We ditched our house to live in an off-grid caravan – we don’t pay any rent and do our washing at our mate’s houses
A COUPLE have revealed that they decided to ditch their home to live full time in a caravan, and now don’t pay any rent.
Zach and Freya said that living in a caravan is a super cheap way to live, adding that their only major costs are food and diesel.
The couple travel around their native New Zealand in the caravan, documenting their journey via videos posted to their YouTube channel, @CaptainZachspearo.
In one video, Freya revealed that the couple spend around £40 every time that they need to fill up their tank with diesel, but added that the caravan is often stationary for days at a time, which helps to save them money.
They also try to keep their food costs low by just buying items that are on special offer.
To heat up the caravan, they use a gas bottle, which costs £20, and which they said “lasts ages”.
They also have solar panels on the roof of the caravan, which they used for electricity.
When washing their dishes and showering, Freya and Zach aim to use as little water as possible to cut down costs.
Despite the caravan being fairly small, Freya assured that their is plenty of space for storage.
There is also a tiny kitchen, complete with an over and a hob, so the couple can save money by enjoying home cooked meals.
Freya admitted that they do eat a lot of tinned food, but added that she loves to cook banana bread in the caravan.
“You definitely can bake in this thing”, she said.
Whilst travelling, Freya works as a teacher, and Zach works as an arborist, but the couple said that they think travelling in a caravan is so cheap, that you could do it without having to work.
The duo never have to pay to park their caravan anywhere, as they are part of the New Zealand motorhome association, which means that they can park their caravan at campsites for free.
The campsites also have toilet facilities, meaning that Freya and Zach don’t have to deal with their own waste, like many caravan users.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- 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 moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
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: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
When they’re down to their last pair of undies, and need to do laundry, Freya and Zach head to one of their friend’s houses, and do their washing there.
The duo only work part-time whilst they’re travelling, and spend their free time cycling and enjoying their hobbies.
“I just sunbathe and read my book, go for walks, and just explore whatever town we’re in”, Freya said.
“If we love a place we will stay for a couple of days, and if we feel like we’ve done everything we could possibly do, we just move on to the next destination.”
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