TinyLiving VanBuild VanLife VanLifePath

When I planned to move to California, I sold and gave away everything I owned. I drove an old car across country with my minimum belongings that fit comfortably in my car. Having very few belongings was the happiest time of my life. At any moment I could pick up my stuff throw it in my car and go. I felt immense freedom.  

When I returned home for a visit I was bombarded with stuff from family, inherited stuff and I began to feel the pressure. Very quickly the stuff accumulated.

I started saving magazine pictures of cool VW vans and RVs, pinned ideas to Pinterest for tiny living, RV living, vanlife and kept plugging along at trying to letgo of accumulated stuff. I sold countless items on Craigslist, OfferUp, LetGo, Facebook, ThredUP, consignment stores. I gave away endless carloads of stuff to Goodwill, PurpleHeart, Friends, Family. And I kept attracting more stuff. 

I went through phases of being hyper organized and cluttered to extreme minimalism to then trying to find a balance in between. 

I entered into RV life because my beloved had an a class A RV. We attempted the remodeling plan however mechanical failure resulted in letting it go. We considered new RV but I felt RVs were too big and bulky. We opted for converting a brand new empty cargo van to DIY campervan motorhome.  The process was very time consuming, challenging an overwhelming during pandemic, while my beloved was in and out of treatment centers, coma and Eric’s death.  My plan for the VanBuild and vanlife has changed as I tried particular layouts and kept changing and modifying until it felt right.  As one year after his death approaches, I am excited to finally explore and travel. 

I consider myself a bit of a nomad. I’ve moved 50 plus times. I found that every time I moved I had to sell and get rid of stuff because the layout was always different so whatever I had didn’t always fit and I had to find “new” stuff to fit the “new” environment. Given these circumstances I learned to just trust God with everything and He always took care of all my needs and more. Sure I have my favorites and preferences and I’ve learned that when you don’t have the stuff you had used previously, usually creativity comes from simple practical solutions.  And there is freedom in owning and managing less. Less is more. 

I can share 

❤️ Process of LettingGo stuff, simplifying, organizing, minimalism 

❤️ Process selling stuff online and in person 

❤️ How to save money, sticking to budget, thrift shopping

❤️ Packing, preparing, testing products

❤️ Discovering what’s best layout 4you

❤️ Trusting your gut feelings

❤️ Protecting yourself and safety 

❤️ What I love about my stealth vanbuild

❤️ What bugs me 

❤️ What I’m changing

❤️ Camping, vanlife products I use

❤️ How I enjoy my Ram Promaster 2500 high roof, 159 

❤️ How to stealth camp close to home

❤️ How to prepare vegan kosher food in van