Kathryn Johnson, a 27-year-old originally from Strathaven, made a life-changing decision after purchasing her £5,500 Ford Transit van in July 2020. She decided to end her tenancy on her Aberdeen flat and embrace a permanent nomadic lifestyle. This choice was fueled by the realization that living in her four-wheeled home significantly reduced her monthly expenses to just £500, which includes food and fuel.
Initially, Kathryn had some nerves about her new way of life, but ultimately, the freedom it offered was enough for her to fully commit. Two years ago, she visited Ireland in her van, initially planning for a three-week trip. However, she was captivated by the country’s beauty and tranquility, leading her to become a permanent traveler along Ireland’s west coast. She now spends her time surfing, swimming, and pursuing her artistic craft.
Kathryn poured £3,000 into renovating her van, transforming it into an “art studio on wheels.” She fitted it with a desk, storage for her materials, and solar panels for self-sufficiency. Her lifestyle now revolves around nature, as she explores the surrounding areas, takes photographs, and paints them.
While she admits that van life isn’t always as glamorous as portrayed on Instagram, Kathryn still highly recommends it to others and can’t imagine giving it up. She shared, “Living in the van has given me so much more freedom, reduced my expenses, and increased my sense of adventure.”
When Kathryn first informed her loved ones about her decision, they were surprised and initially concerned about her safety. However, after witnessing her happiness and taking note of the added safety measures she implemented, they became more supportive. As an introverted extrovert, Kathryn doesn’t feel lonely living in her van and values the ability to have alone time when needed.
Over time, Kathryn has transformed her van into the perfect studio space for her artistic pursuits. She believes that van life has made her more adventurous and plans to continue her lifestyle for the foreseeable future. While she envisions herself eventually joining a community, she believes it would take a lot for her to change her current way of life. She also intends to always have a van, regardless of whether it remains her full-time residence, as it aligns with her hobbies and interests.
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