Transform Your Van with DIY Murphy Bed & Closet

Follow Jess and Sean, who left their jobs to travel and pursue their passion for climbing. With a lot of creativity and dedication, they transformed their van into a comfortable and functional living space. From a secret garden of green onions to a self-built composting toilet, they’ve thought of everything. Their full closet and a bathroom make it feel like home, and the Murphy bed frees up space for entertaining guests.

Transform Your Van into Your Dream Home

Are you dreaming of a life on the road? Whether you’re seeking freedom or adventure, transforming a van into a mobile home can be the key to unlocking your dream lifestyle. Just ask Jess and Sean, two climbers who have spent a year and a half on the road in their van, Scullivan.

One of the best things about converting a van is the opportunity to customize it exactly to your preferences. For Jess and Sean, this meant adding a tile entryway and reclaimed wood walls to create an artsy and clean living space. They even built a facade door to hide their bathroom, creating even more space and a neat appearance.

Another important consideration when designing a van conversion is storage. With limited space, every inch counts, so Jess and Sean had to get creative in their design. They added cargo nets and a utensil slider to keep everything organized, and built a full-size closet to hang clothes and jewelry. They also included a bench with hidden storage for their climbing gear and a projector so they can enjoy movies on the road.

One of the most important features of a van conversion is the sleeping area. Jess and Sean opted for a Murphy bed to maximize their living space, with a bench below for storage. They also added insulation window plugs to keep the van cool or warm depending on the weather. Another crucial feature is a full-size fridge, which Jess and Sean cleverly converted to have straps for easier opening.

Living on the road is not without its challenges, but for Jess and Sean, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. They’ve seen more of the country in a year and a half than most people will in a lifetime, and have made lasting friendships along the way. If you’re ready to and embark on a life-changing journey, let Jess and Sean’s story be your inspiration.

DIY Murphy Bed: A Space-Saving Solution

A DIY Murphy bed is a clever and space-saving solution for those who want to maximize the living area in their home, especially if you live in a small apartment or a tiny house like a van. Jess and Sean, owners of the van “Scullivan,” created their own Murphy bed style to open up the space in the back of their van and have room to entertain guests. They also added a table made of recycled fence wood to enhance the entertaining space.

Moreover, they utilized every little bit of space to make their van feel more artsy and clean. They created a facade door that hides their bathroom so they can have a huge medicine cabinet. They also built a self-built composting toilet that is just in a beautiful box but really just a glorified Home Depot bucket. They have a kitty litter box and a shower that’s in a separate room to give them privacy.

In addition, they have added some nice features such as the swivel sink that they can use to fill up a pot when making pasta. Furthermore, they have added cargo nets inside the cabinets to hold everything in place while driving. They also have their Excel ventless water heater and added insulation window plugs that keep the van really cool or warm depending on the temperature.

Ultimately, the Murphy bed and the clever utilization of their space make living in a small space more feasible. Jess and Sean have lived in the van for over a year and a half and have traveled the entire country, visiting places and meeting people they never would have before. The freedom and community that living on the road brings are truly priceless.

Closet Design Ideas for Small Spaces

If you’re living in a small space, closet design ideas can be a lifesaver. With the right closet design, you can make the most of your space and stay organized. Here are some ideas that work particularly well for small spaces.

– Double hanging rods: If you’re short on hanging space, consider installing double hanging rods. By utilizing the height of your closet, you can fit twice as many clothes in the same area.
– Shoe organizers: Shoes can take up a lot of floor space in a closet, but by using a shoe organizer, you can keep them off the ground and save space. You can even find hanging shoe organizers that attach to the back of your closet door.
– Hooks and hangers: Don’t underestimate the power of hooks and hangers! By using them strategically, you can hang bags, belts, scarves, and other accessories, opening up even more space in your closet.
– Shelf dividers: If you have shelves in your closet, consider using dividers to keep items neatly stacked and organized. This will prevent clothes from toppling over and creating a mess.
– Pull-out baskets and drawers: For items that can’t be hung or stacked neatly on shelves, pull-out baskets and drawers are a great solution. They can be used for everything from underwear and socks to purses and hats.
– Vertical storage: Finally, don’t forget about vertical storage! You can hang items from the ceiling of your closet or even use an over-the-door organizer to maximize your space.

When it comes to closet design for small spaces, the key is to think creatively and make the most of every inch. With a little bit of planning and some clever organization solutions, you can transform your closet into a functional, efficient space.

Reclaimed Wood: An Artistic Touch to Your Mobile Home

A mobile home should be not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Reclaimed wood can bring an artistic touch to your mobile home, giving it character and personality. Jess and Sean, the couple featured in the video, used reclaimed wood for their whole wall, creating a beautiful art piece that serves as a photo wall. It’s an inexpensive way to add warmth and charm to a space.

Aside from adding character to a mobile home, reclaimed wood has environmental benefits. It’s the perfect sustainable material that can help reduce deforestation. Using recycled wood for your cladding, ceiling, or flooring not only makes your mobile space unique but also reduces the carbon footprint.

One of the things that make Jess and Sean’s mobile home unique is their use of beetle kill pine. They maximized the use of every little bit of it, adding a six-foot live-edge piece for the backsplash and making sure the tile in the entryway matches it. They also used fence wood, which was being taken down, for their facade door, which hides their bathroom.

Reclaimed wood creates a cozier and more inviting feel that makes a mobile home even more homey. Using recycled materials not only helps the environment but also gives a unique touch to a mobile home. So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add a character to your mobile space, reclaimed wood is the way to go.

How to Create a Comfortable Bathroom in Your Van

Creating a comfortable bathroom in your van can be a challenging but rewarding process. One of the most popular options is to use a composting toilet. Jess and Sean used a self-built composting toilet that is disguised in a beautiful box. You can also use a traditional RV or marine toilet if you prefer. Another important consideration is shower facilities. Jess and Sean have a separate room for the shower, which provides privacy and keeps the living space dry.

To keep the living space cooler or warmer, you can wall off the cab, just like Jess and Sean did. This also provides a comfortable space for pets. A creative way to add storage in the bathroom is by installing a facade door that hides the bathroom. This allows you to have a huge medicine cabinet to store all of your essentials right there.

Using reclaimed wood and installing a tile floor can also add a touch of comfort and aesthetic appeal. When it comes to sink options, consider using a bar sink. It is smaller but deeper, and it can still be used for washing dishes or filling pots. Adding cargo nets and utensil sliders in the cabinets can help to keep everything organized and in place while on the road. Finally, adding bungee cords for curtains and insulation window plugs can help to keep the van at a comfortable temperature.

Overall, creating a comfortable bathroom in a van takes some creativity and planning, but it can be well worth the effort. It is important to think about the features that are most important to you and to consider the space constraints of the van. With a little bit of DIY and some careful planning, you can create a bathroom space that is both comfortable and functional for your next van adventure.

Van Life: The Ultimate Travel Experience

Traveling in a van is an experience unlike any other. Living on the road brings a sense of freedom that can’t compare to anything else. Jess and Sean have been on the road for over a year and a half, traveling to different places and finding new climbing spots.

Their van, “Scullivan,” is a masterpiece of reclaimed wood and clever design. The tile entryway leads into the living space, where they fold away the puppy bowls and have a secret garden of green onions. One of Jess’s favorite features is the facade door that covers their bathroom, making the space feel more artsy and clean.

The kitchen is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, and fridge with straps to make opening easy. They added cargo nets to hold everything in place in case of a bumpy ride. The Murphy bed saves space in the back of the van and allows for more seating when entertaining guests.

Jess and Sean never imagined they would be living in a van full-time, traveling the country and finding work where necessary. But the sense of community and the freedom it brings to their lives is like nothing they have ever experienced before.

If you’re looking for an ultimate travel experience with a sense of adventure, consider van life! With the right design and some clever storage, you can make your van feel like home while exploring new places and meeting new people.

Smart Storage Solutions for Your Mobile Home

Living in a mobile home means there is always a need to maximize space storage in a smart way. The couple in the video made use of reclaimed materials and customized their storage spaces to suit their specific needs. Here are some takeaways we can gather from their smart storage solutions:

– Use wall space wisely: They used reclaimed Fence wood to create a beautiful art piece as a wall in the living space that also serves as a photo display. They also used cargo nets inside their cabinets to hold everything in place while driving.
– Make use of hidden spaces: They created a facade door in their living space that hides their bathroom behind it and doubles as a huge medicine cabinet to store their daily essentials. They also made a beautiful box to conceal their self-built composting toilet, kitty litter box, and shower.
– Use vertical space: They installed an overhead area above the living space to store their toilet stuff, shoes, and a max air fan. They also added a suspended shelf above their sink to hold little snacks securely.
– Use flexible furniture: They made a Murphy bed that can be lifted up to the ceiling to create seating space for socializing and entertaining guests. They also added a movable table that can be stored away easily when not in use. Their bench seating doubles as storage space for their climbing gear and heater underneath it.
– Install customized fixtures: They installed a bar sink that is small but deep and added an extra counter space on top of it. They also used a full-size closet to hang their clothes and jewelry with storage space for their jewelry making supplies.

By incorporating these smart storage solutions, they were able to create a personalized living space that suits their lifestyle and travel needs. With a little creativity and a keen eye for maximizing space, anyone can create a practical living space in a mobile home that is both functional and stylish.

How to Build Your Own Van on a Budget

Building your own van on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Jess and Sean, who have been living in their own DIY van for over a year, share some tips and tricks on how to achieve your dream van life without breaking the bank.

First, take advantage of recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or fence planks, which can be used for accent walls, doors, or even countertops. These materials not only add character to your van, but they also save you money.

Another cost-saving technique is to use multipurpose furniture, such as a Murphy bed, which saves space and can serve as both a bed and a seating area. A space-saving foldable table is also useful for maximizing your living area. And instead of buying expensive cabinet organizers, cargo nets or bungee cords can help keep your items neatly stored and secure while on the road.

Additionally, consider installing DIY systems such as a composting toilet, which can be built using a simple Home Depot bucket, and an overhead storage area for your toilet needs can help keep things organized. And if you prefer to take a shower on the road, a DIY shower setup can also save you money compared to pre-made camper van showers.

Living in a van on a budget requires some creativity and resourcefulness, but with a little effort and patience, you can build the perfect van for your needs and lifestyle while saving money. So go ahead and start planning your own van build using these helpful tips!

Q&A

Q: What was the inspiration behind transforming the van into a mobile home?

A: Jess and Sean’s main inspiration for converting their van into a mobile home was their love for climbing. They wanted to be able to travel to new places and climb without being tied down to a traditional 9-5 job.

Q: What are some of the features inside the van?

A: The van has a tile entryway, a secret garden for green onions, a facade door that hides the bathroom, a self-built composting toilet, a kitchen with a bar sink and cargo nets for storage, a Murphy bed that doubles as seating for guests, and a full-size closet for hanging clothes and jewelry.

Q: How long did it take to build out the van?

A: It took Jess and Sean eight months to build out the van. They worked on it for six months while still working their regular jobs and then quit their jobs to finish the project.

Q: What is Jess’s favorite feature of the van?

A: Jess’s favorite feature of the van is the full-size closet where she can hang clothes and jewelry. She also loves the fact that she gets to travel and meet new people while living on the road.

Q: What is Sean’s favorite thing about living on the road?

A: Sean’s favorite thing about living on the road is the freedom to travel and see new places that most people don’t get to see in a lifetime. He also enjoys meeting new people and building relationships with them.

Q: How do Jess and Sean make money while living on the road?

A: Jess and Sean recently picked up Sean’s trailer tools from his mom’s house in San Diego and plan to use them to find work on the road. They also plan to help people with small projects or bigger projects that may need assistance with.

Sean and Jess share their inspiring story of transforming their van into a cozy home filled with DIY projects such as a Murphy bed, a closet, and a composting toilet. They show how they used reclaimed wood and fence wood to create an artsy and clean design while maximizing storage and functionality. Their space-saving ideas and clever hacks are sure to spark your imagination and inspire you to embark on your own van life adventure.