VAN HACK
A VAN-LIFER says he can't stand in his tiny mobile house but he saves thousands on extortionate bills.
Mark turned his motor into a home for just £300 and claims he would not go back to living normally in a house for the foreseeable future.
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He purchased the 2006 Mercedes Vito for £6,000 over two years ago and has since transformed it into a humble abode.
Mark has relished the opportunity to creatively refine his home and frequently shares his journey on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
In one YouTube video, Mark said: "I live full-time in my van, I'm a bricklayer and groundworker.
"I could have rented a flat, I could have stayed at my daughter's house but I chose not to.
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"I begrudge paying extortionate bills for a house."
He explained that because he lives on the road, he doesn’t pay any rent, or water and electric bills, meaning he has more money to spend or save.
Mark said that it was a "win-win situation" and he enjoys living in his "small van" because of the freedom and perks.
He continued: "I chose it because of its parking issues with bigger vehicles. I wanted a van which would park easily in a car bay.
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"I can't stand up in it, but that's the price you pay."
And the van-lifer adds that when he gets into his home on wheels he is usually "laying down in bed anyway".
Mark says he has embraced a life of minimalism and simple living and shared how he has escaped the rat race and is free from the "shackles of life".
Mark said: "I'm not tied to a house, mortgage, rent, council tax or anything.
"All I pay for is a van and insurance.
"Everything is minimal, everything is basic but I appreciate that.
"I only need the simplest things in life, I feel very humble."
He stores his "kitchen" at the back of his van which saves lots of space in his motor.
It also means Mark avoids damp, mould and smells inside his car.
His back door acts as a shelter above a fold out table complete with cooking equipment and knives.
Mark says he can cook things on a frying pan, use a kettle and he has a cooler box which acts as a makeshift fridge.
And he says that he always carries lots of water and some tinned goods at all times.
The van boasts rhino bars on the top which helps him transport a few items at a time.
Mark added: "I just took five weeks off because I can.
"I didn't want to work, I worked hard all my life and I could do that.
"I like to be free, I'm a free spirit."
Viewers were quick to comment on Mark's unique way of living.
One wrote: "Hes living a richer and more rewarding life than most people I know."
Another said: "What a gent, humble, kind and honest to the point guy. Well done mate and thank you. I’m a gas engineer and I’ll be joining this life shortly!"
"Lived in a camper van for 5 years, definitely some of the best years of my life. Good on you Mark," praised a third.
It comes as one lady revealed she lives in a van and absolutely loves it because she can travel and save money.
Vin, who posts on TikTok under the username @notallwhowanderarelostt, said she doesn't care that people call her “homeless”, and enjoys nomadic lifestyle.
Meanwhile, another girl who had her annual leave request denied, decided to quit her job and bought a £25,000 campervan to travel the world in.
Plus, Alyssa Jo, known as the solo travel gal on social media, also hopped on the trend.
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She showed fellow travellers how to stay warm in their camper vans this winter with useful budget friendly hacks.
And, Tom and Iz, known as the Lost in Transit duo online have similarly shared what life is like living on the road and demonstrated plenty of ways to heat your space.
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