I’ve lived in a tricycle for two years after giving up my apartment – it may be small but I can cook & sleep in it
FROM apartments to boats, homes come in all shapes and sizes.
And one woman revealed how she turned a tricycle into a cosy home on wheels, and not only sleeps there but also eats her meals in there too.
Liya, who posts under @liyasalina, showed her unusual setup in Beijing and has racked up over 767,000 likes in the process.
She wrote: “I gave up my apartment since I got this car.”
The woman shared how she has lived in her car for two years, and has made it very cosy indeed.
She explained: “I stack my clothes in my roof box but also at work.
“I shower at work too.”
She showed how the front seats fold down to create more space for Liya to hang out in after work.
Liya has a mini table which she can set up to eat her meals each day, and she picks up food from a local restaurant which is “cheap” and “good.”
After mealtime, she converts the back of the tricycle into a bed with cushions and blankets.
She then sets up a projector which streams movies onto a curtain for her evening entertainment.
The inside of the mini house is decorated with a large collection of teddies to make it more homely, and she also has curtains for the windows for privacy.
Liya joked that she lives in the “smallest apartment in China” but loves her tiny space.
Many people took to the comments to share their views on her unusual dwelling.
One person said: “Me if my rent gets too high.”
Another added: “my claustrophobic could never.”
And a third commented: “this looks cozy as hell ngl.”
Car living
Living in your car is on the up as people struggle to deal with the cost of living crisis.
In the UK, you are legally allowed to live in your car— just so long as you follow a few rules.
The only requirement is that your car has passed its MOT and is entirely road-legal.
You must also be in a safe parking spot, not in violation of any parking restrictions.
Certain car parks, lay-bys, and national parks and forests have restrictions on overnight parking, which means you can’t sleep there in a vehicle.
If restrictions are broken, you could be fined or even have your vehicle towed.
Along with cars, it’s also common — and possibly more spacious — to live in a van.
Many people have opted for this lifestyle after the cost of living crisis pushed them out of housing.
Vans, minivans, converted buses, and unsurprisingly, campervans, are popular choices.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.