Mon. Jul 1st, 2024
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A COUPLE decided to ditch their home and move into a converted van to help the cost of living squeeze – and expect to save over £8,000 a year.

Ollie Pearson and Tessie Mitchell, both 23, switched to a converted Ford Transit to avoid their skyrocketing bills.

Ollie Pearson and Tessie Mitchell, both 23, are ditching their house share to live in a renovated van6

Ollie Pearson and Tessie Mitchell, both 23, are ditching their house share to live in a renovated vanCredit: SWNS
The couple expect their frugal switch will save over £8,000 a year6

The couple expect their frugal switch will save over £8,000 a yearCredit: SWNS
The Bristol duo forked out £15,000 for their new home

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The Bristol duo forked out £15,000 for their new homeCredit: SWNS
The Ford Transit was already renovated by its previous owner

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The Ford Transit was already renovated by its previous ownerCredit: SWNS

The Bristol couple said they decided to move into the renovated van after they “had enough” of seeing their bills rising into the winter.

Despite forking out an eye-watering £15,000 on the van, the duo see it as an investment as they believe it will be cheaper than staying in their house-share with two others.

Tessie, a café-worker, and delivery driver Ollie said they will pour their saved up cash into their new life in the van.

The couple’s new home was already renovated by its previous owner, which came with numerous features including a solar panel on the roof.

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It has a gas cylinder, which requires filling up every three months, and a charger connected to the alternator in the engine.

Ollie revealed that he believes that the new set-up will provide plenty of power, as driving will also charge the batteries inside the home.

Ollie said: “With bills going through the roof, we’ve decided we’ve had enough.

“Our gas and electric for a four person house is pushing £800 a month now which is just unaffordable for us.

“The van will save us rent and bills which we think over a year will amount to around £8,000.

“The main price will be for the diesel, but we’re not planning on moving it that often so it won’t be much of an expense.

“We’ll just be alternating between the road and a family friend’s drives to start with, but we’re considering travelling Europe next year.”

While families across the UK fear they will struggle as the cost-of-living crisis continues into the winter, the Bristol couple hope they will now reap the rewards from their frugal switch-up.

Delivery driver Ollie has already installed a shower and toilet, and the van came with a stove and wood burner to keep the duo warm.

They even found space to fit a king-size mattress, and expect to enjoy their new lifestyle when they move in at the start of next month.

Ollie said: “Most of the renovations were already done when we got it which is why it was quite expensive.

“I added a shower inside the van, upgraded the radio and speakers and moved the toilet set-up in to the shower room.

“It’s definitely big enough for the two of us, we have just had to be strict with ourselves on what we actually need.

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“We have stripped back a lot on our possessions to make this work, but its quite liberating only keeping the things you really need.

“We’re really excited for the adventures to come, and are looking forward to having some more money in our pocket as a result of our change of lifestyle.’

Delivery driver Ollie has added extra renovations to the home, including a shower and toilet

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Delivery driver Ollie has added extra renovations to the home, including a shower and toiletCredit: SWNS
The couple hope the move will help them avoid the nation's skyrocketing bills

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The couple hope the move will help them avoid the nation’s skyrocketing billsCredit: SWNS

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