Is Van Life a Viable Lifestyle Choice in the UK?

The van life movement has been growing in popularity around the world in recent years. It involves ditching the traditional notion of home ownership and living in a van or campervan instead, embracing a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle. This trend originated in the US, with people converting old vans into tiny homes on wheels and travelling around the country living a carefree, adventurous life. More recently, it has caught on in the UK too.

But is van life a viable long-term lifestyle choice for people in Britain?

The Appeal of Van Life

For many people, the appeal of van life is the freedom and flexibility it offers. You’re not tied down to a mortgage or rent payments, allowing you to pack up and move to a new location whenever you want. With smart storage solutions, vans can be converted into compact homes with all your basic necessities. Van life also enables you to wake up in a new place every morning and live closer to nature. It’s an attractive notion for adventurous individuals who want to eschew material possessions and experience more of the open road. Some also choose van life to save money on housing costs.

When selecting a van to convert into a camper, consider the vehicle dimensions and your storage needs. Larger vans like Ford Transits allow standing height and ample living space, while smaller models like VW Transporters offer better fuel economy and parking capability. The van layout, ceiling height, payload capacity and overall condition should be evaluated. 

Used vans are cheaper to buy and convert. Seek out well-insulated vans with good mileage and assess rust. For example, if you are based in the Liverpool/Manchester area right now, look at used vans in Cheshire to see what prices are like for the models you’re interested in. 

Challenges of Van Living in the UK

While van life is gaining interest in the UK, living in a van here long-term comes with certain challenges that make it more difficult to sustain than in sunnier, more vehicle-friendly countries. One major drawback is the UK’s wet and cold climate. Insulating and heating a van to stay warm in winter can prove difficult, as can dealing with damp and condensation. Parking and finding places to stay the night in a campervan can also be tricky, with fewer free campsites than countries like the US and Australia. Some cities have introduced overnight parking restrictions too. Driving, parking and refilling water tanks requires more planning compared to living in a house or flat. Security and storage are other concerns for UK van lifers.

Is it Viable Long-Term?

For the right person who embraces a minimalist mindset and has a strong spirit of adventure, van life could offer a fulfilling lifestyle in the UK. Certain factors can make it more viable, like having a way to generate income remotely and choosing a van with high-quality insulation. Joining communities of other van lifers provides useful support too. However, it is important to consider the downsides before you ditch your rental home and move into a van long-term. 

Photo by Mikel Ibarluzea on Unsplash