Van Life - Couple Saves $18,000 a Year by Living in a Camper Van

Рет қаралды 623,875

Күн бұрын

Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video :) squarespace.com/exploringalter... to get 10% off your first purchase
Tyler & Sarah from Life vs Art (www.lifevsart.com/) are a couple living the off grid van life full-time in Vancouver, BC, Canada. A couple of years ago they realized they were spending close to $18,000 per year on rent, and with such a mild climate in Vancouver, they realized they could live in a camper van and save that money to live life the way they wanted to.
They live in the van with two sweet dogs, who spend weekdays at work with Tyler so they aren't left alone in the van.
They're basically living off-grid and rent free in the middle of the city with a propane Dickinson fireplace heater, water jugs they fill up at work, solar power for electricity, and a small portable toilet.
Tyler plays drums for the Magik Spells, and Sarah is the drummer for Nixie. The one thing they miss after having downsized their belongings is an electronic drum kit they used to have set up in their living room. Now they store their music instruments at the studio where they have band practice.
We really enjoyed meeting Sarah & Tyler this summer and were so inspired by how easily they make full-time van dwelling work for them.
Here are some links to their projects if you want to check them out:
/ lifevsart
www.lifevsart.com/
/ @lifevsart
/ magikspellsmusic
/ sk_pea
www.magikspellsmusic.com/
www.nixie.live/
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
PS thank you to all of our Patrons who support us so generously and a very special thank you to our backbone supporters: The Burgess Family and Jakob Dannesboe!
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VIDEO CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

Пікірлер: 422

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

You can check out Tyler & Sarah's van & band websites here: Www.lifevsart.com Www.nixie.live Www.magikspellsmusic.com

@pennyaa2 6 жыл бұрын

There are 24 hour gym memberships, so they can shower, workout, and using the bathroom in those facilities. I don't blame them.

@MrYepz 3 жыл бұрын

Holy S, what a good idea, never thought of that, TY!

@roaringmouse4505 4 жыл бұрын

2:08 "We can go wherever, whenever we want to...and we don't have to pack." WORD!

@hellojuneau8917 6 жыл бұрын

Van life without having to quit your job is what I plan to do. Great interview

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and best of luck with your future plans!

@heatherrenton2086 5 жыл бұрын

Tyler and Sarah are living the life! I can't wait to do the same. I've seen a video of them a year or so ago. Thank you for sharing their updated van life story!

@tamaraweber3296 6 жыл бұрын

Very smart young couple👍

@do7473 5 жыл бұрын

That's not a badd idea actually tried that I find that renting a nice apartment for a $100 a month in the Philippines is better

@takchengsze4719 5 жыл бұрын

@@do7473 the point is you cannot find a job paid as good in the Philippines.

@do7473 5 жыл бұрын

you can't work at all there I'm vert familiar with all that stuff I have a son there if I can work there I wouldn't be here in NewYork lol i wanna be with my family well yes there's other ways you can work online I've been there several times and I do plan on retiring there

@do7473 5 жыл бұрын

@@takchengsze4719 in my 55 years of living u dont evn have to tell and artistic person..lol

@EugeneMatlin 6 жыл бұрын

Nice video. This is my second season living in my camper van in Vancouver as well. Great lifestyle choice.

@rh9793 4 жыл бұрын

Oh how cozy just cozy . LOVE IT . And it's so beautiful there

@KurlyKy 6 жыл бұрын

As someone who is also living in Vancouver at the moment, I LOVE how they are kind of giving the big middle finger to certain politician who preaches affordable housing options but has literally done nothing to assist with making that a reality (if anything, doing the opposite and whoring out to the wealthy foreign and local elite), in a city where the cost of housing goes up every five minutes... Not sure if van life would be for me (for sure a tiny house or something with a shower facility), but I totally applaud them on making this work for their situation! *virtual high five*

@LifevsArt 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Ky! We totallly tried to do the tiny house thing in Vancouver and was told "its not the solution to the housing problem in vancouver" by the city. Its sad but you can get all of the same things in a van if you are wanting to pay the same price as a tiny house. :)

@ldygzlle1291 5 жыл бұрын

can you rent a van or rv in vancouver and try it out?

@RVingLiveTheDream 6 жыл бұрын

Vanlife is awesome! That looks like out 1995 Roadtrek💃🏻🚐 Love the white paint, ours is like oak. Waiting to paint it but husband like the color. Happy Travels 😎

@peggychapman7835 4 жыл бұрын

Loving your story and home congratulations on your adventures with your beautiful loves! Many blessings to you both

@sabrinarussell333 6 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try it soon!! Thanks ❤️

@FIGHTSEEN 6 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you two 💝 each other enough to be in that space.(and the critters too)

@malcolmnicoll1165 6 жыл бұрын

Super cool. Screw living in stick and brick. Living off grid is the way to go. Good on you! Most inspirational. Thanks for posting.

@sourcedrop7624 6 жыл бұрын

I really like these videos of people's experiences. I've been doing this over a year now, city-hopping across the US, and I love the freedom and money savings. I love not being tied down and living minimalistically so I can put all my focus on what I really want in life. From time to time though it gets a bit depressing because I feel like I need to have my own personal space (apartment) carved out of the residential zone. But like this couple, I'm only in my van to sleep. I spend the entire day elsewhere, working or otherwise, so I feel it a waste of money to get an apartment. But I'm currently looking to rent a room off Craigslist. I figure I stay a month or three at places so maybe it would be alright to batten down the hatches a little with a temp apartment that makes it easy to take off when I want. I'm conflicted on the issue, but I think, at least for myself, it's good to have a variety of total freedom and feeling of stability mixed together. Thanks for making great videos that make me think! Y'all are awesome.

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with everyone. 😀😀 I totally understand where you're coming from, we also find it pretty challenging at time but for now the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks. We have more freedom and our bills a lower but we sometimes miss a sense of community and a stable place to fall back on.

@retiredandpreppingquilting2350 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for showing this video. There is always ways to live without it costing a lot of money. Hope you have a wonderful week. New supporter here.

@paulawhite2546 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome couple! Great home and lifestyle they created.

@chapman1569 6 жыл бұрын

They did their van really well, I was surprised to see the little stove. Smoke would give them away if they wanted to hide. I liked the curtain panels in the bedroom. I would have liked to see more about the storage and toilet . Thank you for a great video.

@TheSimaralynn 6 жыл бұрын

I'm fascinated by this lifestyle but I just couldn't deal with the lack of shower/toilet. I think it would be hell for one week each month.

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

True! Lack of toilet & shower can make things very uncomfortable in a van. Especially if you're on the road and don't have regular places to go. These two have a toilet in their van (it's the box to the left of them during the interview), but they definitely would like to have a shower in their next tiny home :) Thanks for watching!

@AdrianLeeMagill 6 жыл бұрын

Some RV's out there have built in showers/toilets. I have seen them on Craigslist for about the same price that these two paid.

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

You're right, that could be a great option too. The bigger RV's a're not great on gas but if you're not travelling big distances it can totally work. Thanks for watching 👍

@AdrianLeeMagill 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, about the gas. There are diesel options, however, and I have seen some 4 cylinder RV's from the '80's that, while lacking in power, are good on gas.

@smallfootprint2961 6 жыл бұрын

You're not paying rent so consider that.

@jmjillhomer1900 5 жыл бұрын

really enjoying all these "van life" videos - THANK YOU

@shavaunaronan3188 6 жыл бұрын

What a great video. I think it is a great idea living the way this couple is. They have a tiny home on wheels. I like the wood stove they had in there, really awesome.

@peggychapman7835 6 жыл бұрын

Loving your adventures and your home many blessings to you both

@Spintechfilms 5 жыл бұрын

Glad to finally see Vanners that have a TV, I thought I was the only crazy that wants one in my van build

@CNder77 6 жыл бұрын

What a great couple. You have a nice "little home on wheels".Those are cool to me, and your dogs are so cute:) You're drummers you say? Me too, love it! Thanks for sharing this video,I enjoyed:) I visited your sites, you guys sound good

@geauxadventuring6039 6 жыл бұрын

Such a cool living arrangement

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

It sure is! They are lucky that Vancouver winters aren't too cold, that definitely helps. Thanks for watching 😀

@cliffp.8396 6 жыл бұрын

A suggestion to save your tires from curb damage. Attach spot mirrors (convex mirror, available auto parts stores) to the mirror glass surface at the bottom outside corner of each. This will allow you to see where the tire meets the road as well as the curb. Those damaged sidewalls (tires) are in danger of rupture at high speed.

@citten4u 5 жыл бұрын

Love your story. You are an awesome family. Love your children.

@elainefleureton5536 6 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed! Thank you for sharing!

@petratuccino717 6 жыл бұрын

Love them and their adorable dogs! Thanks for the video :)

@WittAllen 6 жыл бұрын

Aww, that little schnauzer-dachshund

@madambutterfly7513 6 жыл бұрын

Nice video, great looking van & doggies❤️❤️❤️

@GTLees 6 жыл бұрын

Right on, I really dig the van (of course it's a Dodge). The improvements made certainly are noticeable and it works. I can see the downside of not having a bathroom, but you adapt and get by I suppose. I wish that my wife and I had done that early in our relationship, maybe some day.

@robertroach1127 6 жыл бұрын

Great video, pretty sure I saw their story on CTV last year sometime!

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

That's cool, I wish I would've seen the CTV story when it aired. Thanks for watching 😀👍

@Pen2paw 3 жыл бұрын

The golf battery advice is good. Thanks.

@reneecannon1250 4 жыл бұрын

I love the windows over the cab and Sarah's black romper ; )

@joeczech992 5 жыл бұрын

Buy OXO hand dustpan and broom at Marshall or Bath and Beyond. The best one out there and very compact. It picks up everything.

@xpxp1 6 жыл бұрын

another great video. nice couple. ☺

@jacobcushman8253 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome van looks like a tiny little apartment and she's pretty cute also cute couple would love to meet them some day awesome video love these van life videos

@offgridjack5779 6 жыл бұрын

Go Tyler & Sarah!! Enjoy life!!

@nikkineal6431 6 жыл бұрын

My cats and dog doesn't get along so we live in an RV so we can have them separated. If I'm ever at a point without animals later in life I think my husband and I will renovate a van and spend summers in different states. Thanks for the inspiration!! Great video.

@kenya1067 6 жыл бұрын

"Van"couver 😂😂

@sandyrodriguez2803 6 жыл бұрын

A Jack Russell and a Dachshund, nice combo.

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Sure is a good combo, they are pretty cute and funny those two!😁

@sandyrodriguez2803 6 жыл бұрын

Indeed. They made a cute pair and they are just the right size for that life style!!!! Lol.

@minivanlinda1762 4 жыл бұрын

Fascinating...I'm about to look into this. I'm sick or rent and want to try this for a year.

@marig1972 6 жыл бұрын

Really nice video...Thank you so much for posting this...Wishing Tyler and Sarah a really happy life. :)) #ManyBlessings

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking out the video Maria👍

@AlienSensei 5 жыл бұрын

Your governments eventually either gonna make realtors lower the rent or make it harder for people to live in a van in a relatively comfortable manner (be it through taxes or parking regulations). The latter is more likely.

@cupstudios3788 5 жыл бұрын

Kurum Baya they already did that. Have you seen the price of gas?

@mcstinkle 6 жыл бұрын

I think I saw these guys when I was in Vancouver

@ilciavargas7318 4 жыл бұрын

They do make a lovely family with those two lovely dogs. I really hope they are rescue dogs.

@alphaphotoandvideo 6 жыл бұрын

im 37 and single, when i told my family i want to live in a van, they laughed, I will show then this video😎😎😎😎😎😎

@philsinfield4665 4 жыл бұрын

good for you ,go for it ,i did it for a while love to do it again ps love the dog.

@Shakerman270 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video guys. 🇨🇦

@cattsmahal1005 5 жыл бұрын

What an awesome van!

@CrystalsPetsLife 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Do what works for you and don’t worry about what everyone thanks as long as you’re happy that’s all accounts

@denad4227 6 жыл бұрын

You guys are great god bless myself and my husband are living our suv very spacious

@twisted1800 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video, I have a Jack Russell Terrier myself, they're very active dogs, I hope you guys give that little man some running space, I'm saying this because with such an active dog breed like the JRT, they need room to run around, really hope you guys are providing that for the little guy being that he's in such a small area. I have a JRT and these little speed demons need room to run around lol, wish you guys the best.

@JamaicanMillionaire 6 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking of doing this within the year. I see I can save $44000 a year easy downgrading from a three bedroom rental. Kids are grown and I am now doing my own thing

@jocelynelangis777 6 жыл бұрын

Fascinating..the money you can save! Is there any seniors able to live like this you think?

@FeedScrn 6 жыл бұрын

KZfaq: cheaprvliving videos

@soulergy1soulrgy1 4 жыл бұрын

salt spring coffee, the best, good people there, Cosco carries it too. good luck Sarah, to both of you... I live in Point Roberts, you can come and camp here. Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada.

@suebrurell206 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I could do this! Bravo

@mitchcollins2947 6 жыл бұрын

as always well done

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mitch 😀😀

@S.G..E555 5 жыл бұрын

Nice re build xx

@FeedScrn 6 жыл бұрын

"When we bought the van, it was a complete rustbucket" Steel shelled vehicles are prone to rust.... They are not designed for long-term condensation accumulation .... I also heard that propane stoves throw off a lot of moisture. The best vehicles, IMO, have aluminum sides... preferably with a small (tiny house ) wood stove - giving off dryness.

@qristv1912 6 жыл бұрын

i dont think i could have talked any of my gfs to pee in a bowl and live in a van with me. it is interesting to see different people and ideas on youtube though

@builtbydylan8315 5 жыл бұрын

Qris TV ikr, mine would never do this!

@badams63adams48 4 жыл бұрын

Get rid of the girlfriend. Theres plenty of wonderful women who would love to live this life.

@laska907 4 жыл бұрын

Drugs help

@michaelcsutton 6 жыл бұрын

Great interview

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, happy you enjoyed it😀

@allanaalberto9730 5 жыл бұрын

Would love doing this for a year or two though not forever lol. I love a spacious bathroom. But a minimalistic life like this has always been a fantasy of mine

@Jamadasun1 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video. I do understand the rent situation in Vancouver. I live in Surrey. I wanted to know where you bought your solar panel? I need one for me cargo trailer to power my kitchen. Thanks in advance for the info.

@Heather-xc5kd 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Sarah and Tyler - I don't know who checks this but Van or RV living is something my husband and I are looking at in Vancouver. Our only major issue though is that we really haven't spoken to someone who has actually done it. We would love chat if there was ever the opportunity! Amazing that you guys have done it ! Hope it was sweet!

@starguard4122 5 жыл бұрын

Looks great. ( Thumbsup and Subscribed )

@valle3452 6 жыл бұрын

Salt Spring Coffee. Awesome beans! I approve this message :)

@truongnd1 6 жыл бұрын

Ahh gotta lovee Music Festivals

@nitsan 6 жыл бұрын

love it. I want a van house. :)

@hulkamal5434 6 жыл бұрын

Just curious, did you ever get one??

@Janika-xj2bv Жыл бұрын

You've got the home and you've got the wheels, a two-in-one solution. I think it's great and you look happy. I'm a digital nomad roaming Europe on a motorcycle, sleeping in a tent. And in my mid 50s. Nothing is impossible, where there's a will there's a way. Cheers from Reggio Calabria 🇮🇹

@contestgoodies1127 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, and I get it. I would tell you it would be cool to have a shower inside, but a gym membership go there shower shave get cleaned up then head home is a lot less worrisome. You guys keep rocking and loving each other and life

@charlieestevenn 6 жыл бұрын

Live in that camper van as long as you can, it is amazing 😉

@starrybluewaves 6 жыл бұрын

Super awesome. I want to live in a van. :)

@yoy58913 6 жыл бұрын

Well this couple looks neat and clean.

@philipplakay 6 жыл бұрын

beautiful dogs!!!amazing

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 😀

@lalalaland5291 5 жыл бұрын

You two are adorable and so are your dogs.

@jeremydeane7057 6 жыл бұрын

Love it!!!!!

@birdwing98 4 жыл бұрын

Gotta love those old Dodge engines!

@RaiCarLoBR 5 жыл бұрын

How you make a ps4 wonrking with solar?

@willowworks 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome live in a Van Story. Thanks

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, happy you enjoyed their story. Thanks for watching 👍

@moebiusdune1115 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting couple.Good video.

@grayeagleswolves 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome couple awesome van

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 👍

@tarabarrentine3249 4 жыл бұрын

I have been living in my Outback Ultralight 29 inch RV with my boyfriend for over a year now and I love it!!! The only disadvantage is my bf works nights and it is hard for him to sleep when I am home. My boyfriend is ready to buy a house but I am content with living like this for awhile, we save so much money!!

@amaliadeantonis8267 6 жыл бұрын

awesome Thank you for sharing :)

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Thanks for watching, I'm happy you enjoyed the video 😀😀

@RadiantGuardians 5 жыл бұрын

The high cost of rent is global, every where you go the rental market is through the roof especially to live in the city, rural is possibly more affordable, just means making road trips to town for supplies each month....

@lynneling7662 6 жыл бұрын

Nice van set ☝up

@danielecatorci2370 6 жыл бұрын

I will suggest to them Aerodrums, it need just a PC and is very cheap. you canplay drum whereever you want!! check it out!!

@legofeak12 4 жыл бұрын

Living in a van in Vancouver that’s a whole new level.

@Ollie7707 6 жыл бұрын

Wish I could do this for a summer

@michelleschweizer9000 5 жыл бұрын

Love your dogs❤️❤️

@flower2364 5 жыл бұрын

I would live in a van in a heartbeat. However I would make sure my water tank was inside so that it didn't freeze. There are ways. I once lived in my van in Scotland and trust me it gets cold there in the winter but my water was inside and so I had a shower and everything. I had a cassette toilet which I emptied in public toilets. All I did was hide it in a suitcase and hey presto it was emptied. I used green for it so it was environmentally ok to empty it that way. I had great leisure battery and was warm and toasty with my gas central heating. I loved it and would do it again if my husband agreed. We intend to buy a new camper when we retire and travel and live in it then.

@sahir313 6 жыл бұрын

God bless them..

@visualtraveler5263 6 жыл бұрын

Loved it Matt ! ..there's something about the older vans that I love. For one thing I love that color and tone of grey. And the front sky light windows,. I love that appearance. Thanks again for sharing a cool video on vanlife. :-) ✌

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah we also LOVE those front skylight windows and just the general old style of camper vans. They really don't make them like that anymore. I would like a newer van but with an old style. Thanks for checking out the video, happy you enjoyed it 😀

@visualtraveler5263 6 жыл бұрын

Exploring Alternatives ..your welcome. Hey how about finding a great looking older one, and by selling the one you have, just put a new engine in it, and new brakes, and whatever else might need replacing, like all the water lines & electrical wires and maybe a new sink or shower ? Then with a new engine, you could trust it to go at least 5 years before anything major had to be replaced, accept maybe tires. :-) ✌

@drunkvegangal8089 6 жыл бұрын

With an older van hooking up to a diagnostic computer usually isn't required, there are plenty of replacement/repair parts available (even in smaller cities), and almost any mechanic can compete repairs. Bonus! No computer tracking your movements or speed (you can always choose to install recording cameras can for insurance and safety). Final bonus - you are less of a 'target' for thieves as it isn't a $50,000+ vehicle...

@RaJo6697 4 жыл бұрын

What do you do if it rains several days in a row?

@thooshmand 6 жыл бұрын

What about resident address where do you get your important mail that cannot be sent to po box.

@aboves0below320 6 жыл бұрын

such a social stigma to do this in the uk , but doing this is all i want to do, do need a fixed address for the insurance, so make friends with someone and ask nicely failing that a po box or something similar may work, 24/7 facilities work well with this lifestyle gym works a treat for shower and toilet and tesco,mcdonalds