From Fear to Freedom – Solo Van Life Changed Her Life

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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:

In this video, Nicole offers an in-depth tour of her self-built camper van, designed specifically for full-time van life. Nicole shares the story of how she designed, built, and now lives in her van with her dog, Lemon. With practical tips, personal insights, and a detailed look at each part of the van, this tour provides inspiration and guidance for women seeking independence, adventure, and a minimalist lifestyle on the road.

The Kitchen: Cooking in Comfort
Nicole’s passion for cooking played a major role in the design of her kitchen. She prioritized having ample counter space, utilizing every inch of her camper van efficiently. Equipped with a three-burner stove and oven combo, she ensures she can prepare homemade meals wherever she goes. To maintain a clutter-free environment, Nicole has designed custom storage solutions for all her cooking utensils, spices, and pantry items. One of her favorite features is the recessed spice rack, built into the wall to make use of otherwise wasted space. A full-sized refrigerator and freezer allow her to store enough food for weeks off-grid, making it easy to maintain her off-grid lifestyle.

Smart Storage and Organization
For anyone looking to live in a camper van, storage is key, and Nicole has this aspect down to a science. She shares how she has utilized hidden drawers, custom closets, and even a full-length wardrobe to keep her clothes and essentials neatly organized. She emphasizes the importance of downsizing, something that van life has encouraged her to do. Though she admits it was challenging at first, Nicole now loves the simplicity and freedom that comes with having only what she truly needs in her van.

Full-Size Shower and Bathroom Convenience
One of Nicole’s must-haves in her camper van was a full-size shower. She shows off her bathroom setup, complete with a 2.5-gallon water heater and a recessed caddy for her toiletries. As someone who dislikes using public restrooms, Nicole designed her bathroom to be both functional and comfortable. The water system allows her to shower regularly, making it easy to maintain her personal hygiene while living on the road.

Living and Sleeping Area: The Controversial Convertible Bed
Nicole opted for a U-shaped bench seating area that converts into a queen-sized bed. While she admits that converting the bed back and forth can sometimes be a hassle, she appreciates the flexibility it offers for working and relaxing in different spaces. Her van is fully equipped for all seasons, with plenty of storage for winter and summer clothes in the overhead cabinets and under-bench compartments. She even added a clever solution for storing her fishing rod under the benches.

Electrical System for Off-Grid Living
Nicole explains the details of her electrical system, which includes a 3,000-watt inverter, two 100-amp lithium batteries, and two 90-watt solar panels. This setup allows her to stay off-grid for extended periods, and the alternator charger ensures her batteries stay powered while driving. She also has the option for shore power when needed, making her setup versatile and self-sufficient for full-time van life.

Embracing Van Life and Pushing Boundaries
Nicole shares her journey from finding van life on YouTube to building her own van from scratch. She encourages women to push past fear and embrace the freedom that comes with living on the road. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a van build or camping in remote locations, Nicole’s message is clear: don’t let fear hold you back. Her story is an empowering reminder for women to take charge of their lives and follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may be.

Shot by – https://www.instagram.com/theaveragebrad/
Edited by – https://www.instagram.com/filmbro_/

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15 Comments

  1. Thanks for the showing of your van. Excellent job! Looks very nice. And congrats for taking the leap. 🇨🇦

  2. 4:01 Precious!! 7:56 ♥ You have a very nice van. I love the set up. It’s nice and clean, it’s airy and I love the soft colors. Thumbs up!

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