VANLIFE - After TWO MONTHS FINALLY Moving Back into my Tiny Home On Wheels!

It's been a work in progress for two and a half months and it still is, but it is time to take the entire rig back to Calgary, Alberta and get on with our lives! WELCOME TO LUCKY 2.0!
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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!

[@margannaful]

I've been totally invested in this rebuild. Is that why I'm crying ugly tears when you say good-bye to your mom and dad? Quality content!

[@dianedellarocca63]

Wow I did to my heart hurt I know he will see her soon but I thought of my own son who lives 2 hours from me ❤❤❤

[@turtlegram31656]

You made me laugh so hard with the "ugly tears".🐢🐩🐶🐕🌊🌞🌺🌻☮️🌙🌈✨

[@sharmanbutler5429]

Most mothers know all about the tears. Nothing like your children leaving for a while. I have tears just reading about him leaving mom and dad.

[@da602krew12]

You're crying because you're raised to be over sensitive weren't taught how to deal with your emotions and feelings

[@Christina0623]

Those drone shots were incredible, Matthew!! Lucky 2.0 looks fantastic. So glad you took us on this journey 💚🐾🚐

[@GrannyGiggles1]

Thanks mom and dad! Saying goodbye never gets easier. They will always be our babies You did a great job with this one!

[@judymoyer3093]

Thank you Matthew for sharing your life and adventures with us. Beautiful scenery, glad to see Penny (love her), great to see your parents and new build in use. God Bless you and yours

[@faithchung8082]

It's so nice to see you back in your home on wheels Matthew, it was a bit sad to see how much your mom and dad will be missing you. Your mom couldn't stop hugging you. Penny was just looking all over but she seems very pleased with the new layout. The van life adventure continues.

[@roseharber-mamachipmunkscr6552]

So great to see Miss Penny back on the dash enjoying the sun.

[@mariaconley409]

You did such a wonderful job with lucky. And your parents are the most sweetest people and you are a great son too. What a beautiful beautiful family

[@007nadineL]

I wish them all long lives with good health 🍖🧀🍗🥩🥓

[@ketoauntie7301]

So happy to see You @Matthew & sweet Penny 🐱 as your co-pilot/sidekick back in your hme-on-wheels together again. 👏👏👏👏

[@LiveLifeCreating]

Omg, I got teary eyed when you said goodbye to your parents! I know how much they enjoyed having you there. From a mom’s perspective. On to new adventures! I keep seeing jeeps with little rubber ducks on their dashboard! I think about you and Brooklyn every time I do. Lucky looks great! You have more room to move around! Your mom looked like a natural when she got in to look around.

[@Habitnunangel]

My kitty always watched your videos with me, he knew your voice and would come running. I think he had a crush on Penny. He passed away unexpectedly Saturday. His name was Fizzgig. I had all sorts of feels watching this without him. RIP Fizzy

[@BumbleBee283]

So sorry for your loss. 😢🫂

[@rosemaryclose1069]

Awe! So sorry for your loss…😔

[@monicasgh68]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand the pain you are feeling, they take a piece of our heart when they leave us. Google "Rainbow Bridge" it's a beautiful poem that helped me through my grieving process. RIP Fizzgig.

[@49Ljackson]

I'm not gonna lie. I teared up a bit when you said goodbye to your parents. Great video. Lucky 2.0 looks great and Penny looked a bit more settled in halfway through the video. 🙂🙂

[@robertsummers753]

2.0 GOT MAMAS BLESSING!!!!!!

[@Pammellam]

Things you need on the daily should be _IN_ Lucky 2.0. You also need a “Matthew is getting into Lucky 2.0 for the evening.” set of cubby cabinets to put all the things you carry on the daily and need to reach quickly. I _love love love_ the new layout. It looks really livable!

[@TheJudgyBeagle]

Looking forward to seeing how you organize the new space.

[@unleashedsky]

looks way bigger and nicer. you did A GREAT job!

[@jacquelinejeffrey786]

Penny taking in all the changes. Love your consistency. Can always look forward to a VanlifePlus video almost daily. ❤

[@deeregirl7356]

Your Mom has a pretty smile. Both my parents have moved to heaven so I say this in love you are so blessed to still have yours.

[@crisguev]

Penny seems very happy to be back home. Can't wait to see new additions.

[@anon8219ak]

Dude i really needed this tonight. u upgraded my mood after a loong day, and i appreciate that. Im also glad ur home. Keep up the quality content my good man

[@VanlifePLUS]

Bad days happen, that sucks for sure but we get through them. I’m glad you can enjoy my content 👊

[@sheilacaine]

Once you get organized you will feel more comfortable. I really like the ice maker that’s going to come in handy when you’re doing Live’s. No more bags of ice sitting in the sink. Penny seems to be comfy back home. ❤❤

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Lucky 2.0 is FABULOUS!🙌🎉. I LUV how PRETTY Penny went in, checked things out ...and found her favorite places!☺️🐱. Your Mom is AWESOME ...and YES Matthew, for sure you've done an exceptional job on the rebuild! WELCOME 'back' HOME!👍🚐☘️🏴‍☠️.

[@junepearl7993]

So good to see Penny back in her bed under the windshield where she belongs. Watching the world go by. She looks content.

[@da602krew12]

Yes let's cry it's emotionally healthy for us to cry about people you've never met

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

Happy to see Penelope approved of Lucky 2.0. Such a sweetheart 💜

[@sylviesalim2314]

Loved every minute of the new build. You deserve living your best life.

[@jaredschroeder6484]

That could be the emergency parking brake getting stuck (not fully releasing ) if you were using it while you were at your mom's slowly released. Maybe use it on and off on and off.

[@Lisa-on3ee]

SMILING EAR TO EAR FOR YOU!!! Kudos My Friend!!!!

[@Pammellam]

Well, it looks so lovely and well ordered. It looks like it will be so easy to use and live there. Good job! Matthew, you did an amazing job!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you Pammy, I appreciate that

[@miriamortiz3241]

Tallyfreakenhoe! So happy to see you back in lucky !🍀 You are blessed to have such incredible loving parents 😁🙏❤️ Penny looks happy to be back as well 🥰

[@skistrycharski6999]

It was a Sad moment seeing U leave, for U, Dad & Mom ! I’m sure y’all enjoyed it soooo MUCH ‼️🍀 So much LOVE❤

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Nice to see you so excited about being back in the good ship Lucky 🍀 again. Starting over with new adventures to come but the background of experience. Loved seeing your Mom checking out Lucky - they’re so proud of you.🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️🍀

[@Scorpio1168]

I've been watching the Lucky 2.0 build from the start and I must say it came out great. It doesn't look so cluttered anymore. It actually seems like you have more room to move around. ✌🏼

[@maryhammer5296]

Matthew, the scenery on your videos is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Your mom visiting your renovated home was so special, and her being a caring mom obviously looking what's in the fridge. Once a mom always a mom. As you live in your new space you will figure out what modifications will need to be done. You have done a fantastic job Matthew. Saying bye to next time is hard but you will be back. It's been awesome to fallow the built serie. I applaud you for all the extra work you put into these videos with all the beautiful sceneries, family moments, Jeep Jeep camping (no I didn't double type I never can only say Jeep Jeep once lol did it again 🤪) You nailed it! 🥳 I once had a tire burst into flames because of my breaks, it didn't end well 😭. Vanlife always something. Quality content, quality content 🫣 Much love 🤗 🤗

[@chrismahoney4230]

Love the van rebuild. Looks great! I teared up too when you said goodbye to your parents! Let the adventures begin ❤

[@Ladythyme]

The Loaf is the only thing familiar 😂😂😂….you turned my world upside down!!! what did you do Dad!!!!

[@kathyrobert9859]

Love the pride you have in your new look for your new Lucky 2.0 It looks amazing and you will adjust as you did with Lucky 1.0

[@VaguelyMeandering]

I love Penny's exploration...sniff spection for the pooper, up on the bed...back to her perch. She's a good 'un! Watching your Mum have a thorough inspection of Lucky 2.0. It made me so happy to hear her say she's proud of you. Every child needs to hear that from their parents...Dixxxon family selfie...and of course I waved to your folks as you drove away...It's so good to see you "back home" and returning to your routine. Lucky 2.0 looks amazing, and like Lucky 1.0 you'll see where tweaks need to be made as you go. I'm SO proud of you Matthew. And Penny, is again, Queen of all she surveys!

[@Stitchingwithjolleyontheroad]

I’m so sad and excited for you and Penny! Sad to say goodbye and excited for your new house! Have loved watching you rebuild, your sense of humor, the amazing views, the great music! Great job!

[@naomijones8564]

Matthew i love how you hug your mum and dad your clearly a loving family, and how a cat knows exactly what your saying, when you said to penny to keep an eye on the back wheel, she did, and turned her head to the window, quality content😂, lucky 2.0 is awesome, loved watching the rebuild now on to the adventures woop woop, so exciting, lets goooooo, xxxxx

[@stevethomas3654]

Stoked the mighty Penny and the rebuilt Lucky are back on the road. We get a show 4-5 times a week and I’ll always tune in. Thanks dude

[@mariannejennisch9293]

Finally so far it looks great more movable room in the front. I hope miss penny likes it. The new place looks great.

[@TheSt1ngRay]

You are so good at capturing inspiring moments brother. Mom going in Lucky 2.0 was very sweet😊. So good to see Lucky back out where she needs to be and Penny back at her old routine! Quality Content²🎉🎉🎉

[@laurastewart2418]

As the folks came out I was like HUG THEM HUG THEM...got teared up thinking of mine being gone...yay! got the hugs and the wave bye like my husband's mom used to do ...we still have his dad....😊❤❤❤❤😊

[@mikeperreault8939]

Hi Matthew, something I saw on a different rig, use small painting canvas as a cupboard door. Built in frame. Love the swivel seat.

[@msanabria8159]

GOD BLESS YOU, PENNY, AND OUR LUCKY 2.0...🎉🎉🎉❤

[@lostcoastlife4123]

Seriously I'm not kidding....😉love ya matt and thank you for all the great content!!❤

[@bettyloohoo77]

💕💕💕 aawe feeling the love of family 👍👍👍💕💕 Awesome stuff

[@karenlowes7802]

What a great job you did, and nice to get your mom's stamp of approval. Penny is loving it too! I like your mom's new Dixon😊

[@laurastewart2418]

Wow the cat looked over as if to actually watch for the tire...cute...and meow...translated...ok my cat dad😊

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

😮You caught that too!! Penny is an angel sent to protect and love Matthew and watch his brakes ❣️

[@jaredcolahan759]

Oh man, really happy your back on the road.

[@sharonhorton5512]

Love Ur new layout, it seems roomier. I loved watching Penny explore. U R so lucky to have such wonderful& caring parents& they R blessed to have U. I’m thinking about putting a swivel seat in my van eventually. I know Ur going to be happy with yours.

[@wen5420]

Hi Matt. I put a swivel under my passenger seat, and when I am driving I fold it as far forward as it will go so it doesn't block the windows and side mirror, that way I can leave it facing into the van

[@violetflame88]

With some thin but strong magnets those little tins would work well. Amazon. The van is so much better and roomier Matthew. Great job.

[@lindageiling5922]

I would have never left. It's so pretty there n to have your parents is a blessing .. I wish mine were still alive, I miss my mom everyday . Spend as much time with yours as u can , time goes quick . Looked like penny liked being in the house.

[@christinamann3640]

The pirate princess keeps him in the same city.

[@lauracerva9716]

Brought tears to my eyes when you left your parents home. It’s been a long time since you’ve been on the road with Lucky! Many adventures to come!❤❤❤

[@jollyroad18750]

Matthew trust moms we miss our children!! It looks so nice in lucky 2.0 !!

[@connieshutts7074]

So glad you are changing your window covers to match your new modern look. Can’t wait to see the rest of your improvements. Penny looked so happy and content riding in her space in the window. 😊😊

[@rockysmumakagma]

Yes, I teared up when you were saying goodbye to your mum and dad 😢. I love how your mum calls you son, my mum does the same with my brothers 😊. It was fun watching Penny learn her new digs, although she seemed pretty comfortable quickly. And kitty sneezes are the best 😹 I loved how she made her way to the front bed, ready for the drive ❤ Lucky looks great, and it’s just like moving to a different place, you have to find homes for everything 😅 Cheers, have a great evening and I can’t wait for the first camping vlogs this year ❤

[@sunshine47476]

Lucky 2.0 looks amazing. Great work, Matthew.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you very much! 🙏

[@jacquelineMeyers-is1zz]

Paint job is so nice and love what you did with the window and the welcome sign.

[@jacquelineMeyers-is1zz]

Oh, its nice to make your own dipping oil. Lazy, everything bagel seasoning. Energetic, spice wrack way, all the things that make it look pretty. Garlic , onion, parsley, oregano, just all that, and real plain french bread.

[@user-dn4tw8df6v]

The black cabinets look good in Lucky. Penny seems to be settling well. Happy to be in her bed. 😺

[@terizumbusch8408]

I really like how the van turned out, You have got so much more.Just space around you and it looks really nice. Looks forward to seeing what you add.But I think you did a really good job. Thanks for sharon the journey❤

[@patriciaching100]

Thank you Matt.. totally enjoyed your first day on the road..Penny looked so at home.. what a van lifer lol. The van looks beautiful. How nice your mom and dad can journey with you.. The scenery out this world.. from inside out.. the snow and grey weather.. fits with Lucky 2.01

[@birdingdiaries]

Great job on the upgrades! Also definitely quality content!! I got teary eyed too when you said goodbye to the parents 😢❤

[@peggybaker69]

It was so very sad to see you driving off from your parents. I think they really really enjoyed you being around there. I am sure there will be a few hiccups in the build but it looks great so far. Penny just made herself at home again, very sweet.

[@user-lg9qs3li4f]

Thank you Matthew for another great video

[@cindysegar1426]

My dog heard penny meow and she was looking around for a cat. 😂😂😂

[@patriciabrackett4402]

Penny says settle down penny says settle down daddy she looks so happy back in her room.😊❤

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thanks Patricia! And thank you again for the PayPal donation yesterday 😊

[@patriciabrackett4402]

@@VanlifePLUS no problem I do support some people every month Well send gifts soon for the girls And something for lucky Masters. Am almost 72 your. Video s are a blessing to me. 😊

[@Pammellam]

The spice containers could be placed vertically… not horizontally … on a wall. Up in a corner near your cooking area. Or even under a cabinet. You would have to label them well for easy finding.

[@shelleydailey3310]

Hello from Texas! Great job on the van build! See you with your parents saying goodbye was so precious ❤️ looking forward to to all the memories you make in Lucky. Love that Penny❤️thank you for sharing with us.

[@joanneturner4674]

I teared up as you left your parents place😢 penny is back in her tiny home on wheels and looks like she approves 😊. Can't wait to see what Brooklyn thinks of it too. Enjoy 😊😊

[@danielellington8407]

Boy watching you say goodbye to your parents made me tear up! Only can imagine how you were. Happy trails and Happy Adventures. Hope this build went as planned for you. But you do seem satisfied.

[@MelissaThompson432]

It's too bad you can't hear me. I kept saying, "put her in reverse and see if that works!" If your brakes are self-adjusting it might. Or at least "rocking" forward, reverse, forward, a few times might. That's what Professor Google recommends. Can't wait to find out what you finally did.... The clicking is the metal cooling to air temperature.

[@Valerygallery]

Your mom and dad are really going to miss you. Leaving them was so sad.😢 Your mom was so proud of your rebuild. ❤ Penny is so sweet. I love her.❤ I have those same spice containers. They are very good! 😊

[@JoeZyzyx]

When Penny got in, she had that look, like, what happened?

[@kaytoka717]

Thanks for sharing Penny’s reaction to Lucky 2.0. She found her litter box right away. 😊. Good thing you left that you left her shelf for her as she did go look for it. - I think she likes the new setup and is happy to be back home with you. 😊❤😺

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

O.K. Matthew...when your mom said how proud she was of you on your build I know how happy that makes you feel inside because I feel the same way every time my dad says how proud he is of me on my build...that made me tear up a little 🤗 That is so freakin funny...I was just replacing my magnetic spice holders with a new option when the notification of this video popped up. Well, if you want more spice in your life you know where to find some more magnetic metal jars 🤦‍♀

[@jenniferlewisharris7761]

Congratulations 🎉 Amazing work 💪🏻💙💯😎🤘🏻🔥

[@donnamacleod2947]

Matthew you did an amazing job on Lucky! So glad that Penny is back in her home! Looks like Penny approves of all of the changes. Goodbyes are hard,but you'll be back to see your parents soon this summer!Quality content as always! Keep smiling! On to new adventures!

[@wanrapea]

Lucky 2.0 is a winner! Ding, ding, ding! Well thought out plan. A lot more room now. Great-job Matthew!

[@stevej6552]

A nut and bolt with an oversized washer on the bed side will solve that strut problem for you. Screws will keep popping out of that thin wood.

[@leigh1215]

Congratulations Matthew & Penny

[@dallaslemieux4161]

Your home looks lovely Matthew, great job 👏 Always a pleasure 🥰🐈

[@bhv809]

If you hang a weight on the faucet hose inside of the cabinet, the hose will retract for you.

[@piersstronge1441]

That swivel seat is a game-changer! No more bucket or camp chair in the middle taking up space. "tires need to be changed by April 30" Calgary weather - oh yeah? guess what?

[@Michelle-ku2gg]

You did a beautiful job on lucky 2.0...💚👏🚐 and Penny 🐱🐈always makes your videos that much more sweet. Keep up the quality content. We love ya. 😊

[@aussiejac]

Loved watching Lucky be transformed. You are amazing 🤩

[@sunshine47476]

I think a live sream is in the near future.....❤❤❤. I love watching them.

[@kimbrueck7811]

I just love your parents! Congrats Matthew, fantastic job on the new build. You sir are such a talented fella, so glad I found this channel!!! ❤️❤️

[@debbiebrunetti9228]

Lucky looks wonderful, great ideas on how she is put together.

[@denverdubois5835]

My kitty and I think Penny needs some fairy lights in her poop apartment so she can have comfy ambiance while she poops. Also...I saw another cat vanlife video recently, and the van owner actually put a little vented fan in her cat's poop apartment! I thought that was quite brilliant. You have the sweetest parents. I'm so happy that you have such a warm, close family. I am all alone in the world, and it sucks. I know you've got a lot of work to do putting stuff away and building/organizing more storage, but it's wonderful to see you able to relax in a comfy chair! What a blessing for your tired back. Cheers and kisses to Penny! p.sl if you're gonna build a cabinet above the diesel/misc cupboard, consider mounting the magnetic spice jars upside down on the bottom. I've seen a few vanlifers do that and it seems to work nicely!

[@MrRedtaco11]

That’s so awesome Matthew. Glad that everything is finished, for the most part and you & Penny are back in. So your recommendation is not to buy baguette bread for $.97 cents from Wal Mart. We’ll see you in the next one bud.

[@storm_boston]

You did such an awesome job rebuilding Lucky 2.0 love the colors. Thank you for sharing this journey with us 😊

[@alanlovern4147]

👏Glad to have the two of you back....

[@grahamhardie7934]

Well done Matthew,a job well done,top man cheers.

[@MartyBCNB]

Hey Matthew. For the struts maybe try something like a cap screw and washer on top and a bit and washer on the bottom. That should hold things solid. Use a bigger washer with a smaller hole on the top.

[@tanbl6746]

I'm a big fan of French baguette. Love it when it's crispy after toasting in oven. Goes very well with curry.

[@LifeWithBillSiff]

What about a couple nut and bolt through the wood a couple washers then it can’t pull off great video. Thumbs up.

[@SherryArnold-gq1or]

Very nice job on the van build Matthew, penny is already loving being back home, watching u from West Tennessee USA, stay safe and enjoy the new build.

[@nailazion3113]

Hey Matthew and Penny...Lucky 2.0 looking real nice...