HAVING a caravan may seem like a luxury to many people, but there can be ways of doing it cheaply.
One savvy woman shared how she picked one up on Facebook Marketplace, and transformed the inside to make it look luxury and chic.
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TikTok user Jade, who posts under @jadegoodby, uploaded a video showing her incredible DIY work on the interior.
She wrote: “Three weeks ago we bought a caravan off Facebook Marketplace and this is the progress so far.”
First of all they removed the cupboard and doors and sanded and primed them at home.
They then added a very stylish sage green paint on top and waited for them to dry.
They also painted the interior of the caravan white and green and added “a million coats”, but loved the end result.
She also added pretty patterned tiles to the wall and vinyl wrapped the kitchen counters, but added: “worst job ever, never again thanks.”
At this point, Jade said: “The graft has been grafting.
“Worth every bit though. Feel like it’s slowly coming together now.”
Next it was time to shop, and she headed to Temu to pick up some bargain bits.
Firstly she added some individual stickers to the doors of the caravan and said the first one “literally took her an hour”, but she liked the finished result.
She also got Temu curtains and poles for the windows, and a £1.67 “essential” bottle opener.
Jade also added some “cute” floral fairylights to make the inside look stylish.
Finally the couple replaced the sofa cushions with covers from Shein and added new flooring, and were delighted with the finished result.
Jade added that the first trip away had been a “success” with them using the sofa area as a double bed.
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She shared with her followers how she would be tackling the bathroom next.
Many people were hugely impressed with her decorating job, with one saying: “This is stunning! Sending to my partner now.”
Another added: “I’m so desperate to do this to ours but don’t know where to start. looks so amazing.”
And a third commented: “Loveee this!”
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.