Nicole Keefe, 28, from Newcastle, moved house 18 times as a child due to circumstances beyond her control. She always dreamed of van life but followed a conventional path, earning a fashion degree and working a full-time photography job she hated. In September 2023, after a breakdown and her car being written off, she bought a converted Ford Transit for £8,500 and left rented accommodation with her dog McCartney. She now spends just £670 a month on bills, roaming the UK as a freelance photographer and content creator.
A life of constant moves
Nicole lived in 18 different homes throughout her life, moving frequently as a child and again after adult relationship breakdowns. Despite van life always being on her radar, she followed a typical path: a fashion degree at Coventry University (2016-2020) and a photography role at a fashion studio in Washington, Tyne and Wear. After three years, she could barely cover rent and felt homeownership was unattainable.
"I hated my job and had a breakdown one night, ruminating on how I couldn't escape the cycle," she said. "I was not in a good place mentally." Less than 12 hours later, someone crashed into her car, writing it off. Weeks later, in September 2023, she bought the van on Facebook Marketplace and made it her permanent home.
The van conversion
Nicole transformed the van with a kitchen, sink, bed, solar panels, fridge, gas camping hob, air fryer, and a new mattress. She added leopard print decor over time. While still working her 9-5, she parked in a local car park during weekdays and explored the UK at weekends. Most relatives thought she was "a bit nuts."
In June 2024, she took a cleaning job at a campsite in Dorset and left her office role. She spent three months there, discovering the south coast on weekends. Initially, she struggled with solitude, but her mental health improved. "I have no idea what life would've been like if that crash hadn't happened, but it put me on the path for the best years of our lives," she reflected.
Monthly expenses
Nicole's typical monthly outgoings: £250 on van repayments, £30 for gym membership (showers), £60 for unlimited data phone contract, £30 for vehicle tax, and £150 on groceries. Fuel costs have risen; filling the tank now costs £150, up from £100. Since September 2023, her social media presence has grown: over 7,500 TikTok followers and 4,800 on Instagram under @TheVanClub_.
Life on the road
Nicole is "constantly on the move," staying in locations for about a month. She enjoys the south coast and South Wales. "If I have work in the south, I'll travel around that area for a week prior. Then I slowly migrate to wherever seems good," she explained. She parks mostly in car parks and roadside spots, feeling "very safe." In March 2026, her van broke down due to a faulty oil seal, costing £2,000 in repairs and forcing hotel stays.
One of the greatest joys is that each day "can be wildly different," whether swimming in the sea or hiking mountains. She keeps a routine: sunrise, morning coffee, and walking her dog. She doesn't miss conventional housing. "Sure there are conveniences, but it's not a worthy trade-off. Now when I visit friends, a house feels so big and almost unnecessary," she said.
Nicole feels more capable now. "My younger self absolutely adores me. She wouldn't believe our life unless she saw it," she said. She can't imagine leaving van life. "There has never been a moment in two-and-a-half years where I've thought 'I can't do this anymore.' There's never anywhere I'd rather be."
