Living the Simple Life – A Dream That Rarely Lasts, But an Experience for Life

During the years I lived aboard my boat, I was fascinated by others who chose to live a simpler life. I followed countless videos of people converting vans into rolling homes, building tiny houses on wheels, or even creating floating homes on rafts. There was something deeply appealing about the idea of freedom – letting go of modern conveniences and instead living closer to nature, closer to oneself.

But what I also saw was how quickly many disappeared from their channels. Six months, maybe a year later, they were gone. Channels that were once filled with enthusiastic updates about minimalist living suddenly went silent. People returned to their regular lives. It didn’t work out as they had imagined. And when I reflect on why, I realize that the dream of a simple life often clashes with reality.

Freedom Costs More Than You Think

Living simply does not necessarily mean living cheaply. Ironically, it can often become more expensive than the life one tries to leave behind. Building an alternative lifestyle requires investments – a van, a tiny house, a boat, or a cabin in the woods all cost money to acquire and even more to adapt to one’s needs.

What is often missing in inspiring documentaries and YouTube channels is a clear breakdown of costs. We see beautiful footage of someone who has built a fantastic van or a raft house on a lake, but we rarely get a realistic insight into what it actually cost in terms of time and money.

If you build a van or tiny house from scratch, it’s not just material costs that matter – it also requires knowledge. Watching someone build their own home on wheels is one thing, but we rarely know their background. Are they already skilled craftsmen? Do they have experience in carpentry, plumbing, or electricity? Or did they get help from family and friends? We also don’t know if they have external income sources that make the project possible.

Many who succeed in living simply full-time already have stable financial resources or side incomes through social media, sponsorships, or freelance work. They may already own their van or have a property to sell before embarking on their life on the road. That’s why it’s important to understand that simple living often requires a significant initial investment, and watching someone on YouTube or in a documentary doesn’t necessarily reflect reality for someone starting from scratch.

Choosing Solitude – The Real Challenge

There is another aspect of minimalist living that is often overlooked: solitude. Living in a van, a boat, or a remote cabin in the woods often means being alone with yourself. Sure, you can surround yourself with like-minded people along the way, but ultimately, you are often alone with your thoughts, fears, and decisions.

Many are not prepared for this kind of isolation. We live in a time where social media and constant connectivity ensure that we always have a flow of communication and affirmation around us. Suddenly finding yourself in a situation where you no longer have an obvious social circle, no workplace to go to, no colleagues or neighbors to chat with – it can be a shock.

This is one of the reasons why many who try the simple life return to the normal one. Freedom is not just physical – it is also mental. And few have the inner security to live in solitude for an extended period.

The Modern-Day Backpacking Experience

I have come to see this minimalist lifestyle as a modern form of backpacking. In the 70s and 80s, young people packed their backpacks and traveled through Europe with Interrail passes, living cheaply, experiencing adventures, and feeling free. Few of them became permanently rootless vagabonds. Instead, it was a period of self-discovery, an experience to carry into adulthood.

The same applies to many who try van life, off-grid living, or boat life today. They may live that way for a few months or years, but few stay forever. Instead, they take the insights from that period back to conventional life.

And most return to some form of stability. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

How to Prepare for a Simple Life?

If you are considering trying a simpler lifestyle, here are some tips to prepare yourself:

1. Try it first in short periods – Start by living simply for a few weeks or months before making a bigger commitment.

2. Set a realistic budget – Calculate the actual costs of your van, boat, or tiny house, including maintenance and unexpected expenses.

3. Develop necessary DIY skills – If you build your own home, learn the basics of carpentry, plumbing, electricity, and maintenance.

4. Think about income sources – Plan how you will support yourself on the road. Can freelance work, digital jobs, or seasonal work be an option?

5. Learn to handle solitude – The simple life often means a lot of time alone. Do you enjoy solitude, or do you need a plan for social interactions?

6. Have a backup plan – What will you do if you get sick? If your vehicle breaks down? If you realize it’s not for you?

Conclusion

The simple life is a dream for many, but few manage to sustain it long-term. For some, it becomes a period of self-discovery, for others, a lifestyle they never want to leave. I have lived it, and I continue to live it – but now with a clear understanding of what it entails.

Many dream of the freedom of simple living, but it requires both planning and an understanding that it actually involves hard work, solitude, and an initial investment. The inspiring stories on YouTube and social media rarely tell the whole story.

For those who dream of a simpler life, be prepared for both challenges and rewards. Prepare well, test it out, and if you find that it’s not for you – don’t see it as a failure. The experience is always valuable. And for me, at 63, the choice has already been made – I keep moving forward, this time on trails leading to the mountain peaks.