- Siena Juhlin, 23, purchased a van in August with the intention of making it her permanent residence.
- She has now sold the van. Her experience mirrors that of others who have embraced this lifestyle.
- She was interviewed for an article shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of the subculture.
The practitioners of the ‘van life’ movement are revealing the harsh realities of their non-traditional lifestyle, which often prove to be more challenging than portrayed by influencers.
One such individual is Siena Juhlin, a 23-year-old who acquired a white Ford cargo van last summer, only to sell it later after originally planning to live in it.
Her narrative, similar to many others who hastily adopted this lifestyle, includes sporadic access to showers, extreme heat, a questionable dating life, and an unexpected $5,000 mechanic bill that prompted her to reassess her choices.
Initially, everything seemed to align with her plans, as she shared in an interview that focused on the less idyllic aspects of this trending subculture.
Juhlin, along with Caleb Smith, a 29-year-old residing in his Isuzu Outback in Park Slope, Brooklyn, expressed their perspectives, acknowledging the challenges while still finding the unconventional lifestyle worthwhile.
‘Everything is 10 times harder,’ Juhlin remarked regarding the recent surge in interest in this lifestyle. ‘But everything is also remarkably beautiful and fulfilling.’
She recounted her decision to hit the road in August following a breakup, captivated by the allure of exploration.
This journey led her to leave her job as a waitress in Missouri to venture along the West Coast, relying on her savings for an indeterminate period.
However, her dream was short-lived, lasting only two months. In California, her transmission failed, leaving her stranded thousands of miles from home.
Undeterred, she undertook three jobs, including one as a social media coordinator for an outdoor brand that frequently features van life-related content, aiming to recover the $5,000 spent on repairs.
Just days before, as indicated in her social media posts, she bid farewell to her customized van, a significant investment exceeding $30,000, opting for a truck and camper instead.
While less mobile than a van, this combination offers her the opportunity to continue exploring the country without some of the unforeseen challenges associated with living in a confined space for extended periods.
In a message to her 3,500 followers, she shared her sentiments on this transition, expressing gratitude for her van’s companionship and resilience while looking forward to a more permanent and reliable setup with the truck and camper.
Her story reflects a common theme among young individuals seeking housing solutions amidst a challenging cost-of-living environment, a narrative echoed by fellow ‘Vanlifer’ Smith.
He currently parks his cargo van between two brownstones in Brooklyn for a monthly fee of $460, a stark contrast to the exorbitant rents in the city.
Despite facing challenges during his first van summer, including extreme heat waves, Smith remains committed to his chosen lifestyle, emphasizing the value of his current location and the financial savings it affords him.
Transitioning from being a homeowner in Kansas to residing in his van, Smith now works as a systems specialist for a company specializing in camper vans, collaborating with his friend Robert Walker.
Walker, another ‘Vanlifer,’ shared his story of acquiring a Ram ProMaster van after overcoming colon cancer, emphasizing his newfound appreciation for travel and the freedom it offers.
Having recently upgraded to a brand-new Ford E-350 cargo van, he acknowledged the practical challenges of van living, such as fluctuating gas prices and evolving work arrangements that may limit long-term feasibility.
While both Walker and Smith appreciate the lifestyle for its unique experiences, they recognize the inherent limitations, with Walker highlighting the complexities of sustaining this lifestyle indefinitely amidst economic uncertainties and shifting societal norms.
The allure of van life, driven by personal journeys and aspirations, remains a compelling yet transient chapter for these individuals, shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a quest for exploration.