Meet Ellen Green, a 29-year-old freelance graphic designer from Northern Ireland who embarked on a unique adventure in 2019. Ellen decided to travel around Ireland in a van with her loyal Staffordshire bull terrier, Max. What started as a temporary arrangement turned into a permanent living situation, as Ellen discovered the benefits of van life. She purchased a Citroen Relay van for €6,000 and made it her new home.
Initially, Ellen’s loved ones found her living choices a bit eccentric, but now they understand why it works for her. Ellen has been able to explore breathtaking places like Snowdonia and Donegal and has hiked extensively throughout the UK and Ireland. Last year, she even climbed 52 peaks in 52 weeks, and having her van made the challenge much more manageable.
Living in a van has also allowed Ellen to save a significant amount of money on monthly expenses. Her outgoings now amount to around £200 a month, a considerable reduction compared to traditional living expenses. Looking ahead, Ellen envisions herself staying in the van long-term due to its flexibility and her ability to work remotely.
Ellen’s daily routine is the epitome of relaxation and adventure. She wakes up near a beach, takes a refreshing swim in the sea, does some work, and simply enjoys the peacefulness of her surroundings. This lifestyle, which she could never experience while renting, has made her appreciate life more and transformed her into an adventurous person.
Ellen’s journey started in 2019 when she traveled around Ireland in a Ford Transit Connect van while renting an apartment. However, after spending most of her time in the van, she decided to upgrade to a Citroen Relay in March 2023. The van offered the flexibility Ellen desired, allowing her to park anywhere and enjoy the beauty of different locations. Renting a flat seemed pointless since she hardly spent any time there, and living in the van was far more cost-effective.
Initially, Ellen faced skepticism from her loved ones. Her ex-boyfriend believed she needed a more realistic dream, and others found her big white van a bit strange and embarrassing. However, the rise in popularity of van life during the Covid pandemic has normalized her lifestyle. People now see that it works for her and understand the allure.
To make her van feel more like home, Ellen made a few renovations, spending approximately £1,000. She added a leisure battery and a window and completely transformed the interior. Ripping everything out, Ellen used reclaimed wood and a pallet to create a rustic, personalized space. The van now features a comfortable bed, a functional workspace, and a fully equipped kitchen made from repurposed bookshelves.
Ellen’s van life journey has taken her all over the UK and Ireland, from vibrant Cornwall, where she enjoys the company of fellow van dwellers, to remote and serene spots like Donegal. Parking next to the sea in Donegal provides her with a sense of peace and isolation, allowing her to fully embrace the tranquility of nature.
In addition to her work as a freelance graphic designer, Ellen loves to go hiking. To combine her creative side with her passion for hiking, she started selling decorative maps. She also embarked on an incredible feat last year – climbing 52 peaks in 52 weeks. The van proved to be a valuable asset, making the challenge much more accessible.
Living in her van has significantly reduced Ellen’s expenses. She now spends her money on experiences rather than bills, which brings her much more joy. Her monthly expenditures, including phone bills, apps, leisure centre showers, and launderette visits, amount to a maximum of £200. Fuel costs vary depending on how much she wants to travel each month.
When asked if she would recommend van life to others, Ellen enthusiastically encourages it. The freedom, cost savings, and opportunity for exploration make it an incredible way of living. Looking to the future, Ellen envisions herself continuing her van life journey. While she may consider staying in a location for the colder months, she still prefers the van lifestyle, as it provides her with the freedom and flexibility she cherishes. Settling down permanently is a challenging prospect for her because she can’t imagine giving up the lifestyle she has grown to love.
Ellen’s decision to embrace van life has undoubtedly been transformative. It has allowed her to escape the mundane and experience the world in a unique and fulfilling way. From the awe-inspiring landscapes to the freedom to work remotely, Ellen’s van has become her gateway to an extraordinary life.
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