So refreshing to see an honest take. No yoga in scenic locations, unrealistic ideas, or hippie pyschobabble. Just information learned through personal experience. Really appreciate your earnest approach. All the best to you.

Evan, I remember the sadness and loneliness you felt when you were finding your way 10 months ago. Now, I see a much happier, stronger, confident young man. You look great! So happy for you. Keep strong. Great video. God Bless you!

I'm not even considering living in a van, but I kept watching until the end because of how helpful, useful, and well-done this video is. What a great video!

I'm starting my car life while I pursue my law degree in Boston. This video is giving me really good tips.

Its sad that we have to resort to sleeping in the back of a car because housing is to much

“The actions I take will impact what will and will not happen in my life” My man got deep. I’m gonna take this to heart.

I'm building a shed/home office in my backyard and watching these van life videos to get ideas on how to make the most of a small space. Foldable table for laptop, monitor directly attached to the wall, foldable shelves. Some great ideas I've got through these. I feel like 30years from now when I'm retired, I'll be able to live with minimal things because of these videos. You don't need much to survive.

I used to do that all the time in a Suburban. One thing this video misses, along with many other car-camp vids, is that this gets waaaay too hard as you age. It is much too stressful, uncomfortable, and too confining when you get out of your 20s and 30s. Your health will begin to suffer simply because you lack certain comforts, i.e. no bathroom with immediate access, no access to a hot shower, your car might break down, you will be caught (trust me, people in the neighborhood will know you're in there). Your car might be vandalized, you might be ripped off at gunpoint and left with nothing, police might bother you all the time, you will get depressed, etc. There are a lot of issues that nobody ever talks about in these videos. While it sounds romantic and appeals to the bohemian lifestyle, it's not as glamorous as you get older- it just gets sad.

Hi Evan. Your guide to live in the van while working in expensive city like San Francisco is 100% accurate. I was working as biotech/pharmaceutical technical writer consultant when I moved to work in the Bay Area. I realized that I can saved more to retire sooner than the required 65 years old if I have to avoid paying rent and sleep in my SUV. I was earning good money at $100 dollars rate an hour in my last work assignment, working 40 hours a week. I saved most of it and enjoy to eat out in fancy restaurant in the Bay Area. I usually park close to the gym like 24 hours Fitness in Gellert in Daly City and developed lots of freindship with people who also sleep and work in their van or SUV. I retired early last year after I paid my house and pick up truck in full. No mortgage. No headache.

Also an additional tip: Go to a motel or Airbnb for a day once a week or fortnight, that will make you feel a lot better. If there's a kitchen, cook meals and put them in a 5-10 day ice cooler. Find a microwave at work or at a convenience store and reheat them.

With everyday life becoming too expensive for so many, I applaud your practical approach to van-life, helping removing stigma associated with saving for, rather than already maintaining, a mortgage. With a broader approach to life we can transform feelings of shame into mastery 😊

This is honestly one of the most informative van dwelling video I have seen and I've been watching these kind of videos for 5-6 years.

I relate to you so much. I use to be homeless. I lived out of my car once and it was such a great experience to be quite honest. I racked up on money and learned to adapt to the basics of life. Many people think living is having wifi, multiple cars, tv and a bed with plenty of rooms but the less we have can be even more gratifying. It’s good to see someone with the same thoughts

I wish I would have seen a video like this when I was young. I am a grandmother now, and have no regrets, but I learned along the way that what I did for most of my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s was live the life other people thought I should live.

To be honest I seriously applaud individuals like him who will do what it takes to meet a goal in life. But it’s a serious problem that we normalise regular people both in the USA and around the world not being able to afford a home to live in. For many the only way to save enough to buy a property is to embark of this style of living, its a shame.

I love how you Emphasize the importance of community friends familiar faces having a sense that you belong somewhere.A lot of people that do this nomadic van life don't last very long because it's incredibly lonely and that's not healthy

Another little safety tip. Put your seat belts through inside door handles and plug them in

I applaud your confidence, ingenuity and being able to find the treasure out of living a simple stealth life! I lived in a van not to save money nor to show glamping. When I was approaching the 30th year as a nurse in 2017 I decided to take 2 year break to surf and hike all over the world. Sadly I had to return abruptly due to COVID19 breakout which left me no place to live. Because I went back to work as an ER nurse I couldn't find a place to stay easily. So I did the Van-living. Sleeping in Walmart or hospital parking lot, peeing in port-a-pot (no public bathrooms were open during pandemic), eating 2 meals a day and lots of time at National Parks, BLM, lakes and beaches alone. It was the most precious time and I learned the beauty of simple living.

So impressed with this man. He's not making excuses or having a pity party but embracing his carefree lifestyle and being productive. I respect you.

This young man is brilliant. Learning how to 'rescue yourself' (as my grandmother called it) is the best lesson your parents can ever teach you.

This guy is incredible -- one part engineer, one part philosopher.

Lots of respect to you. I enjoyed your video. A tip for everyone: never (ever) use a propane or gas heater (or lantern) in a closed space, like a van like that (or tent). You'll get CO poisioning.

The creator of this video seems like a very nice and geniune person. This isn’t a knock against him at all. I just feel sad that this is a reality that many people have to face in 2023 and beyond to survive. This feels like a dystopian video…

I like how he talked about the social side and how to deal with not having a home base.

Best presentation I have ever seen on van life, eloquent, but not long-winded, you make your point and then don't beat it to death with unnecessary words, excellent points with no fluff or irrelevancies, wise, most helpful advice. Thank you so much !

I dunno guys. The fact that this is a genuine method/lifestyle is kind of on the verge of dystopia... But I digress, awesome video.

Truly one of the best, most instructive, most helpful, and most practical videos on van life. Absolutely fantastic. 👍

I have been living on the road for almost 10 years now. First it was a car, then a cargo van, it broke then a mini van, now finally an RV. I have to say every single point you brought up is exactly how I lived in my car. It was like hearing a story based on my life. I had to figure all this stuff out just as you did. Wow man awesome. I’m glad I have my RV now it’s a huge step up. Now I have a cat hahah

I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT use a propane heater in your closed car, i wouldn't count on a tiny roof window to save myself from carbon monoxide poisoning either. It's life threatening.

I'm about to take the leap and start vanlife in the coming weeks. This is exactly what I needed; your story tells me that if you can do it, I can too. Thank you for passing along your experience & knowledge!!

That was my lifestyle in 80-90th worked summer time in Sweden and when it became to cold for sleep in car, drove down to Red Sea area lived along the long empty beaches(nowdays hotels area) and did a lot of diving. "Volvo Laplander Camper"

I think one of the most important things this young man is imparting with his videos is a person can live in a vehicle with comfort and dignity. I hope more people see "Stories From a Van" and take his upbeat, thoughtful attitude to heart!

As a Bay Area resident who is currently prepping to live in my Mazda 3s hatchback, this video was super helpful. Straight facts and tips. I'm currently in between apartments and did not want to shell out half of my paycheck just to live in a studio for a couple of months while waiting for my future roommates lease's to end.

I’m so close to living like this already. I eat one meal a day, I’ve gotten rid of most of my things, I no longer want status in life and I own a small business I love that I could turn over to employees. I sold the house last year after my SO died unexpectedly- paying rent again feels INSANE - just to live in a city. I’m 55 but in great health (since going low carb/OMAD 8 years ago). Going start looking at vans. Thank you.

Such a humble, smart and genuine man.

For someone who's been living in a sedan for about 5 months because of bad circumstances, let me tell you it hasn't been easy but you'll find a routine and don't let this living situation be your final goal, let living in your vehicle be a stepping stone to your main goal, whether it's Saving money to buy a house or saving money or lowering your expenses while your attending school. Always have a goal set, don't let this be your end game. Keep going and keep growing. You got this!🤙🏼💯

Evan, I lived nomad style for close to 20 years. And of all the van-dwelling videos I have seen, yours is clearly the best. Great job!

I'm getting ready to have to move in to my car in about a month. By far, you are the most articulate and best information out there. Thank you so much. I admire your style.

I’ve become aware of the idea of “van life” about a year or two ago. Since then, it is something I have been wanting to do, even if I don’t have a van right away. I appreciate this video so much. It is very informative, easy to understand, and easy for anyone to get started (if they really want to) just by watching this video. This lifestyle seems very practical for me and how I want to live my life.

Just watching this guy speak and seeing his humbleness put warmth in my heart during these tough times that we've all been going through this disaster of the past few years it feels good to know there's still good people in this cruel world 🙏 I wish the best for this man and thank you for the beautiful content.

UKpostsrs mostly show the 'glamorous' side of van life by traveling to beautiful spots and taking fabulous photos. But in reality, it is very tough. Finding parking, doing laundry, showering, just the basics in life, is exhausting in a van. It would be a blast doing it for about 6 months to travel the country, but it is a dangerous world now, and sleeping on random streets is just not safe. Plus with gas prices and the cost to maintain a vehicle, it is more sensible to just live in a regular home. I see a lot of videos of van lifers calling it quits...the novelty wears off real fast. But if you absolutely have no other choice in life, these are good tips.

Thank you for being so honest! You haven’t made it look like something that is not attainable. You haven’t said that I need to buy a 100,000.00 van to live like a lot of van lifers do. You haven’t sugar coated the beautiful different scenery you get to see while not working. What you have done is make it very very doable for me. I have to work a full time job. I don’t want to travel all over but do want a sense of community. I do want to save money and don’t need a fancy van and all the comforts of home to do it. Thank you so much for this video!!!

As someone with a fairly isolating personality style. It really resonated with me to have a routine and be a regular. Great advice for anyone with a challenging "home" life.

Gotta like this young guy and his sincerity. I camp in my van during the summer but would never do it full time. On the long trips I look for industrial areas to park over night. The thought is to appear as a pending repair job. Good video, I enjoyed it

I’ve been doing it for the past 7 years in my pick-up truck. I stay at a truck stop on the edge of town. Go to Starbucks and the gym both pretty much next door to each other and not far from the truck stop. I absolutely love not paying rent or having a mortgage! Some great advice in this vid!

As someone who is perhaps a decade older than you but went in a completely opposite direction and was successful doing it, I look at you and think that your way of life is a very good way to go about it, and should be inspiring to young people out there, learning to save so much money while being agile to really experience life. Well done.

The second of your videos I've watched. Wow. Very touching. A gentle guide sharing your life. All the best to you in future ventures.

Your advice is VERY good. VERY helpful. I've been living in my van for four years. I'm 83 year old female with two service dogs. You are so right on with your ideas. Thank you😊

Your videos have helped me reach over $200,000 in stocks by age 23! Thanks Evan. Keep the videos coming. 👍🏽

Dude!! Ive been vanlifing full time for the last six months and I just “moved” to San Francisco. I have been looking for a safe environment where to figure out my next steps- due to the immense population of van lifers here, I intend to use SF as my jumping off point. This video came at the right time. Thanks for doing the work.

Love your candid truthfulness and you way of sharing your story. I really like your sense of community and the family familiar focus so necessary for us all! 🎉

I have no idea why I ran into your video but I’m glad I did. You’re a great reminder that life should be lived on your own terms and not by what people tell you your life should be. Inspiring. Thank you

Hell the way rent and gas is lookin, I’m about to take notes👀

This dude's cool and I respect his hustle and work. With that being said, there is nothing glamorous or enjoyable about any of this, especially in a van that tiny with nothing inside of it. If you can't do it in a camper/type setup you won't last long doing this 95% of the time. He could sell cars for me on my lot anyday though!

Wow, that was awesome to hear the thought process and organization that goes into planning. Great job and well done.

You are an extremely articulate, purposeful, intelligent and positive. Certainly those characteristics are key to living the lifestyle you have been living. Very good presentation and inspiring to those which this option may be worth considering. I am age 63, but for the first 20+ adult years I had a somewhat nomadic life living and moving from California, to Oklahoma, to Indiana, Texas, NY and finally Virginia. So stability and grounding is what I need now. Could I live van life? Possibly, but I would need something with more space and amenities than a minivan - something with a toilet, shower and small kitchen. Kudo's for a well done video for living in a car, something which is especially pertinent to California these days where so many are simply priced out of home life.

I live in my car, trying to save some money and peace of mind not having to deal with people who think they are the only ones who can have a house, but one day I’m going to make it. Thanks for the job ideas I will be looking into it.

One of the best videos I have seen on living in a vehicle in the city. Thank you for making it.

you could buy a larger van and put a chest freezer and refrigerator in the corner. you can also convert a chest freezer to a fridge. and chest freezers hold their cold air really well.

Absolutely the best, realistic, van life story on the internet. Excellent practical advice and life style choices. Thank you for an honest look at living in a van.

The biggest problem in living in a car is dealing with heat in summer and cold in winter. Even in milder weather, having all the window closed inside, there's 10 degree difference enough to make you feel uncomfortable.

I've just started my car life journey. This is my first month. These tips are very helpful. The best thing is the 1st of the month is coming and I don't have to pay for ridiculously high rent 😊

Really enjoyed the wisdom shared in this video. Very helpful. Been in my jeep a lil over a month now. With the gym, school, and being in a location with with so much going on, I don’t miss a beat. Alot of ppl try to look down/ feel sorry, but my quality of life has not diminished, just my living expenses. I sleep well, eat well, etc. I will say the heat can get to me sometimes, but other than that. I don’t have complaints. Oh, I did enjoy tent camping before I ever lived in my car. Lol

Evan, I admire your honesty. I pray you are safe every day, I know you will do great things! you are so young and have a long and prosperous life ahead of you.

This by far one of the best car life videos I have seen. I actually had tears coming down face when you talked about the community of people that helped you along the way and that the actions you take will have a impact on what happens in your life. Very compassionate and heart felt video. God bless you and keep you safe.

Omg thank you for sharing about CMRA boxes! As someone that’s sometimes homeless and with an unstable home life I never know how to handle writing my home address 😢 this is something not even the local benefits center that helps other homeless people told me- you’re a saint!

This is not just an informative video, its also a very touching video. You are such a hard working person and an inspiration to many. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

This is hands down the best "living in a vehicle" video I've ever viewed. It's detailed yet direct and to-the-point, focusing on what you need to know.

I landed here randomly and my, my! I am humbled by your view of life and all that comes with it.

Your story is profiund. Im going to adopt this lifestyle for about a year and a half. Although I work 2 jobs, and yes, it will help me save money on a house...but its the humblness, empathy, and sense of community building that is best. Thank you for sharing this!

Evan, you have an incredible and commanding presence in your video. I sensed a genuineness about you many youtubers lack. Thanks for this articulate well spoken and timely video.

Excellent video! Well thought out. When it comes to window tinting, I would suggest first checking your local and state laws regarding window tint. Tint laws very from state to state. Having illegal tint only increases your chance at being pulled over by law enforcement. Once the police realize you're living in your vehicle you're liable to be pressured by them wanting to do a vehicle search, and you'll be under increased scrutiny from then on. There are more and more people living in their vehicles, some out of necessity. Be prepared for everyone to view you as homeless and the stigma that goes along with it. With the increase in vehicle dwellers, municipalities are passing more and more parking restrictions. It's just something you'll have to deal with.

What a smart and focused man. Good for you!

People making tutorials of how to live in a car. What a time to be alive!

Such a nice young man. We need more like him. I need his encouragement in my life!

When I lived in my car/was houseless, a friend was very kind and gave me their gas stove, a kettle, one pot and a pan. I was very lucky the have this setup because like you said, food becomes your biggest cost. Fortunately because of this I was able to make a lot of cheaper meals with my biggest expenses being food, fuel, and ice for my cooler because I didn’t have a fridge. Foods you could just add hot water too became my best friend. Besides ramen there was lots of rice dishes and pastas as well. If you’re really lucky you get MREs from someone which. I got a few times and you just need water and that’s it. But those are few and far between. This was a fantastic video s good insight into living/surviving in your car.

A LOT of folks DON"T recognize how DO-able THIS is. Nice to see you approach THIS subject matter SO earnestly. Thanks!

I did this for 3 months in Sonoma County CA (close!!!) and it changed my life - more than money did. Stay blessed!

This was SUCH a GREAT video!!! One of the biggest things that you bring to the equation that not many people focus on when it comes to the ups and downs of vanlife is attitude. "Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thoughts." Surely with your attitude (and great habits), you find success in nearly everything you do. I love that you have built a community for yourself. Vanlife doesn't have to be lonely, although it can be if you want it to be or let it. I need to go back and watch this again, it was so good! In the meantime, thank you for sharing your sage advice and experience.

I'm for vehicle living all the way. I've done it partially from time to time. A few times before, I had to be away from home and wife, to work far enough to make it necessary to come home only during weekends. Just happened looking for a rented room was difficult. I parked occasionally at caravan parks sleeping in my 4x4. This went on until I found a permanent and secure parking spot at a 24 hours petrol station. I just buy coffee like twice a day for breakfast and dinner, bought fuel regularly there just to appease the staffs for 'letting' me be there (they didn't even notice my presence actually), parking at night and using the toilets without any issues. I did this for almost 2 months until my workmate found out my living arrangement , and he literally forced me to bunk in at his house for free and their generosity extends beyond that, his wife made me breakfast every morning!😘🤣 Anyhow, good tips from you, but still do have some emergency plans guys in case of a burglary attempt or robbery, keep a baseball bat or a pepper spray handy. Worse comes to worse, use the horn to attract attention. Also it's possible to heat up the vehicle or cools down the vehicle by turning on the air-conditioning, during severe weather, and putting down the windows a little bit to ensure good ventilation unless we want to have CO poisoning. Remember to always lock the vehicle for safety reasons. Probably it's good also to invest in a small solar panel to facilitate hp and laptop charging. Greetings from Down Under. #Stay Safe Always. Yes lastly but not least, fasting is good for the body, mind and soul, at least twice a week, we do it for one whole month each year too.

Wonderful video! I’ve been car camping for the past 5 years. I can’t see doing anything else at this point. I’ve been to all 50 states and truly feel comfortable in my car, my home. Finding somewhere to sleep is actually fun for me. I love looking at the map of new cities and finding a spot. I’ve never thought of doing street parking. I mainly park in lots of places open or staffed 24/7.

This just might be my favorite and most relative van life video I've seen,i was originally drawn to van life for travel and freedom from bills and rent,but currently its more about getting a van to avoid bills n rent to save money,dont have a van yet and considering car camping until i save enough for a van,also the van you have is also the one i want nv200,saw it at a walmart parking once and instantly loved it for how tiny and inconspicuous it looks,thanks for the vid

So much respect for this guy. I teared up when he spoke about his friends and familiar faces. That truly is what home means to many people anyways. I still want to know where he goes to the bathroom.

Also use thermal blackout curtains to keep cold temperatures out. You can also use a heated blanket that you plug in the car.

Incredible video! I definitely can't live a vanlife (family, too much stuff, etc), but I watched everything until the very end because it was really interesting, clear and motivating and the personality of the author is very friemdly. Really like it! ❤

Great video, sir! I'm looking into this lifestyle & your video is one of the most informative & helpful I've seen. Thank you, & keep up the good work. 👍

I found this video in my recommendations and I have no intention of living in a van to save money but I had to leave a comment. This video is so detailed and well planned. There are so many tips and tricks that I think would truly benefit people thinking about this lifestyle. I subscribed to your channel because I think you create amazing content.

These tint levels are illegal in some states in the US. Keep that in mind while building.

This is great for me because it makes it possible for anyone. You start from what you have and build on it as you go along

you have given out more information about DOs and DONTs of Van life more than 10 videos of other creators combined. that's impressive

This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I just wanted to tell you how real, honest and inspiring it felt to watch. I really got something out of this. I thank you for that.

So beautiful! Chills on part 12! That is important for single folk even i no sticks and bricks. So articulate, well paced, realistic, compassionate, empathetic. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing your story, it was very informative and educational. One of the best van life video I've ever

One of the best videos ever brother! This is going to really help people.

That was so well done!! You are a wise young man! I love how you've established community wherever you go. Continued good luck, happiness, and health to you!

You haven'y lost your touch Evan, this was a great instructional video and it was good seeing you again. I'm going to be starting "van life" this year, I have one on order so as soon as I get it the build will begin. It was so hard to find one that I just decided that ordering a new one was my best option and cheaper, people are charging a lot for built out vans. My mom passed away in January so now's the time to start enjoying a nomadic life style....I love to travel. Take care now.

Thanks for sharing your well-honed philosophy. It’s much more valuable than tours of cars inhabited by hoarders. 👍🏼

Excellent ideas. I’m getting ready to hit the road, after I retire within the next few months. You shared unique ideas, I’ll keep in mind for my travels. Wishing you much wellness on your journey.

I really appreciate this video. So many people are being forced out of their long term apartments due to the greed of people doubling rent in big cities. Thank you for making this guide.

I have this URL in my collection as one of the best, but I happened on it again and watched every minute again. Your information is helpful and practical in so many ways, but the most important is that you share the human need for fulfillment and purpose. This is more than a van build; it is a lesson on living. I hope you are still well and happy.