My Last Day Living in an Empty Van in Las Vegas 

Young lady I’m a 57 woman who completely gutted her 2014 Sprinter. Yes we get tired and discouraged, but it’s ALL so worth it. I need to finish my build, as well. I get it. Stay safe and dig deep.

Vegas really kicked your butt 🤪 maybe it was just the heat, or seeing so many homeless people or just living in an unbuilt van. Maybe all of the above 🥵 I miss the happy Tory from your older videos 😊

There was a hospice nurse that asked her patients over decades what they regretted the most about their life. The most common regret was living for the approval of others. Never let another person determine your value.

Thank you for always being honest and sincere in your videos. Once the van gets finished, you will be back to your old self free to roam and explore. Have a fabulous day Tory 😃

This is actually one of the best videos you done in a while.You're awesome Tori, don't ever forget that. Have a safe trip home. 😊

While "vanlife" brought me to your channel, your personality kept me here, and I'll be here regardless of the content you make so don't over think it, do what you gotta do and we'll be here, and new people will come because you have a a ton of charisma :)

Someone so brave, afraid of a worm. Tory, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t have hurt you. Freedom is precious. I guess we’re all like worms, sitting under a cup and hoping someone will let us go. Find joy, Peaceful blessings.

One time, I took a break from my van many years ago, and checked into a hotel. As I pulled down the sheets for a good nights sleep there was a bedbug........ I immediately took all my belongings back to my van... I went ahead and slept in the hotel, with just shorts and a t-shirt, because it was still over 100 degrees and the sun had already set. The next day, I late my van bake in the sun all afternoon, just in case. I wasn't in it of course.

One of the best personal story videos I have ever seen. Enjoy the freedom you never will regret it.

So much respect for you Tory! You went west to build your van, but instead you built your character. When I was building my van two things changed it from "this is a worksite" to "this feels like home", a flat floor, and a proper bed. The bed mad such a HUGE difference, it provided a hideaway for drawers (well, plastic tubs) where things could be stowed 'out of sight', which made the whole van feel organised. Things then had their own place, and I didn't need to always shuffle stuff around. That alone reduced my mental overhead significantly.

Totally get that feeling after sleeping in a real bed after months in the van, it’s a whole different world huh?

Have you ever considered something like house-sitting gigs? Some of Christian Schaffer's videos feature that, and she said that it's been a game changer for managing long-term vanlife. Gives you a break, helps you avoid burnout from the road, etc.

I'm "47" (remarquez les guillemets) and this is how I live my life every day. A lot of people call me naive and delusional and I do get hurt, but it's SO. MUCH. FUN ❤

Wow, excellent, profound dialogue and reflection. Love your creativity. Glad you finally left Vegas also. I’ll continue to melt away here🥵 Continued success in all you do Tory🤙🏾

Do not be frustrated. As you have said before… you are living in a construction zone and once you progress with the build you will feel much happier. You’re a very talented and smart person… you will succeed as you have previously. Good luck Tory

Your openness and honesty is awesome! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us 😊

You make a great argument for an unconventional lifestyle. I'm intrigued by van life, but have never done it. My own magic lifestyle was and still is bicycle touring. Thanks for sharing!

Doing your own van build is so much satisfying. And you'll pour out your own self throughout the adventure as you build. Build out your van Sis. You'll appreciate it better.

Hi, Tori. Hope all is well. I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your time and experiences. Things happen not when we want them, but when we are ready for them. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy! Everything else is manageable! Pops

THIS!! This video right here is why I love you ❤!! And that is not to take away any of your other awesome qualities because you're gorgeous but I just love your mind Tory! You are so real, so honest with yourself, and so full of wonder & questions that I think we all ask ourselves from time to time... Never stop being you!! Thank you so so much for sharing your adventures and thoughts with us Hun 🥰🥰 I'm so glad you're returning to the East Coast!

Hi Tory. Have you even been in a rut? I think you’re in a rut. I think Vegas was great when you were building on a regular basis but then became ‘stale’ when you stopped. I’ve seen you at your happiest when you’re building and sharing your successes (and failures) in the building process. The move back East - let’s call it an adventure because that’s what you’re going to make it - is going to start a whole new chapter in The Book of Tory. I’m looking forward to that new chapter 🤗 and so should you

Taking the time to re-build and re-charge is always good for gaining perspective. Let your heart lead you and all will be good. All the best, M-

Those few moments of you talking about nomad internet got me looking into it and I can't find many details about people's experiences. I hope you took time to stop at the Grand Canyon on your way through Arizona.

Open, honest and personal. 😊 I've said it before, you're smart, you're beautiful, you'll figure this out. Good for you for making this move.

Hello Tory, I have to tell you that I loved this video because it strips away some of the things you (and all of us) try to hide. It showed me something about you that reminded me of myself. I worked a job in a crowded city for twenty years. usually 12 on and 12 off. I was always telling myself when I finished there would be a reward. Well, there was but not the one had hoped for. So what I saw in this video is similar. You are in between dreams and reality. I watched your podcast with Nick. He said, get your plan in your head and make it happen. Golden words. Most bloggers would have edited the caterpillar scene. Thanks again.

Very powerful video Tory, I personally needed and identified with what you said. Thank you for that and thank you for sharing the rawness and reality of this lifestyle

It's like a real-life store for Whacky Packages. Cards and stickers when I was a kid in the 70's.

Brilliant as always 💚 I understand that escapism feeling once in a while. Always go with the flow ( with a little planning)

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I can't wait to see your adventures.

Thank you for sharing this realistic view of things. You'll feel much better with your HOW built out. Stay safe and thanks for sharing (TFS).

i moved into a brand new house and been living in it since 2019 pre covid19 era before it got real bad and i still havent unpacked everything and organize my area to feel livable i know what ur going thru Tory :) we are with you. please try not to give up van life try and ask anyone of ur family members to ask to stay with while u build out ur van then travel once it is done if u can find a friend or family who will let u stay with them till ur van is somewhat done then do it take the opportunity or chance ❤

Life is just fighting decay, but eventually decay always wins.

Way. Way ahead here. Have lost my youth but, Still love my funky, fulltime, #Vanlife. Thanks, and.... 👍 Rock on. 🙂.

Wow Tory, I am blown away at your depth!

Great to see that you are finally building your van !

13:07 the lighting and ur mesmerizing eyes❤️❤️

You are doing great and you look amazing! Keep going and get that van built and you will feel much better I think! ❤

Finally, a reason to visit Vegas! Thank you Tory!

Van life can be tough enough at times. Having the van unfinished without those extra comforts has got to be even rougher. Either way I love the content, ups and downs and all. Great stuff Tory! Keep up the great work. I think that this video was especially cool! Awesome cat dress!

Great video! Love all the self reflection!

I visited Vegas a few years ago and I really enjoyed area 15. It’s a must visit.

It is an imperative you bring me back some of those incredible groceries thank you.🌹💖🌹🖖

Interesting and entertaining video! But at the end of the day... what GREAT LEGS!!!

Thanks again for the video .:: back to back to the future for us all

So so true at the 4:10m mark, and thanks again. You keep making it interesting. ✌

Great video, safe travels!🫶🏼

Welcome back to the east coast. Love your videos ❤🎉

What a *wyld* place, that Area 15!!! Thanks for takinng us along! You have, once again, excelled at bringing the deep questions of the soul or spirit up to the surface for understanding. I feel like somehow we are sort of "kindred spirits" in a way. If your "identity" ever changes from "Vanlife", your journey likely will just continue in another form -- another mode of exploration and discovery, or different sphere or universe to explore. Travel by "van-home" will allow you to explore and discover what so many think of as "fly-over" country, including beyond the borders of your own country, if that is where your heart beckons. Maybe you'll decide one day on a more flexible (yet less comfortable) means to explore. Alternatively, maybe the reverse will suit you better down life's path. Doesn't matter so much as long as you take care of yourself and allow yourself to follow your beautifully curious heart. Cheers!...from North Vancouver PS -- would love to know what hotel that was -- I'll be travelling long-term by SUV (to be light and nimble) in the coming months, and it looked like a nice spot for a break from tent/car camping. PPS -- I'd clear out the bugs for you any day!

Wow 😮 So deep and amazing, awesome video 👍

That place is amazing if you hadn’t told anybody that you were in Las Vegas and you didn’t put it in the description where you were at then I would’ve thought you were in Dubai lol

Your videos just keep getting better and better.

you WILL BE THE BUG QUEEN WHEATHER *YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!*

Another good, interesting vid. Safe travels east!

Waiting for the build stories. :-)

Thank You for Sharing You. Love seeing Your videos.

Wow that place is amazing. My favorite video yet. :)

💜🎉👏 Awesome video! Great job on your efforts and progress!

"I feel like it [life] happened at an accelerated pace when I'm living in the van." This is my shared experience as well when I travel.

Breaks!!! Hallelujah! Of course, why would you not? What is the stubborn, prove something to someone attitude that seems to pop up with vanlifer? Make yourself happy .. enjoy the savings and Treat Yo Self on the Reg 😂❤

I went to omega mart. AND Illuminarium on June 20. So fun.

I completely understand, my bus is taking so much longer than I ever imagined.

Try turbokool in your van. Brings down temperature 20-28 degrees.

Loved this vid Tory .. ty!

Hey Tory... I'm programming something right now. I CAN SO RELATE RE BUGS!

It's not lying, both can be true. You're stepping between two realms.

Great video ❤❤❤😊

I was waiting for new video. At last. Thanks from malaysia

Cool journey so far

That dress at the unit is awesome

Tori, when I moved into my apartment, we had been living in a hotel for over a year. I had nothing, no furniture, no dishes, no tv, only a bed for my daughter that her father gave her, and a laptop that we sat on the floor to watch. I thought I’d be so happy to just have a place of my own but it didn’t feel like home because there was nothing here but our clothes. My friends got together and brought us everything from towels to cookware to an air mattress and living room furniture. A few months later I was able to get a tv, and a kitchen table. Slowly it came together and this month has been spent trying to declutter and get rid of all of the things that we don’t need or use. And it’s A LOT to be given to the goodwill that donated to rehoming the homeless. Point? It didn’t feel like a home and I was miserable. I REALLY think your van is just an empty apartment right now, and if you take the time to get it take ready to be your home that you’ll feel better about traveling and being on the road. The only real difference that I see from last year to now is the van. Unless there is a lot you’re not telling us then my unsolicited advice is to go home, spend the summer getting you and your van ready to be your home. Take weekends away from your family and camp in a nearby city. Drive to the coast, but stay where you have everything until you feel like you’re standing in your home when you’re in your van. If, when you finish your build you still aren’t feeling it, get an apartment with a six month lease and a job that you can stand for that long… I would bet that after six months in one place that you’ll see things more clearly. Either your wanderlust will take over, or it won’t. Either option is valid. You also have the option of being a part time vanlifer… it doesn’t have to be one or the other. I have a home and a family but the older I get the more my wanderlust returns, and so I’m going to buy a van and travel part time in it. The best of both worlds is what I want and that is completely valid. You’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself to be happy in a situation that is currently making you unhappy. Change the narrative and do whatever it takes to bring back your smile. Thanks for the virtual trip to the west coast. I needed it to remind me that I haven’t been there yet. Safe travels, and a happy Tory! Be blessed! (I’m in southeastern Virginia if you come through and need a shower, a meal, laundry done, whatever… Leave me a response if you need anything and you are near. )

I don't know how you did it. The heat in Vegas is unbearable, I do love it there in the cooler seasons. But I love the weather in New Hampshire and Maine right now.

A complete van build, solo, without a support base, when you know how hard it can be to get it right? Damned straight, that's an intimidating project!

Hahaha! I love that you still have some of the "shame sticker" left on your window xD.

Just build a bed and buy a generator and put an AC and you'll be a hundred times better❤

Go to Washington or Montana cooler spot, get that things built some, this is the wrong time of year for them HOT places with no AC

I love my UNbuilt van. Everything is portable. But… I do wish it was cooler with AC. I’m on East coast, NC. Twin vans, but not identical.

Once you get the van built out I think you will feel worlds better. Spend your summers up in Washington state and get out of that heat!! With no AC the desert is a bad idea.

Good video!

lets go to Denver’s!!😹👽

When I got out of high school, I volunteered with a charity organization that patrols the seas for piracy, illegal fishing, and poaching vessels. The ship I was on was in a really rough patch of sea and we were all struggling together just to keep the ship afloat for a while. After that was over, I was talking to one of my crewmates about how I thought my first ship would be easy and that it wasnt at all what I expected. He told me something ill never forget. "What is life except wave after wave trying to sink you, and you having to fight to stay alive? And why would you want it to be anything else? Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor."

You are looking to find SOMETHING? It sounds like you are still finding yourself. The more comfortable you are in your own skin, the more people will be attracted to you. Confidence is intoxicating and alluring. When you say "settling down" I hear you say "settle". You never have to settle. The world is your oyster! Know that what you offer to anyone or anything is MORE than adequate. Believe in yoirself. We believe in you!

🌷Thank You🌻

Love your vids but at 70 I've found that when I've focused on service for others and less on myself that is when life becomes most meaningful. Enjoy your introspective youth. Travel on!

Could always be worse 😮 Las Vegas was 112 degrees today on July 3, 2024 🥵🥵

Congratulations i live in vegas i couldn't do it in a van

Look, I’m glad you’re doing what you love, and hopefully you will always be able to make a living doing it. But if you’re banking on jobs being there for you later in life if you need them, don’t. Companies don’t like to hire not so young workers with no experience, no matter how successful they’ve been in their own business. And certainly you will not have a career built up. So your best bet is to keep loving this lifestyle until your retirement and beyond.

Sometimes you build a van and sometimes a van builds you. kia kaha!

I bet that place has an epilepsy warning sign on the front door. Lol it would have to have something.

Go home, finish the van and relax a bit before you take off again on another journey! We'll all still be here when you do! Oh when you get home eat some real pizza!😂

Once you get your van built up your quality of life will improve drastically but you should still plan actual vacations away from your everyday life. You can fall into the trap of thinking you are always on vacation bc you travel and see new places but a vacation is getting away from what you do everyday not just going somewhere. Get an airb&b for a week and just veg out and do nothing can be really healthy.

If you ever think about stopping, go live with someone mum etc for as many months as you can ,and you will at least still have the van and as you say that realisation that you cannot wait to travel again will come back to you , you need to get on with the van and get a guy to reinvent the living in the van .

For what you said towards the end

Beautiful soul

I know your probably already back here on the east coast but it's about as hot here as vagas

Remember 🤔 you have your health and you have your youth. Take advantage of those things now because once they are gone, there are gone. Be YOU and block out the noise. Take care of yourself. When it’s all said and done, don’t have regrets…life is for living 😊

Chega um lugar . maravilhoso

Here's a suggestion. (Men like to fix problems that we don't want to feel.) Head north to a cooler climate, rent an Air B&B for a month, and use the garage to finish your van build. Nobody said you can't take a vacation from van life to actually build your van. All these feelings are just wasting time, IMO. Women would rather discuss their feelings than actually do the work to fix the issues. It's sad, but true.

I hope you did not lose everything playing poker. Maybe you can get replacement things at Goodwill

You’re living out of a van instead of living in a van that’s your home!

U just need to build your van into a tiny home then you will have a better way of thinking about van life the issue is that u haven’t built anything to make your van like a home or feel like a home u just living into u and that wheee every thing just makes you have mix feelings but I promise once u start building your tiny home into the van it will make you feel much happier