A Woman and Her Snake Share a Stylish and Surprisingly Spacious Converted Van Home
If there’s one thing that Ariana Sakin loves, it’s pets. She’s got two dogs and three cats at home, but she also has four snakes—two corn snakes, one king snake, and one milk snake—that she travels with to her boyfriend’s apartment when they go away together. There’s just one problem with that, though: the king snake can be aggressive, while the milk snake needs heat and humidity to stay healthy. That made traveling with these snakes difficult… until Sakin decided to convert her van into a mobile pet home for them!
Intro to Sharon & Lola
Sharon lives in Los Angeles with her 9-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. But when she’s not spending time with her kids, she’s usually taking care of her 18-foot-long albino Burmese python, Lola. Sharon first got Lola when she was just a baby, and the two have been inseparable ever since. She loves being petted and enjoys sitting in my lap, says Sharon.
She’ll also wrap herself around my neck like a scarf. For 10 years, they shared an apartment together that had been converted into a one-bedroom loft to accommodate Lola’s large enclosure (which has since relocated to their current house). And while the family doesn’t live in it full-time anymore, they still use it as a guest room whenever they need extra space. When people come over, we show them the bathroom and tell them not to open the closet door! says Sharon. The van is quite spacious on its own – complete with a queen-sized bed and shelving for all of our clothes – but what really makes it special is how cozy and comfortable it feels.
Living in an RV conversion van was really tough at first…
Living in an RV conversion van was really tough at first. I had to get used to the lack of space and the constant movement. But after a while, I got used to it and now I love it. I wouldn’t trade my van for anything. It’s surprisingly spacious with all the modern conveniences (toilet, shower, fridge) that you would find in any apartment. And as long as you have solar panels on your roof and have mastered boondocking (aka free camping), there is no better way to travel around than by van. If you’re thinking about downsizing, trading your house for a camper or converting your current vehicle into one, I highly recommend considering this option.
But I’m happy I stayed. Here’s why
It’s been almost a year since I moved into my van, and I can say without a doubt that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only did it save me money on rent, but it also allowed me to travel and see more of the country. And, most importantly, it gave me the freedom to live my life on my own terms. I’m single, so this is perfect for me. But if you’re married or have kids (or are just attached to your creature comforts), it might not be as great an idea. There are downsides to living in a converted van: The wind can blow right through; it gets really hot in the summer; sometimes bugs get inside; and there’s no air conditioning.
Now, here are some tips to help you stay sane while living in a van
If you’re considering living in a van, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. First, you’ll want to make sure your van is well-insulated and weatherproofed. Second, you’ll need to be comfortable with minimalism and be prepared to downsize your belongings.
Third, you’ll need to be organized in order to keep your small space tidy. Fourth, you should have a plan for where you’ll park and how you’ll handle utilities. Fifth, you’ll need to have good hygiene routines. Sixth, you’ll want to establish boundaries and rules around what’s allowed inside the van. Seventh, if it’s at all possible, try and find work that can accommodate your new lifestyle. Eighth (and finally), try not to get discouraged!
