Why I Am Living In A Van

[@dorothyc7395]

Thumbs up for not getting rid of your dog

[@Re-CreatingKev]

It was never going to happen Dorothy, we've been together for over 11 years, death is the only thing that will part us! Kev

[@karenwilkinson5622]

I’d sell a kidney before re-home my dogs .. Well done you ..

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Me too, he's my best mate, Kev

[@CamperVan-K]

Me too!!!

[@mmww_]

Love the constant cuts to pictures of Rupert. He looks like a good boy

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Yes, he is a good boy....Kev

[@Akstergrind]

I really love the way you show a photo of Rupert every time you mention him! I'm laughing because it's really endearing! I've got a staffy and he's the best thing in my life. There's no way I'd ever "rehome" him, for whatever reason, so I completely understand where you're coming from! You're actually living the life I'd love to live, so keep up the good work and thanks for the videos, mate!

[@rayhitchman4741]

Blooming estate agents. Good for selling houses but not on life. Good on you for keeping Rupert mate

[@MARKCANEER]

Thank You for posting, Good Video 👍, Good Luck To You.

[@joannedibben2352]

Dog is a mans best friend for sure❤

[@HLnotHL]

Good on you. I’m sure you and Rupert are loving the freedom van life offers..

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, me and Rupert are happy, we've got our home and each other

[@simonsbriefencounters7082]

it's a sad fact that more people are having to live in vans full time but ultimately if you and your dog are happy that is all that matters. Dogs are a lovely companion to have to share the ups and downs with.🥰

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks Simon, will do

[@joyjournal6157]

Telling you to get rid of your dog is like telling someone to get rid of their children!

[@mickobrien6360]

We love our dogs, they love us double back.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

So true!

[@tolerancija]

After you talking about your dog so much, I wonder how he looks like! :) Just kidding.... love your dog, he seems like a good boy...

[@forgoodnesssake9161]

Well done Kev. Wishing you all the best

[@aprilwhite5987]

Greetings, glad you decided to keep your lovely dog instead of re-home him. Bless you.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Yes, thank you, he's my best friend, Kev

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

You're probably the most you got comfortable. And that's the problem with a lot of people that got comfortable. When you ran to a place thinking that you stayed there forever. You're not going to stay there forever, especially if the landlord wants their family to come move in. They'll kick you out so they're family can move in. Or there's other reasons. They sell the house and the new landlord. Don't want you there anymore. You gotta order to pay yourself for that. Nothing is a guarantee. You got comfortable. That was your biggest problem.

[@JamieMerchant-w8b]

A dog is for life You’re a man same as me Dog comes first

[@SimonFlax]

Love my dog reather give up the girlfriend lol dont tell her i said that lol gteat video kev 🎉🎉

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Your secret is safe with me Si 😂🤣 Kev

[@lovelyenglishnature3277]

Hi Kev, I’ve just bought a small van because my future is very uncertain. I got a Toyota Alphard. The rental situation is ridiculous….I do wonder how many people are becoming homeless every day. I think it’s loads and apparently that is the main reason for many councils being bankrupt. The thought of living in crappy temporary accommodation and losing my dogs is terrifying so I’ve got the van as an insurance against that. I must say that it’s a nice prospect though…I love being in the van and I’m only 5’1 so a small van works well for me. Good luck with your channel…hoping to start one soon!

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Well done, I recommend it totally, Kev

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Well done, I totally recommend it, I love living in my van, Kev

[@marksolari7529]

The pics of your dog popping up made me laugh. And your loyalty deserves one more subscriber 😂

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Welcome and thanks for your comment, Kev

[@donniblanco5239]

We live in Very Mercenary Times Where Money is ✨💰God💰✨ I didn’t Sign up for this Financial Hamster Wheel and Find it All Quite Overwhelming & I look forward to a Simpler Independent Existence. Fair Play & Well Done to you Brother 👍🏻

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Well said

[@HaroldLeeDye]

Your a good man / always keep your dog / most people will let you down. But your dog is faithful.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you for the comment, me and Rupert will be together until one use dies 100% Kev

[@ronedelenbos272]

Your dog, steals the show,every time. Glad you kept him. I'm sure he's glad too.

[@user-mf5jf3po1o]

All doggies are Angels without Wings!

[@minigirl6839]

Such a fine man to consider your dog in your situation. So many people consider their animals expendable when they are having to relocate. Thank you for being a considerate person and loving your dog. 👌😘

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, me and Rupert always take care of each other and always will, Kev

[@kasmstamps1897]

​@@Re-CreatingKev 👍 Sounds like it is time to clear the containers to increase your freedom. Stay safe.

[@mrmrandmrs800]

Fair play, you got a great friend in that dog

[@cindymcmurray9017]

I admire your solution! I may be doing that, too. People that ask you to get rid of your pet have no heart!

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Go for it!

[@blueskies00]

Anytime annuity that would get rid of their dog is no friend of mine

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Yes, I need to include Rupert in my videos, thank you

[@perfumebottle1902]

You're a nice man for not getting rid of your Dog. You put him first ❤

[@tgun4928]

Came here from micks mowers channel.all the best Kev

[@angelenaboden]

Bless you for looking after Rupert

[@dna6440]

What a heart breaking story I’m so sorry you had to go through this awful experience. But so happy you have found vanlife and freedom ❤

[@Re-CreatingKev]

It was a blessing in disguise really

[@oneperspective]

Interesting to hear your story of n relocating to Van life. Hope things go well for you.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you!

[@marymcquaid7291]

Your dog is too sweet for words 💘

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, he's a great dog

[@brendanhoffmann8402]

I bought a van because I don't know if I'll be homeless soon. My Mum owns this place but needs to sell it to fund her retirement. I'm disabled and can't afford market rental prices so would need public housing but Australia is in a massive housing crisis. So the van is my insurance if anything should go awry. I have a Queen size bed in it already.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

It's a good insurance Brendan, I'm sure you will find a way. Is that you playing the guitar in your video? Kev

[@CamperVan-K]

I've been trying to find somewhere to rent, but people keep gazumping me! I was looking for a 2-bed place with a garden. It got a bit sickening after a while, so I gave up. I think it's because I was self-employed. I had good references too.

[@CamperVan-K]

By the way, I haven't got any pets, don't smoke/drink or do anything that is unpleasant. So, the only reason I could think is because people keep offering over the asking price for rent. Which is weird, because they're not buying the thing!

[@Re-CreatingKev]

I know that feeling, it's horrible, Kev

[@shanebrownrigg8632]

catching up

[@lucyjay7963]

Walk by faith. Trust God. Thanks for your video. Peace n joy. Have a blessed safe peaceful day. Stay in your van.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Lovely words, thanks so much

[@TheDoomWizard]

Your journey is inspiring to all of us!

[@deangrewcock1909]

Thanks for sharing your life/van experience, very inspiring and interesting… love listening to people’s stories, we’re heading towards the life that you have chosen, stripped back and simple. Take care, keep sharing 🙏✊

[@Re-CreatingKev]

You're welcome, let me know how you get on, Kev

[@siflaxman5049]

Good video thanks si 🎉in

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

In other words, you don't own nothing you rented the house. Let's get it right. You never bought a house. You rented it as you kicked you out. I don't wrong with that, but at least you've found a cheaper simpler way to live, which is a smart. Most people would have been homeless.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

Doesn't matter if you're a puff with the rental or not. It's hard to get apartments today even in 2024. Now you gotta do full interviews as if you're looking for a job. Just to rent a place this is why I live allternatively myself so I agree with you. You did the right thing to help with Renton live at Yvonne and you said a lot of money too instead of pain, someone would say yes, how's mellow rent? That's how smells stays in your pocket? That's more disposable cash in your pocket. My friend and you can even save up so you can buy a piece of land if you choose to down the road. So What you did was smart. So in a sense, it was a blessing in disguise that she kicked you out or she would not do Van life right now. How weird is that?

[@spudman869]

Great honest video, I wish all the very best for the future mate.

[@MrsMoofy]

New subscriber, best wishes from kent. Hubby and i lived in a van for a year when it was time to leave our rental....best year of our lives!

[@johnshaw4140]

Good for you . I was a truck and bus driver in the music industry for 40 years , and I lived in a self=converted Iveco Daily XL on my off times , it was fine for me so it;ll be fine for you and Rupert I hope . I don't live in the UK anymore , I now have a partner (which was not expected having been single for 40 years ) and we now live together in their 1 bedroom flat in a warm climate

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cherryrotella3714]

Bless ya.Greetings from Devon 👋🏻

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, Kev

[@ianandlou5889]

Wishing you all the best! Subscribed!

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you so much!!

[@rachelbowak764]

Great to hear your story, it’s helpful to understand others situations. I’ll be van lifeing in a year once I retire. Thanks😊

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks for the message, good to hear you're going for it! Kev

[@johnmadrid9865]

Good on you , not even considering getting rid of your dog👍

[@Re-CreatingKev]

That was never going to happen! He's my best mate, Kev

[@amiteshdattamath]

It must have been a difficult situation to be in but your story and the way you handled it is very inspiring. I love the pictures of your dog - he is very cute. Your channel is looking great with the thumbnails, new banner, and quality videos!

[@Re-CreatingKev]

It was a difficult time but we are getting through it, there are so many people worse off than me, thank you for your kind words, Kev

[@Islandwaterjet]

Worst case scenario at least it has bought you some time to figure out alternatives if your present circumstances get uncomfortable. You now have more options.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Kev. God bless you and Rupert mate. Subscribed

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you

[@MarkDaviesThailand]

Hi Kev. I like your style mate and Rupert is clearly a cracking dog. 👍

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks Mark, Kev

[@michellechapman6961]

Just found your channel Kev and subscribed. We live in private rented accommodation. I am late 60s and my husband in his 70s never thought that one day we could be potentially made homeless however this thought has been on my mind a lot recently. Although we have been on the council waiting list for four years and applied for 695 properties for the over 60s we have not even had a viewing let alone been offered a home to live in. Van life certainly seems to be a possibility but I do wonder how it would be practical for our age. Anyway Ken so glad you’re making good life changes. Keep up the good work, really enjoyed this video and have found some positives for the future.

[@lizscott6911]

Good luck to you

[@scott.hamilton]

Good luck to you Kev. Subscribed.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks and welcome

[@philp8134]

Mate, I've only been watch your videos a couple of hours and you've gained about 20 subs in that time...me included. I'm coming up 60 and have seriously been thinking the same. Had enough of the rat race too. I think many people are starting to reevaluate their lives..especially after all the bs that's been happening since 2020. I'm still working though....driving a truck in the west London area. My only issue is where to park it without paying a site £500-600+ per month to keep it on. Do you move it around each day or........? Could you do a video about the kind of places you park? Thanks for the video. :)

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Hi Philip, I stay close to where I work in 2 or 3 park ups that are out of town, Kev

[@joline2730]

Philip: Why do you pay £500/£600 - is it just to park up. Don't understand that. Unless it's a commercial 18 wheeler or something .... Urban Motorhome does vids about where he parks. London is tricky but there is ALWAYS somewhere ...

[@merlenechambers575]

It is interesting what is available to you when push comes to shove. You have done well, good on you for sticking by Rupert. I cannot stand in my lite ace. i have had it for 12 months, it is my starter kit. I will have to upgrade to a hi ace. That is on the cards. You have a good thing going on. Good on you.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks 👍

[@davidturnbull265]

Good Luck my friend. All the best.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, Kev

[@joline2730]

Hi 👋 A very interesting story. It's a shame that people don't want to rent to dogs, but I kind of understand a bit why, and actually a lot of people don't care for their pets very well. Some dogs chew on stuff, some properties smell of dog, cos people don't clean the place properly etc. This gives all pet lovers a hard time when looking for rentals. Shame 😢 but as you so rightly say, one door closes another opens - experienced that myself. Glad you found your business unit so you could carry on your job. And Rupert looks very nice and calm 🐕 I have a small van - Combo - but I've had 3 other campers a Daihatsu and two Transits, but now very pleased to have down-sized to the Combo. Looking forward to seeing some of your renovations to make it your own.

[@beaulieuc8910]

also barking and aggressive dogs dogs can be a pain

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, Kev

[@kimwinterton8852]

Kev you’re amazing! Glad you decided to hang onto your dog. New subscriber here. It’s the least I could do ❤

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks and welcome

[@RonnieTodd-y2s]

Just found your channel and chuffed to bits that you didn't re-home Rupert! I've converted a VW Crafter van into a camper and if it came to it I'd happily live there with my little dog too. I use the van to travel around Germany where I live since I retired, but even in retirement you can't completely escape the rat race, I bought a cheap house, but even that generates bills and other costs! Anyway, it's great that you found a solution to your problem and more importantly you and Rupert can enjoy life together away from the rat race. Good luck 🐕👍

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you

[@deandermody7154]

well done , loved this vid :)

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks

[@puffyjet]

Love the video love you love the dog we had the same choice to make years ago my wife and I and we re told by every one get rid of our dog and we said no our dog jet a lovely mongrel is part of our family not just something that can be discarded. so good on you we would have done the same good on you and now we will follow you on your journey . Kevbo and my wife Babyjack

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you, Rupert is my best mate, I'd never desert him, Kev

[@Victoria-gq8gt]

You might as well kill me rather than get me to give up my pets. I was made homeless overnight at one point and i travelled in my car with a huge budgie cage, my disabled daughter and little dog, with belongings stuffed in every nook and cranny so I couldnt even see out the back. Plus was suffering with intense non stopping autoimmune pain and vertigo. It was hell. Driving around desperate and in physical spiritual and emotional torment. Yeah, 'nobody loves you when youre down and out' sung Nina Simone. And Nobody understands whos not an animal lover the choice you make to suffer and also die for them. I truly care only for my daughter and animal companions. Everyone else will let you down even when youve helped them all out throughout life with everything they needed. I forced myself to keep breathing when my body was torturing me, because the anguish of leaving my innocents alone and defenceless was too powerful and I clung to the last fragments of life in me.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Victoria, what a strong woman you are, such an inspiration, thank you for sharing, Kev

[@jtwanderer6328]

Just found your channel. Greetings from the US - Pacific NW ;-) Thank you for your story. I lived van life and had to go static for a while, but really want to find my way back. Hearing your story... and your 5 top reasons video makes me smile. Love the views of Rupert too. Looking forward to your adventures. Happy Travels ;-)

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Welcome aboard!

[@doctork1708]

Why did you go static?

[@Dj--Jaydee]

Great story Kev glad you and Rupert are doing well in the Van, I am tempted to convert a van if i can afford it and dig out my skills 😅

[@Niftyknits]

Well done Kev

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thank you

[@karenwilkinson5622]

Have you watched ‘by the curb’ ..

[@Re-CreatingKev]

He's brilliant, Kev

[@joline2730]

​@@Re-CreatingKev Yep, I've been following him since he started, too 👍👍💯💯

[@tnetroP]

I've never lived in a van so you have far greater knowledge than me. But until you have time to fully convert it you can use cheap butane camping stoves for cooking (be careful of ventilation and carbon monoxide). You can also use portable power stations for electricity such as those by Jackery, Bluetti, Anker and others. These can often charge from mains but also a vehicle cigarette lighter and more importantly solar panels. Until you sort out fixed panels you can consider folding ones for when youvare stationary.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Welcome, thanks for your comments. I use a single butane gas stove and I have 1 light in the van but will be adding more stuff soon, at the moment its a question of money but I'll get there, Kev

[@johnshaw4140]

@@Re-CreatingKev I and nearly every other trucker I know use those single burner gas cookers , and some solar panels and a power station running off solar and a dc to dc charge cable of your engine alternator are brilliant , maybe install a chinese diesel heater too , most trucks have those installed too , brilliant for the winter as they give off dry heat . Watch a channel called Big Van Small World , that guy has bought a diesel cooktop if you're concerned about gas in the van , the diesel heater and diesel cooktop can both be plumbed into your vans diesel tank

[@englishwithpaul2409]

Kev, where do you have your mail delivered? Do you have a PO box or is it directed to your unit?

[@Re-CreatingKev]

A relative, kev

[@daveunsworth9931]

Goodluck brilliant .

[@julieedwards5070]

Just stumbled across your video and shall be following your story. Good luck to you and Rupert. My plan in the next year or two is to buy a second hand motorhome so that I can travel with my dogs, so I shall be interested to see how your personal journey unfolds. Blessings to you both.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Welcome aboard! Kev

[@beaulieuc8910]

I t is a rented market and having a dog will obviously limited choice. as much as I like dogs, I do find them a burden. when dogs are hot in cars in the summer, that is also a problem and dogs must be restrained by law in the vehicle. it is no wonder rescue centres are bulging they are very expensive with vets bills now and food is expensive. I look after my wildbird garden birds much less hassle. there is too much pressure to have dogs

[@davidsqvbcn]

Hi Kev, glad to join your community and channel. I’ve already watched some of your videos and they are definitely interesting to me. I also have a van, still to be converted and I’m sure your van experiences will help other people make that step you took. I really enjoyed that video you talked about the 5 top reasons why you live full time in a van, I totally subscribe them all 👍🏻🚐. Cheers from Barcelona 👋🏻

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Thanks and welcome, Kev

[@dancarden72]

mate. i just watched your latest vid and then watched this. There are too many people who don't realise how close they are to the same situation you are in. my wife and i know a lot about economics and how the banks operate. Plus how cash poor the banks are so we got our van ready to go about 2 years ago. We rent too in a beautiful place with a great landlady. we have owned property in the past but we decided not to buy because we know there is a housing crisis and the property prices are at an all time high so its madness to buy at the moment. so we rented instead. We put what would have been a deposit for a mortgage (sell your soul to the bank) into a van. we call it our escape vehicle. I have always despised estate agents. useless individuals. I cant imagine how angry you must have been when they suggested you should give Rupert up. Its hard to believe a British person would dare suggest it but they have their bills to pay and dog food to buy too. They sell their souls to their wage. The reason converted vans are so expensive now is because people are clicking on and thinking about an escape vehicle. Good luck to you fella. looks like you are on top of it. Give Rupert a kiss for us.

[@pk-bristol]

I can't understand lanlords that won't accept dogs/pets but they do allow kids/students, i've never known a dog to invite all it's mates round and have a party and wreck the place when you've gone out, never known a dog associate with wrong people and bring drama to the door.

[@beaulieuc8910]

some landlords don't want kids or students. dogs can be stinky, chew things, bark a lot, be aggressive . My mother had a tenant and they had 2 dogs, they went on holiday expecting someone to look after them, the person forgot. we had to get the rscpa to come around. Landlords don't want hassles of dogs.

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Spot on

[@Re-CreatingKev]

I've been clearing properties for decades, I ve seen a lot more properties ruined by people than animals

[@davewordsworth1251]

What is your business mate? eBay? What kind of stuff do you sell?

[@Re-CreatingKev]

Hi Dave, yes mainly eBay, I sell old stuff, collectables, house clearance stuff really, Kev