip. I don't know why people can't understand the van life concept but I understand what you're stating. I will only share it with certain people. Happy trails!

[@undertheradarvan]

Yes, I find its best to enjoy it quietly or with a select few.

[@ezo4]

For me my cancer is going away 😀 3 years now.

[@undertheradarvan]

Congrats!

[@NoteFromSELF]

Thanks for this. I've been contemplating van life. I keep looking for validation or permission. Now I'm sure.

[@undertheradarvan]

Go for it. You can bail out at anytime.

[@NoteFromSELF]

@undertheradarvan Exactly. After covid, I sort of don't know where I belong or where exactly I want to be. Van life makes sense for me for several reasons, many the same as yours. My two dogs are 13½. So I can sort of use that as time-line. At least start van shopping.

[@tlister67]

I live in SE Mass, have a camper van but just go on trips. I like going out west but it is damn expensive. I would estimate $100 a day and more miles means more things to fix. I am going to stay closer to home, maybe I’ll see you out there.

[@undertheradarvan]

It’s still cheaper then a rental car and buying a motel room every night though.

[@theresamelo3901]

It's all about simplifying your life. You stopped going along with scene of the world, the goal is to put you into a mold they have created. We have to have money to survive but if we allow ourselves to focus on attaining "things" we sacrifice a lot. I've worked to cover needs and a little fun here and there. I wish I had found van life 10yrs. ago but never say never. I am modifying a Honda Odyssey van without permanently adhering anything. I've heard one You Tuber say Mass inspection time might be an issue. So if come inspection time I have to pull it all out, put seats back in... I'll gladly do it once a year. It sounds like van life has brought you everything good. Can't wait to see what you happens with you next.

[@undertheradarvan]

What you heard is true. If your factory installed 4 seats and four seatbelts in your car then they won’t pass your inspection unless those are still in. Which basically prohibits you from building out a car or minivan in a permanent way.

[@TheWanderingFinnegan]

When I was 40yo, I definitely didn't think I'd done everything. Having lived a very nomadic and adventurous life to that point, only made it more obvious all of the things I had yet to see and experience.

[@meredithheath5272]

This is quite interesting - as others have said - most vanlifers are traveling around - anywhere but in New England. Carolyn's RV Life has traveled through New England, but I can't see anyone else doing so. Even Nikki Deventhal is from - I think - CT. but she travels everywhere else but New England! I am just East of the Quabbin - in Hardwick, so, I am quite close by!

[@undertheradarvan]

Much lonelier here for sure, and harder.

[@juliebutler8241]

Rent a storage garage for your van....locked.

[@undertheradarvan]

If I could find such a place, I would. No such luck for a storage garage with clearance over 8 feet.

[@e6ensperception]

​@@undertheradarvan look into renting a "shop". Usually on the edge of town, similar to storsge units but for roofimg companies, some backyard mechanics have shops that have a bathroom and heat in winter. Could probably find a shop with good clearnace. Love the video btw from Texas

[@undertheradarvan]

@@e6ensperception that’s great advice - thanks!

[@josephcamm9374]

Im in NE and contemplating vanlife as well. If you have a remote job, why are you staying up here past the summer months?

[@undertheradarvan]

I have to be in my Boston office once a week.

[@MariafatimaGomes-nx2dz]

,great idea to leave your van in storage but I was thinking of having it insured will that work for you.??don't be afraid just enjoy life "if you fear it's near" " You put out you get back" Just tell the Universe your plans and leave it alone don't figure out how it's coming or achieved,just allow 😊😮 I'm your new fan .. wish I could do this i was diagnosed with breast cancer and I'm on disability would love getting a van n be alone ,I stay with family members that don't understand what you going through ,very stressful...

[@tianikane3312]

When we go for a long bushwalk or several overnights out, we book our car into a caravan park as 'storage' Most caravan parks or camping grounds offer it, and often it is in a locked compound. Also there are long term carparks that are secured. This takes the worry out of leaving the vehicle in the street or at a trailhead. Also, you can approach someone who allows you to store your vehicle in their backyard for a price. But note that even with sticks and bricks, it doesn't mean that no one is going to break into your home. Sorry, but fact of life stuff.... Love how you are open and honest on all issues, particularly the relationship stuff. Being comfortable with your own company is truly an artform that you obviously have taken to a high level. Congratulations. Great vid.

[@undertheradarvan]

I’ll look into that, thanks for the advice

[@marthabaez8117]

Thank you for sharing !👍👍👍

[@MariafatimaGomes-nx2dz]

Gypsy life is great .,..They are people with out a country they travel all over 😊

[@wendykinsey-o6x]

New and exciting YES I see that. I love the adventure part of it. Great vid today, wonderful.

[@undertheradarvan]

Thanks! Yes you gotta change up life every once in a while!

[@kellypoulos8702]

Great information and content. Good for you, travel well!

[@undertheradarvan]

Thanks you as well 🙏

[@bont1059]

Great video

[@undertheradarvan]

Thx 🙏

[@drillsergeant5338]

Well said.

[@LarryWebb-g5d]

What do you do at the gym for 4 hours ? When i go to the gym i avoid people when i first arrive because I'm usually in need of a shower and so I head straight to the shower, after showering i don't want to exercise because I'm afraid that working up a sweat will cause me to need another shower. I'm just curious on how you do it , do you exercise and then take a xtra shower or is the one shower good enough ?

[@undertheradarvan]

I do two hours on the treadmill alone which is 10 miles. Then an hour of other stuff and a nice long shower.

[@andreaparke4899]

Getting up at 6:30 is an early bird? That’s the time most people get up if not earlier.

[@undertheradarvan]

Definitely not true

[@BubbaStaines]

🥰

[@Mojokiss]

i have $700 in free plane tickets but will not use them because VAN - also yeah, don't need a big double bed in a a van. room for one.

[@undertheradarvan]

Exactly

[@m.l.e.8956]

Tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent tick, biting you and giving your Lyme disease👍🏻🤗

[@TransVangal]

Wow handsome

[@undertheradarvan]

👌

[@darrincambridge2377]

Beauty in simplicity. Women are like any luxury item overpriced and overated 😅

[@merryfergie]

Careful there. There are many types of women.

[@meredithheath5272]

Thank you!

[@kimdagnillo8246]

Matt , I’m wondering why you don’t travel out west or south for the winter ? I just found your channel from a FB post. I live in RI and I’m planning a getaway this winter . I travel with my dog in a crv currently, I’ll be buying a minivan soon. Purchased land in Maine last year for a home base in the summer / fall seasons and travel south / west for winter. The FB poster said you were planning an August meet up , I’ll come as long as dogs are welcome too. I’ve been a single home dweller for the last 24 years and it’s time for me to move on now. I need to get living before I leave this planet 🙂

[@undertheradarvan]

I need to be in my Boston office once a week, so I cannot venture far from New England at least not for months at a time. Wish that weren’t the case!

[@kimdagnillo8246]

@@undertheradarvan oh ok, I thought you were independent.

[@eml5807]

It's a great, stress, debt free life.

[@serenityjewel]

It's a very stressful life. It's just a different kind of stress.

[@lilyandrose8557]

Great for your mental health to be financially free.