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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Christine Younan & John Bett

Woman escapes rental 'struggle' and saves thousands of pounds by moving into a van

A woman has escaped the spiralling costs of UK rental market by moving into a builder's van - and now she's saving thousands of pounds. Amelise Burr, 22, was sick of spending all her money on rent and didn't have enough saved up for a deposit, so she decided to get creative and splashed out on a van.

The YouTuber from Cambridgeshire is now driving around Europe and makes her home wherever the handbrake is on. Speaking to the Daily Star, she says she has no regrets. Amelise has been documenting her travelling home life online and now she's garnered 177,000 subscribers in the process - with many totally hooked on her regular updates.

Amelise likes to drive around and live in different spots (Social Media)
She embarked on her journey when the cost of renting a home in the UK spiralled (Social Media)

What do you think about living on the road? Let us know in the comments...

Amelise said: "Regular housing has always been a struggle, I've lived in many places and felt uncomfortable in houses.

"I came across van life when my life and family's life came crashing down after my grandma died."

Amelise moved into the van as a solution to help "escape reality" – and it means she can visit some awesome places.

She claimed: "The best thing is that I'm not wasting loads of money on living expenses such as mortgage and rent.

She bought her van and started converting it herself (Social Media)
She added a window for extra light (@ameinavan/@intriguepublications)

"If I get bored of a location, I can just go somewhere else and take my home with me.

"The worst part would be when you can't find anywhere to park at night, that can get really tiring."

Amelise is currently living it up in France and plans to visit other parts of the country, as well as other European cities.

She added: "I'd like to go to Greece next, or head to Germany at Christmas to see the markets.

Insulation was a must (Social Media)
Now she's finished and has hit the road in her home on wheels (@ameinavan/@intriguepublications)

"I make an income on the road by working in food trucks, selling bracelets and now I've created a YouTube.

"I'm now fortunate enough to make a full-time income from making YouTube videos about my life."

The traveller is free to roam around Europe, but she does miss having someone there.

She revealed: "I don't have a boyfriend, actually I never dated anyone. I'd like to but living on the road is difficult.

"But honestly, it's not too bad because I'm focusing on building my life, I barely have time for myself as it is!"

Now she's given those who want to live and travel solo in a van some advice.

She detailed: "Don't let people scare you, most people will probably tell you that it's a bad idea.

"But most people don't achieve their dreams because they're scared – so don't listen to those who try to stop you.

"Life is for living! Get outside your comfort zone, you'd be surprised how quickly your comfort zone expands."

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

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