You alluded to this, but there is SO much hype put on immediately building out a van before you hit the road. I also have a FTC and initally planned on doing that, but decided to do the minimum 1st (keeping it no build w removable bed etc) and decide what I wanted to build out after taking some trips. I quickly realized that I liked having space to move around in the back and the popular build outs would have made me feel very cramped. Two years later, I have taken some suggestions from your van (which I love) and have kept mine very simple , but cozy, for my 3-4 wk at a time adventures. I don't feel cramped and can easily remove everything if I need to use it for just cargo as well. SO glad I did not follow the 'traditional' build out path as I would have regretted it!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep!!! It really helps to start that way☺️

@jreton8971

7 ай бұрын

Parked next to an expensive van that usually has all the bells and whistles. Quickly noticed the couple was doing everything I do outside their van. The van was a mere shell. Empty. Assume it was fraction cost of similar vans. GENIUS.

The first thing you'll need in your new van is quick, bullet proof privacy. Fast setup when parked in public. 👍 Rock on 🙂

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep! Great suggestion. 🤗

AFTER my first 14 day solo car camping trip (tiny Chevy Park) - I literally pulled out everything that I brought on my trip and laid everything in two separate piles on either side of my car in driveway. On the driver’s side of the driveway, I put what I used/wore on the trip. On the passenger side of the driveway was what I did NOT use or wear on the 2 week trip. Then I wrote down on a piece of paper everything i used or wore on my 2 week trip. That way on my next trip I don’t have to rethink “what to take” as I have a record and know exactly what I will need/wear. So glad I thought to do that after my first trip! Takes the worry out of packing for all subsequent trips. 😊 🚙

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep. I feel like that is what a lot of vanlifers do as well. I quite regularly find myself sifting and sorting out what I do and do not need 😝

@silversadie9342

7 ай бұрын

Smart!!!

I found making a physical list of what I used everyday, what I only used due to unexpected weather changes and then the list of what I never used. I also made a wish list. My power stations were my I can't do withouts and solar lights and splitter for the cigarette lighter or 12 volt or whatever they call it. Thank you for keeping us aware of things. Without you folks doing these videos I don't think my excursions to beautiful places would ever have happened. You gave me courage through knowledge!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

That is great advice, Shirley 💃🏻🐞🚗

Hello, these tips are valid even for those of us who live in houses or apartments, one tends to accumulate unnecessary things, turning our spaces into stressful chaos. Gracias 🙋🏾‍♀️🤗

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful for that too. ☺️

When I was an over the road truck driver the most stressful part was finding parking, and timing when I drove thru high population cities.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes, that is very stressful! Truck drivers usually have the best advice.

@JA-fw6lp

7 ай бұрын

@@LadyBugout Planning the drive makes a huge difference. Of course, being on a schedule meant not being able to stop for site seeing. Your day can change quickly if you stop to see something you hadn’t planned on. Your little van should make it easier to find parking.

@gigmaresh8772

4 ай бұрын

The owner of the truck I drove my last 6 years out of 20 OTR is 6' 5" tall. I am 5'5" and female and have Choctaw and Cherokee mixed in with Scot, German & Czech. BUT I got all of the color from dem injuns in my family. 😅 It takes till the end of January for me to lighten up. He and his dispatcher just didn't get why I did not want loads that took me to Phoenix in the summer. You brown? Lady we need to see if you really have a license. And at truck stops I would find the bros and try to park close to them. They liked my 50s rock and roll and I never felt unsafe around them. Absolutely can't say the same about rednecks. No matter who you are or what you drive PARK SAFE . . . DRIVE SAFER

Boondocking additional "checks" to consider before making a site decision. Know #1 location of a nearby reputable motel #2 location of grocery/mall/busy place #3 location of community park/senior center. You will have three "safe places" should you want a speedy exit without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes, great suggestions!!!

As always great advice, Dee! I have been on the road for over two years now and finally ended up with 100% essential items and extra gear, mostly safety stuff. Being a former survival instructor I tend to collect gear for those "just in case" situations; which BTW hasn't happened in some 30,000 miles of travel. I was just like you when I started, over thinking that I need all my possessions to be safe, comfortable and warm. Well, I put about 500 pounds of stuff in a storage unit. That's after donating many items to Goodwill, some homeless people or to other van lifers who were in need. A couple items I think are vital are a good fire extinguisher and an ample first aid kit (which replaced my trauma kit that is in storage). I put together a Go Bag in case I break down in the boonies. It consists of a small backpack with survival gear, warmth apparel and good hiking boots (broken in and comfortable).

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep! It’s a process I think we all go through and then realize it’s so much easier to let a lot of it go. I’ve been learning since my college days when my parents moved out of my childhood home and all I had to my name for in a small trunk. I think I realized then I didn’t need much to be comfortable.☺️

@jreton8971

7 ай бұрын

Agree with the Go Bag. Most "First Aid" kits are trash. Everyday cuts you handle with Betadine & paper towel wrapped in plastic tape. You do need large (3" x 6") padded gauze for REAL emergencies.

Oh my!!! I have enough STUFF for 3 vans but no van. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂

I really like your honest assessment of getting what you may need along the way ! When I drove semi truck for a living across country living on the road that was also the case than ! It's amazing to actually grasp it really doesn't take much stuff to thrive & live on the road traveling .. I didn't cook much back than .. I did have fruit & other healthy food to snack on .. & looked forward to one hot cooked meal each day .. No sugar & less carbs ..

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. Yes, you get it. I realized that during college when all I possessed fit into a small trunk. I feel it taught me that I can get along fine with or without 🤗

I consider trying car camping but definitely couldn't live in a vehicle ..park go Walk an hour or two then what, sit in the vehicle the rest of the time and that's even weather permitting. I need a house to move around in. Kudos to anyone who can do this because it could take a toll on someones mentality 😊

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep, definitely not for everyone!

@jreton8971

7 ай бұрын

Maybe give it an 18 hour trial. Just a few items - like a picnic. Go somewhere "exciting:. The adventure may outweigh the negatives.

@UglyBikeling

7 ай бұрын

@@jreton8971 True 🙂

Thank you Dee. You continue to educate and lead the community with your honesty and open communication style. Thank you for who you are are and all you do.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

You are so welcome. I appreciate the kind words🥰

Whoa! Glamour hair. Looks nice.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Awww thank you!!!😝

The blooper(s) at the end was hilarious 😂. A very impressive display of equanimity in the face of things not going as planned. Yep, on all of those mistakes (learning experiences). I made most of them. Still "learning". Also, very pleased to see that you didn't include the decision to not have a refrigerator as a mistake. Your commitment to simplicity and minimalism is what makes this channel a great resource.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you, Gwen! Yes, I feel like I am always still learning more and more😝

Great Tips Dee! Thank You! I like the tip about having a "Plan B" for where you plan on staying that night. Always good to have a "Plan B" One adage I would to add is, that the more stuff in your vehicle makes your weight on your vehicle that much more, cutting down on fuel efficiency and braking power etc.. Just keep that in mind when you are adding stuff to you camper. Kinda like " Do I need it or do I want it" Cheers.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Great tip! I am constantly asking myself that question 😜

Great tips Dee! I have been downsizing in my home life (big time) for the last 3 years. I think some of your van life tips also work for home life as well. Have an awesome week and your hair looks gorgeous btw!🥰

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

That’s a big task!!! Yes, I think these do apply to downsizing of any kind.☺️

I usually only travel for a couple of weeks at a time. When I return home, I remove anything I didn't use and either leave it home or dispose of it. My biggest problem is carrying too much food with me! I guess I'm afraid I won't be able to find a grocery store😂 A solo person does not need to be able to feed a family of five for a week!

@robinwilson8435

7 ай бұрын

I do the same.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

😂 yep…it happens

@beautifuldreamer3991

7 ай бұрын

Lo,I learned that on my first practice run....😂

@jreton8971

7 ай бұрын

Seriously think "to much food" must be sign of a past trauma. Initially do OK, then keep stopping & buying more.

Having a van itself is a “luxury.” I’m in my smallish SUV with my cat-his “gear” takes up more of the “living space than mine. Still trying to figure out the best litterbox situation. Insofar as my “litterbox” goes, a real innovation has been the “SheWee” device. Really makes #1 a lot easier. 🌿

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes indeed!!!

I don’t believe I have heard anyone else actually say “start with less and build”. Smart, smart, smart!!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you ☺️

Really great advice. Thanks. I’m just packing up now. I packed everything; now I’m going through it and getting rid of things. We all tend to pack too much.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep!!! It’s number one thing I hear too😜

Great tips!!! Thank you for sharing! One tip is to go one short camping trips to see what works first, before going out for longer trips.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes, that is a great tip!💃🏻

Your little van is so cute. You are so organized. Thanks for the video.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Good to see you!!! 🥰

Good information! We all over estimate the stuff we need and end up with a lot of storage. 😎

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes we do😜

So good to see you again, with your words I’d wisdom. Love your new hair❤❤❤❤

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! 😊

Driving style helps keep things on the shelf 😀

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes it does!😜

I am the Queen of having too much stuff!( I ve told you before how I am STILL downsizing. Thank you 🙏🏻 you are so right about these things

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

You are so welcome🥰

t always sends chills down my spine to see vans full of objects and furniture. That's why, of all the types of layouts I've seen on the internet, yours is my favorite ever, because I also feel better in minimalist and airy environments. Bravissima! 👏👏👏👏💐

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

I appreciate that. Yes, I find I am calmer in minimalist environments too 😊

I know this about vanlife but i wish i had all that hair!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

lol 😂

Thanks so much for your tips! Very funny the backstage! 😂😂😂

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤭

Hot water bottle to keep warm and put inside bad to pre-warm!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yesssss!!!!! Great tip.

With regard to planning ahead. It's a good idea to plan your route to your destination then if necessary make adjustments. I have a binder with most of my past areas that I've stayed at. The names and addresses of the locations and relevant information such as price, phone #, website, amenities and such. It's good for planning future trips.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

That is super organized!!! Impressive ☺️

@jackbrown8052

7 ай бұрын

@@LadyBugout I learned early on that I have a bad memory when traveling. So I need to record things or I'll never remember any special places I stayed at.

You always have such practical advice which is one of the many reasons I follow you. I only do this part time for now but am looking to move more to full time when life permits. BTW, I love that you are letting your hair go natural. It looks great on you!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad it will be helpful to you! Thank you☺️

Great information, speaking of bad roads, avoid I10 in Louisiana, that road rattles everything.🤦‍♂

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the head’s up 😜

Really good advice. Less is more in a wee Ford Transit. I think of mine as a luxurious upgrade to my backpacking tent. Kind of a Zen meditation room on wheels.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Nice!!! Me too😊

Love your van setup. It has a pretty and cozy vibe without clutter.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you Joan☺️

Your bloopers are funny. . . . I'll never forget that time you did an unboxing at that cabin LOL you are too funny! :o)

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Awww thanks. I’m glad someone appreciates my silliness😜

Great advice, Dee! I host make n take parties aboard my bus and the 1st thing that HAD to go was the Keurig. I always forgot to stow it away and it went flying one too many times! 😅. I park near a pub or coffee shop, that way, my participants can select what they want, and then come aboard to enjoy the party. It’s a win for the pub or cafe, my guests and the poor Keurig.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Love that! Perfect compromise🙌🏼

I you no longer have a home base, you may need all for all the stuff you have to handle.

Another thing I did was I got rid of my Bowls and silverware. Replaced them with paper plates and plastic ware. Reason being is I don’t have to waste water for washing and I was carrying around a table setting for six when it’s only me to eat in my trailer.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

That’s a good idea. Yes… I only have a set of one 😜

@johnnykoba_on_the_road

7 ай бұрын

@@LadyBugout yes! I find that if I have other people I’m going to eat with it’s usually at a restaurant anyway

Nothing like traveling with a 90-lb puppy to encourage me to check that things are battened down before I turn the key! Anything that hits the floor will be chewed… Thanks for your excellent videos and sharing your experience!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I imagine it would ☺️

Good to know when moving forward. Hope all is well and as always be safe, stay well and be blessed ❤

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes, thank you🥰

I would be in the to much stuff category.Thanks for the info.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

It always seems to be true at first 😜

Great advice Dee! At the beginning I just loaded the basics and then modified a bit at a time, and it’s a constant work in progress!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Love that! It’s really the way to do it🤗

Great suggestions! My struggle right now would def be clothes and shoes.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Every little step counts 😊

😂😂😂😂 so funny next to the traffic. Your so right I did buy so much I never use . Greetings from Holland ⭐️🇳🇱

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

Lovely video as usual . As a solo female vanlifer like yourself , great advice ❤

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed☺️

Great video Dee. I made a ‘pre departure camping checklist’ because I’m able to forget my name on occasion 🙂 An often overlooked item is the van part of the camper. The last two trips to Florida, I took my Promaster City in to the shop for an inspection, oil change and tires change over. Once on the road, it’s a morning once around checking fluids and tire pressure. It seems ‘over the top’ for a micro camper, but not noticing a possible problem can leave you stranded. I also carry a battery starter pack (I think you mentioned having one in a previous video. My DYI electrical system also doubles as a start battery, but having that little power pack sure is nice. Love your videos, keep ‘em coming! 🤗

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Nice! Yep, I service my van regularly too. Gotta take care of her-she takes care of me!!!

Thank you for another great video. Every time I get back to my homebase I purge the adventure vehicle and update my packing list. Just because it came in the vehicle when you bought it does not mean you have to keep it if you are not using it. Our older Class B van had 4 place settings, but only 2 seat belts. I have been removing the items I don't use and replaced Correl dishes with stainless steel because stainless steel is easier to clean, lighter and does not brake. I find with less I have more time and my mind can relax. Thank you again for your videos, I have enjoyed every one. Maybe our paths will cross sometime out on the road.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes! I find I am able to relax more with less stuff too… clears the clutter of my mind 😝

Hey Ms. Dee! You beat the traffic noises! Epic battle !

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

😜 I tried!!!

Determining what is essential .. great place to start ! Thriving on ," Minimalism ". Figuring out along the way as you go what works for your set up is awesome ! Does every new place you encounter as you travel entice taking on more stuff ... lol ? I have watched so many videos Nomads put out that reveal they haul so much stuff around with them their poor vehicle has the task of making the journey heavily loaded ... weight issues seem to be over looked .. I wish them well with what they have selected ... I have to constantly re-evaluate do I really use this or need this ?

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

I always ask the question, “is it worth the space” 😜 that keeps me from taking on most non essentials. If something is small and brings me joy or doesn’t take up too much space I’ll sometimes take it on🤭

I started with ‘too much stuff’, too! I feel like maybe I was a Girl Scout in a past life and I had to try to beat this out of myself for van life. 🤣 Some of your points line right up with my van life on a budget video. Even with very different vans and ways of doing vanlife, it’s interesting how much in common there can be. 😊

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I saw that video and was thinking the same! Hahahah I can relate🤗

@coralieofjumpwithnofear

7 ай бұрын

@@LadyBugout It hardly surprises me that we have some common ideas. 😊

Don't forget a medicine/first aid kit!..fire extinguisher..😊

@LadyBugout

5 ай бұрын

True!!

Good and helpful information. Thankyou and safe travels 🚐

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!☺️

You have some of the most light and airy looking essentials for yourself-it's refreshing! And I can also see the importance of essentials being kept to a minimum! Thanks for sharing!!🤗🏞✨

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you, Maxine!☺️

I drive a red Promaster City, so always enjoy getting ideas from your little red van. Thanks for all of your great videos.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Nice!!! Those are great little vans too.

Thank you for the useful information! I love you bloopers !😊

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!😝

Excellent advice. Thanks.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

My pleasure!🥰

Good things you talked about. Good to see you again. 💐

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. Good to see you too☺️

Thank you for all the great tips. Yes! I have too much stuff. I'm now going to have to get a storage area if I give up my home. In NZ we have to be self contained if we want to camp in many places. So I say.... I have a fixed toilet but no where to store my stuff. I have bought a ready made built out mini van so dont really have much choice of the lay out which can be a bit of a pain but I can get into the back area from my drivers seat and out the back which was something I wanted and thats why I bought this mini van .

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

You are welcome! Yes, good to know the rules too. Very important.😊

Good advice as always Dee. Hug's from across the pond.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much☺️

It never has to be that complicated that is for sure. ❤ Great tips. Love the bloopers too! 😆

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

You know as well as I do 💃🏻😝🤗

So true about decision burnout. Downtown is very vital for longterm travel.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yes. 💃🏻🐞🚗

LOLOL! The end part where you’re trying to video in the noisy area was me this past week while there was a council worker using a jackhammer outside my neighbour’s house. 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣🤷🏼‍♀️

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

😂🤣😂 omg I can imagine. The other day I was having an issue with a rooster every two minutes 😝

@coralieofjumpwithnofear

7 ай бұрын

@@LadyBugout Damn other people and things getting in the way of making videos. *shakes fist in their general direction* 🤣

Number 1, couldn’t agree more…

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Yep. It’s something I hear all the time too from other nomads!!!

An earthquake on wheels 😂 I have to remind my partner that it's not a racecar.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

😂 please do

Love you home, I watch you and lulu’s way. Both small véhicules. The more I watch the more I want to retire and hit the road.

@LadyBugout

5 ай бұрын

I love Lulu’s channel. She has a great build!

Excellent info. Thanks Dee!! Take care and safe travels 😊❤️

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!💃🏻🚗🐞

Still looking good Lady Dee. Still missing you. Be safe. Be well.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you☺️

If you don’t have $ for clothes and are a size often not at thrift stores.

Thanks Dee! I agree with all of these especially decision fatigue! And that your hobbies take up valuable space, so try to find a way to keep them but on a micro scale.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! Yep, it is important to keep doing what you love!!!

@themakersstation

7 ай бұрын

Ha! Yes, my whole bus is a mobile crafting bus, so I have to juggle keeping crafting supplies plentiful for my guests, and stealth my personal items.

Holy cow you look beautiful...inside and out... watching your channel for forever...I usually don't post...but wanted you to know how I love your videos and that your new hair style looks amazing on you😃

@LadyBugout

6 ай бұрын

That is very kind of you to say! Thank you and thank you for supporting my channel for so long 🥰

I am intending to get a VW caddy maxi, the first thing I will do is a cow catcher with an extended roof rack that goes over the bonnet as well so I can have shade on the windscreen by means of solar panel over it and a good solar system.

@LadyBugout

4 ай бұрын

Sounds like a great plan!💃🏻

Yup, some good tips, indeed - ones that seem like common sense to anyone who has been on the road for a while, but may not be for the newbee. .However(?) one of the best parts of this particular video, me being tired and giddy, was the out-takes at the end. Hahahahaha! 😂😅❤

@LadyBugout

6 ай бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed it😜

I don’t know how it happens but i end up with way too much stuff every fee minths. As always good ideas. Thanks for sharing

@LadyBugout

2 ай бұрын

You and me both!😜

Awesome tips. Love your channel. Keep it up. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoy the channel😊

:) GO Dee! well done and said! Thanks MUCH for sharing! ALL the BEST and Cheers from Left Coast! ! :)

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!☺️

Dear Dee as always very informative video …so glad to see you doing well ..have a great weekend and as always be careful and safe!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you, Vicki! You too🥰

Hello again from the heart ❤️ of Illinois USA 🇺🇸 Dee.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Hello, Rita!!!

Thanks for sharing!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!🫶🏼

Good information, thanks

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Your hair looks really nice.

@LadyBugout

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much😊

I am LOVING your hair so much! Thanks for the helpful video, Dee.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you☺️

Hi Dee! I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time, in fact, you are the inspiration for my current life! I’ve been in my van full-time for a couple of months now, and I’m really happy! One question I have is how do you meet people on the road?

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

That is awesome! The first thing I tried was showing up at van events that looked interesting to me. I did that on and off for the first year. Little by little, a few people from each event started ‘caravanning’ together from time to time. We formed a small group that meet in different areas at different times. I don’t attend as many events now, but from the first few I probably found some of my best vanlife friends! Hope that helps. You got this!!!💃🏻💪🏼🙌🏼

Thank you for sharing

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!🐞🚗💃🏻

Always love your videos 😊

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!! 😊

All great tips and suggestions!! Most of all..always good to see you! 🙂👋🥰

@TGIFunday

7 ай бұрын

🤣🤣 road noise!!!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Likewise!!!

Great information thanks for sharing

@LadyBugout

5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!🐞🚗💃🏻

Love the video and the outtakes!!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

What a beautiful woman! Keep up the excellent videos mam!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly☺️🐞💃🏻🚗

So many great thoughts!!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Hey girl!!! You already know all of this though 🤭

Very helpful ❤️ thank you so much 🥰

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!😊

I loved the outtakes :)

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

🤭 I’m glad you enjoyed them!

Since my rent will be raised if I renew, I'll be moving into a van when my lease is up. I have a van but I'm not sure if it will be the one I take yet. Anyway, I've been spending the weekend sorting through my stuff. I cleared out a wall in my walkin closet, well the floor space, and all my van life stuff I am taking is going there. It's full already. Lol sadly, the majority is books. I know, I know. I don't need all those books, but I want them because that's one of things I can't wait to be able to have time to do. Lol and, the majority are star wars books. I'm a nerd. Hehe I still have a lot of sorting to do but I will keep your voice in my head as I am doing so. 😊 Happy trails!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

That’s awesome! Hahah I’m not sure my voice in your head will be very comforting 😝 ah yes, books!!! There are always libraries to fall back on🤭

@jreton8971

7 ай бұрын

One of my fav things to do when weather bad is find a public library.

@sherried79

7 ай бұрын

@@jreton8971 I do love libraries

Thank you for sharing. Very good advice.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful☺️

Love your tips! Thanks for another wonderful video.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much☺️

Great video 👍. It gave me good insights. Thanks for sharing this with us

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for tuning in☺️

Well, I love your video. Fantastic you touch the lotto basis and explained it well. Zoe is best part was making up some coffee. That was the best part but love your style you’re doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work hopefully one day we’ll meet up and have some coffee until then happy trails.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! ☺️

All great suggestions. 👍

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Glad you like them! 😊

All true, but human nature is human nature. Maybe it will reduce how extreme the mistakes that newbies who listen will make, but they will do something between what they were already going to do, and what you recommend after learning the hard way. Which is probably what you did when you started out! From Bob Wells on down, there's never been a shortage of experienced nomads/RVers preaching pretty much this same gospel to disbelieving newbies. I love that you phrased it as wishing you "had known to avoid" the mistakes, rather than "nobody told me to avoid" the mistakes. The info was out there, had you sought it out and fully believed it. Humans hear what they want to hear, and do what they want to do. So, making the same mistakes as everyone else, is part of the normal human experience. Some trust experienced advice more than others, some intentionally make what they must know are mistakes, as a way of expressing individuality, or their love for possessions and activities they don't want to give up or adapt to the reality of living in a vehicle. I already see examples in the comments, such as someone thanking you for the advice, but saying that the majority of stuff they will load into their vehicle will still be boxes of books. In a few years, they will probably carry a Kindle and maybe 3 books, after a period of mourning for giving up carrying all their books with them. Or they'll be in a bigger rig to support carrying boxes of books in cargo bays, and having bookshelves for walls. There are some cases where dedicating 50% of your discretionary space to one hobby is justified. I've seen car/SUV/van tours with women whose lives revolved around sewing, where almost 100% of discretionary space was used for their sewing machine (in one case, TWO) plus fabric storage etc. In their cases, I didn't view it as a mistake, but as a way to preserve their identity and to continue to pursue a major focus of their life/activity. Even the second sewing machine was more important than an extra 5 gallon jug of water or whatever. In some cases, it also allowed side gigs when needed. Personally, I'll always have "5 gallons of hobby equipment" and "5 gallons of tools" even in a Prius. But I'll make up for it by having a 75x24x4 trifold mattress rather than a queen mattress with 8 inches of memory foam; using the car's battery and an inverter behind the dash rather than a big power station; zero coffee drinking/equipment; simple kitchen needs; and other efficient uses of space.

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

Sounds like you have it figured out!!! Happy travels☺️

Love this channel Another Great Video 👍 Great content, keep up the great work!

@LadyBugout

7 ай бұрын

I appreciate the encouragement ☺️