Couple renovates 1975 Chevy van for minimalist living during pandemic

When Jenna Aldus and Colin Dierker discovered that each one of their lessons had been shifting on-line as a result of pandemic, they determined to take full benefit of the newfound freedom. Each college college students, the couple presently conducts their research on the highway of their new home-on-wheels, a renovated 1975 Chevy van named Nelly.

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a brown and off-white 1975 Chevy van parked on the side of the road. in the background there is blue water and mountains.

In keeping with Jenna, the van conversion and renovations solely took about 40 days because of the assistance and help of family and friends (they even threw the couple a going away get together with a Nelly-inspired cake).

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a brown and off-white 1975 Chevy with its sliding door opened to show a yellow stovetop/oven and indoor plants.

Now a few month into their cell studying journey, the pair enjoys making the world their classroom whereas using in type. The couple has already discovered a lesson or two about van life, comparable to all the time use a restroom once you see one and ensure to replenish on all the pieces you want earlier than leaving a serious city. New tips, like utilizing free water fill-up stations at most nationwide park campsites, come in useful as nicely.

a brown and off-white 1975 Chevy with its sliding door opened to show a kitchen area with album covers as wall decorations.

Whereas finishing the challenge, Aldus and Dierker needed to maintain as a lot of the unique car intact as doable and embrace its groovy 70s vibe with vivid, funky options. “It actually is surprising how a lot contemporary paint and little TLC does,” Aldus stated. The transformed van measures 70 sq. toes in measurement, and almost all its furnishings got here from native thrift shops. An electrical sink pump provides water, and a solar-powered bathe bag makes showering open air extra comfy. Inside, loads of reside vegetation assist naturally purify the air.

a kitchen area with album covers as wall decorations.

“Most of our time went ensuring that Nelly was mechanically sound and reliable sufficient to reside in for the following couple of months. As for the place we will likely be residing, the motto ‘house is the place you park it’ may be very well-liked within the Vanlife neighborhood and is what we’re presently residing by,” Aldus added. The duo plans on spending the following couple of months touring round Vancouver Island to surf, hike, examine and benefit from the native beer tasting scene.