LIFE'S VAN-TASTIC
I quit my job and sold my house to live in an ex-Army truck with my wife – it’s tiny but we’ve never been happier
A COUPLE quit their jobs to live in an old Army truck after transforming the unconventional vehicle into a tiny living space.
Craig Saunders and his wife Kerry Whitelegg bought and converted the van, learning about mechanics and plumbing along the way.
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For years, the pair had successful careers, but felt they wanted more out of life.
The couple chose the unusual home to help them finally take the plunge and pursue their dreams of travelling the world.
So, they quit their jobs and sold their house, leaving the UK with no fixed plans to come back.
They started to fix up the ex-Army DAF T244 truck, learning new skills as they went.
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Discussing their future plans, Kerry said: “I want to do this now while I'm physically able.
"When I'm 60, I am totally up for sitting down all day and doing a job."
Craig added: “I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.
"The world at the moment is so chaotic you don't know what's tomorrow."
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While their van certainly presents a smaller living space, the couple have never been happier.
They feel they have plenty of room - and even packed a king-sized bed into their new home.
You might expect the couple to describe their new home as cramped - especially with Craig measuring in at 6ft 4in tall - but that's not the case.
Kerry said: "We've had discussions of late that we've probably got too much space."
The van even has a full-size shower, a composting toilet and full-size kitchen.
The eco-conscious couple believe their health has significantly improved since living in the truck - and their stress levels have decreased too.
Craig and Kerry have shared their journey on social media, posting to their popular Instagram account @penelopethetruck.
They post regular updates for their 2,400 followers, often racking up over 150 likes.
And fans are quick to take to the comments to share their support.
One commented: "Wowww - best wishes to you guys."
A second chimed in: "Absolutely incredible. What a journey!"
The duo, who have dubbed themselves "full time adventure explorers," also have a YouTube channel where they .
The couple have travelled to countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Lichtenstein, Italy, Greece and Cyprus.
They have hopes of going as far east as Kazakhstan, as well as to Morocco.
Yesterday, the couple celebrated six months of adventures exploring the world, covering over 5,600 miles so far.
They explained how they follow a strict monthly budget, and Kerry works virtually too, keeping their finances in check.
Before the pandemic, she worked freelance in events and taught yoga, but switched to a remote position during lockdowns.
Meanwhile, Craig was working in a brewery, according to the .
Craig revealed: "We were on good salaries, but we just felt like we weren't going anywhere."
They're not the only ones to choose an unconventional home.
A family-of-five sold everything they owned to live in a converted minibus - saving them a whopping £2k a month on rent and bills.
Meanwhile, TikTok user @brittty.bee showed how she transformed an old minibus into a luxury home on wheels on a budget.
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Some people have even opted for an alternative lifestyle, deciding to live on a boat.
Like one couple, who ditched their high-flying jobs in London to travel the UK on a narrowboat.
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