Converted van as full-time home for nomadic Canadian couple
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- Watch our feature-length documentary: Summer of (family) love: tiny home VW-roadtrip • Summer of (family) lov...
Mat and Danielle spent their first date bonding over Lloyd Kahn’s book “Home Work” and discussing their ideas for simplifying their lives. They became a couple, but “somewhere along the way, we ended up doing the exact opposite of what we wanted,” explains Danielle on their blog.
“Instead of simplifying, we bought a house and spent months hauling furniture, paint and knick knacks into it to surround ourselves with stuff that we liked. Our bills went up so we got better jobs, started working more, and eventually all we did was work during the day and watch Netflix every night because we were too exhausted to do anything else.”
“Mat was the first to suggest making a change because he found our lifestyle stressful, but I resisted at first. I was really caught up in the idea of owning my own place, maybe starting a family one day and planning for an amazing retirement. I was also excited that I had a new full time job with benefits and that we were financially stable. Eventually I realized that all I was doing was working and I didn’t even like my job anymore. We decided that we should do something crazy: sell our house, quit our jobs and travel the world.”
Today, Mat and Danielle are living full-time in a converted van. Their back seat folds down into a bed. Their kitchen is a cooler plus camping stove. Their bathroom includes a solar camping shower and a plastic bottle toilet (with funnel).
They’ve eliminated a mortgage, but their are still costs, what Mat calls “like renting a really cheap apartment in a city”. Instead of paying down a house, Mat and Danielle have decided to focus on working less and experiencing more, both by exploring the world and their artistic interests: for Mat, it’s music and art and for Danielle it’s writing.
Mat and Danielle on youtube: / explorealternatives
Their blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca/
Mat’s art: www.matdube.com/
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/... - Jak na to + styl
The thing I love the most about this video has nothing to do with their lifestyle... I love their relationship. They seem to be very close friends and great team mates...
+leon scott yeah, imagine doing this alone and all the thoughts and doubts and paranoia one would have. Having that partner definitely help resolve a lot of those issues.
+cnl1213 wel, for a man, protecting would be a worry, you would have concern about that. It would be more comforting for a woman to have a man. So paranoia re security, would go up for the man, down for the woman. But in "am I doing the right thing?" having a partner there would help with those doubts, regardless of being a man or a woman, in my view. Bring a gun I guess, for when you are way away from anyone who could help, be self reliant in your security too. Jerimia Johnson style : )
+leon scott That's what I noticed aswell. Beautifull how to see that "love will conquer all".
+Truth Told Do you know anything about the real life in a camper van? Don't get me wrong, I'm seriously interested. Why should anybody who lives in a van be a bum?
+Truth Told Frankly, I don't think there is only one definition of living in a camper van, just like there isn't one of living in a house.
I really liked what they said at the end, at 29:55. "I think that human beings are pretty complex creatures. There's a part of us that wants security and routine and then there's a part of us that wants adventure and new things. And I think we're conflicted by those wants. We can easily get caught in one or the other. And sometimes because of fear of change we'll stay in one or the other. But sometimes we want opposing things at the same time..."
that is a very good observation and statement you have made there, look up existentialism, you may like this philosophical explanation of freedom and responsibility which resembles what you have said.
e pen We are not complex as people would like to believe. All of us want to believe that we are special, and that we cannot be replaced when in reality all of us are expendable and replaceable.
I loved your video. I am 69 yrs old and I really regret that I didn't follow the same path as you two did. You are definitely living your life like it should be. Live life while you are young. It is so short. Look forward to seeing more of your adventures. God bless you both.
Why can't you do it now? You grow old once you stop following your dreams, not when you follow them.
iblockpuncheswithmyface because most people have real world obligations like debt, a family and a real job that doesn’t allow them to spend life that way.
@@Hanuman_ I truly agree on everything you just said. Although, there are also lots of people in this real world with families and full-time time job doing this type of lifestyle. We are in this time and age where there are many options on how we live our life and what and where to do our job. All i'm saying is that we all have many options out there in doing what works best on the life we want to live it. Cheers!
I traveled as you do and ended up here in Alaska living off grid. My computer runs on pannels as well. I grow my own vegitables. That was may 1976.
+Anthony Wurthmann humble brag
I pray i remain humble and never brag. Simple is always better. Be truly blessed.
What do you do for internet?
brew your own beer too ?
You were way ahead of the curve.
I can't express how much I HATE that it's illegal to sleep in your car! Bitch, it's MY car! I should be able to whatever the fuck I want in MY car as long as I'm not hurting anyone else.
+Erika Drummond Really? You want campers and squatters in front of your house?
I don't really care as long as they are just sleeping and not bothering anyone.
+coolspot18 No, I want to drag people out of their cars and throw them in a cage, fine them for everything in their bank account and take everything they have so that I don't have to stand the sight of them and they live the way I WANT THEM TO LIVE....
+Theresia Sommer I'm not sure. I assume everywhere because people are always saying it is and talking about "stealth camping" I know Wal-Mart allows people to camp in their parking lots though.
wingxxzero akuna ya matadas trump ; )
Please don't let the negativity in these comments get you guys down. Many are to o blind to see what you have discovered but you are very inspirational to people like me. This is my dream to be a nomad, to tread lightly upon the earth and to have more stories than stuff at the end of my journey. May the miles bless you and the world welcome you at every turn of your adventure. Love from me to you!
Stuff comes and goes! The art of letting "stuff" go. Beautiful....
Kirsten your work is so so important,thanks so much for bring us these awesome films that help us look at living from a different perspective
Nice video about a fascinating lifestyle... but then I look up from my computer screen where I sit on the porch, under a gentle rain and singing birds, and I see the most incredible family farm with gardens, orchard, farmhouse, wheat fields, woods, cattle, my new pumpkin patch... and I am so grateful my family has been static over the generations, putting our time and effort into this one piece of land. It is truly, to thine own self be true.
These two are so blessed to have 'gotten it' at such a young age. I wish them all happiness as they travel their journey....
Wow , you guys did what we are in the process of doing . We came to the same realization as you did but with a twist about 18 months back. I sold my high maintenance business and started selling off most of my possessions and 6 family apartment building in NYC . Great city but , highly stressful . I am about half way done. But where the twist comes in is , I took most of the monies and bought a low maintenance business . Rental properties as a new business , where instead of living in a home I have others live in my homes. This way we have a great income , and liberates us from the 9 to 5 jobs. Bought a similar van as yours , and do as you do 6 months a year for now. I do have family in New York and Florida . So I keep a room and parking in each state when we need a rest from the traveling . Soo much better. Great documentary guys . Good Luck.
amazing! I would love to be like you one day and do this my self as this is truly inspirational to me -thank you :)
Great question :). Rental laws , like gun laws vary from state. Some states are friendlier than others when it comes to property rental= less problems= less cost= more free time= happier me
+Big City Ready 2017 who cares about gun laws and rental laws when you are solving the problem?
+Big City Ready 2017 GOOD LUCK TO YOU.IM FROM NYC, GO FOR IT!
Thanks Tony
Thats Cool I Just Purchased a 1992 ford F-150 High Top Disabled Van I am a Below The Knee Amputee Its Great To Be Able to Go Places i Have a New 4 weal Electric Scooter And Its Nice To Be able to Do More God Bless You Both Happy Trails To You
This is what I thought would be happening all over the place when I first heard about the internet. It has surprised me that things have barely changed, but I guess I am naïve in that respect. Mat and Danielle are a great example of how consumerism stifles creativity and once you break those bonds you can't help but create. I don't think we can be happy or healthy without creating things, it is what we evolved to do best and has become such an intrinsic part of what makes us Human.
CowLunch well said!
CowLunch "consumerism stifles creativity" yes yes yes yes yes...i cant 'yes' enough!
Exploring Alternatives was that a reggae song when you played the harmonica?
Get a van and live in it down by the river then lol hippies are not helping society in any way 😂😂😂
No they only promote peace love and happness. Better off judging criticiseing and being violent like the rest of society
This is truly inspiring. I loved that bit about the fire fighters. So very true! It's not what stuff you have that give value to your life but how much life you have lived.
Fringe Wizard There is no life after this one dude.. So you better start caring.
Jonathan Rydström So true, Jonathan. This is the only life we have, yet so many people waste their life in belief.
Jonathan Rydström Wrong. There's plenty of evidence their IS life after death.
***** Wrong. If there's nothing but the NOW, why would I give a damn about anyone else, I'd just be living for my self. The world would be anarchy, because you'd only have one shot. Reincarnation can't possibly work mathematically.
I love this couple, they have the good life going on. I wish I wasn't too chicken to do this life style but I'm slowly inching towards it. Thanks for sharing!
This video is not just about the particular van they chose to live in but more about the way they changed their lifestyle for the better. I found this very refreshing and an eye opener!
$1500 a month sounds like a lot for not having access to a bathroom or even a composting toilet or knowing where you were going to be able to park to sleep at night. I would think they would be much more comfortable owning some land and have a camp somewhere that was theirs where they wouldn't be bothered. So at least when they don't want to be traveling they could have a refuge. Having a garden and some fruit trees would save on food costs and give them a better quality of food too. They are now completely dependent on grocery stores.
What happens on rainy days and where do they take showers? (It doesn't look like the sun shower has ever been used. He showed where they "store" it and said "apparently" the water gets hot after it is warmed in the sun.)
Emily BH thanks for watching! Living in a cabin on a piece of land surrounded by gardens and fruit trees is definitely on our list of lifestyles to explore and might be our next project if/when we get tired of traveling in the van.
When we made this video with Kirsten, we hadn't tried our solar shower yet - we weren't living in the van full time until 6 weeks ago. We just used it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it works pretty good although we wish it was made better so that we could transport it full (it leaks a bit). Hope that helps :)
Emily BH That's the price you pay for more freedom and mobility-you give up some conveniences, but until you try it don't knock it. Having dabbled a bit in this kind of living, finding ways to take care of your basic needs on a regular basis gets you in touch with your creative self and everyday life takes on a sense of adventure. You develop a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and hone real-life skills that make you prepared and mature to handle just about anything constructively.. There isn't time to think about all the ways life isn't fair to you, because you're always doing something about it in big and small ways.. I'm looking for a van because I want to more fully engage in this lifestyle. I've had all the "comforts", but they can be so stifling and soul-killing.
Emily BH Just wanted to add that it isn't so simple to live on a plot of land-all the parcels I've looked at have zoning that require you to build a "permanent structure" that has a "foundation" and a whole lot of other regulations, and a lot of places force you to use their water and sewer systems, so getting land can put you right back where you started.
We have a huge nation. If you don't need to be near a city, at least "Praxxus55712" on CZcams with a popular gardening channel, bought a fixer-upper 2 bedroom house on 3 acres of land in Southern Iowa with fruit trees on the property for only $26k! He said in the small towns, if you don't mind having neighbors, you can get a house on a smaller lot for much less than that!
He did a detailed video on how to find deals like that. He also was a former Real Estate Investor and talks about how to negotiate the best price. You might want to check out his channel and that video.
SURREY CROSSING Multiply all applicable expenses by two. Is it still significantly less than their number of 1200-1500 for two people?
they're so cute and they seem so happy , I'm happy for them
Just saw your video today, I'll be 73 tomorrow. Back in '80/'81 I spent over a year living mostly out of an old, 65 GMC window van, primitive compared to all y'all's Ford. I was a construction surveyor in Chicago and got laid off in May of '79 and hitch hiked to Minnesota to buy the old van from the brother-in-law of my then girlfriend. I spent about 6 months rigging it, stopping holes in the floor and rebuilding body and mechanics and took off for Colorado on Christmas Day. I stopped in Kansas to redo my brakes, as that was last on the list and my step dad was an excellent mechanic.
I spent my first night, New Year's Eve, in a KMart parking lot in the Canyon City area, and drove over the mountains into Gunnison and then around the mountains thru Redstone and into Carbondale my second night. On the morning of Jan 3rd, I went to the Driver's License station in Glenwood Springs,(Doc Holiday died there)a county seat, studied the information in the library that morning and got my Colorado license that afternoon. I opened a P.O. Box in Carbondale to transfer my Illinois unemployment to and as a "residence" so I could get Colorado plates for my van, which I did the next day, and went back up the road toward Redstone a few miles and followed a creek up-slope on a small dirt road.
Wound up in Pitkin county (Aspen the county seat) and found an excellent camping spot where I could cover my tracks, allow the van to get snowed-in and have everything close to hand and be able to go about 200 feet downhill in an emergency to get back on the road and back into Carbondale. I'd run into town every 2 weeks or so and check my mail, cash my unemployment check (in the middle of Jimmy Carter's recession and Illinois had so many unemployed that they didn't want people reporting every week or so, just get your check and spend it was the rule)and having sent my resume' to surveyors in the area, waited for a nibble. I had a good down sleeping bag, had some heavy duty cross-country skis with cable bindings and aluminum edges, so I enjoyed the solitude, did a little huntin' and when in town bought a few staples and disappeared back into the mountains.
I'm busted up now, mostly bed-bound, and wish I could do it all over again. You guys are absolutely right about stuff becomes a trap. After 27 years in our condo, I'm ready to sell and get an old Paratransit type van,with a ramp and dual rear wheels - lots of room and diesel if I can find it, cause can run it on french fry oil from restaurants, if necessary in a warm climate like across I-10. Freedom of travel will be the first to go in the takedown of America. I'd like to travel until I die, if at all possible.
My wife won't sell, but I have a plan. She says the day I list, she'll be at home in the Philippines the next day, for good. I won't divorce her but I am refinancing to shake loose some equity cash to buy some help to sell this place after I list. If she want's to go, I'll call her bluff and find some young person, maybe a grandchild, that wants adventure, to help me. A lot of today's kids have a lot on the ball, and can see what's coming. I can't blame them for wanting to avoid entanglement in the system. They'll be in better shape than the generations in between mine and theirs.
So, I hope you guys keep on keepin' on and may the road rise to meet ya and you always have fair weather!
Maui Doug OUT
Watching this one for the second time. Great couple, w/complimentary thought process.
"The more u give up, the more u get."
That is the theory of retroprosty!!!!!
say that again to me bank manager
Cool couple. Great harmonica playing!!! Fun digeradoo, too.
A young couple who realised that life experience is so much better than being a debt slave. Well done you two, I wish you both a fabulous journey may it be full of amazing things. x
I've watched many many hours of your type of videos and, I must say, you two are awesome. I'm 55, a high school teacher, and during the summer I do a lot of backpacking all over the U.S. One thing you don't talk about is that you have each other and that you both have the same attitude about your living lifestyle. My wife isn't into the style your living even though I know it would work very well for me. We're putting our second child through college now but when we retire in about 4 years we're going to give the camper van/motor home lifestyle a shot. We're both very into fitness and excellent nutrition so our health is at the top of we're it can be. Best of luck to both of you. I hope life continues to be good to you and you continue to live your dream.
Wow that is pretty minimalist. I can see your point and I am planning to do the same thing. But for me I would at least have a 12v cooler/fridge and a stove with more than one burner, besides I hate those stoves that screw on the top of the gas bottle. I already have loads of camping gear so technically I could get a van and live pretty minimalist. I am looking for that online job that I can do from anywhere.
Good job on the video, I think it was put together very well.
Personally, I'd put a bathroom at the top of the list. I can live without a cooler and fridge if I carefully plan to not have perishables or plan to eat those perishables real soon.
Barry R. Brown
Everald Roldan qq
***** Nice find. Do you own and use one? Just wondering if it's any good.
I wouldn't mind doing something like that. The hard part would be finding a woman who would be willing to share the same lifestyle with me. What a brave couple. I would love to meet them someday and share ideas. Thanks for the video.
Mark Julius thank you!
Hi Matt and Danielle. After watching all your videos, I am now your biggest fan. ☺ I'm at the beginning stages of doing the exact same thing you two are doing. I'm getting rid of 99% of everything I have and I'm researching every camper van on the planet. It's a scary feeling, but exciting at the same time. I researched the idea of buying a 38 foot sailboat and going around the world, but I decided to stay on land for now. The benefits of being on land far outweigh being on the ocean. Danielle, you mentioned in one of your videos about the possibility of maybe living on a boat. I have many new books on sailing that I know you will like. If you would like them, I'll send them to you. You shouldn't have to buy them when I have them for free. They will be yours to keep. Let me know. Thank you Matt and Danielle for being an inspiration to those wanting to make a big change in their life. We appreciate you, believe me.
Mark
Mark Julius thank you for such a generous offer (for the sailing books)! We're not quite ready to take on the sailing life (although we talk about it constantly), and we're also downsizing the stuff we still have left so I am trying not to accept anything new until we've let go of what we already have.
I hope your downsizing is going well and that you're having fun! Mat & Danielle
Omg I'm in love with Matt's art
So cool that you guys were able to see what matters and get rid of all that stuff you didn't need. Awesome
My wife Dorothy and I live on our sailboat in the Azores. We are just as comfortable in Toronto,New York or up a jungle river in Guatemala. Minimalism is freedom.
I love that
"doesn't make sense working for 35 yrs" to buy a house!? bingo!!! (-:
This makes a lot of sense. great! idea. There's a life out there to see and live ))
As an 80 yr old hipster I can say bravo! That was the idea. Life is an incredible gift but very brief. Memento Mori. Enjoy.
Breaking free from the slavery of modern life. Love it.
Hey guys.
I like what you do and I am support you,I am living in Macedonia and I will defently recomend to come here,you can live in house or apartment for 150$ per month and just for example the bread is 40 cents,milk 1$,ethernet for hole month is 11$.
Best regards Marjancho from Republic of Macedonia.
American Hacker Hi American Hacker! I wonder how many other channels you and I both watch. Also, you guys should check out his channel; lots of good DIY and hacks that are pretty unique. Later man.
How many English speaking people are where you live? I only speak English would I be able to communicate with some people without learning the native language right away?
yeah almost in any store they are speaking english language
American Hacker I've never imagine that in this comments will find someone from my country :) When I make some money I will make my own motor home, and travel everywhere I can.
I always enjoy your videos Kirsten. Thank you!
I was doing what I LOVED, teaching @ a university. Then I was reorganized out of my job a year before retirement age (I had never planned to retire). During the next couple years of pick up teaching jobs I acquired a conversion van which I converted into an RVan so I could travel with my 3 dogs to visit friends and family. After part of one winter in Florida (home is Wisconsin) I really retired. Since my DH is also a teacher we headed out in the RVan in summer for a month, first he had a tent and then a teardrop which is his "room". When he retires next year we are shipping RVan to Europe to travel for 3 months.
Over the past 6 years I have learned how little I need and each year I jettison more "stuff" out of the RVan. This has crossed over into the house so when I am home so I am getting rid of more "things" as well. The RVan was a great bridge for me, one that I have encouraged other women to do and travel solo as I have. It teaches self sufficiency and instills courage.
Such incredible editing. Beautiful work.
It's interesting to hear how they talk about retirement, but I guess that most of us thought that way when we were younger. I'm in the middle age range and the more I talk to some of the old timers who are right near what should be retirement age and listening to the lament, sorrow and even fear in their voices because they didn't really have a coherent plan for when they got older it makes me realize that even if you think it's a million years away, at least start thinking about paths you can take. No matter how frugally you live or how minimal your possessions, for most of us illness will come with age and that can be devastating in the best of circumstances.
Either way, good luck .. hope it continues to work out for you guys.
Well said.
maya'smomhere: So... maybe everything throughout one's life is, like, "age specific" as they say...maybe that's why 20 year olds no longer attract a more secure and mature person of 40? I am pushing 70 and am happily doing "aged specific" things I never entertained doing when I was much younger...I am sure we could come up with a good scientific name (maybe it is already named?) for this thoroughly human trait, habit, instinct even...habits -or- are they mimics of what we see and aspire to become...? anonymousmom@live.com
well said
Health insurance is free in Canada, or so I've heard and just add they put away money for car repairs they can for savings as they get older. it's just not a lifestyle for everybody.
***** Not free, but is available to everyone and is priced within reach of most Canadians.
Losing everything can be the best thing that ever happened to you! Once the slate is wiped clean, you see what you are really made of and clarification of what matters. It’s a gift
I admire and salute these two people for their sense of adventure and recognizing materialistic living can actually be a ball and chain for some. There is so much to see out in the world. Good on you two!
Great job Kirsten! I've been following Mat and Danielle for a while now but good to know a little more on their history and what brought them to this way of living. Their van looks so inviting, it's amazing how much they have downsized.
Tina
that was a great mini doc
Tina, do u have their utube channel. I'd love to know what they up too
Right on
OMG.......that looks like quiet living, a change of scenery everywhere you go and stay, no chaos nor loud busy cities, I gotta get me one of these😀
Dear Mat and Danielle,
Thank you for touching my life today. Changing my life?! There's a lot to settle as I have 4 kids.
I feel nomadic blood flowing through my veins. I will keep you guys posted.
Love from singapore,
Elizabeth lau
PS. Keep vanning, keep posting, keep living!!!
Awesome guys ! Having a very simplistic lifestyle is an ever growing trend , especially with the young generation , be safe out there .
Thank you so much n2o4me!
Everything aside, his art work is pretty good..
So nice!!! Love the door table idea!
THANKS for sharing you guys, I wish you the best!
This is great because I'm already subscribed to their channel! :)
Laura van Langen Laura, when r moving into a van and starting a family?
I love your story. my dream. we've started... but a bit different scenario
Fellow Canadian here. Thumbs up to your lifestyle. Canada is not only a beautiful country but your method of living is an eye opener for me. Thank you.
love the way you both speak over the video, its so calming and involved. i hope to do something similar soon
this is something i have thought of for my husband and I but after retirement.....
Seems to me that since you already owned the house - renting it out- would have enabled you to gain passive income and help pay it off whilst enabling you to keep an appreciating asset?
Great point. I'm still inspired by their motivation & spirit though. It's tough for someone to leave their comfort zone and try this way of living day to day. For me i, would try to buy some land after having traveled and looked for the ideal place to retire. But, i think as they travel more and more they are going to realize that having BALANCE is the absolute key to living & creating
a life style that they both can enjoy &
never have any kind of regrets in doing
so. And i think they will find it soon &
wish them the very BEST!
+Jessica Reid (ShineNSta) good point, but may be they don't like the idea of being bound by home ownership at all. I actually appreciate them showing the arch of epiphany after a car accident, building out a home, and then do a complete 180 and sell the home and give away everything they've got. They seem like they are very employable had they choose to hold a teaching job, or work somewhere to provide stable income, but they choose this "no strings attached" lifestyle.
+Jessica Reid (ShineNSta)
True but upkeep and maintenance and PROPERTY TAX can really be a damper. If you have good tenants great, if not, Hell on earth.
+Jessica Reid (ShineNSta) Renting is a pain in the ass, specially if you do it at a distance.
Renting it out has its risks. Some people destroy the place and leave without leaving a trace behind. Cops aren't really helpful nowadays. I'm guessing you would also like to meet the people who are moving into your house. That means you would have to travel back every now and then.
i have seen thousands of videos in past couple years and i think this is the best one ive seen. thank you for sharing your story!
Best van life video we've seen!
You guys are real - thankyou
I wish this wonderful couple the very best of life's experiences! You have lit a fire under me and I so want to do this same thing and it certainly does not mean I don't care about anyone. I have never heard of anything so stupid! The world is full of haters, I hope you dust them off and continue to live your wonderful life while they only read about it. Lol!
luv it, i think its just beautiful congrts
Love your video. You are so wise for being so young. This will be something you NEVER regret doing. You're an inspiration.
I found your stories and insights inspiring...thanks
I think that 1,200-1,500 could be easily cut down, other nomadic people who have a motor-home spend 400-700 a month.
Absolutely. I have lived pretty well on much less...they seem to be pretty new to attempting to live outside of the system. I think they'll get it though.
I was really surprised the dollar amount.
Eric Jones
They did say that they spend $100/month on car insurance, $100/month on travel insurance, and put aside $200/month for car repairs...so that's $400 right there, paying for peace of mind for the inevitable moments when things go wrong. Maybe a few hundred more for health insurance, if they have it (which they should). $400 for food. And they're travelling all the time, so they could easily be spending $400+/month on gas...I think $1200-$1500/month is pretty reasonable.
cconnell Indeed, breaking it down seems more plausible. We forget that regardless of attempting to live frugally that life is still expensive regardless of how you try to live it.
Id love to be able to do this.. this is so neat how people, no matter what theyre professions are can adapt to this lifestyle. I'm dying to find videos on a Chemist who does this.. Van/home/laboratory
How about Breaking Bad?
You guys are amazing! Thanks for the inspiration to think outside of the box.
Thanks for sharing your interesting life with us! I love your description about the thought process and what led to the decision.
Do not listen to anyone, do what you like. Life is short so you wont be regretted when you are older.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SIGN ON THE DOORS THAT SAYS "IF YOU SEE THIS VAN ROCKING , DON'T COME KNOCKING.
+Stephen Williams classy
Stephen Williams haha
Ahahaha, quality comment
Thanks for sharing this. What strikes me the most is how AWESOME this couple works together. I think the 2 of them with their collaboration could make any scenario work.
Your fire fighting story regarding essentials vs. "stuff" was inspiring. Thanks!
I love the haters logic; don't do anything different, work like dogs, buy and collect stuff and in your spare moments post condescending shit about people living differently....good luck to you two.
I watched it for 5 minutes now I have to leave for work to pay for my house. I'll come back and finish video after work.
My boyfriend and I are full-time students, part-time workers. We stay with his parents or my mother a lot, b/c student debt and rent in California can be harsh. We've talked about living tiny, converting a large van, anything. My boyfriend and I don't have a lot of stuff and have been living in small spaces for over a year. This video was more realistic /practical than the others we have seen about bus conversion. This video inspired us a lot, thank-you for sharing.
you guy are lucky to be so wise at such a young age. much love!!!
you are welcome to stay in my driveway anytime.
ur a clown for that. their not pets their human being why not offer them a nite or 2 and food. but ur driveways wow ur very hospitable...not
horn Africa calm down! I believe they have their home and bed with them, I would definitely offer the alternate.
Dan Salls You're a nice man
mine too if you're in sw oklahoma.
Nate1829 I'm 45
I love this video. we have way to much junk
Kudos to both of you for thinking outside of the box to alleviate the stress of your life!!!
You did a beautiful job on your camper. Beautiful. Good luck to you both.
Heck yeah! Me and my 2 dogs are out of the grind.
I have a big van, fitted with solar panels and can earn from $50.00 - $300.00 dollars a night playing guitar even on the streets of most cities.
Me, Baby and Toki will be free. No more suits. No more ties. No more compromising myself or my integrity to make some Trump a fortune while I can't afford to live that way.
i wonder what would happen if Americans realized that we do not need 90% of what we strive for as 'The American Dream'.
Less then 1% ever achieve this 'dream'. Be free from the system if you can.
+TheMighty Chabunga Great post. My husband would never go for this but you are right we have a house full of things we don't need. The best things in life or free or at best cheap. How many outfits can you wear at one time? How many plates, cup or glasses can you use at once?
I'm from So Cal, I cannot imagine doing this IN CANADA! Their van has lots of windows, which is very cold! They did not insulate their van, and showed no generator to provide heat ! They showed lights in the ceiling and an a/c cord while using a laptop. However, are they running the engine all night and also when it's cold during the daytime rain, snow for the HEATER? That would increase their gasoline bill enormously. They are not discussing how they stay warm. That IS A BIG DEAL, especially in Canada.
+Kitcat Meeow
you know its not always winter in Canada right?
+carl capeless , yes I know , I have been to Seattle and to Minneapolis, that's is the closest I have been to Canada. But these van dwellers LIVE IN THEIR VAN, year round? Or, did I miss something? Also, just because the sun is shining, doesn't mean it's warm weather. What Canadians call, "nice warm weather," is DARN cold for me.
They did not say HOW they HEAT their van. Turning on the engine ALL NIGHT for the car (van) heater is too expensive.
Martine - Even if they are snowbirds, Kitcat is right. I have a conversion van similar to theirs and would freeze or boil if those big, single pane windows weren't insulated and covered with therma block blackout curtains in winter and summer.
What a great movie, thanks for making it free. You c totally have it as a documentary on the Playstore or iTunes (to garner awareness). Loved the dialogue/running commentary, and showing some of the parking should-we-shouldn't-we's. Sound is crisp and clear....really loved that.
I so admire you both. The love and trust you both share for each other to do this is inspirational. I wish I had that. Congrats you two. Keep it up good job. Your amazing.
I love it! If you want to stay in my driveway, I'll cook you supper, let you shower in my home, and give you my wifi information.
almost dies in car accident......travels non-stop in cars
+Cammmmer I was thinking the same thing. "anything can happen, so let's increase the odds"
+Tasty Glue exactly
atleast they are enjoying it and not going to a job they hate everyday. I'd rather die doing what I love.
+Geminellie06 materbating
even if you are paralized
I fully loved your video. thanks for giving us a closer look on the reality of nomad life. I am going to do this.
best video ever so simple and confortable plenty of space love it
I'm jealous of the men who find women to live alternative lifestyles like this. u can find them on videos on here but I don't know of any in real life. most of my gfs have been school and career focused.
+Vegantastic Try Vegan dating sites.
+Vegantastic Go to a Phish show.
So you found other adults, adults are a bummer man...
To be perfectly honest, $1200-$1500 sounds utterly weird to me.
It's about what we spend and we rent a flat in London.
Maybe I'm wrong, I do understand the car takes taking care of but it sounds to me that you're doing something wrong... I don't see why you'd spend more than $500-$700 including food and everything.
If it gets to $1500, despite the freedom, it just doesn't make economic sense... not to me at least.
I've been watching videos on Tiny Homes and Camper-vans for probably the last 7 years and have probably watched over a thousand videos... I'm very interested but for me the main thing is the financial freedom, even more so than geographical freedom.
Just sharing my thoughts.
That is what I was thinking. It seems high to me.
People who worked in Corporate America develop extreme spending habits...
So, lets put in-
200 for gas
100-200 insurance
license/fees maybe 0-50
car repair 200
healthy/fresh food 300-400
re-supply- art/toiletries. etc - 0-50
internet- 50-100
=So that's about 800- 1000 or so
Now add activities- rent gear/biking/climbing/boats/concerts/entertainment. easily 200-400
That totals about 1000-1400 a month which is around what they said as total.
If you exclude rent and council tax out of my life my expenses are £150-£200 a month.
As per licence fees, that’s sheer alien talk to me. Must be something you have in Canada or the US.
I have a licence, that’s it, every five years you have to renew it which costs a fifty. But that’s once every five years, not every month.
As per car repair, I don’t feel that’s something to consider monthly for the same reason I don’t include fixing a broken window or replacing old shoes as a moving average cost and divide it by 12 but I can’t argue with their numbers, it’s their numbers. All I can say is that it’s certainly not mine.
If that math makes sense to you than so be it. All I’m saying is this… I live in the centre of London which is the most expensive city in the world and that’s a fact.
I too eat organic and I too watch films and if my costs are equal to someone living in a van I’d say there’s something a tad odd going on there.
BravingTheOutDoors
Organic food must be dirt cheap in London, because in the US an organic potato is more than $2. So I find it hard to believe you spend less than $150 a month on food.... Unless you are very thin....
Fantastic! Best of all to both of you!
Congratulations to one million plus views.Thank you for sharing with the You tubers.
Spring is coming,please keep the videos coming.All the best,you Two make a great team.
I found it funny they said they don't have cell phones for 3 years or what ever ... 5 mins earlier in the video he's sat there on an iPhone ...
If you listen closely to their narrative, Matt and Danielle have traded the stresses of a conventional lifestyle for the stresses of a nomadic or bohemian lifestyle. Listen to how much they speak of money and how it impacts their daily lives and their uncertain future. There is no escaping the burden that money creates in our lives; it burdens us when we become accumulative and materialistic, and it burdens us when we turn from it towards minimalism, because the future always demands a reckoning. Matt at one point says, in effect, "live for today", because the future carries no certain risks; yet they take care to purchase additional insurance, which is the ultimate affirmation of future risk. Matt and Danielle appear to be blithely running from one reality, while naively chasing after one that has proven illusive to all who have gone in search of it. Still, if they park in front of my home, I will invite them in for a meal, a shower, and some cold beverages while they do their laundry.
We are all programed to live life to support the people who are greedy who need us for their success. These two have broken a spell. Congrats to them !
Steve Fong Agreed!!! :-)
Great point Bill. Absolutely true.
The future is uncertain for all of us. Even Oprah. Not financially , but what if she has a stroke ? What if with all the attention she finds herself in the middle of a horrible controversy ? They aren't trading uncertainty. Uncertainty IS certain. They are choosing a life they like better which the sacrifices involved aren't as stressful for their taste as other sacrifices they were making.
this is the best van dwelling video I've watched. great film work, views, honesty and way of life. two beautiful people living their passion. it's obvious too that you're very much in love and go so well together. I live this way too, for 4 years now and still love it very much. connecting with nature becomes your nature. thank you for making this
Love what you guys are doing!
Personally, if it was me I would have rented out the house-even if it was for 30 years or more!! Problem is if/when they decide to settle down in the future, they may have trouble obtaining a mortgage with their job histories (I know she is working-but at what salary? Is it at all comparable to what she was making before??) I am not trying to be a party poop or rain on anyone's parade-I am just a realist. If they had rented out their home, someone else is building their equity so by the time they decide to call it quits for life on the road, they have a nice little nest egg built up in their property-or better yet, the house is paid off. They could stay in the house, or sell it an invest the proceeds into something else more desirable. Point is, you don't want to be 80 years old and worried about how you are going to pay the mortgage or rent that month. Or if they are still living in a van, how they are going to pay their monthly living expenses. THAT is a very stressful way to live!!
I think that this is very cool. But if you really want a home on the road, I recommend you buy a R.V
Olivia Vales Costs more in fuel, more to buy it, doesn't blend in when parked in a neighborhood. Seattle has lots of them and they get hassled daily.
Yes that's true, but I feel it is a really good investment. And if you get one of the really small ones, it is the same size as a van and uses the same amount of gas
Olivia Vales true
Olivia Vales RVs use approx two times more gas. FYI
I love how you explored the philosophical aspect of living this life. You guys are great ambassadors for this life. I live on a boat in Florida and like you have found more of everything the more I simplify and get rid of.
I admire your determination, you look so free and happy it's inspiring , happy travels and bonna fortunai (good fortune)
Ok I was interested until the 'no cell phones' thing came up.
Forget that. What if you break down? Or worse... That should be one of the most important things while traveling if anything. They don't take much to charge either. Even if it's a cheap $10 flip phone.
Anon Mason - Agreed. I'm betting that they do have a cheapie flip for emergencies and were talking about smartphones.
I'd have a smartphone regardless, just go with a network provider that is cheap but reliable enough - find a middle ground so to speak. But hey, that's just me, I'm not sure I'd want anything less than a decent /cheapish smartphone. Not having a phone at all would truly be madness, they must have cheap AF ones surely.
It IS a waste of time and energy. They are THINGS. You can't take them with you when you die.
Well...Their car is a THING, the stuff in the car are THINGS. They cannot live without THINGS. Sure, its good to do with less stuff. But eventually most people like to settle down.
You can't take anything with you when you die, including yourself. The fact that things are inanimate does not mean a person can't get a great deal of enjoyment out of them. Look at collectors; their hobbies revolve around accumulating things that hold a great deal of sentimental value, whether that value contains aesthetic beauty, historical significance, nostalgic value, scientific interest, or something of more personal/experiential nature. These things are not mere 'things', the same way your loved ones are not mere bags of flesh, nor even just fellow humans for that matter. Actually, I think the more a person is plagued by consumerist mentality, the less personal and sentimental value they are able to abscribe to things, because objects are inherently disposable and replacable to them.
Life is about experiences, emotions, memories, and accomplishments as they pertain to you. This is being human and as humans we are lucky to get to explore this about life versus say animals who main purpose is to survive and proliferate. Does "THINGS" help us do this, yes and no, they help because we associate an emotion with them, but what we associate with our legacy we leave behind are memories and hope that last and is really the only thing that can last when our time is up.
Things are super cool, people don't seem to understand that having few things makes them all the more special.
I don't get to take my house with me, but I get to leave a fully paid off home on a half acre of land to my nephew. How leaving a home to family is a waste of time and energy is a mystery to me.
Great video! Great description about your living in a van! Wishing you both the best!!!
Wow.... its the relationship between them that amazed me!!