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I live in a box truck that I made a home for £500 – rent prices were insane, I hardly spend a thing being ‘homeless’

Many people were impressed with her unusual dwelling

RENT prices can be crippling, so many people are looking towards cheaper alternatives than brick and mortar homes to save some cash.

Savvy Steph revealed how she managed to convert a box truck in a cosy home for only £500.

The craftmonger, who , has lived in her blue Mercedes Sprinter Luton with her two rescue dogs, Blue and Sunny, for around three years.

After leaving home, Steph said she’s had a very nomadic lifestyle, and tried living in a caravan, tent, and a few wagons before buying her current home.

Speaking to YouTube channel, she said: “I paid about £3,000 for it. The back was empty, so no conversion was done yet. The conversion cost me about £500 tops.

“The thing that cost me the most money was insulation, which was about £250. You have to be a little savvy.”

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Steph transformed the truck on a budget and added homely touches such as a pasta machine, writing desk, rocking chair, as well as a sewing machine and spinning wheel for her crafts.

The cosy truck also has a double bed, with storage underneath for her clothes.

While she’s made the home snug, she doesn’t have running water and keeps water jugs under the sink.

Steph insisted: “The whole point of this lifestyle is to live simply."

She said she grew up living in the countryside and wanted to stay close to family but the rent was “so high that it just wasn't working.”

Steph claims she is “technically homeless in the eyes of the government” despite “sheltering herself.”

We bought a mouldy narrowboat on Facebook Marketplace to live in - we slept on an airbed but save £10.5k on London rent

However, she added: "I love life and it's just incredible my favourite thing about living in a van probably just like the freedom."

Many people were impressed with her unusual dwelling, and took to the comments to praise her frugal approach to life.

One person said: "Anyone else noticed that folks living alternative lifestyles seem like some of the nicest people around?"

Another added: "Finally , someone who doesn't have unlimited conversion money. It's beautiful and one of a kind."

And a third commented: "What a wholesome way of life."

a woman stands in front of a blue mercedes van
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Steph has lived in her cosy box truck for three yearsCredit: Youtube/Liveration
a room with a stained glass window that says cat on it
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She kitted out the inside for £500Credit: Youtube/Liveration

Is it legal to live in a van?

IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.

However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.

There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.

For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.

It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.

Check the for guidance.

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