Considering Vanlife? Here are some Answers | Day in the Life

Are you considering vanlife or living in a car? I've been doing this for almost 3 years and here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions - all while I attempt to recreate what should have been awesome...
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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!

[@mattpyfe]

I didn't have to consider living in a van, I lost everything and it was the only choice....so I embraced it.

[@BorealisNights]

"lost Everything"... but... "Found Freedom"🎉

[@BionicLesbian]

You'll never look back.

[@christinamann3640]

I hope you find many unexpected treasures in life to come, and moments that bring you peace and comfort

[@ue9r6]

Lived in my car for a few months but when the car broke down and I couldn't fix it....nothing left...only do van life with lots of money imo...hot in warm weather, freezing in cold and never welcome to park, even in relatives driveways...

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-il6rt]

Dude, I have all those amenities in my 1983 27' class A RV that I bought for $2000.00 last October. It has a diesel engine that runs like knew, and everything in it works perfect.

[@BorealisNights]

Welcome to "The Life!"🧨🎉🙃

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-il6rt]

@@BorealisNights Thank you, but I am on summer 7, this is my 3rd RV for full time. first 2 were class C and I a bit to old for getting up into the bunk now.

[@clairem.4779]

I totally agree with you. Feeling lonely can be a choice. If you love life, and get along with yourself, all the alone time is wonderful. You learn to love yourself and appreciate the times you are with friends and family. It is a wonderful journey no matter where or how you live. Good on you.

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

I agree with both you and Matthew. For a season, 13 years, I lived alone and loved it!! Although I'm a people person and love gatherings, I equally loved my alone time. I think that's when I got to know myself more so than any other time of my life.

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

@VanlifePLUS, Matthew, 1. You need the iodide in iodized salt to maintain a healthy thyroid. 2. Living in a vehicle, regardless of what it is, you have your base camp with you al all times. 3. Living in a vehicle you never have to worry about a H.O.A., unless you park in a H.O.A. neighborhood. 4. As for personal safety, you're no more safe in a stix and brix than in a vehicle. 5. People can be just as lonely in a stix and brix as in a vehicle. 6. Being an introvert or extrovert doesn't change from one to the other.

[@alanweisner2421]

Oh Man, a much needed topic, especially with all the misinformation out there. I could write volumes on the subject and all the reasons why. You covered enough and didn't discourage others. Someone once told me, if we are chained to our certitudes ? We can never move forward. The freedom, the chance to fully experience nature. To be present and in the moment. These things are lost in the ( normal) day to day work, eat, shower, sleep....Work. This lifestyle allowed me to learn who I truly am, on a level far deeper than I ever could have. Clarity and a true understanding of what is important in life. In closing, it's not for everyone and you depict many of the struggles. 5yrs for me and I wouldn't change a thing. However, a Nomad partner would be icing on the cake 🙏. Stay safe

[@Kristin-eb9zy]

I've been in my van for just a bit over a year. My biggest piece of advice to people. Keep it simple.

[@jodistpierre8727]

We bought one of those fancy vans you mentioned 2 yrs ago as we saw rent sky rocketing and we wanted to protect ourselves. Now we pay rent in our van payment but nothing as much as what rent is now. Plus we have all the benefits of van life. We have no regrets :)

[@ue9r6]

Hope you can afford to keep it from breaking down

[@jodistpierre8727]

@@ue9r6 well I was a home owner a roof replacement costs 25 k plus now a days. A Hot water heater 5k …I will take my van maintenance over these costs any day…

[@rhondacooper3565]

I always try to watch you when it's late and quiet. Your thought process and the way it comes across in videos like this is very enjoyable. Thanks again for voicing things we all deal with.❤❤

[@DeeBright-fo9kh]

Your video this evening was on point. My BFF and I are starting are nomad life the end of September. We are both widows, in our late 70's and wanting to see the USA and Canada. We both have experience with RVs. Our motto is If not now, when,

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Good for you Dee, you're going to love it!😊

[@sandydouglas3799]

That's awesome. Go you & your friend.

[@MJ-fb2zq]

Not sure why you cooked the chicken at 200f way not hot enough. At least 350f would be better or even higher. Looked good. Thank you Matthew

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Hello Matthew darlin’ & sweet Penny😻. Nice to see your philosophical side come out. I just wanted you to know (but you already know, don’t you?🥰) how much this community means to all of us 🍀. The friends we have made online & in person are wonderful. Even as a sticks & bricks gal, the non-judgemental support and kindness is amazing- and it starts with you🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️💞.

[@inyourhomefitness2452]

I have 2 air fryers that I use all the time. A small one like you have and a large one with 2 shelves. I cook frozen fish and chips all the time at 400 for 16 in total. I also do a whole chicken usually 3 pounds for 1.5 hours at 365 degrees. Just have to play around. Ignore what the box says lol and have fun.

[@kimberlyobrien4677]

A famous poet named Mae Sarton wrote: "Loneliness is the poverty of oneself; Solitude is the richness of oneself." I for one am a person who enjoys my solitude and even though I can interact with people fine, I would much rather be alone most of the time.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

When it said 200 it could have been Celsius because it was a recipe from the UK. It likely should have been 400F

[@paulhoffmann4799]

agreed

[@DoreenGregory-sj3df]

Nice talk Matthew,very up lifting. Watched your vlog awhile back about Bragg creek so tomorrow we are taking the grandsons fishing there. Can’t wait!!!

[@rythemzlatin]

"Hey Penny !! Our farts aren't going to stink tonite 😀 ! " 😁 😄 😅 😂 🤣 ( good thing I wasn't chewing ! Got me GOOD 💀 ☘🍀 🕯🌻🕯🌺🕯🌻🕯 🍀☘

[@dawnsnyder216]

Mathew too much rice vinegar, you really need to measure stuff. Your chicken would have gotten crispier if temp was 350 not 200. Keep trying to cook in van. You got this. Loved it when you and Brooklyn cooked cookies

[@richardenders9348]

200°C is around 320°F, all other measurements in metric.

[@dawnsnyder216]

@@richardenders9348 didn't know that

[@denverdubois5835]

Yes, definitely keep trying, but do measure stuff. It really makes a difference! In baking, also--maybe even more so. 🙂

[@TheMobilTrader]

Thank you so much, Mathew, for meeting up!! I value your time and advice greatly! Things are progressing towards my freedom in van life. Thanks for doing this video. I'm hoping to catch up with you in the van soon. Maybe for an afternoon or evening Scotch. Bruce

[@christinamann3640]

Thank you to Mary for taking care of our little Miss Penny in the heat 👍

[@mojosmindfield]

I've been in my van for almost 5 months. It truly feels like way less, times been flying by. I'm still working on getting my electrical system up and running. I of course had fun with my cheap Chinese diesel heater breaking after a month. Typical van life stuff. I'm loving Vanlife and just can't wait to get my build done so Its truly a self contained home on wheels. Thanks for all the content, its very much appreciated!

[@mojosmindfield]

@@007nadineL no, fan bearings went bad. Ill replace it with a webasto soon.

[@Myconchinncreations]

Matt sprinkle a little oil (olive oil) when you put in your airfryer. It will brown crisp up

[@josephvoelker]

I used to be a butcher and own chickens lmao and yes chickens have two breasts 😂😂😂

[@terizumbusch8408]

I think you might use that mirror when you're trying to do something like down under the truck that you can't see and you hold the mirror down there and it lights it up and then you can see it pretty cool

[@garynewton2016]

good talk- remember people are not necessarily unsure and afraid but upset with being put in this position

[@VanlifePLUS]

It’s definitely both. I had just come from a conversation where his biggest fear was uncertainty before filming this

[@VaguelyMeandering]

Oh dear Gawd...I was watching the recipe with fascination...I was surprised you didn't put gloves on before you touched the *gag* raw egg and raw chicken...then you take a bite and decide it's "bullshit". I was done for...out loud cackling... Your facial expressions make these vlogs... Thanks for the pep talk Matthew. I am more determined than ever that Nomadic life will be my retirement life...or earlier if I can figure it out... As always Penny is the star of the show...we're just asteroids in her orbit.

[@junknapper]

I usually go the max on my air fryer and use a thermometer to check the food I'm cooking specially chicken. 200 just seems like a warm up to me. No, I'm not a chef, Jus sayin"

[@susanrachel5583]

I thought that temp was really low as well , I would of done 350

[@CannyBlether-dz6hj]

I think Penny thought the garlic salt and pepper were can foods 😂 so cute! She seemed to perk up seeing them in your hands 😅 hilarious 🤣

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny.

[@lindaterrell5535]

Cornflour/starch adds a distinct flavor

[@Scorpio1168]

Starting vanlife here in the USA isn't a cheap proposition. The price of vans has gone through the roof for anything half way decent. If you're looking at any van that is 4 wheel drive, that price is out of the ordinary person's reach. I've been looking for a decent van for a little bit and anything that seems reasonable usually has quite a bit rust and high mileage. Thankfully I'm not in a position where it's something or nothing, but the struggle to find an affordable van in half way decent shape and under 100k mileage is starting to feel like looking for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I do remain optimistic and know that at some point, the more I look sooner or later the right deal will come along.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Oh yeah, getting a van now is crazy. You gotta be checking everyday and it could take forever to find an “affordable” option

[@asmradventureasmr]

Also, because trucks are so high here now, people have been buying vans to use like a truck instead.

[@Scorpio1168]

@@asmradventureasmr you're 100% correct on that!!

[@Snowbikebro2]

Trailer life for the last 2 years. tow it behind my truck every day. enclosed trailer turned apartment. 2200 watts of solar on roof, which runs the a/c and everything else.

[@kapukahinene]

I did that for six years, although I used generators. Now I'm in a permanent RV spot near a marina on the coast. It's cheap and nice.

[@jacquelineho8623]

You are living my FT vanlife dreams Matthew. You're living the good life in my eyes & your videos are so inspiring 🫶

[@clairem.4779]

Plus, you got Penny. A great companion!

[@hvostova11]

Good evening Matthew, thanks for the talk on Vanlife stuff! I don’t have a van yet, but my rent is becoming too expensive at $1800 one bedroom! Trading in my Toyota Camry 2023 looking into getting a van, or class b van! I just don’t know anything about vans and what would be the best chassis! I hear Ford is more stable and less expensive than the Mercedes! And I really don’t like the ram I hear they’re in the shop more than they’re out on the road! I have to put my van life on hold because my dad needs my help he’s going blind. He has cataracts. He needs surgery so he asked me to take him where he needs to go. He’s taking himself off the road for now until he can get better eyesight anyway thanks Matt! From Masha in WELLAND! PS Love the UPS postal system you use as well! Something to think about. ✌🏻😎🇨🇦

[@msanabria8159]

Hi...Im 66..only caregiver for my mom. Dying to start my vanlife. But, she is the love of my life and the best mom ever. So...for now We should be happy and greatfull.😅

[@BorealisNights]

@@msanabria8159 see my comment above.. below?? lol.

[@crowtubecrozier2857]

We love ya Matt, Much love from The Croziers From Maine

[@martna1]

Ziplock bag and drain chicken with a slotted spoon into flour in the bag. Shake, spray and air fry.

[@rockinghorseexplorationand5504]

Hi Matthew, Penny and Brooklin, Ray from Wisconsin checking in!

[@rockinghorseexplorationand5504]

@@007nadineL hello

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

AWESOME subscriber 'gifts' for the 'WIN'!👍🤗💖🎉.

[@donnamacleod2947]

Hi Matthew and Penny! Very informative! Keep smiling! Quality content as always!

[@RenayEmond]

42:42 😻JUMP PENNY JUMP😹

[@alanguile8945]

I shouted at the screen, it's 200 degrees centigrade! Greetings from the UK, air fryers rule!

[@iamgrowler]

Penny launching herself onto the dash was both epic and startling.

[@denverdubois5835]

I like the way she meowed a couple of times first to psyche herself up. Or maybe she was just shouting "FORE"!

[@edithtrowbridge1775]

I plan to become a full timer this year. It has taken 50 years from a dome tent in the 70s to little pull behinds and now eventually a van. Lots of saving and planning.

[@TheJustineCredible]

I have been considering a nomadic life for a couple of years now. I'm leaning towards a small Class C because I work from home and plan to continue to do so. And because my work requires dual monitors (I do IT helpdesk work and my systems need the extra desktop space), the small space of a van just won't do. The reason for my goal is because in paying rent, I really don't have that "sense of security" humans seek. I've been "Reno-victed" from my last two apartments and let me tell you, it's NOT FUN! I plan to stay at my current place of residents long enough to save some cash (hopefully) to buy an RV. What I am currently paying in rent will go towards possibly paying a small loan for the purchase of the RV as well as maintenance and fuel. Doing the math, it's still cheaper than rent overall. I probably won't "travel" all that much, except maybe to "chase the sun" per se. I've got some health issues that extreme temps really can be brutal for me. Otherwise, I've gotten to that age where working to pay rent on something that will never truly be "Mine" and I have no assurance that I won't be forced to leave after only a couple of years, just doesn't make sense to me anymore. Rents are skyrocketing everywhere and they don't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

18:38 ...LOOK how attentive PRETTY Penny is!😳👀😺😆. LUV that girlllll!👍🤗💖😇.

[@patlodge8420]

Hi Matthew and penny ❤ xx

[@billtcheapbuiltcheap9568]

Wild assumptions of measurement= quality content.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Sorry I'm late, church! Hello Matthew and Penny! ☺️☺️❤

[@tammys.1085]

LOL 😂 oh my goodness, your reaction to the food.

[@BionicLesbian]

If you put your chicken breast in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, it will firm it up and make it much easier to cut.

[@comfortouch]

If you want something breaded to crisp up in the air fryer, You have to add oil. Get some spray avocado oil, and spray the chicken after breading it, before sticking it in the air fryer.

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

...and preheating the air fryer helps as well.

[@bodgewithrob]

Penny's interest and concentration when you were adding the paprika and garlic salt was priceless to watch 🙂

[@christinamann3640]

“What are you doing you crazy human???” 😂

[@msanabria8159]

HOLAAAA MY BOY...BLESSINGS From Puerto Rico. Still over 105F ....Hooot...as hell

[@christinamann3640]

It sounds even hotter in Fahrenheit 🥵🥵🥵

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

This was a WONDERFUL heartfelt and FUNNY share, Matthew!🎉. As I always say ..."I'm alone but not lonely"☺️. LUV cooking with Chef Matthew, taking 'bike' out for a spin and then jumping into GRACE ...what a FANTASTIC day!👍🤗💖😇.

[@BorealisNights]

YES.. I said in my long comment above, You dont have to be Lonely, but you can be as alone as you want!🤔✌🏼🍁

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

@@BorealisNights For sure, Borealis!👍🤗💖😇

[@zeveroarerules]

Corn flour has a different taste and texture too though,

[@SherryArnold-gq1or]

Matthew ur thyroid needs iodine salt, to help them function right, just in case u didn't know, love ur videos, watching u from west Tennessee, USA

[@BorealisNights]

Agreed! Iodized salt has a reason for existing.. you dont need to use it exclusively, but a pinch once in a while, is a good thing!✌🏼🇨🇦

[@BorealisNights]

@@TechPeasant404 Don't apologize for rants .round there parts, as long as it isn't political, there are other places to vent you spleen in a fit of outrage than a van vid. It means you feel strongly, and hope at lest someone else hears your thoughts.. its all good and, and having never really thought about it, I'm considering finding a shallow hole to follow up on your thoughts. THANK YOU for sharing✌🏼🇨🇦

[@WendyCooley]

LOL Watching you do the chicken. I knew when you tasted it you would have that reaction. Chicken cooked too low of temp, way too much rice vinegar, but thanks! So entertaining.

[@Valerygallery]

As for your chicken recipe. I think 200 was too low if that's Fahrenheit. It wouldn't get very crispy. That's almost like a warming temperature. Once you use it a few times, you'll get to know the best temperatures and time. 😊

[@aussiejac]

Very helpful information ❤️❤️

[@KerriJean]

Best choice I ever made was deciding to live in my Heidi home. No mortgage, rent or utility bills for this chick. ❤

[@dianehoule625]

May I ask what a Heidi home is?

[@KerriJean]

​@@dianehoule625Heidi is my 88 Ford Econoline motorhome

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Just googled your home....SWEET!!!! HAPPY TRAILS!!🤗

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Many cultures throughout history have been nomadic, following food souces, water sources and changes in weather and even today some of those cultures still exist. With weather problems today it can be beneficial to be nomadic so you can move away from dangerous situations. Also nowadays there are many jobs that can be done remotely thereby giving more people the opportunity to be nomadic. Its not a lifestyle for everyone but it's a lifestyle as valid as any other!😊

[@christinamann3640]

I have been thinking it would be a good idea for people to live in tiny homes on wheels in hurricane prone areas because storms are only going to get worse

[@LiveLifeCreating]

Thanks for sharing your viewpoint on Nomadic living with us. I am very interested in vanlife and As I get closer to retirement, I am planning my “escape” from sticks and bricks. I gave up my apartment a year ago and I am staying with family until I actually retire (which is more scary than living in my minivan) and start my dream of traveling. I am hoping that gas prices come down to a reasonable amount so I can afford to travel. Or I might find myself going to one area and staying there for an extended amount of time. Yes they are questioning my sanity for wanting to go off alone! I feel very comfortable with myself being alone. I want to make videos of my travels to show my kids where I go. I’m thinking about doing a KZbin channel so they can view them whenever they want. I have a lot to learn!!

[@BorealisNights]

ESCAPE!!! 'Nuff Said!✌🏼🇨🇦

[@goforet]

Hey Matt, have you ever met Emi (Cat Lady Van) ?? Nice Lady and great vids, like yours !!

[@christinamann3640]

They were on a live stream once, from Chrome’s old shop. He lifted up Penny to say hello 😊

[@maryhight6030]

I keep saving to purchase something to live in. I'm 70, renting a room at a friend's house which is cheap plus I have a storage unit. I'm downsize like crazy which hurts but can't save and pay for a storage unit at least the size I have. My prayer is to do before October and my 71st birthday.🙏

[@scherre]

I'm sure someone else has already mention but I think your chicken recipe may have been using Celcius temperature but your air fryer is F. It might not be as rubbish as you thought it was :) I hope you didn't have any ill effect from the chicken being so lightly cooked!

[@lucyalderman422]

90 millilitres is about 1/3 cup

[@bebopandbecca3096]

Corn flour = corn starch. All purpose flour is not a substitute. It just gets pastey. Chicken was too wet. Draining it would have improved it. Air fry at 350F-400F for crispy (whatever the celsius equivalent is). Use the damn measuring spoons and cups. Instagram and Tik Tok recipes are... iffy.

[@danielellington8407]

Hey Matthew just saw your story on Chromes page. About how you started and did a walk thru of your Old van build 2 years ago! It was cool that he did that and posted it! You’re an inspiration to everyone here! To see the raw emotion was genuine! VanlifePLUS keep going WITH the flow! Was truly sincere to see that!

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Thank you Matthew for another great vlog. Some very good down to earth advice and insights for would be vanlifers. The cooking segment cracked me up!🤣 Did you like the smell of the new candle or was the other one better?

[@Klojum]

95% of all foods you cook/bake/fry in an airfryer will be done at something near the max temps. You can boil eggs in an airfryer at 220 degr F... I also usually add 2 minutes of cook time to compensate for the airfryer heating up (I don't do the preheating).

[@morganmaddison8633]

yes, one really gets to experience nature maybe more often and definetly appreciate the zen moments of vanlife - freedom Matt, that's where it's at (lol rhymes)

[@sharonfound4493]

Two words, ziplock bag...

[@Yvonneb_]

Great informative video xx

[@sandrahunt1870]

Hi Mathew with your Cosori I have one and mine has preset settings mine for chicken is 380 degrees and I use airfry and spray your chicken lightly I use avocado spray ..it crisps it up. Instead of buying all those items for the sauce get that VH sweet and sour sauce it’s awesome I make it lots …it’s all trial and error. Buy the way nachos done in AF is something I’m guessing you would like ..I use my airfry setting on almost everything I do except baking items.

[@sunshine47476]

Hi Matthew and Penny.❤❤

[@mariepalkiewicz852]

Another Great video!❤

[@LifeWithBillSiff]

Look at Penny‘s big window nice lol

[@joanneturner4674]

I watch your channel because I can't van life (can't drive)so I live vanlife through you. Your channel is awesome. I look forward every night to watching you and your life. I'm in the UK so I stay up til 12:45am every night. Keep up the fabulous work ❤❤

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you so much for the continued support Joanne! Get some sleep tonight - nice and early, there won’t be a video today so don’t wait up!

[@joanneturner4674]

@@VanlifePLUS 😭 no video 😭 sweet dreams see you Friday xx

[@gingw7333]

That compact light would come in real handy when removing splinters or plant stickers that are hard to see. Especially for those of us with less than perfect closup eyesight.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Great idea!

[@tinafeatherston]

Matthew! You just helped me solve a lifelong mystery! My mom and I always wondered why my dad would shake his milk but not the orange juice. I still don’t know why he didn’t shake the OJ, but I wonder if he grew up with milk you had to shake. 🤯🤔 Dang, it’s funny how the universe works.

[@cathythomas298]

Milk, as a real deal, needed to be shook up to incorporate the cream that came to the top. I’m 73 and I remember doing it.

[@tinafeatherston]

@@cathythomas298 My dad would be in his 80s now (I am a late in life baby) so it makes sense!

[@BorealisNights]

I'm 63, and I always shake my milk(why does that sound perky? lol)... actually, I shake anything that isn't carbonated.. why not?

[@amberonfire]

Thank you so much for this vlog and your insights on Vanlife. It made me emotional as it is also becoming my reality this year. My biggest concern is my 2 cats and how they will adjust to a new lifestyle. But I'm trying to keep positive about it all and this vlog is exactly what I needed to keep pushing on and saving for that van. 🥰

[@VanlifePLUS]

They will adjust! Just give it time and don’t expect too much too soon. You got this

[@christinamann3640]

The biggest issue with pets is temperature. Keep them, and you, warm in winter. In the summer, do your errands in the morning before the heat of the day and keep the temperature down by parking in shade, windows down, A/C, whatever it takes because the heat is the real danger to them.

[@exploringnext1111]

Great video!

[@TroySetterlund]

Beware! Instead of 1000 funnels... you will now receive a thousand measuring cups and measuring spoons to assist with your cooking endeavors! Good luck! Take care and enjoy!

[@jennifercollins3171]

Happy 4th July in 🇺🇸 Time for fire works hotdogs buger and cold one today being thankful for all our service men and women and their g families.

[@CarlDi3trich]

The question always comes up about what is the actual cost difference between this life and living out of an apartment?

[@VanlifePLUS]

I did a video on this 😊

[@Dreamofbetterdays]

??? Have you ever thought about getting one of those magnetic “screen doors” to hang in the opening when you have your door open? I’m not sure what you call it but it might help.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Wouldn’t really work unless I took it down every single time because the garbage can would just push into it when I close the door. Not ideal

[@Dreamofbetterdays]

@@VanlifePLUS Got it. I just found one on Amazon called a car door screen shows it fitting a van. Looked ok but like you said with the trash can maybe not. It does say it’s split in the middle a can be pulled back not sure 🤷‍♀️

[@christinamann3640]

@@VanlifePLUSperhaps if one is split in the middle, the two sides could tuck around the sides of the garbage can

[@TLAR24]

When looking for corn flour look in the gluten free section or the organic section brand Redmonds. Not that you need it now but for next time maybe. ❤️🇨🇦

[@christinamann3640]

Or the ethnic section, which might be cheaper

[@BorealisNights]

She was gonna help help cut up the chicken,.. into cat bite sized morsels of raw flesh... cats go CRAZY for raw chicken! (but there is a safe way to prep it.)

[@KuyaKurt1982]

@Matthew, im Kurt, a guy from Belgium. I arrived 2 days ago in Montréal, now staying in south Edmonton. Would be so nice to meet you if possible. First time in Canada and i ❤ it.

[@vickimathews1970]

There's an excellent way to do that without getting giz on your hands...lol...KZbinr Wandering Where uses cheap surgical gloves...lol...it's hilarious to watch when he's down to only one...lol...another vanlifer (part-time) in the UK. Was that supposed to be 200 degrees Celsius, that's a normal temp for air frying? You did the right thing with the egg originally, pretty difficult to cut it in half...lol...then I thought you were going to empty the extra liquid out and continue with the flour...oh well...lol...looks like you got there in the end...

[@WillysJonathanRoberts]

I have watched you since day one I believe and if I am being honest did search you out last year on my west coast/ Arctic ocean trip. Yep with no luck....mind you I didn't go full stawker, just a novice...lol. I will end up in this lifestyle I'm sure, I have been preparing for it for a few years now. The big "D" is coming. Today's video hit all the right chords so to speak, I have to figure out how to fill my days to not go insane, which is my problem. I have in my past been a mechanical driven person building things/car/trucks/Jeeps etc etc my whole life and to stop doing these things is a future problem for me. Old age and this new life style dictates it. Hope to meet you one day....but until then keep up the fantastic work.

[@piersstronge1441]

Great vlog, lots of good advice and things to think about! As for advice, I'm not going to scroll through all 200+ comments to see if it was mentioned, but nitrile gloves are food safe, because chICKen.. not palatable even with running water and dishsoap nearby. If you're going to branch out into more recipe cooking, might be worth having a few in the kitchen

[@colette2552]

❤ I really enjoyed this video! My 2 favorite parts were you putting up the extra tent/room and you making the chicken! I can't comment on you and your darn measuring 🧐😬 but, as you were adding the ingredients to the bowl, I zoomed in on Penny 😅 she was intensely watching your every move ! It was so cute 😊 I liked how you talked about people who look at you differently for choosing the van lifestyle ! I get it all the time from a friend and my oldest daughter. The more I seem to love it, the more the two of them seem to disapprove 🙄 Thank you for the words of inspiration to keep going!! Have a lovely day, depending on when you read this 😘😉

[@rogerthat8407]

200 degrees is criminal for cooking chicken in an air frier. No way the internal temp was hot enough 🤢

[@bonnieboo49]

Hi Mathew, I want to tell you I enjoy your videos very much and I appreciate you sharing your life with us. I also like the way you have set up your contact now and I’ve changed things around somewhat. And I’m happy you’re friends with chrome and a cat lady on here. I enjoy watching you guys when you were together. , I was wondering, have you ever thought about getting petty a collar so maybe you could take her for a walk to help her with her weight I know she gets to move around inside your van and you put her in her little playpen outside, but I was just wonder if she wouldn’t enjoy activity you taking her on walksjust a question not a criticism. Thank you very much for everything you do.❤❤❤❤❤

[@CRAZYcat1515]

If you live in a house or flat/unit you hold on to crap where living in a van you don't have room, Plus you learn how to use things for many different things/uses.

[@nappigal]

Has the way you drive changed since moving into your van home?

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

I think the recipe meant 200°C. 150-200°F is what I set the oven at just to keep stuff warm.

[@alwaysgoodinthewoods]

Here on the east in Canada, I see more people dwelling in hatchback cars and late model trucks, most likely not by choice.. I never thought I would say this but I feel like a king in my astro van... times they are getting rough in the good ole great white north..

[@maureenmccurry9482]

I think the temp was 200 Celsius which would be 400 Fahrenheit.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Yeah exactly 🤦‍♂️ thanks for watching!

[@christinamann3640]

@@VanlifePLUSsome people don’t get the conversions right, but some of them aren’t cooking, they’re driving