Now ye're talking - to a man living in his van

blue5000 wrote: »

Thanks for doing this one.

How big is it, and what alternatives did you look at before opting for the van?

No problem at all. I'm curious as to what people will ask!

Its a long wheel base, and a high enough roof to stand up normally.

You can move around without bumping into stuff.

Rented for years in Ireland, rural and city.

Since the housing shortage, obviously prices have gone very high, left me in a position to only be able to share with random people , which I feel I'm too old for.

Not too old to live in a van tho

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy wrote: »

Do your colleagues/friends/family know you live this way?

Friends and family - yes, some think its great, some think I'm mad, some think both.

Professionally, no, I have a bit of a cover story.

It's just too awkward to explain without being judged for it. As it does not affect my work in any way, I feel it is my business.
Although saying that, I think my boss would actually understand no problem, I've dropped subtle hits now and then.

rapul wrote: »

How is it bringing members of the opposite sex back?

Actually a big issue, or maybe not? I don't know yet to be honest.

I was coming out a of a relationship when I was starting this thing, so have not been one the 'scene' for a while, fed up of it totally.

But I'm not a Monk

so yes, I wanna get a few dates now, but like I say, some people understand where Im coming from.

I think the kind of girl that I'd get on with would have no problem understanding my motivations for this, I do have a goal here and its not for ever.

As to practicalities, once I have a separate toilet with decent porta loo and running water, its not far off a a bedsit or a flat. Civilized innit?

Bringing a lady back to a bare metal box would be a bit crazy, Im sure thats what people think straight away

Squatter wrote: »

Have you paid the residential property tax?

el Fenomeno wrote: »

What do you do for toilet, shower and waste/refuse facilities?

What's your typical monthly outgoings?

Where do you leave the van parked during the day or at night? Do you move around often?

Toilet - Porta Potti, try not to use unless really need to. Stored away when not in use.

I'm building an actual toilet shower room , a wet room , room in the next few weeks, looking forward to having that, more civilized like.

Toilet / Shower - Work Thankfully. Although I am adding a shower to the van asap.

Waste- I have access to a wheelie bin which I chip in for, I visit that once a week pretty much.

Waste Grey Water - captured in a Metal Jerry Can, 20 liters I think I have a also have access to a drain to empty this into. I'd have to empty that every 6 days I think. Just kitchen water basically.

Does your insurance company know of the conversion?

Bit of a grey area, I have a few things I need to do to register the van as a camper. Once that is done - like in the next few weeks, Ill get camper insurance and tax and be legit. I actually have to buy a small car first to get camper insurance.

I am not comfortable doing this but my insurance is paid fully and I am trying to sort this out pronto.
At the start of me doing this and for a good while, it was basically a mattress in the back of a commercial van. Eternally it looks commercial still.
I dont want to cross lines or break rules, but felt my back was against a wall and I had to take some control when I started all this, Ive had some debt to clear,now thats done, I can sort all of this out, cause this stuff is actually expensive ironically.


Have you had issues with people noticing?

One nice lady asked me to not park in front of her view, she was very nice, I moved immediately, I did not actually notice her Window.

One chancer one night knocked on the door and tried the handles, I gave him a shout to ask what he wanted and he said 'Sorry , I thought you were locked in buddy' I think I surprised him, lol

Have you been moved on by the five O....

Actually zero trouble , ever, from the Police. I always have full compliance on the windshield , and change the lightbulbs when they blow etc.

I keep off their radar as much as possible, not that I am doing anything wrong.

Cushtie wrote: »

Do you feel safe at night parked up somewhere in the city?

Pretty much, I mean, its Ireland!

A little bit of cop on goes a long way, and once you get familiar with your little rat runs , it all becomes routine. Like, this is totally normal to me now and I dont think about it at all anymore.

At the start, I was pretty nervous and full of self doubt doing this. It took me a while to get used to the vibe of it and sleep easy.

No, I feel safe, but I always have my eyes open and the radar on, and do not get myself into hassle in any way.

Sonny noggs wrote: »

Do you go to the toilet in a bucket? Do you slop out in the morning?

I have covered this above, you can do this like an animal I suppose if you like , but with the price and availability of camper van stuff, no reason not to be as civilized as you can make it.

eviltwin wrote: »

Is it not really cold at night?

Totally honest- I've learned the hard way.

My First Winter - in town was early Feb, I'd done a ****ty job on insulation, did not do my research, had no heating, no ventilation and a rubber mattress.
It was bloody horrible, I can take the cold, its the damp that kills you. I did that for a few months.

I had spent every cent on getting the van, and had to move to start the new job, in the van.
Defiantly questioning wtf I was doing at that point, lol

My second Winter - this one just passed - I had sorted out the insulation ( Heavy industrial bubble foil) , cut three windows in the roof - No more damp, at all.
I only got a cheap Chinese desial heater in March this year, which is awesome, but I got away with it this Winter as it was not that cold.

Burning the two hobs, with a big Aluminium Reflector bouncing the heat at me was enough, basic , but with the good insulation it worked. Crack that Window tho or you die lol.

In next few weeks Im putting in a micro solid fuel ( Wood/Turf) stove in it, along with the Diseal Heater and the decent insulation, I will not be cold or damp again. Winning!

Tell me how wrote: »

How long have you been living like this? How long do you expect to continue in this way?

What do you work at?
How do you find keeping clothes washed, dried and suitable for wearing to work?
What type of insurance do you have on the van?

It was two years in Feb. I think another 18 months /two years until I reach my financial goal.

What do you work at?
White Collar , Professional.

How do you find keeping clothes washed, dried and suitable for wearing to work?

I use those Revolution Washer /Dryers. I say white collar, but its informal dress which makes it much easier.
If any serious stuff comes up, I usually buy a cheap new shirt in Dunne's or the like.

What type of insurance do you have on the van?
Covered this sticky one above