Why long-term #vanlife doesn't work (and how to make it)

$30 OFF discount code: M650KOLYTB

Follow Ankerworks:

ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
A lot of people go into full-time van life only to find themselves aimless, lonely and broke - and making a video along the lines of 'what they don't tell you about van life'. This video aims to help you avoid being one of those guys.

Connect with Nate Murphy:

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
02:21 Reason 1
04:21 The difference between holiday and travel
06:50 The difference between a van and a house
09:17 How not to be lonley
12:28 Comfort and mental health
14:44 AnkerWorks Microphone
17:54 Making money
20:20 Minimising expenses & budgeting
22:15 Emergency Funds
23:01 Building revenue early
23:33 Long-term financial planning

#travelwithpurpose #vanlife #CreativityinEveryTake

[rebeccaschreiber]

I'm a certified financial planner with huge respect for van lifers. These explorers forego creature comforts to live a purposeful life, putting their money in line with their values. That's what financial planning is all about!

[FiestyFoxy]

I’m glad I watched this.

I am almost at the point where my van is almost ready for me to move into it.

I had cancer in 2015 and I am in remission 8 years this April and I had started researching tiny house living. Really wanting to live my life on my own terms and not being tied to paying someone rent. Not having debts and live more minimalist. Most of all given that experience I wanted to do something out the box.

I researched for 6 years constantly looking at a realistic way of doing it. Having a tiny house on my own plot of land wasn’t financially viable and comes with so many loopholes particularly with planning permission.

So I started looking at van life, which seemed more realistic for me and affordable.

I thought about the kind of things Nate has spoken about.

My van is my home. I planned on spending some time on campsites and some time urban camping depending on finances. I can also stay with family and friends as and when.

I have a job so I’m tied in that respect and I have to find a way of juggling that aspect of my life.

When I was in sticks and bricks I was very lonely and felt very trapped and isolated at times. My feeling at this point is that living in my van is going to force me to get out and engage with the world.

I feel I’m going to do the same things as I used to when I lived in my rented flat. Except my rent is my van tax and insurance.

As long as I’m warm, comfortable and things to do I hope to adapt to this new way of living. The only difference is things like water, electricity are not on tap. So I’m expecting some challenges.

For me, I need routine. I need to work out where I can get things like water, where I can have a shower ete.

I may like it, I may not but it will be an amazing experience none the less and one that is character building. Besides nothing is lost in trying something new. 😂

[skeeterhennen]

wow you just explained how I feel now since my husband passed away. I have no purpose at 61. I have a van I am prepping and now I need to find a purpose to travel.

[Anhenmelomania]

I just came back from fully unplanned trip in Europe (for 2 month), I'm 5 min to the video and I already could feel like this would be the summary of all my mistakes.

[efortunywhitton]

I absolutely loved listening to this conversation; you should do this more often. You are full of wisdom! You should do little snippets like this relaying to us your early adventures! 😊

[fullpulse]

Great lay down of the things that need to be considered .

[vanlivingjoe]

I'm in the process of getting a build going. I've owned a home, I've rented. I've lived in my car for months. For me I simply totally resonate with it. I could live in a walkin closet and be totally fine. Definitely want to travel more etc.

[HippieChicDreams]

I think that’s why I’m edging towards tiny house on wheels because i would still like to travel live and work in one place,

[leannewalker]

I have 15 years on the road. 5 in a van and 10 in sailing boats. Took 20 years of to have a child, now i am getting back into it. Freelance travel writing and photography gave me my purpose and financial means. Times have changed though now. I am more interested in vanlife this time as a means to live more in the moment. I am not so much interested in travel. I am fortunate I have a place to park...an old dairy bldg where i can do property maintenance in exchange for rent whilst working my own business 3 days a week. Weekends I can drive my home places for bushwalking and surfing while still having a base to go back to. Vanlifing doesnt have to be about travel. I have owned my own house before. For me its about downsizing so I can really intentionally live with less and be contented.

[Polemic-]

There is no opting out being this lifestyle comes with conviction, because nomads are who we are.❤

[CherylLime]

I’m glad I stubbled across this video. I’ve watched a few van life videos before but not massively into it. However I am a therapist and this video was really spot on, not just in relation to van life but also sums up well why expectation doesn’t always meet reality and really highlights those factors like having purpose and having social connections which are so important for wellbeing. For example I can think of clients who have struggled with retirement not being all it was cracked up to be and feel like this video would be great for those people.

[jonosphere]

This is one of your very best videos Nate! There's so much wisdom in here that I can totally relate to. It applies to all forms of long-term travel (Vanlife, backpacking, etc.).
Definitely a must-watch for every wannabe Vanlifer/long-term traveller.

[chadrotella]

Amazing video. Very informative keep them coming

[markennvibryan]

I’ve lived on the road for 3 years for me my purpose was to get off the hamster wheel of working to pay bills. I’m now debt free have investments and almost built a business which I hope to run from a laptop. It’s very true you shouldn’t live in a van if you think it’s like the YouTube videos with drones and beautiful places. Winters can be tough especially when it’s raining constantly. You have to be good in your own company. Most important thing is if you take this road buy a van you can fully stand up in. I surf and skateboard so having that purpose is so important.
Focus on the build then focus on ridding debt, then focus on health more. Finally focus on investing 15 pence of every pound you earn and save a cash reserve each week of every 10 pence from every pound. Once you get to this stage focus on building a business so you can quit your day job and work anywhere remotely with the use of a lap top and internet connection. And finally find something you love doing that others are passionate about too and you’ll never be unhappy. I love being on the road no more postman dropping bills through the door no stress and time to focus on a better future. Good luck to all who are about to take the step. ❤

[whatnomadtravelnursemtb]

As the Big Lebowski says, “that’s just your opinion man. “ it’s not a big deal, just live in a van, save money with no rent. It works for me. But you are right, I have purpose of being a travel nurse, saving money for my family, van already paid for itself! I’m sure your saying well this doesn’t apply to you. If your a dreamer thinking the instagram photos of a girl n a bikini lying on her bed looking out at a beach is everyday like, wrong! More like opening your door to a Walmart parking lot, reality sets in!

[TomBedlammusic]

Great advice as always. Mostly relivent to long term travel as well as just vanlife. We're nearly 10 years into full time travel at this point, around 7 of those in a van. We lost purpose a few times and you really need to address it.

If anything this is far more important when you're travelling as you're just by yourself or just the two of you.

Best part is that living in a van, if you do it right, frees up a lot of cash and time which allows you to find new

[ScoobieDee]

Best line “ you’ve made a suffer van !”

[thenoworriesnomad]

Iv been in a van for about 7yrs and I can honestly say I have never ever been lonely in any way, ye I meet ppl on my travels and make small talk but that’s it, I’m not miserable in any way shape or form but I prefer being alone, I have never been stressed about anything in my life, as for money well I drive a truck the last 3 months of the year and earn enough for a winter in France as I am now, I eat well and I even save some too.. I love van life and absolutely nothing is wrong with it, iv seen ppl stress over finding water etc which makes me laugh because just buy some until you find a free tap somewhere, I think the key is to be completely debt free which will reduce most of the money worries…I can honestly say that my only concern or worry in life for me atm is to make sure I don’t run out of milk for my tea.. van life is never going to be for everyone so if you are thinking of doing it just don’t expect too much…also like Nate said have a back-up fund if you can plus when it comes to a budget then you really don’t need as much as you think you do

[emeraldcoastgardensfl]

The difference between vacation and living. Having purpose in each day. Excellent advice. Glad I tuned in. Thank you 🙏

[opinionatedartist]

Great video! Useful advice in general not just about van life 😊