We gave up normal life to live in a tiny home… it has a SWING & we keep shoes under the sink – here’s how much it cost
A COUPLE who gave up normal life to live in a van have revealed how much their life-changing project cost them.
Will and Meera bought their long wheel base Mercedes Sprinter in 2022 with a plan to travel around Europe once finished.
With a £15,000 budget scraped together through part-time uni jobs the pair got to work creating their tiny dream home.
Will told the couple's channel: "I worked at two nightclubs, a bar and as a bin-man."
After graduating from university Meera, while working full time as an assistant psychologist, helped electrical engineer Will with the build.
Breaking down the costs, he said: "The base van cost us £7,100.
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"We also then spent just under £1700 on various small repairs, servicing and a new set of tyres."
One of the biggest outgoings was getting electricity into the van, setting the young lovers back £1,922.
Other costs include £1,742 on gas and water systems while interior materials such as work tops and the beams came to £1137.
Tools and other hardware were an additional £1,115 during the one-year conversion project.
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While the kitchen, complete with an oven, gas hob and sink, was just £641.
They go do not enjoy the luxury of a washing machine but do have a fridge.
The van includes nifty storage solutions, including shoe shelves under the sink.
Meanwhile a bench that transforms into a dining table and desk for the pair to work at.
This seating area doubles as storage for larger items such as cooking appliances.
The couple's under-bed area is big enough to keep all their shoes, a water tank and even two bikes.
While clothes are neatly stowed away in draws which slide under the bed, which measures around 178cm.
Meera added: "The bedroom section, that includes a mattress and projector, came to a total of £270."
Exterior items such as windows and vents set the pair back £533.
Incredibly the bathroom, which includes a compostable toilet and shower came to just £569.
The van even boasts a swing for the couple to sway away the hours while in some far flung destination, accompanied by their cat.
Meera added: "Our miscellaneous category which was things like a smoke detector and random things came to £169.
"We ended up spending in total £16,896."
With the van complete they've ticked off France, Sweden and Norway during their epic adventure.
swimming in a glacial pothole with glowing jellyfish and hiking in the Swiss Alps are just some of the activities they've indulged in.
At the end of a long day exploring the pair like to cuddle up in bed with their cat - which has now been to eight countries - and watch a film on their projector.
They can also watch films projected onto the side of their van.
And they don't need to worry about shivering either as an LPG gas tank powers a heater to keep them toasty.
The van compliments their lifestyle, too, with Will working remotely and Meera currently unemployed.
The couple are not alone in escaping the rat race to move into a van.
Dr Sara Erdner forked out £60,097 to move into her's after being unable to afford a house.
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Meanwhile Lisa and Rich Skelton from Stoke-on-Trent hit the road after complaining of soaring rents.
They now spend just £630 a month travelling the world in their Ford Transit Custom.
