Inside Holly & James’ Caravan Life
A resourceful woman has shared her incredible journey of living in a caravan while spending just £1 a day. Libby, a resident of Yorkshire, enjoys a unique lifestyle with her partner Ollie and their charming collection of goats, sheep, and two dogs, all while embracing a simplified way of living.
Despite the absence of hot water, Libby revels in her ‘off-grid’ lifestyle, transforming her caravan into a cozy and inviting home. In a recent social media post, the content creator offered her followers a sneak peek inside their mobile abode, captioning her post: “We live for under £1 a day. Our lifestyle is incredibly simple in our off-grid caravan.”
Explaining their choice to live this way, Libby stated, “We sought a cost-effective living solution to allow us to concentrate on our business. We began renting this land about a year ago, and since then, we’ve been making it our own.”
Libby shared that they have a rainwater collection tank in one corner of their property. She explained, “One of the pipes directs water to our animals while the other supplies our caravan.” Furthermore, she admitted, “Our caravan isn’t connected to the grid at all. Our only source of electricity comes from a generator.”
When they do have access to electricity from the generator, Libby mentioned they use it very judiciously, primarily for cooking. Despite the limitations, she and Ollie have succeeded in making their caravan as welcoming as possible, finding it to be the perfect size for their needs. They have included a log-burning stove for winter warmth and simple solar lighting for illumination. However, Libby acknowledged, “The only downside is the lack of hot water.”
The TikTok clip, shared under the username @herdandhiveltd, has garnered significant attention, amassing 49,400 views, 1,844 likes, and 152 comments. Many viewers expressed admiration for Libby’s lifestyle, flooding the comments section with praise. One user exclaimed, “This is literally living the dream!” Another remarked, “Amazing setup!” while a third chimed in, “Looks like heaven to me!”
Understanding the Costs of Caravan Living
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs associated with this lifestyle:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (cost varies based on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (depends on location and facilities offered)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if relocating): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time purchase)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Seek lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs on your own.
- Energy Efficiency: Consider investing in solar panels to lower utility costs.
While the initial setup costs can be substantial, the ongoing expenses associated with caravan living can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those pursuing an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.