A WOMAN has revealed how she sold all of her possessions to create her dream van to live in.
Rhi Jenkins, from the UK, took to social media to show the final results of her van which took her seven months to complete.
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In the post which she shared on the Facebook group, vanlife.uk, she said: “Seven whole months of blood, sweat & plenty of tears.
“Me & mostly my Fiancé have finally completed our self built campervan & we couldn’t be happier!
“Sold everything we owned, worked on it long evenings and lost weekends, sacrificed a hell of a lot but OMG was it worth it.”
Rhi showed people her stunning new van, which featured gorgeous oak wood ceilings, floor boards and worktops.
In the comments she revealed she used B&Q counter tops to get the gorgeous oak finish she wanted.
The front of the van had two seats for driving of course and right behind had the couples kitchen.
The gorgeous kitchen was adorned with modern black accessories including a fully working sin, hobs,and a mini black fridge.
Not only did they manage to get an almost full kitchen in the tiny home, they also made space for a fully working shower.
The shower featured a black shower head and had hanging ivy inside to add some greenery.
The couple were also able to fit a double bed at the end of the van and even had space at the bottom for their dog’s bed.
She added: “Self builds are definitely not for the faint-hearted hahaha but the relief & absolutely pride you feel at the end is crazy…”
Rhi also has a TikTok account @chasingvanlifedreams where you can follow along her new van life journey.
The post was a hit with other van life fans receiving over 1,000 likes.
People were quick to praise Rhi for her new home.
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.
One person wrote: “Very beautiful well done!”
Another commented: “Wow! That’s beautiful! I hope you make lots of happy memories in her.”
“Worth every minute you invested. It is stunning,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Looks banging, well done!”
“What a stunner and what an achievement,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “Absolutely gorgeous, have the most amazing adventures.”
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