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Van Build Regrets After 3 Years Of Living in it (Solo Female Van Life)

sheisthelostgirl

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10 things I regret about my van conversion and 10 things I absolutely love: the honest, unfiltered review from someone who actually lives in it full time. Here are the things I'd do differently next time.
I've had this self converted Luton van for a few years now. It's my home, my sanctuary, and the result of one of the most challenging and rewarding things I've ever done. And today I'm giving you the complete honest verdict: the bits I'd change in a heartbeat, and the bits I wouldn't change for anything.

No sugarcoating. No pretending it's all perfect. Just the real review from someone who genuinely enjoys and lives life to the fullest in their van build. If you're planning a van conversion, a box truck build, or any kind of vehicle conversion, watch this before you start. And if you already live in a van, I think you'll relate to this reality!

If you're new here, I'm Beth. I've been living nomadically and alternatively since 2014 across 5 different vehicles (2 that I've converted). I started with an old motorhome as a teenager, lived in cars in New Zealand and Australia, drove from the UK all the way to Cappadocia in Türkiye through every country I could, and now this Luton van conversion is home. I make videos about the real, honest, unfiltered side of solo female van life, not the highlight reel version.

💬 Tell me in the comments, if you've built a van or you're planning one, what's the one thing you'd never compromise on? And if you live in a house, what's the one thing in your home you couldn't live without? I want to know if the answers are completely different!

📱 FIND ME HERE:
@sheisthelostgirl - (on all platforms)

☕ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
buymeacoffee.com/sheisthelostgirl

📌 IN THIS VIDEO:
10 van build regrets from someone living in it full time | 10 things I absolutely love about my van conversion | Honest Luton van build review | Solo female van build verdict | What I'd change about my van conversion | What I'd never change | Van build mistakes to avoid | The best bits of my self build van | Off grid van life honest review | Solo female van life real talk

~~------------------------------------The boring bits you don't need to read---------------------------------------------~~

🔍 SEARCH TERMS:
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20 Comments

@wyntersteele1a 2 days ago

This is one of the best van builds. I like that it reminds me of a tiny home. It doesn't feel claustrophobic, and the addition of an actual door and bay window is perfect. The icing on the cake for me is the shuttle. The van is nearly zombie proof. 😂😂😂

@AnastasiaCooper 2 months ago

alternative title: perks and quirks of a really well thought out van

@DanniMSC 2 months ago

you could paint the van green and have some sort of fake advertisement on the side so its got the green cottage core vibe but to the outside eye its a gardening business van

@dmr3470 6 days ago

I love the neutral coordinated colours of your kitchen. I’m sure it makes the space feel much bigger 🥰❤️

@savetommyrobinsonfreespeec7660 4 days ago

❤

@ST74UK 9 hours ago

You really are a very cool and inspiring young lady, Beth! 😎👌 You have almost single-handedly got me into watching this style of content (there are a couple of others recently too, but I'm blanking on their names?). I liked how you did a 'Top Ten Love's' at the end there to balance it out. If for some reason I ever decide to give van life a serious look into, I will definitely be using your content as a great benchmark for tips, tricks and what have you. Stay safe and I hope you have a lovely upcoming weekend. I am off to Borth Beach tomorrow in Wales for a day trip. It's arguably my favourite happy place, and just a mere 2 hours from me by train. Have you ever been there, incidentally? That is a place to take a van for sure, especially in the warmer months ❤
P.S. I agree with whoever it was that you said in one of your other videos, that commented if you're related to the national acting treasure that is Helen Mirren?! I can definitely see a resemblance to her in her youthful days! ☺ x

@MichelSchallenberg 1 month ago

for the balcony, how about adding a board that you can just fold out?
Like, 1 board screwed to the floor outside and another one attached to it with hinges that you can fold out. could be suported either by legs that you can attach and detach or some strings attached to the van itself (basically like a drawbridge :D )

@AnastasiaCooper 2 months ago

perfect timing, I just had my heart shattered. Some soothing vanlife content is just what I need now while I cuddle with my weighted blanket in my bed....

@salishseamermaid 1 hour ago

I've seen a peel and stick version of those green tiles you mentioned. I bet you could swap out the backsplash if you wanted to. But I do think the height of the tiles you have is visually very nice; if it were me, I wouldn't go further up the wall.

@charisma601 2 months ago

I live in a really small flat, which suits me fine & is economically manageable (plus no mortgage anymore). However, where your lifestyle beats mine (in my opinion) is that if you happen to be surrounded by plebs, noisy people or those of a feral nature- you just move away! Boom! Job done! See, I often have a variety of the aforementioned & can do bugger all, until they shut up or move on! You're such a sensible, practical girl & I wish I'd had your get up & go years back! Love seeing your little vids! xx

@blanchemackinder 1 month ago

Just found your lovely channel this week and really enjoying watching. I think your front door is really fabulous as well, especially love that you are # 4B ....whatever street you happen to be parked on! That is super cute!

@rogervancuren4287 1 month ago

You are living large in a small space with happiness and style.
Keep doing what makes you happy. It make us happy you share it with us.😊

@imaginary_dave 2 months ago (edited)

No notes! Thank you for the singing, it's delightful :)

@hanibee22 1 month ago

As a woman myself, safety comes first. Keep it stealthy for sure.

@PieFace-s5v 1 month ago

thank you help me avoid a few mistakes with this one...ive changed my plan!

@antonia4722 2 months ago (edited)

My biggest regret about my van is that I didn't start building it years ago!🥰 The thing I am refusing to compromise on is a very comfy sprung mattress..🥰

@ZeeCeeCreations 1 month ago

Love your music!!!❤

@willoliveryt 2 months ago

Having spent the last 14 years working in an office, I really admire your adventurous and musical spirit. It's so inspiring how you funded your freedom with just a guitar and hard work. I love how your music brings so much warmth to the van and turns every scenic spot into your own personal stage! ♡＾▽＾♡