I live on a caravan site and don’t pay a penny for my pitch – I’ve dropped two dress sizes living here too
A WOMAN who has spent the last six years living in a caravan has shared how you can nab a pitch for free.
Self-styled “freedom seeker” Kat has lived on wheels since 2018 after deciding to ditch her “soul-drenching, boring life”.
She’s done a number of trips around Europe before deciding to settle on a caravan site in the UK with her husband Marek and their dog, Diesel.
The couple say they live “very comfortably compared to the cost of living in a house”.
In fact, they save themselves tens of thousands of pounds a year by living in a caravan.
The way they get a pitch for free is by picking up work around the campsite – from cleaning communal loos to gardening.
“Most of the jobs are very physical,” Kat warned in a YouTube video.
“If you go for housekeeping, cleaning, gardening or grounds maintenance, you will be on your feet all day.
“This means you will get super fit and healthy.
“Over the years we’ve worked here, we’ve dropped two sizes each – and we became the fittest we’ve ever been without spending a penny.
“Think about all the money and time you spend on exercise and trips to the gym, memberships and so on.
“If you do a campsite job, you will get fit for free.
“Even more, you will actually be paid for doing all these things.”
With the sun finally shining down on the UK, those lucky enough to own a caravan will be thinking about heading out on the open road.
But Kat urged people looking to adopt a nomad lifestyle to consider going full-time in their caravan.
She cited beautiful settings on campsites as one of the main appeals for ditching the city rat race.
Why I could never live in a tiny home
Tiny homes are getting increasingly popular in the UK, especially in the cost of living crisis when first-time buyers are struggling to get on the property ladder or current homeowners are having to pay ridiculous interest rates on mortgages.
But Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor, has shared why living in a tiny home would be her idea of a nightmare.
“I’m currently in the process of selling my flat and buying a house, and as I pack up all my belongings, I’m worried where it is all going to go – there is so much stuff!
Fortunately, I’m very privileged to be buying a house with more square feet than my current flat.
But it got me wondering, could I ever live in a small space? And the answer is no.
- Less personal space
Living with another person immediately cuts down on personal space, but remove several rooms, and I’d be left with only the bathroom as my sanctuary. I’m not sure I’d be able to cope!
- Less storage space
I’m like a magpie, I like collecting pretty things, and I like my belongings to be organised. With limited storage space, I’d find it really hard to keep everything neat and tidy.
- Can’t play host
One of the joys of being an independent adult is being able to host – friends, family, overnight stays, and dinner parties. Where would I gather everyone for a Sunday lunch if my table only sat two? Not to mention, how would I cook a Sunday lunch?
- No room to grow
Both as an individual, as part of a couple and also my hobbies, can be restricted by physical space. When I first moved into my flat, I was overjoyed at having my own balcony, and it has been a space where my love for gardening has grown. Five years on, my balcony is now overflowing with plants, and I’ve had to set up a mini propagator in the living room!
Living in a caravan in the UK is subject to various laws and regulations.
These can vary depending on the location and the type of land where the caravan is sited.
If you live on a licensed residential park, your rights and obligations are protected under the Mobile Homes Act 1983.
Residents usually have agreements specifying their rights to occupy a pitch and the terms of their stay – such as Kat agreeing to work in exchange for a pitch.