November 25th 2023.
Sarah Yak, a 26-year-old videographer from Austin, Texas, dropped out of university and started working as a carer to save up for her dream - a 2017 Ford Transit. After saving up for 12 months, Sarah bought the van for $28,000 and spent a further $10,000 to renovate it. Now, four years later, the converted vehicle is fully-fledged home, including a kitchen, a queen-sized bed and solar panels on the roof.
In order to stay safe while living alone in her van, Sarah has taken extra security measures like installing an alarm system and a tracker inside the van, as well as taking self-defence classes. Doing these self-defence classes has boosted Sarah's confidence on the road. Additionally, she has installed a 'secret' drawer in the van to keep her valuables and documents safe, as well as a security camera outside to see if anyone is there.
The van renovation took around six months and Sarah loved it. She installed solar panels, an induction hob, a fridge, toilet, and an outdoor shower with a water heater - everything she needed to live full time. Recently, she got Starlink, a satellite internet constellation, so she has Wi-Fi 24/7 - which is a great safety feature for her.
Sarah now lives with her partner in the van and recently got a bigger van to upgrade their home on wheels. The couple plan to travel in the new van for a few years before they consider settling down in a permanent home.
To stay safe on the road, Sarah offers the following tips: do a self-defence class, especially for women; be conscious of where you park; make sure you have mobile service; put blackout curtains on everything in your van; and if you're in a public place, don't leave your van late at night.
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