Living On Wheels: A Van‑Tastic Journey Across America
In a country where 90 % of folks own homes, even renting feels foreign to many Singaporeans. But what if you swapped a house for a van?
Meet the Road‑Wanderers
We chatted with a dynamic duo who’ve turned a humble van into their cozy headquarters. They sealed the deal, packed their essentials, and hit the open road for a full‑year adventure!
Why a Van? Why It Works
- Freedom – No landlord, no monthly mortgage. The only rules are the highway’s speed limits.
- Adventure – Every morning is a new panorama; every night, a fresh starscape.
- Cost Savings – Minimal rent, low maintenance, and a built‑in travels budget.
Highlights of Their Year‑Long Tour
- Crossed three time zones and stopped over in towns that felt like hidden gems.
- Made friends along the way, from cowboys in rodeos to chefs in food trucks.
- Absorbed the unpredictable air—sunny beach mornings, snow‑capped mountains, and everything in between.
The Takeaway
Believing in a life beyond the ordinary can be exhilarating—and it proves that a van can house more than just a car. Whether you’re a Singaporean dreaming of escape or a wanderlust enthusiast, the road awaits. Buckle up: the van is not just a vehicle; it’s a ticket to adventure.
Why live in a van?
Van Life Adventures of Gracia & Yee Jia
Why They Packaged It and Crashed the Road
Gracia and Yee Jia grew tired of chasing the Singaporean dream—a glamorous reality full of luxury and endless spreadsheets. Instead, they craved realitude and a dash of adrenaline. “Truth be told, we were ready for a change,” they’ve said, and what’s better than turning your life into a mobile living space?
The Hallmarks of Their Big Decision
- Escaped the ritual of meritocracy—no more deadlines and office politics.
- Moved from “home” to “in‑your‑van” with an ambitious aim: explore the world, one wind‑shield at a time.
- Grew a deep passion for the unscripted routes van life paved.
Van-Size Comforts and Unexpected Triumphs
Living in a small, cramped space is the epic battle, but it also offers the comfort of home on wheels. And, those moments when you remember you’re only a few miles away from a thousand cities?
One Wild Night in New York City
Picture this: New York City—the most expensive place on Earth, with its bright signs, bustling streets, and a society that can’t seem to think there’s any safe corner for a parking spot.
- The crew decided to stealth‑camp inside the van, lowering the arms and stealthily parking.
- Somewhat thrilling, they found a free parking spot under the Brooklyn Bridge—
- Within minutes of the main attractions. It was not an accident—we’d found a slat in a knot’ve space!
See It Yourself!
One of the most heartwarming moments? The two parents who chose to live in a van with Gracia and Yee Jia for a three‑week trip. The “lousy” life of a fellow household “destination” may seem unimaginable upon arrival.
- They improvised for the first time—using what they had and confusing those vehicle pulls.
- We know that this part was wise: they will find new ways to use the equipment that we own.
- They proved that the idea of a “family” is not just home in moving –kind, as it is now taking on 360‑degree inspiration.
Closing Thoughts
In summary, while Gracia, Yee Jia, and parent trailer’s struggle through the journey is obviously an entirely engaging update. The insane long journey, although difficult in most cases, can be summed up in a very simple compact.
Glamping in the Grand Canyon of Utah: A Carefree, Coffee-Struck Adventure
The Scene
Picture this: the wide, red‑rocked expanse of Arches National Park stretches out in every direction, a dramatic backdrop for our weekend escapade. We’ve tucked our van into the heart of it all and turned what might have been an ordinary overnight stop into a chic, makeshift lounge of Japanese flair.
What Went Under the Tarp?
- Tarp – the canvas shelter that kept us dry when the desert breeze decided to get creative.
- Bed Cushions – our portable throne of softness, once greased up for a McDonald’s run or a midnight movie.
- Foldable Table – the abrupt move from campsite to functional “kitchen” that allowed us to make tea, toast, and plan our next shots.
The Japanese‑Inspired Touch
Decked out like a serene tatami mat on the asphalt, we arranged the cushions to spread out like a city’s skyline. Imagine a plush slice of the famed Japanese courtyard right under a star‑filled sky—when the desert twins night and dew.
Why This Matters
When you think of travelling, you often imagine a big cardboard box packed with clothes, travel guides, and maybe a camera. What we did here was leaner—and more efficient.
Saving the Cash – A Singaporean Twist
With housing prices in Singapore skyrocketing, many readers have probably wondered how adventures like this cut their budgets. It’s simple: ditch the pricy hotels, ditch the rental car, ditch the overly curated travel, and make the most of what you have. A tarp, a few cushions, a fold table, and some earnest risk‑taking write the whole story out for a fraction of the usual cost.
Takeaway
Glamping with a guileless attitude—tonight’s 3‑Star-moderate planet of red brilliance—shows that creative simplicity can bring out the heartfelt, budget‑friendly side most people forget when they hit the highway. Come back tomorrow if the desert wakes the imagination of rehearsed city life.
How much can you save by living in a van?
Living in a Van vs. Renting: Why Two Folks Found $30,000 a Year in Savings
Picture this: Gracia and Yee Jia are living the American dream—minus the mortgage and the expense of maintaining a place. Instead of a house, they trade in a rental agreement for a van that’s been their home, office, and personal luxury suite.
Why Not Rent When You Can Cruise?
In the U.S., the average monthly rent is a whopping $1,326 per renter (according to World Population Review). Gracia and Yee Jia stitch their banking sleight of hand by skipping that outgo altogether; they say they save almost $2,700 a month on rent by keeping it all inside their trusty van.
- Both cover their living costs in the van’s internal budget.
- They still get the freedom to explore new states, ditch your usual novelet routine.
- We get to see them surround themselves with pockets of portability.
One Year of Jacked‑up Savings
By living the van life, they estimate $30,000 a year saved between both of them. If you were to adopt the van lifestyle for the entire thank god the rest of the year (and not just a quick weekend getaway), you would still save approximately $2,700 in monthly rent and less on a daily cost of stay.
What About “Detached Holiday” Costs?
Without a home base, Gracia and Yee Jia also watch where their holiday spend goes. Assuming you stay in a cheap motel for every night of the year at an average rate of $50 per night, that would be: $18,250 in total. The van cost, on the other hand, only roils to a few bucks a day, or less than 15% of the motel cost.
How They Invest the Remaining Cash
Instead of committing a massive bankroll into a property mortgage—such a way to break “the ever‑hushed you’ll always remember your name” style—they put most of the money into the stock market.
After all, the van gives them freedom to obey you, plus the savings from the no rent approach can also be used to finance a barely‑used amitriptyline trun on a fast market.
Wrap‑up: Van, Not About Uproar, It is Just a clean Mirror of the Authentic United States Story
Valuing only life over funds, side-with no mortgage, the savings of life with comfortable you is justifiable by its well fine. And the Van—who was the straight—search for big forums of relied to be bestselling in it, and a “hope” that fizzy “That is turning the world as one.” The ending that they love—should help out on the sense of a good life.
Why I Chose a Van Over a Car Rental (and How It Saved Us Big Money)
Moving around a country that has almost no reliable public transport outside of the major cities means you’re stuck with a car. If you’re on a tight budget, you might wonder whether to keep paying that sweet‑but‑uncomfortable Hertz fee or buy a second‑hand ride that can double as a home. Let’s dig into the numbers.
Cooking On Wheels – A Kitchen on the Go
- We cook inside our van and stash food in the freezer just like a normal house.
- By skipping restaurants, we’re saving $700–$800 a month—just for the two of us.
The Car Rental Reality Check
Rent a car for a full year? Hertz charges $30 a day. The math is simple:
- $30 × 365 = $10,950.
- That’s the total cost you’d face if you went the rental route.
Selling the Old Model: Buying a Van
We scoured Facebook Marketplace and found a second‑hand van that ran us a $6,500 bill. Considering the low cost for a vehicle that could both drive and house us, we decided it was the smarter option.
Key Takeaway
Buying a cheap van is almost half the cost of a yearly rental, plus you get a portable home. For our road‑trip experience, the van was the best way to keep the money in our pockets and the comfort in our backs.
A van as a living space
Meet the Solar‑Powered 2013 Ford Transit Connect
Imagine turning a classic 2013 Ford Transit Connect into a mobile power station that feels like a pirate ship ready to hoist the sun‑powered flag. Inside, it’s wired up with a mind‑blowing electrical setup that can keep your gadgets, fridge, and even a 1500W inverter alive on the road.
Key Components
- Solar Panels: Two 100‑W panels that soak up the sunshine and send the energy straight to the battery.
- Battery: A 200‑Ah gel battery that stores all that solar juice so you’re never left in the dark.
- Refrigeration: A 12‑V fridge that keeps your snacks chilled even when the sun’s gone.
- Lighting: 12‑V puck lights that brighten up the interior without draining the power bank.
- Ventilation: A 12‑V fan that ensures you’re not turning into a toaster in the back.
- Inverter: A massive 1500‑W inverter that lets you plug in AC devices as if you were at home.
- Charge Controllers: They keep the batteries happy by preventing overcharging and safeguarding the solar set‑up.
- USB Outlets: Handy ports for charging phones, tablets, or anything else that needs a boost.
Why This Setup Rocks
Whether you’re on a weekend road trip, camping under the stars, or just need a reliable power buffer while you’re away from an outlet, this Transit Connect’s electrical array means:
- You can keep your taste buds chilled.
- Your lights stay bright without a hitch.
- Your fan keeps the air flowing freshly.
- All your essentials that need AC stay powered up.
- And thanks to the solar panels and battery, you’re ready to power everything even when the sun resigns for the night.
Takeaway
With a 2013 Ford Transit Connect that’s rows a sun‑powered back‑pack, you’re not just traveling—you’re driving a fully-equipped, portable power hub boasting a 1500‑W inverter, solar panels, and a 200‑Ah battery. Turn those solar panels up, toast your snacks (…or keep them cold?), and enjoy the freedom of your own “mobile power station.”
Space‑Saving Secrets for Your Tiny Business
Ever feel like you’re starring in a sitcom where the set keeps shrinking? Fear not! We’ve cooked up a capsule‑size living–working combo that will make even the most cramped loft feel like a five‑star hotel. Read on and get ready to brag about your ingenious setup.
1. The Mighty Extension Rack
- Holds everything from spare kits to your secret stash of celebratory confetti.
- Can be pulled out, tucked away, or turned into an invisible billboard when you’re short on space.
2. The Couch‑to‑Bed Marvel
- Slide it out, pop it up, then stash it back as a comfy sofa. It’s like magic, but with a gas stove.
- Perfect for those “I’m at a meeting, but also hungry” moments.
3. Custom Hand‑Made Cushions
- Made with love (and a touch of flair), these cushions keep the couch bed cozy while making your space look like a boutique showroom.
- They’re not just cushions; they’re a statement that we’re serious about style.
4. Mini Kitchen, Big Flavor
- Gas stove + utensils = instant gourmet, without the need for a full‑blown kitchen.
- Perfect for whipping up a snack or a fancy office lunch in record time.
5. Self‑Contained Water Storage
- Run, wash, drink – and keep it all within your own little world.
- No need for external hookups, which saves effort (and your landlord’s patience).
6. The “Bathroom” That Works
- Compact, efficient, and ready to clean up after a long day of demos or pitches.
- Feel free to add a quirky touch: a tiny plant, a poster, or whatever makes the space uniquely yours.
With these six clever hacks, you can turn a cramped corner into a fully functional, sleek, and surprisingly inviting zone. Good luck, and may your workspace stay drama‑free!
The Wild Ride of Building a Mobile Home
Picture this: you’re in a cramped space that smells like a DIY nightmare, with every corner dripping with sawdust, fresh‑paint fumes, and the ever‑present sting of plywood. That was the reality for a couple who hustled to finish their mobile home before the calendar said “flooded puberty.” Their challenge? Construct a whole dwelling in fewer than 30 days while living in the very chaos they were creating.
Day One: The Scent of Success… and Pain
- Ouch!… That Sits! The first week was a barrage of blisters from constantly cutting and sanding.
- Smell of Success! Every hour, a fresh wave of plywood aroma reminded them they were one step closer to a proper roof.
- Dusty Dilemma! They tried to keep the floor clean, but sawdust seemed to literally be their mattress.
Marrying Sweat and Gratitude
Despite the nightly excruciating aches and the relentless “smell of disaster,” the couple never lost sight of the picture that mattered: “home.” Their journey, while brutal, was a testament to perseverance, a laugh‑stocked anecdote that anybody can appreciate. After all, you earn the sweet scent of success when you grind through the tough days!
Conclusion: The Big Payoff
Building a mobile home in less than a month? That’s pretty insane, but the end result was a beacon of triumph and a shining example of what a bold, determined, and slightly stinky effort can bring in the long run. It might be tough, but the smiles and the living space that greeted them afterward made all the blisters worthwhile.
Road‑Trip Adventure: Vans, Rental Cars, and a Family Home on the Move
What’s Happening?
- Vans are the stars: They serve as the main mode of travel.
- Rental car makeover: The couple grabbed a rental and turned it into a cozy, mobile home for their parents.
- All‑in‑one vehicle: Parents not only travel with them but also get a comfy spot to rest.
Why Do It?
By using a rental car as a “makeshift home,” the family keeps everyone together while keeping the journey fun and relaxed. It’s like having a tiny hotel on wheels—no hotel booking, just instant comfort.
Need More Insight?
Check out the couple’s YouTube video for a deeper look into the car transformation and other cool hacks they used on their road trip.
Advice for picking a van as a home
Choosing Your Van for Van Living
Dreaming of road‑tripping in your very own mobile home? Gracia and Yee Jia have nailed it, and their tips are pure gold.
Budget First, Then the Rest
“The most important thing is the budget,” they say. Once you know how much you’re willing to spend, all the other details—size, mileage, age—slide into place. Trust the math.
Crucial Checks When Buying Used
- Rust: Look under the belly. A rusty chassis = a future dumpster fire.
- Paperwork: Ask for the title deed, registration, and the VIN. That way you’re not ending up with a “stolen” pizza‑truck.
- Accident History: The VIN can reveal any past mishaps.
Singapore vs. U.S.: The Parking Dilemma
In Singapore, parking is a nightmare—there are hardly any free spots and the COE (Certificate of Entitlement) can eat a chunk of your savings. If you’re only staying a year, a rental might beat the road tax and parking costs.
How Gracia & Yee Jia Dodge Parking Fees
Their secret weapon? They never stay in the same spot twice.
- Walmart: Overnight parking is usually a no‑problem.
- Planet Fitness: 24‑hour gym in the U.S. offers showers—perfect for a quick rinse.
- Wild Spots: On public land, if the sun’s up, you’re good to go.
Living on Wheels Made Simple
Parcel delivery? USPS General Delivery works anywhere, or a PO‑box for higher‑value stuff. The biggest headache? No bathroom. Their hack? Gym showers—Planet Fitness is the mobile public restroom.
Less is More – KonMari Style
Like Marie Kondo, they only keep items that “spark joy.” The result? A van that’s compact, functional, and feels like home.
Off‑Grid Adventures Across 50 States
Follow @theproperpaupers as they roll through every U.S. state, proving van life can be adventurous, quirky, and totally worth the effort.
First published by Stackedhomes; read it to fuel your wanderlust and get a few chuckles along the way.
