Guide to Super Cheap Van Life with Thrift Store Shopping!

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5 ай бұрын

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Today I am scouring thrift stores for all the essentials you need for a cost-effective van build. Living van life doesn't mean emptying your wallet. I'll show you how to discover budget-friendly treasures that will make your van life comfortable and affordable. From kitchen essentials to cozy bedding, you can find it all at thrift stores. Don't miss this guide to super cheap van life with thrift store shopping!
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Пікірлер: 276

@nomadkat6836 5 ай бұрын

Bob is like the Mr Rogers, Bob Ross, and Steve Erwin of vanlife. We must protect him 🎉

@brucesmith9144 4 ай бұрын

Bob is in many ways like TV personality Bob Vila from _This Old House_ .

@user-ij4xo9wk7i 5 ай бұрын

Have thrifted for 50 years. I can count on one hand retail furniture purchasing I have made. My clothes too! No one would ever guess. I get brands I couldn't afford otherwise. Edit: Every Thanksgiving I say how thankful I am for people who donate so my life has been so much more enjoyable. ❤

@1mourningdove54 5 ай бұрын

Agreed! I needed navy and black slacks for church recently. I looked online and they were all $30 and up. I knew if I was patient I would find them at Goodwill. Sure enough, I found both colors on the same trip. $4 for each pair! I had to repair the hem on the black ones and shorten the navy ones. They had a lining, so that was a bit more of a challenge but I did it and they came out great.

@laurentgontier-versailles8542 5 ай бұрын

Same here, I went today to a second hand store, bought three blazers, 100% wool, wonderful cloth, they fit like gloves, 5$ each.

@anniewisecarver744 5 ай бұрын

I think it’s worth spreading the word that the vast number of people who now live a nomadic life in vehicles, especially if they stay in their various locations for extended periods, are a perfect example of drastically minimizing waste and the depletion of resources on this planet. This should be and probably will be a significant point of interest and inspiration moving forward.

@joyjournal6157 5 ай бұрын

Yes! I've applied lots of car life tips to my sticks and bricks life.

@BobWeir-ss6bd 5 ай бұрын

Why do u think it's so popular now. I was living and traveling in vans and RVs way before it became a fad. Only open minded people envied us, the rest just looked at us like we were homeless. " You will own nothing and be happy" that's their agenda. This is all programing whether u believe it or not. I'm a minimalist by nature, went to school for energy technology/sustainable renewable resources. So I've been planning to be off grid for decades. I'm sure a lot of the people truly do love traveling, but it's not all it's portrayed to be on most of these channels. It's hard, cold, you go without, you have to constantly be on guard and aware of your surroundings due to being in new places. I just think people should tell their troubles also not just show waterfalls and sunsets.

@BobWeir-ss6bd 5 ай бұрын

And this isn't a rag on Bob, I love him and he spreads all kinds of tidbits of knowledge that helps everyone. Im just venting, I'm sick of sheep walking around blind. Everything that's going on in the world rn.. They're trying to bury us while the few get richer.

@frowertrampton7148 5 ай бұрын

Some of what you say points to a depletion of human rights in The U.S.

@simplyretiredearly2023 5 ай бұрын

We are part time van folks- extending camping trips, and we live in a very small cabin. But I’ve noticed lately that the thrift stores are picked over with empty shelves. I think it speaks to how expensive it is when we keep up with our consumer system in the US. So a big YES on re-using, minimizing, and buying second hand. A very complex topic- but cheering on anyone who is finding purpose in living with less stuff and more freedom.

@thomasthompson2084 5 ай бұрын

Please before you just drill or run screws through your floor make sure what's under the floor where you are making the whole you don't want to hit a fuel line a break line or electrical wires just be careful

@darkwhitedirewolf 5 ай бұрын

I get lost in second hand stores thinking of all the possibilities. Cheap entertainment for me as well.

@frogmoonmama 5 ай бұрын

I like throw pillow covers and stuff em with extra clothes. Win win.

@k.pacificnw02134 5 ай бұрын

I've been in my van for almost 4 months now. A major piece of furniture in my van in a tall narrow bookshelf, from a thrift store. I use it as a headboard and a bulkhead between the cab and the back. Before I moved out of my apartment, I reinforced it with a ton of screws. Had to pre drill the holes. Then I drilled a lot of holes in the shelf and used those giant oversized zip ties to fasten the shelf top, bottom, and all four sides to every anchor point in the cargo van. It's very sturdy. It's probably the main hub of all my activity in the van; each shelf is for morning, noon and night. Things you do at those times of day. I think the shelf was like $5 at the thrift store.

@KimtheElder 5 ай бұрын

This reminds me of how young newlyweds furnished their first Apts. or homes. We called the style “Early Attic”: Family donations and hand-me-down furniture. What you didn’t get at the shower or as a wedding gift, you had used until you could afford new. I know: very old-fashioned. But I am old, so …😅

@CALIZONAOUTDOORS 5 ай бұрын

I just met Bob at a local grocery store. He was very nice! I'm the fire chief in ehrenberg az! I was in my uniform so I didn't tell him about my youtube channel. :(

@kennethgardner3090 5 ай бұрын

I like the part about keeping things out of the landfill. And of course saving money. Saving the landfill and money, that's a win win.

@brucesmith9144 4 ай бұрын

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

@marklanders630 5 ай бұрын

We have Habitat for Humanity stores here in Hawaii and they are cheaper than goodwill stores for furniture.

@michaelsmallarz7183 5 ай бұрын

Bob, your weight loss looks good.

@chaordicwear4788 5 ай бұрын

This is so so great!!! Most every town has second hand stores. I have been buying second hand for over 40 years. I try to always shop local where ever I'm at. If people keep shopping at Walmart, Amazon or the Dollar stores, etc., they are just supporting the ultra rich across the country. If you care about a community, shop local and keep your money local. Thank you Bob for making this video.

@shirleyharvey7376 5 ай бұрын

Look how much the “owner” of Goodwill makes per year. I won’t shop there. I only thrift at stores that benefit women’s centers, Salvation Army, council for the blind, etc.

@lindawilson8434 5 ай бұрын

@@shirleyharvey7376agree with you but I think salvation army could make a lot too

@davidleigh443 5 ай бұрын

Goodwill also does training.they have software to learn MS office suites you have to be self- learner.

@luvyatubers 5 ай бұрын

@@shirleyharvey7376they all have billionaire ceos

@Mike-01234 4 ай бұрын

Goodwills prices are sometimes crazy most electronics are broken should be lot cheaper. I go to other places I know of that price accordingly $1-5. Same thing with small thrift stores owners thinks they have gold price things way too high they got for free. I will only donate to thrift stores that support pet rescues. Employees are volunteers.

@elsathal7359 5 ай бұрын

Step stool upside-down hold a sac open thanks Bob ❣️✌️💞🤟✨️🧚‍♂️

@monikalenz2559 5 ай бұрын

Wool army blankets are cheap if bought at military surplus stores. I have several. They last forever. Wool doesn't need frequent washing, dries quickly and is incredibly durable. The Swiss have the best blankets. Love your videos Bob!

@carolbates1803 5 ай бұрын

Bob I live in Australia and I have to tell you that I absolutely love your videos. I notice that there seem to be many more people doing interviews and reviews on RV Living but you are The Best. I love the way you treat the people you interview, you bring out the best in people and make them feel so comfortable. May you continue for many years to come. Carol 🇦🇺

@deborahg4599 5 ай бұрын

That’s a nice Goodwill!

@JulieAiken 5 ай бұрын

I've always planned to use a desk like that for a bed, but I've never seen anyone discuss it! Thanks, Bob -- now I know I'm on the right track. Thanks for all you do.

@aironwhite6533 5 ай бұрын

Not quite sure how you would setup ventilation with that unless you plan to add holes all over it.

@RetiredFilipina 4 ай бұрын

I did thought I would cut those legs shorter and make it my bed.

@garys8415 5 ай бұрын

A -34 degree sleeping bag is very warm at Sportsman Warehouse, staying warm is worth the money.

@bque9444 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for finally doing a video on shopping for used items. Use a washer and dryer to get rid of any odors and even some stains on fabric. And one can put distilled white vinegar in rinse cycle to freshen fabric. Cheap and easy solution!

@kathleen3756 5 ай бұрын

There seems to be s standard "goodwill" smell on everything in their stores, no matter where I am. I've sometimes not bought something because of that smell. I'll give the vinegar a try.

@elsathal7359 5 ай бұрын

Dawn dish soap as a prewash stain spot removal

@rositagarcia805 5 ай бұрын

I want to know where that goodwill is located. They got good stuff.

@bque9444 5 ай бұрын

@@kathleen3756 Also, hang fabric items out in fresh air and sun.

@chayakornchimatchim9968 5 ай бұрын

Thrift stores are the best for a No Build , a tiny home , or anything that you need to furnish inexpensively.

@marcushennings9513 5 ай бұрын

My van came equipped with metal shelves and window security panels specific for vans, but some salvage yards have a lot of extra goodies such as these very cheap also. Btw a countertop ice maker and 12 pk of sodas nearly fits perfectly in a standard cooler powered by a small generator or possibly an inverter.

@KristiChan1 5 ай бұрын

One tip I'd give is to double check the price of the thing you want secondhand to the price of one new at a store; in some thrift/restores near me I've found that sometimes they will charge the same price for something new, or sometimes even more.

@monkeyshinemmie 5 ай бұрын

I've been a thrifter since the 70's and I'll be 70 on my next birthday. So many good deals over the years along with the thrill of the hunt! It was a hoot 'shopping' with you, Bob! Great video!!!

@1mourningdove54 5 ай бұрын

My best deal ever was a queen size down comforter for $2 at a garage sale!! I have used it for about eight years. It really allows me to turn my thermostat way down over night. I will never get rid of it!!

@decastring 5 ай бұрын

What an inspirational video, full of great ideas! Here's a suggestion for nomads who might not be on a tight budget. Instead of buying new, follow Bob's advice and buy second hand, then take the money you saved and make a tax deductible donation to HOWA (Homes On Wheels Alliance).

@KimtheElder 5 ай бұрын

👍🫶😊

@bigfamilyexpedition 5 ай бұрын

Finding good deals at thrift stores helps make traveling with 6 kids more affordable, We love visiting new thrift stores while we are traveling, you just never know what you are going to find. Great information in this video.

@TheNoonie50 5 ай бұрын

Re-use-, re-purpose, recycle, and RECONSIDER (the purchase) Fantastic video Bob!

@melcarter6422 4 ай бұрын

I attended the 2024 RTR. I flew in and slept in my rental car! Thrift stores helped me. I found a sportsman cooler for $6.50 (savers has 50% off Mondays) and a marmot sleeping bag for $3.50. I purchased a few extra changes of clothes, a metal utensil holder (safety) hold my candle jar (warmth before sleeping), a metal locker box (to keep my sanitation device aka pee bottle stable)and a pot to boil water. The RTR free pile gave me a piece of foam, a super warm blanket, and an extra outfit! I blessed most of it to my fellow nomads as I couldn’t fly it all back with me. Love thrifts stores!

@tinamcclure7984 5 ай бұрын

I like those 3 draw file cabinets for a bed base

@FlutterSwag 5 ай бұрын

Even beyond van life thrift stores are just magical! What a clear and concise video too!

@nevertoooldfordolls 5 ай бұрын

I got a nice pot from the thrift store when i moved out of my parent's place and i still use it 3 years later

@LisaBeatsCancer 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely LOVE how creative Bob is! What a real treasure ❤❤❤

@jamesgodfrey1322 5 ай бұрын

curtains always worth looking at use them ln around your bed area to curtain it off to keep heat ln

@gazztracker 5 ай бұрын

well done bob my dad used to say "One man's trash is another man's treasure"

@kallasusort2986 5 ай бұрын

I agree with everything except Goodwill - they're prices are way over the top. Instead church thrift stores much better prices or Habitat are very good as well. I too have been thrifting since my 20's and love the hunt. You can find name brand clothing that holds up very well.

@1mourningdove54 5 ай бұрын

Goodwill is the only thing that we have in our town.....

@MapleMarmite 5 ай бұрын

As a follow up to what Bob said about the metal drink holder being used as a bed warmer; Look out for the old fashioned Thermos that have the chrome coloured glass inside and the drinking cup with handle screwed on top. These hold the hot fluid temperature better than anything - they just fell out of favour because they break more easily if you drop them. These things save on your propane usage and solve the problem of not having warm water first thing in the morning. Boil a kettle for your last hot drink before bed and pour the rest into one of these. In the morning you’ll have warm water to wash in and if you have a couple of them - ready hot water for tea/coffee. Wrap them in a towel for extra insulation. Saves time and propane in boiling up in the morning and always a reserve of hot water if you put your kettle leftovers in one. 👍🏻

@sylviaw3793 4 ай бұрын

I love thrift stores!! My grandmother used to call it the dig-dig because you got to dig for your stuff 😄

@joanneleiser1044 Ай бұрын

Thrift stores ROCK! Leather belts are cheap and work as straps to hang things, roll up curtains, drawer pulls, strap stuff to walls. Pillow shams to hold ectra blankets or off season clothing. Thermos to hold hot water for drinking or clean up in morning. Insulated curtains much cheaper than new. Tote bags, storage cubes, packing cubes, back packs, yoga mats for insulation, folding toilet chair beats heck out of a bucket and are sturdy, nightstands can be stacked or secured to walls as uper cabinets, framed mirrors or pictues can be cabinet doors, cabinet doors can be countertops or flip up tables, bed sheets or tablecloths make good curtains or covers for seat cushions, melmac dishes, tin cups, travel container for bar soap, baskets way cheaper than new, white wire shelf organizers, quilts, hanging shoe organizers to store shoes or anything and can be cut to fit spaces or attached to edge of bed, curtain rods and hooks or brackets to hang things on. Yep, love thrift stores! 😁

@seanh4841 5 ай бұрын

Yes I do save money thrift shopping

@momtrips6783 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for plugging thrift shops! In the case of Goodwill, not only are you keeping stuff out of the landfill, but Goodwill employs many disabled folks that wouldn't otherwise be employed.

@omavicmcmurray2893 Ай бұрын

I love this! Lots of great tips. Not only do nomads tend to live light on the earth but reusing stuff magnifies how a full life can be had living minimally❤Thanks Bob and team CRVL!

@joanies6778 5 ай бұрын

I love repurposing and recycling items from thrift stores. Many of these stores give back to the community (in various amounts).

@1mourningdove54 5 ай бұрын

Yes-between thrift stores and garage sales I have found some stuff that has really helped me live a better, more frugal life.

@101perspective 5 ай бұрын

A well built coffee table works as a bed also. That is what I use in my van on road trips. I put my coffee table in the van and use my couch cushions as the mattress. I put a thin yoga mat under the cushions to keep them from sliding around. As a bonus, with the cushions in place it is the perfect height for a sofa/chair during the day. The coffee table is long enough for 2 cushions... which isn't long enough to sleep on. However, at night I have a home depot bucket I place on one end and place a piece of plywood on top. The plywood has small pieces of scrap wood screwed to the bottom that allows a tight fit over the bucket top to keep it from moving around. And it is the perfect height such that the plywood lays on top of the end of the coffee table also to add stability. Then I just place the 3rd couch cushion (which I use as the back to my couch/chair during the day) on top of the plywood. It's not a very wide bed but it is basically like sleeping on a couch. Works for me.

@lillypatience 5 ай бұрын

Did you see someone bought a vase for $4 and it turned out to be worth over $100k! She sold it to a collector.

@jazziered142 5 ай бұрын

I bought a vase for a dollar and sold it for $600. On eBay! Things like that really do happen.

@Jackie7665 2 ай бұрын

Bob, you nailed it with this video. Thrift stores have it all and if not, it's worth waiting it out until you can find what you need. You can't go wrong because of how low cost a mistake purchase would be. It works for everyone. In fact, I was just looking through your Amazon recommendations for pop up tents and realized I found one of your tents, like new for 10% of Amazon's best price. Gave me a real boost. Thanks for all you do!

@LifeUntamed666 5 ай бұрын

I have a SUV I converted. I bought a kids wooden kitchen and it works really well in my setup. I got it off of facebook marketplace for five bucks.

@LifeUntamed666 5 ай бұрын

I also use a pets cooling pad to throw over my cooler it really helps to keep the ice much longer

@janet1744 5 ай бұрын

Great.

@patrick4625 2 ай бұрын

I used to manage a Good Will and this is exactly why I did it.... I know my efforts helped so many people on low budgets.... 😊

@FrankWaltersLovestoteach 5 ай бұрын

I love it how Bob, while being a very successful KZfaqr and probably making great money, STILL tells us income/savings-poor how to make it in vanlife. Love you Bob. Thank you for your real service to humanity.

@belindahugheslifestyle 5 ай бұрын

Great ideas, Bob! That ice maker would have saved my friends more than $15 in time, gas and money five years ago, during a heat wave in the Colorado Rockies. There was a run on ice at every local gas station and grocery store, of course, and the nearest available was over two hours away. So thanks for reminding me about that. My sleeping bag and tent for that trip were thrifted in advance by the friends I was visiting at their high desert solar cabin. I bought the sleeping bag off them for what they paid at Goodwill: $5. Happy holidays. 💖🎄

@Mike-01234 4 ай бұрын

We started a eBay business about 6 months ago just buying from thrift stores. We average about $1500 a month in profits which I never thought would happen. Buying things that cost 50 cents to no more than $4 is our model. We sell for $7-10 even though we don't make lot of money little bit adds up. The way I look at it is if were net positive it's worth doing it. Plus, we like thrifting it's really opened our eyes to how much money we could have saved over the years by not buying retail.

@miamivice1149 5 ай бұрын

We need to be analyzing and making plans for what happens if and when fuel prices double or more, not only for traveling but costs of food and other items affected. It's coming like an out of control freight train.

@jeannepalumbo6514 4 ай бұрын

That is a fantastic Goodwill store. Everything looks to be in great shape, and it has a huge variety of everything !!!!!!

@paulampaquette 5 ай бұрын

Really awesome video. I really like the part about shopping in ways that keep stuff out of landfills and production of new stuff just a little less. Very good.

@dsherwood3889 5 ай бұрын

If you are in or near a college town at the end of the school year, you can find a lot of good free furniture and household goods on the side of the road near dorms and apartments.

@pamelaklemp5615 5 ай бұрын

The desk as a bed ... many file cabinets are the same height as a standard desk (like the one in the photo facing the other side). Most come with a lock on the drawers. Perfect for extending your bed longer and great for storing your valuable paperwork, rig and appliance records, health care records, and other valuable information to have quickly on hand yet secured. I love it when I can SCORE A FIND when I go Thrift hunting! Great place to find Low Voltage appliances for Van use too.

@jonjr9 5 ай бұрын

Goodwill is a great place for bargains

@grannyprepper1181 4 ай бұрын

Been a thrift store junky all my life. My earliest memory of a thrift store was with my mom, when I was 4 ish, I’m now 71. I’m planning to get a van so I’m taking stuff from my 5th wheel trailer and boxing it up.

@KimtheElder 5 ай бұрын

-Thermos hot water bottle 👍 -Never thought of using a desk as a platform (even partial) 👍👍. -Golf club protector - fore! 👍👍👍 Thanks Bob! Edit: Ice maker! 👏😀

@joepeach997 5 ай бұрын

As you stated many times, these stores are a win-win place to get what you need and not break the bank! There is one or two plus in almost every town, thanks so much Bob.

@lawrenceklein3524 5 ай бұрын

My wardrobe is probably about 80% re-purposed clothing. Only sox and underdrawers I purchase new. All of my shirts, jeans, jackets, shoes, boots, etc. are from the resale stores. It's like treasure hunting!

@Terirn65 5 ай бұрын

Thrift stores are awesome! I’ve often had a fantasy of just taking an empty apartment, and completely outfitting it in nothing but Goodwill items with the exception of certain things that you must have new. I probably more than fantasize about this type of living in a van, and utilizing Goodwill items and creating some kind of a theme would be really fun to do. Don’t forget that you’re providing jobs by buying from Goodwill and thrift stores. Not to mention thrift stores can be found anywhere, if you need something, just go to a thrift store!❤

@petiteisle8673 5 ай бұрын

Outfitting an apartment sounds like fun!

@dsherwood3889 5 ай бұрын

I grew up dirt poor so everything we had were hand me downs or from yard sales and thrift stores. Because of that I find this an interesting fantasy. It still surprises me when people don't normally look for the very cheapest option first then only buy new if they have to.

@chriskoplin8850 5 ай бұрын

Thrifting is awesome. Best way for a build out.

@maryw3989 5 ай бұрын

I've not yet started my van life journey, my van is an older model chevy conversion van in really good condition and I have many of the items in my house that you showed on here that I can just put in my van. I need a heater, camp stove and a power station.

@anio1349 5 ай бұрын

I LOVE Thrift Store Shopping ! Great video, Bob!

@RLeeVanCamps 5 ай бұрын

All really great information. And save the planet in the process😊😊

@clarasmith1873 5 ай бұрын

I love a great find at Thrift stores and garge sales.

@beckyhoyt4244 Ай бұрын

Good video Bob. A public service for many.

@LincolnLagger 5 ай бұрын

I like the new style. Front and back cameras and a shopping trip

@tcmw779 5 ай бұрын

Hey just be aware, many larger cities/areas may also have a St. Vincent DePaul store which is a lot similar to Goodwill. I live a few miles north of Cincinnati, OH and it has a fairly large SVdP group and closer to where I live, there is a SVdP store in Mason, OH.

@josephpeet3675 5 ай бұрын

Bob I really like the plastic drawers idea

@janet1744 5 ай бұрын

The wide plastic one get stuck after long usage, but those narrower one work well and cheap.

@vantripper 5 ай бұрын

Great video - I had fun watching you shop.

@bradavery8121 5 ай бұрын

Habitat for humanity has been great for my bus build. They sell surprisingly nice acrylic latex paint, good furniture options, etc. I have even lucked out and found good metal to repurpose and weld things together. Get a decent saw at harbor freight, a drill, tape measure, marker, some nice screws and make it work. Also pallets of wood from businesses that get rid of them can be great to redesign for your vehicle. Good vid man!

@arizonanomad 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Bob.. Would Really Like to Meet You One Day.. Just to Be Able to Say.. I met Him.. I Met Bob Wells.. Safe Travels! 🙂

@debbiechaney6607 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Bob, wonderful information! From Debbie and Dexter-Dog 🙏💕.

@n8rlvr876 5 ай бұрын

2:22 that’s an AMAZING deal... I bought that exact plastic cabinet new and paid 29.99 for it. So 4 bucks.... I’d snatch it if I were you Bob!😊

@lifeoflucretia 5 ай бұрын

Bob, everything about this video makes perfect sense and is useful information. LUCRETIA

@bridgetmuehlberger5141 5 ай бұрын

Great video! Glad you’re reminding folks about the treasures to be found at thrift stores, and to use their imagination for clever usage ideas! 😊

@justd4377 5 ай бұрын

I've also found some great buys at church rummage sales. They have to sale everything that weekend and sometimes the second day everything will be half price.

@spaceprepper3657 5 ай бұрын

All great information. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊

@JB91710 5 ай бұрын

For my shuttle bus, I bought a dresser for $40 to put over the wheel well and a 6' vanity for $150 for the kitchen cabinets on the other side. A twin mattress sideways the back on a piece of plywood.

@jasonosullivan8068 5 ай бұрын

Happy Christmas 🎄 Bob.. all the way from Ireland 🇮🇪 ....God bless you 🙏

@UCanHaveHim 5 ай бұрын

It's not in my DNA to buy new. I made it my business to find all Goodwill stores within a 100-mile radius of my home. I love that they're all different so it's like a new experience every time. I've been at it for almost 7 years and Houston, TX was my favorite spot. I only shop the 75% off days. I also drive around looking for hole in the wall types of resale shops where things are a bit dirty and everything's up for dealing. Often those types of places don't bother to place a tag on their items. I look. I like. I name my price. The end. I love bargain hunting!

@joyhouse2334 5 ай бұрын

I’ve shipped clothes from one second hand store in Kentucky to another one in California. I would have a semi trailer full of clothes. I was actually glad to be hauling it cause I knew it wasn’t going to a dump. I hope it was going to those that needed it.

@960wattoffgridrv 5 ай бұрын

A lot of the newer cookwear sets at retail stores is not very durable in van and RV living. We usually cook with propane, or kerosene (coleman camp stoves) or we like to cook over a campfire. I've always shopped at thrift stores, occasionally garage sales or I find old vintage cookwear that got tossed in the dumpster! Cast iron is my favorite. I still use a couple of non stick pans. But I don't really take much care in cleaning them. I also salvage a lot of cookwear from abandoned homeless encampments. Where I live, is a throwaway society. I'm not the only dumpster diver in the city. I'm always back and forth, sharing stories with other bin divers on the treasures we keep finding. I keep finding tools along the roadside that have fallen out of passing vehicles. I'm also garbage picking old vaping devices and collecting the rechargeable batteries and repurposing them in place of disposable battery devices. I also did a USB power conversion to a portable tape deck radio. within the last 15-20 years, I haven't spent much money on disposable batteries. I avoided the use of flashlights and other devices that usually take disposable batteries. I also stay away from household items that use 120v power.

@johnpeddicord4932 5 ай бұрын

Good information

@mamalovesthebeach437 5 ай бұрын

Great suggestions! I would go with a 3 quart pot over a 2 quart because it gives you more options. I would also be looking for cast-iron because you can actually bake in it and it’s in destructible. I would opt for a rubber hot water bottle over a canteen type water bottle for heat. They do have body length rubber water bottles for under $20 online with knit covers. Harbor freight used to be a good option for wool blankets for around $20. I would opt for pillowcases stuffed with extra clothing, socks, blankets, bedding, in lieu of, buying traditional, throw pillows.

@IvyRosethebus 5 ай бұрын

Great ideas. I want that water jug 😂😂

@janet1744 5 ай бұрын

Shop😂

@1mourningdove54 5 ай бұрын

I want the cooler! They are SO expensive brand new.

@21millionreasons10 5 ай бұрын

Aw man you got dibs 😔

@woodwoman9130 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Bob!

@jazziered142 5 ай бұрын

This is what I plan on doing furniture wise. I will invest in a paint gun and paint a unifying color.

@rawbarbie 2 ай бұрын

The ice maker was a good idea.

@Denniejones 5 ай бұрын

This was/is amazing. I took 2 tall kitchen cabinets I didn’t need in my kitchen, turned them sideways, screwed together for part of my bed platform. Then had a shorter cabinet and just attached 2 short pieces of 2x4’s to match the height of the other 2 and screwed on the plywood. Use what you have! Great job Bob. Only other thing is….where is THAT Goodwill? It’s a nice one. 😊

@silaslongshot941 5 ай бұрын

Thrift stores are a favorite hangout, where I can find decent like new clothes and many other items. One thing I'm always on 'alert' for is those big old column candles, the really big ones where the wick tunnels down into the core of it, making it useless for lighting the room. They're always cheaper than buying new wax to make new candles, just melt 'em down and make more reasonable sized new candles that are no bigger around than the tunnel that was in the big candle.

@soggynomadpress 5 ай бұрын

Thinking of redoing my bed. You got my wheels turning. Thanks! Also recommended for steps are whose old workout/Jazzercize steps. They fit outside vans and Class Cs perfectly. They are wide, stable and adjustable. Thrift store and yard sells are the place to get them.

@shariburns6263 2 ай бұрын

Camping right now and using my big foam step as an outdoor step. Originally started using it for our Corgi, but now I use it for me 😄

@joansidor5191 5 ай бұрын

I'd love a video on your favorite books. The ones you keep with you. Joan

@trudymaenza9672 5 ай бұрын

My Mom and Aunts took me to garage sales n thrift stores since I was a little! So I'm no stranger to thrift shopping, to me it was an adventure. I also went to 88cent stores, Woolworth, etc and now I go to Dollar Store, Dollar General, Ross, Walmart etc. But I'll go to anyplace with a good sale or clearance!😊

@kays749 5 ай бұрын

Great video!

@ellafields9424 5 ай бұрын

Good quality furniture refinishing / resell /$$$ was a fun hobby after I became disabled. Good Grocery $$$. Kept me motivated busy = happy. Also had RV onboard hobbies = busy & $$$ selling finished items. One mans trash - 😊 Your videos = excellent info AND R great to motivate 👍👍...

@jenniferc7862 5 ай бұрын

I wish my goodwill had a pots/pans/lids section like that! Excellent ideas for inexpensive building options.

@janet1744 5 ай бұрын

At my Good Will store I found 17 inch skillet but it was not nonstick coating inside. Could also be used over a campfire. The drawback was it was to heavy for me to use. I gave it to someone else.

@janet1744 5 ай бұрын

Edit: I hit the wrong key, that cast-iron skillet was 16 inches wide.

@mkbehnke1 5 ай бұрын

Been shopping thrift over 50 years now. The Salvation Army thrift was the place to go. Now it’s Goodwill and Thrifty Shopper here in the northeast.

@Roarmeister2 5 ай бұрын

Don't forget to donate you lesser used items as well. Someone else can use what you don't want.

@davesullivan8073 4 ай бұрын

Don’t even need an extension or another piece that is level with it. just a couple hinges and it may be one extra 15 inches piece of plywood. I had suggested people look around for scrap pieces of pallets, it’s always good to have a couple extra pieces of wood around.. obviously it’s better that you plan ahead so if you’re going to build out something for Vanlife, make sure you make a list of the things that you need and have an idea of the things that you want so you could be looking for the things I have a projected date as to when you’re going to need all this stuff, but Bob is so right you don’t have to spend a lot of money to furnish a van. garage sales are also a good outlet to find stuff.