Patty came to vanlife after she had been a full-time caretaker for her mother for many years. After her mother passed, Patty realized that she needed to begin thinking of herself and what she wanted out of life. She began investigating tiny living through Tiny Home Tours on YouTube and ran into information on vanlife. It ticked all the boxes for what she was looking for...simple living, travel, and a mobile place to call her own.
“It’s almost like your stuff is managing you rather than the other way around!”
Preparing herself for her new life, she downsized from a three-bedroom, three-bath condo. Jonnie’s Journey worked with her on the van conversion, and the end result is her amazing beach-themed tiny home on wheels that she calls "The Beach House!"
Themes You Love Make a Build Cozy
Throughout the van, beautiful beachy blues, calming teals, and tons of beach-themed decor give a relaxing vibe to the space. One can almost hear the waves rolling in! The sink in the kitchen was meant for a bathroom, but it fits perfectly in this space. The high faucet allows Patty to wash her hair when she doesn’t want to set up the shower space.
In the kitchen, a Berkey water filter sits atop her custom butcher block countertop with tons of storage in handcrafted drawers underneath. The custom-made refrigerator space is topped by butcher block countertops giving Patty loads of prep space for cooking.
A seat next to her prep area converts to a pop-up shower space and on the other side, a seat converts to a “portable potty,” rarely used but essential for emergencies. A lagun-mounted table swivels for use within the space.
Comforts of Home Make Vanlife Easier
Under her full-sized bed, Patty has a huge pull-out table that she uses for her desk/office space. She gave up six inches of bed width for a must-see innovative storage space and is happy she went that route. As tiny lifers know, every little bit of space one can eke out of their build is a bonus. A fan and tv mounted in the bedroom make this space homey and comfortable.
Patty has a huge amount of garage space under the bed that is accessible through the back doors. It houses her 2000-watt Bluetti power station, items she doesn’t use all the time, and much more.
Storage Space is Essential in Tiny Living
All in all, Patty couldn’t be happier with how her build turned out. She loves spending time in her tiny space and the freedom that this lifestyle allows. She plans to seek new adventures, meet new people, and just live life to the fullest!
“As long as I have places to see and things to do and my health is well, I will be out here!”
To see Patty’s full tour:
Follow her vanilfe journey on Instagram @ pattysvanjourney