I sold everything to live in my work van – I haven’t paid rent in 6 years and I bought this model for a specific reason

A MAN used to life in a van decided to abandon traditional life and convert his work van into a small home.

He has sold all his material items and is enjoying his adventurous, rent-free life.

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Brad (@nomadbrad503), an advocate for nomadic living, shared a recent YouTube post video about his life in a van.

He started van life six years ago after realizing he wasn’t enjoying life to the fullest.

He explained that he had a full-time job, a house, and a mortgage, but he worked long hours and rarely had time to enjoy the things he worked so hard for.

Brad worked as a heating and AC repair technician, driving about eight to nine hours a day in a large service van.

Since he was rarely home, he decided to sell his belongings, buy a cargo van on eBay and open his own business.

VAN LIFE

He bought a 2007 Ford E-450 Econoline box truck for $12,000 and turned it into a small van for home and work.

Brad explained that he now travels the country servicing solar and electrical systems on vans, buses and RVs.

“My favorite part about van life is that wherever you go, you’re always home,” he said.

He specifically chose his van for its large size, noting that the box shape offers the largest possible internal dimensions and plenty of space for his work materials.

The van measured 7 feet tall and 8 feet wide, but only 21 feet long, making it easy for Brad to navigate the city and fit into parking spaces.

He paid $12,000 for parts and materials to transform the old truck into his new living space.

The interior of the vehicle is equipped with a large kitchen area, electric stove, solar power setup, heating and air conditioning, work area, overhead storage, storage cubbies, convertible bed and separate bathroom.

However, Brad discovered that it wasn’t necessary to include a shower.

He noted that he only showers once a week and does so at the gym, national parks, or truck stops.

SCALE REDUCTION

One aspect of van life and nomadic living that Brad enjoyed was the minimalism it brought to his life.

“You learn that it really doesn’t take much to be happy,” he said.

He explained that his lifestyle helped reduce impulse purchases and instead focused his attention on experiences that enriched his life.

He encouraged others to consider adopting a nomadic lifestyle.

“You really can’t go wrong with van life as long as you have income, a positive trajectory of where you want to go in life, enjoy adventure and enjoy being in nature,” he said.

“If you check yes on those boxes, van life is an absolute win.”

In related news, a couple bought a tiny house for $5,900 – to save space, their bathroom has a dual purpose.

Additionally, a woman lives in a small community and has “reduced” her expenses to $355 per month.