Woman in her 50s who used to live big chose a van with a stunning interior to reboot her life

After enduring personal upheavals, Lori, a life coach, chose freedom living to heal, reconnect with herself, and create a purposeful life.

Trading city comforts for a van built with love and intention, she now travels across the country with her dog, living simply and coaching clients from scenic locations.

For Lori, the road has become a path to peace, clarity, and a deeper connection with nature.

From luxury to freedom living

Before her van life journey, Lori lived a minimalist life.

But marriage changed that, introducing luxury and multiple homes. When her relationship ended, she felt unmoored.

“It’s like the pendulum had to go way back this way for my soul to heal,” she said.

The shift was jarring but liberating. With her dog by her side, she knew van life was the most practical way to embrace independence and travel without excess.

Leaving city life behind

Lori wanted more than just a new address. She wanted intentionality, mobility, and peace.

She was drawn to freedom living—not just physically moving from one place to another, but emotionally and mentally releasing what no longer served her.

Her goal: a van that felt like a real home, not just an RV.

Now, Lori wakes up to different views—mountains, rivers, deserts—each offering fresh energy.

She’s built a lifestyle that supports financial freedom through van life, all while continuing to help her clients remotely.

“This is my favorite kind of travel,” she shared.

A van designed for freedom living and long-term comfort

Functional window and privacy upgrades

About 18 months into her journey, Lori ditched her cumbersome window covers for a streamlined setup using a headliner shelf and Amazon curtains.

It added privacy, storage, and the cozy vibe of a tiny home.

“It feels more like you’re in a little tiny home instead of really living in a van,” she said.

Off-grid power and climate control

Lori’s van is powered by 300-watt solar panels and 400 amp-hours of lithium batteries, with a DC-to-DC inverter to charge while driving.

A Max Air fan and air conditioning unit keep the space cool for her dog, Tessa. At the same time, a diesel heater warms the van in two minutes, even in freezing temperatures.

Water system for extended travel

She installed a 32-gallon freshwater tank, a 21-gallon gray water tank, and a 4-gallon hot water tank.

A low-flow shower head and mixed hot-cold water system make longer showers possible, a rare luxury in van life.

Embracing financial freedom through van life

With no electric bills, low water costs, and income from coaching and a rental property, Lori saves more than she did in a traditional home.

Shopping habits have also changed. “Now I don’t do any of that, so shopping’s gone down,” she noted.

Interior comforts for a solo female van lifer

A living space built for work and relaxation

Lori designed her layout around the view. Her sit-down desk, where she enjoys her morning latte and scriptures, doubles as a workspace and movie nook.

Her stand-up desk lets her take coaching calls while gazing at nature, aided by a mirror that reflects the scenery.

Intentional wardrobe and storage

Her clothes fit into a 26-inch closet and a small cupboard.

“How many of your clothes do you actually use?” she often asks. Her wardrobe reflects the minimalist mindset needed to live freely.

Books, connectivity, and mindful pacing

Though she once owned over 1,500 books, Lori now keeps only a few favorites.

A small shelf also holds the antenna for her WeBoost signal booster, which is essential for remote work.

Long hallway space lets her pace during calls—a small joy she didn’t want to give up.

Bedroom: A cozy ‘cave’ with a view

The fixed bed sits atop a large storage garage. The space is designed for solitude and sleep, with a thick foam mattress and wide rear doors to reveal stunning lakeside views. “I literally love this,” she said.

A kitchen that works like a home

The kitchen features a warm butcher block countertop, a deep sink perfect for dishes and dog baths, and an ionizer filter she trusts even in Mexico.

“It was actually awesome,” she shared after a test run.

The setup includes a fridge-freezer that runs on low voltage and stores two weeks’ worth of food.

Lori’s cooking essentials—a Ninja air fryer, toaster, and Bullet—help her whip up fresh salads. “It’s perfection,” she said.

Bathroom: discreet and efficient

Lori originally planned an indoor shower but never used it in three years.

She prefers the outdoor one and a compact, transformable interior bathroom.

Her goal: avoid bulky setups that interrupt the homey feel.

Van life as healing: a new path through freedom living

Lori’s journey shows what solo female van lifers can achieve when they embrace freedom living.

Her life is no longer confined to four walls but defined by movement, nature, and purpose.

She’s not just surviving—she’s thriving. And she hopes others who feel stuck know there’s another way.

Take a virtual tour inside Lori’s beautifully converted van, where she enjoys the simplicity and joy of freedom living on the road:

Love stories like this? Subscribe to Tiny Home Tours on YouTube for more tiny home videos. You can also visit Lori on her website if you want to learn more about her.