I live in one of the world's smallest cars – I couldn't afford to retire if not… but toilet situation is a disaster

The Sun

28-04-2025

THE trend of people ditching traditional homes for van life is skyrocketing.
With freedom, minimalism, and serious cash savings on offer, it's no wonder more are hitting the road.
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Savvy pensioner Kai has sidestepped the housing crisis by converting her Smart car into a unique home on wheels.
She explained her reasoning for stuffing her belongings into the cramped motor and living life in the driver's seat.
"I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn't afford it," she revealed to CheapRVLiving.
"I need to wait until I'm 70 to have social security.
"I discovered that I actually could lie flat in here and took everything that I needed.
"I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon."
Kai gets her 40 winks by reclining the passenger seat with her head almost against the windshield.
She packed in two small air mattresses while assuring skeptics that the unorthodox approach is comfortable.
However, there is no kitchen and no bathroom.
Kai utilises a packed tub of pine-scented cat litter to do her business.
I saved $60k to buy my 'dream' home in less than 5 months - I slept in my car and spent just $2 each day
And when the pensioner gets peckish, a modest-sized storage space is easily accessible in the boot, where kitchen staples are kept.
That's everything from kitchen utensils and a tiny stove to food, clothes, and car parts.
There's a three-gallon water tank in front of the passenger seat, and Kai keeps some personal hygiene products there as well.
"You have to be a little bit agile to do this," Kai admitted.
Am I legally allowed to live in my car in the UK?
The simple answer is yes, you can.
In the UK, you are legally allowed to live in your c ar — just so long as you follow a few rules.
The only requirement is that your car has passed its MOT and is entirely road-legal.
If legally parked, there aren't rules against sleeping or living in a car.
When would I not be allowed to live in my car?
There are certain circumstances in which it's not legal to sleep in a car in the UK.
Firstly, you must be in a safe parking spot, not in violation of any parking restrictions.
Certain car parks, lay-bys, and national parks and forests have restrictions on overnight parking, which means you can't sleep there in a vehicle.
If restrictions are broken, you could be fined or even have your vehicle towed.
Secondly, you must not be above the legal drink-drive limit or under the influence of any drugs, if you intend to sleep in your car.
If over the limit, you could be charged with being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle in a public place, even if you're not driving.
The ban on sleeping in your car when you're drunk comes under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The rule says you can be found guilty of an offence if in charge of a vehicle on a road or public place 'after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit'.
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The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You'll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.