Rosa has spent the last six years living in her Honda Element, a decision sparked by a desire for adventure and exploration. With limited resources and a commitment to simplicity, she has transformed her small car into a functional and cozy home on wheels. In this article, we explore her unique lifestyle, the modifications she made, and the lessons learned from living on the road.
Rosa's journey into car living began somewhat spontaneously. After working multiple jobs for four years and feeling unfulfilled, she and a friend, while enjoying a documentary night, conceived the idea to live in a car. Inspired by the minimalist lifestyle and the allure of the open road, Rosa decided to quit her jobs and embrace the nomadic life. The Honda Element quickly emerged as the ideal vehicle for her adventures—compact, versatile, and highly recommended for such lifestyles in 2017.
Living in such a small space requires ingenuity. Rosa's setup includes a sleeping area that folds into a couch, maximizing the limited space. Her kitchen consists of a simple Coleman two-burner stove and essential cooking utensils. One notable aspect of her design is the easy removability of her entire build using zip ties, allowing her to revert her Honda Element to its original state if necessary.
Rosa acknowledges certain aspects of her setup that could be improved—specifically the accessibility of her pantry. While her current system works, a pull-out feature for the pantry would enhance convenience. Still, it serves its purpose, housing essential stocks like reusable grocery bags and cooking supplies.
Despite the potential for feeling confined, Rosa finds joy in the compactness of her living environment. At 5’4”, she feels comfortable in her bed, which is the perfect size for her. The small space encourages exploration, pushing her to spend more time outside rather than lounging comfortably inside her vehicle. She emphasizes that having a smaller living space fosters a connection to nature and adventure.
Rosa has also invested in window shades that blend in with her vehicle, allowing her to engage in stealth camping comfortably. These shades feature reflectors and blackout curtains to maintain privacy.
Rosa’s life on the road is supplemented by her Planet Fitness membership, which provides a consistent place for showers. Depending on her location, she also utilizes public restrooms, lakes, or just the outdoors for her bathroom needs.
Diving into her clothing storage, Rosa has oversaw practical hanging options inside her vehicle for towels and a few essentials. A junk drawer—though small—represents her commitment to minimalism while better organizing her items.
To support her travels, Rosa has navigated various job opportunities over the years. Initially, she found seasonal work in national parks, taking advantage of breathtaking locations right outside her workplace. When the COVID-19 pandemic altered the job landscape, Rosa adapted by turning to gig opportunities with DoorDash and Instacart. Today, after starting a YouTube channel about her life, she earns a living through content creation.
Importantly, she does not employ heavy electrical systems in her vehicle. Her power needs are minimal, relying on battery packs and charging devices from her car's power outlet.
Rosa’s experience serves as a reminder that you do not need an extravagant setup to live on the road. She emphasizes the importance of testing the waters with your existing vehicle before investing in a larger, expensive van conversion. By living with what you have initially, you can decide if this lifestyle truly fits you without incurring significant costs.
Ultimately, Rosa’s journey reminds us that simplicity and adventure can coexist, and that the essence of van life is rooted in experiences, not possessions.
Rosa has proven that car living, especially in a Honda Element, is not only possible but can be fulfilling. With a small budget, creative modifications, and a positive mindset, she has transformed a vehicle into a home. Her experiences inspire those looking to explore the nomadic lifestyle and encourage them to embrace the adventures that await on the open road. For more insights into her journey, Rosa invites interested individuals to check out her YouTube channel, "Life in My Element."
Part 1/8:
Living in a Honda Element: Rosa's Journey
Rosa has spent the last six years living in her Honda Element, a decision sparked by a desire for adventure and exploration. With limited resources and a commitment to simplicity, she has transformed her small car into a functional and cozy home on wheels. In this article, we explore her unique lifestyle, the modifications she made, and the lessons learned from living on the road.
The Transition to Van Life
Part 2/8:
Rosa's journey into car living began somewhat spontaneously. After working multiple jobs for four years and feeling unfulfilled, she and a friend, while enjoying a documentary night, conceived the idea to live in a car. Inspired by the minimalist lifestyle and the allure of the open road, Rosa decided to quit her jobs and embrace the nomadic life. The Honda Element quickly emerged as the ideal vehicle for her adventures—compact, versatile, and highly recommended for such lifestyles in 2017.
Car Setup and Modifications
Part 3/8:
Living in such a small space requires ingenuity. Rosa's setup includes a sleeping area that folds into a couch, maximizing the limited space. Her kitchen consists of a simple Coleman two-burner stove and essential cooking utensils. One notable aspect of her design is the easy removability of her entire build using zip ties, allowing her to revert her Honda Element to its original state if necessary.
Rosa acknowledges certain aspects of her setup that could be improved—specifically the accessibility of her pantry. While her current system works, a pull-out feature for the pantry would enhance convenience. Still, it serves its purpose, housing essential stocks like reusable grocery bags and cooking supplies.
Embracing Minimalism and the Outdoors
Part 4/8:
Despite the potential for feeling confined, Rosa finds joy in the compactness of her living environment. At 5’4”, she feels comfortable in her bed, which is the perfect size for her. The small space encourages exploration, pushing her to spend more time outside rather than lounging comfortably inside her vehicle. She emphasizes that having a smaller living space fosters a connection to nature and adventure.
Rosa has also invested in window shades that blend in with her vehicle, allowing her to engage in stealth camping comfortably. These shades feature reflectors and blackout curtains to maintain privacy.
Maintenance and Lifestyle
Part 5/8:
Rosa’s life on the road is supplemented by her Planet Fitness membership, which provides a consistent place for showers. Depending on her location, she also utilizes public restrooms, lakes, or just the outdoors for her bathroom needs.
Diving into her clothing storage, Rosa has oversaw practical hanging options inside her vehicle for towels and a few essentials. A junk drawer—though small—represents her commitment to minimalism while better organizing her items.
Financial Adaptations
Part 6/8:
To support her travels, Rosa has navigated various job opportunities over the years. Initially, she found seasonal work in national parks, taking advantage of breathtaking locations right outside her workplace. When the COVID-19 pandemic altered the job landscape, Rosa adapted by turning to gig opportunities with DoorDash and Instacart. Today, after starting a YouTube channel about her life, she earns a living through content creation.
Importantly, she does not employ heavy electrical systems in her vehicle. Her power needs are minimal, relying on battery packs and charging devices from her car's power outlet.
Advice for Aspiring Van Dwellers
Part 7/8:
Rosa’s experience serves as a reminder that you do not need an extravagant setup to live on the road. She emphasizes the importance of testing the waters with your existing vehicle before investing in a larger, expensive van conversion. By living with what you have initially, you can decide if this lifestyle truly fits you without incurring significant costs.
Ultimately, Rosa’s journey reminds us that simplicity and adventure can coexist, and that the essence of van life is rooted in experiences, not possessions.
Conclusion
Part 8/8:
Rosa has proven that car living, especially in a Honda Element, is not only possible but can be fulfilling. With a small budget, creative modifications, and a positive mindset, she has transformed a vehicle into a home. Her experiences inspire those looking to explore the nomadic lifestyle and encourage them to embrace the adventures that await on the open road. For more insights into her journey, Rosa invites interested individuals to check out her YouTube channel, "Life in My Element."