Saying goodbye to Van Life after 6 years 

So who's excited for the property??? Thank you for joining me on this crazy journey!!! I would be so appreciative if you could donate towards my push-up challenge with all money going to crisis support and suicide prevention charities www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/maxbidstrup/the-push-up-challenge 💛💛💛

Max Max Max!!!!! I FEEL you! I lost my best friend, partner, love of 23 years one year ago! We had broken up two years prior to his unexpected death but remained great friends! I, like you, wish I could have helped him see the beauty in life but it’s hard to show people who are blinded by so many other things. I couldn’t see his struggles….I have to live with that. This video on your beautiful Lee is so touching and shows how much you loved her. I did the same for my Anthony at our local bar where he worked for 20 years. I love your fighting spirit and your amazing love of life and your sweet sweet Occy! Thank you for sharing everything with us. I’m so happy I found your channel. I am old and no longer have time to fulfill a passion such as yours but it has always been my dream to live just as you will. My one dream left would be to visit you one day at your new paradise. If I live long enough, I know I can do it, if you would allow me to. I’m sure everyone wants the same thing but for me, it would so fulfilling in so many ways. Cheers to you young man and thank you for being you. We are all blessed to watch you grow and achieve your dream. Thank you so much and I truly hope to meet you one day. Grandma Allison

three years?! WOW. I remember how broken your heart was - and then smashed - and you kept going and built this beautiful van and you cried and shared and rebuilt your life and became such an excellent videographer too! Anyway. You’re great and it’s been amazing to see you come from there to here. Can’t wait to see your private oasis evolve! 😗💋

Ahem... can l just say its 19C and sunny in Melbourne today? 😅 but l think we all know that wont last. Well, there's certainly been some trials and tribulations in the last 6 years, and that's an understatement, but you not only smashed through with flying colours, you have taken us along to that triumph with you and given us tips on how to do it. After some personal tragedy at the end of last year, l decided my RN days are over. I think l'm yr mum's age and Bunnings is in my foreseeable future too and l've already started volunteering at the local Animal Shelter. Oh, and writing a book! Thank you so much for the inspiration, your kindness, your caring and for bringing us Occy the Wonderdog. 😊 Cant wait to see you arriving and settling in.

God, Max...I never knew her and that glimpse of Lee made me weep. She was and is such an angel...she's always with you

Visiting with your Mom and remembering Lee is so emotional and bittersweet. The van memories you've made and shared with those around you have become part of our lives in the best way 💚 I can't wait for many more together in this new exciting chapter! So grateful for you Max and this community ☀️

My son has just bought his first property at 38 so I feel your excitement. Enjoy xxx

OMG! You have surely been tested by the universe, and passed with flying colors! SO happy for you and Occy, and your bright adventures ahead🎉🎉🎉🎉

Oh Max. I’ve been watching you for years when you were Max & Lee and at one stage became a Patreon, when you became Max and Occy. Even joined a midnight coffee morning (it was morning in Aus, but midnight in the U.K.) with you and other patrons, but financial issues hit home and I had to make cuts and it hurt me to stop my patronage. However that still hasn’t stopped me supporting you all the time. I’ve been with you through the ups and downs this past 6 years and as a mum to 2 x 33 year old sons, I get you and know how difficult your journey has been, especially as a man. I’ve seen your whole disposition change from happy confident in love man to a broken man, to a now transformed man, who has decided not to let the curveballs dictate who you are and have taken steps to transform your way of life for this next massive chapter in your life. Who knows you may find another true love and have the family that you so desire to enjoy together in your new ecological, totally sustainable property at your new beautiful homestead. Stay safe Max and good luck ❤️ I truly wish you well and it was lovely seeing your mum, your dad and Judy. You’ve an awesome family and I’m sure your brother, sister-in-law and your gorgeous nephew will visit as much as they can in their camper van. ❤

I am so ridiculously excited for you and Occy and love this first chapter of your home life. I never want your videos to end ❤.

The van breaking down constantly was kinda a sign that it was time to move on, the house was definitely at the right time lol

Your new property is maybe the most beautiful place I've ever seen. So excited to watch your videos from there🙂. Also, i just want to thank you for consistently talking about and normalizing conversations related to mental health. In the last nine months i broke my leg, got covid twice and shingles, my brother was killed, one friend overdosed, a client of mine overdosed, another friend took his life and my mentor/surrogate mom died suddenly. Moreover, I'm a licensed therapist who specializes in complex PTSD. My clients have survived unimaginable abuses. You can imagine how important paying attention my own mental health is, especially during this extremely heartbreaking time. So thank you for reminding all of us to care for ourselves and one another. And thank you so much for making such beautiful videos

Max, so happy for your visit with your your Dad, the unexpected visit with your Mum, for that little splash of Lee Joy in your last vanlife video, and for this new beautiful chapter of your life to come. Lots of love.

I was a florist working at a garden center for 15 years as I was going to nursing school. I graduated and worked as a nurse for 20 years now I’m retired since after the pandemic and considering going back to being a floral designer and working again. Got some health stuff to work thru first but leaning towards this like your mom! Smart lady!

Very much appreciate the glimpses of Lee at her best!

Oh, sooo nice to see your Mom, Dad & Judy! I remember when your Mom came to visit you & Lee. So special! So happy for you & Occy - the property is beyond stunning! I cannot believe Occy was growling at Max (and Emily)!!!

Max you and Lee were the first van lifers I ever watched. I am so happy to be part of your new journey 💓

Oh Max 3 breakdowns NO more please! Seeing Lee with you & Mum were very happy times! 🤗😢 Nothing will dampen your spirit as your new home in Northern NSW is close!! Love to you & Occy 💙💙🤗🇦🇺🍻

You know what would be great? A feature movie of van life from start to finish with all the highlights and low points in order, but like a collage with pretty music over it (so as not to be too daunting of an edit, but a good video diary of van life)

The most beautifully put together videos on YT for van dwellers anywhere in the world. Congrats Max and Occy 🎉

Happy for you and Occy! Especially Occy… he is going to love his new home! Congratulations!

It might be the end of van life but I hope there still will be van adventures between the lovely episodes of forest life!

Your family is right ….you love to film yourself showing ….way too much …. Occy is the best of the best …but we all know that …. and speaking of “the best” …. Let’s give mum a round of applause for being the best of the best mums …

the fact that most (Van life) RU-vidrs i love watching. are starting to leave that lifestyle too. 💔 but it's a reason for everything.. you leaving Van Life doesn't mean i will stop watching this channel ✌🏾❤️

As a counsellor and Psychotherapist I see people every day who suffer greatly. What a wonderful thing to do. I've just started the push up challenge. Together we can make a difference ❤

I’m crying with joy! I am so happy for the two of you! I hope you have a huge ‘welcome home party’ for all of us to enjoy, family, friends and ‘friends from the Gizmo world’!❤❤❤

Hello Max and Occy, this is my first time here in the chat; yet, I’ve been following your wild adventures for years. Today, after noticing the undeniable light and positivity within you, I felt a strong pull to extend a note of gratitude, for it was in that moment your radiance somehow gave me the courage I have been seeking to embrace the uncertainty, the loss I am soon to meet ahead. Knowing how much you have had to overcome and now to see you on the other side all aglow … well, this gives me hope. Thank you, Max. And Occy. P.S. Can’t wait to see the magic that awaits!

Occy is soooo cute. I am a nurse of 43yrs. I retire in 2 years and planning Tiny Living on a narrowboat here in the UK. Looking fwd to more of you and Occy's adventures xx

❤ seeing your lovely and sweet Mom again! She was so awesome to hike Salcantay trek to Machu Pichu with you, Occy, and Lee 🌺. It's one of my all-time favorite videos! ❤ seeing Occy running on the sand with boots on @0:16 but had to laugh out loud when you carried him up the ladder to the rooftop then down again @19:43. That looks dicey! 🤗 So nice to see Max & Emily again and can't wait to see more of them in future videos! Their van is awesome, and yours is still gray, not green 😂

I still get tears in my eyes when I see Lee….even though I never knew her, she had a place in my heart. I can’t wait to see more of your new paradise!

Mate. One thing I really admire about you is that when the chips are down, and when life hands you lemons you make lemonade. When your van breaks Fien, you just keep rolling and don’t sweat the small stuff. Love your calm relaxed nature & sunny outlook on life. Have always loved tuning into your vids. Your a great inspiration & role model. 😃👍

I used your original 60-day Headspace trial and found the app really helped me with getting to sleep and returning to sleep when I wake in the night. I've since purchased a year and am continuing to explore its offerings. Thanks so much for offering the 60-day trial. That gave me time to really see its positive effects.

So excited for you in this next chapter !! Looks like Occy was meditating along with you. 😑 Your mom is a beautiful woman, inside and out ❣️ Sorry you had so many mechanical problems with the van; hopefully all is well. Max, I am always trying to educate others on mental health issues and try to raise awareness. In another post I told you about my struggles about having been to that precipice of not wanting to be in this world anymore. Thankfully with treatment I am doing really well. As my therapist always told me, nurture yourself. Take care. Big hugs to Occy❤🐾🐾

I had tears 😢 in this one. Well done Max, you’ve come a long way x

Sad to see one chapter close but even more exciting to see another start Max and Oc! ☺️☺️

What a journey Max! I am glad it all worked out with the van. Can't wait to see you and Occy enjoying your new property!

Max I am so unbelievably excited for you and Oc to take this next step and open the next chapter of your life. It’s been amazing you watch your adventures over the many years. You (and Lee) and Oc were huge inspirations for me when I bought my van and ventured into van life. I have also sold my van and made a life change but am so grateful for the time I spent in mine. I’m so grateful for you and the sincerity and love you spread across the globe. It truly is a pleasure to watch every video you put out. Thank you for who you are and the energy you put out into the world, you’re truly a legend! 💙

Why have I been crying all throughout this video? Thank you for sharing your journey, the ups and downs, reminding us to take care of our mental health, being an example of embracing change… and so much more. I can’t wait to watch your next video. Sending you all the positive vibes your way. Annnnd massive cuddles to Occy! He’s an angel on earth.

Your mom looks great! Love her hair and smile. Occy looks so happy!

Just found and enjoying your channel. I adore how you love Occy, he is so so special and insanely fortunate to have the life you have gifted him ❤

Who wouldn`t be excited for the new property? This is not the end but a great step towards a new & exciting chapter for you & Occy Wish you both all the best & hope we`ll get to share some moment with you :-)

Max i am so sorry about All of the Van troubles but you handled it very well.. You got to spend time with your Father and step mom and your Mother! What a Blessing.... I can not wait to see you and Occy in your new home. It is absolutely Magical and I am So happy and proud of you! Blessings and Love to you and Occy🙏❤️🙏❤️

You inspired me to build out a van 2 years in and my life has been transformed life is so different when half your income isnt spent on somewhere to close your eyes i still work a standard 40 hour week in Melbourne but I get away any chance I get. Love your content and energy

Hi Max I just want to let you know that when my life gets so busy and stressful and I just need some headspace, your videos with Occy always give me the peaceful space. Just a lovely peaceful way to escape the troubles of daily life. Thank you so much. I'm sure I'm not the only one you help in that way.

Im very happy for you and Occy. More adventures. Thank you for taking us along for the ride

I have watched you for years through your adventures , loss and heartbreak. I had tears in my eyes watching this vid and excitement for your life ahead. Best wishes all the way from Nelson New Zealand.

Can't help feeling like Lee is watching, and has a smile on her face, knowing you've got this special property and that you and Max are good, and happy. Life is a Journey.

I’ve been thinking about you and Occy for weeks now and hoping that all was going well with the property settlement etc, so I was very glad to see this video. Looking forward to seeing you settle into your beautiful rainforest home. Can’t wait to see Occy’s reaction to living there, he’s going to absolutely love it. Also it was lovely you included those snippets from when your Mum joined you and Lee. They were good times. Lee’s never far away, and her smile still makes me smile. She will always have a special place in our hearts 🦋

I will miss your incredibly beautiful and inspiring van life videos.

I’m happy for you but I’ll cry if your videos end 😞 I love you and Occy❤️ Bless Occy for being so trusting 😄 I can’t even do one push-up… I can do them upright on a wall but definitely never make that many this month! I’m very grateful for anyone who is promoting mental health. Therapy has been a part of my life for 20 years. God bless you and this challenge! Love to you and Occy! Hugs and prayers in your new journey.❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🦋

You’re mom is so beautiful! So excited for this new chapter you are writing in your life! Kisses to Occy!

How’s it been 3 years already? I feel like it was just yesterday watching you build this thing!

At 17:00 min, it's going to be interesting watching you migrate from that comfy, cozy van.

Your new home property is absolutely paradise! It's so tranquil, peaceful and lavish in the best way! I'm so very very happy for you! You and Occy deserve a home base. I have to say Max that you are beautiful inside and out! If I ever needed a paramedic and opened my eyes to you, I would think you were an angel, you're just gorgeous (I'm happily married lol). I've watched you and Lee and then you for years. I know you and Occy have a guardian angel! Sending lots of love and hugs and hope and peace and prayers! 😘🥰💙

I remember when your Mom visited you & Lee! She’s so cute! Occy’s dance is too cute! Congratulations on your new home! I’m sure you & Occy will be happy there! ❤

I love the special bond that you & Occy have. Dogs are the best for love-on-tap… unconditional (& other animals also). Congratulations on your new life in paradise. It looks so amazing. Enjoy ♥️

Lovely seeing that footage of your mum with you and Lee xo

You’ve had so many exciting adventures with Occy and without 😢 I am so glad you both are settling down into home life, but knowing you, even home, life will be an adventure for the both of you. My daughter moved to Australia 15 years ago, Weipa first, she has been in Atherton the last 8..God bless…🐶and me, Massachusetts❤❤

Can’t wait for the next one! Your new paradise looks wonderful! So excited for you and Occy! 👍🏻🐶🐶💕🙏🏻

Great job going with the curves, Max. You are a fine example to us of how to handle the unexpected. Good to see your fam, and Hurray! to your mom for her next journey. So funny to hear Occy make those tiny aggressive noises at Max! They'll be friends before long. (Let Max feed him treats, skip the diet for the time he's there!). He's a good doggo!

Firstly, your mother is just beautiful! Why does OCCY not like Max?! L O L Lastly, I am so excited for you, and all of your new videos at your property!😊👏♥️

At least with your van you could have people stay in it on your property if needed... you if you and occy wanted couple day's away.... your property is beautiful..AND so green ❤❤ you're blessed ....

From breakdowns to leveling UP ~ bravo & cheers Max & Occy!! Thanks for keeping it real with all you share. So happy for you for your next journey on your beautiful new property. Livin’ the Dream & assisting others along the way to do the same! Much love peace & joy to you both & to all! Shine on with your heart of gold. ✨💛💛💛✨🙏

Thank you so much for yet another truly honest and genuine video, Max! So excited for you and Occy!

My advice is to visualize your day from the moment you are in bed and it will definitely be as you imagine. You will never script a day with trouble. So practice this and you will remember me fondly!

What a great mom…love her

I’m always on the verge of tears after watching your videos 💕 pure happiness for you and Occy! 💕

Wow you and Occy (and Lee at the time) were one of the first vanlifers I followed, along with Trent and Allie then Theo and Bea……now you all have properties! Thanks for all the memories (especially of cutie pie Occy) and inspiration, after a 5 yr long dream I now have my own van to take my 4 huskies out on short adventures 😍

Putting down roots while still having the ability to be flexible and mobile sounds great. Enjoy.❤

Awesome news that at last you and Occy can move into your new property in Northern NSW! Bummer that your Van went down for you! Please take care and enjoy your trip and adjusting to your new home! Best wishes to you, Max and Occy! Bev

Can not wait for more !! Great guy and love the pup . Should be interesting to see all that happens in your life . Be safe and good luck !!!

Thanks for making my Monday with a New Video Max and Occy :) We had such a great time with you both and the family and we can't wait to be put to work on your new place! We will bring lots of (sugar free) dog treats so that Max can win Occy over a bit more hahahah. Much love and good luck to you and everyone for the push up challenge XXX

Wow I'd call that bad luck highway!

Max I won't lie, I'm mid way through the video and the thought was " The van is breaking down because it doesn't want you to give up van life." Excited for the next chapter, enjoyed the video!

Soo happy for you Max. ❤ from TX much luck to you and Occy on your new adventure!!

Another excellent video Max. I felt your pain when the van kept breaking down so well done for pushing through. Your new place looks amazing 😊

I'm so jealous of and happy for you to have those amazing memories you made with your mom. My family lives a boring life but man it would have been awesome to have my own fun mom memories. So glad you will have those forever, so amazing!!!!

What am i doing watching Utube @2am, had to go potty saw the upload and simply couldn't wait till morning.

Exciting new adventures ahead!

I’ve been watching you for years now. You and Lee gave me inspiration to make a big move in my life. Just lately I’ve had some car trouble too (throttle body one week, alternator next) think life just tests you. Test how sure you are on your decisions, how strong and level headed you are. You’ve been doing great! Your mom seems lovely! Happy last trip!!

Anything with an engine can & will disrupt our lives at the most inconvenient time. Cars are notoriously for stretching of annoyance level beyond its limits. I’m so glad you got your mechanical issues sorted finally & were back on the road towards home. We are all looking forward to seeing your beautiful slice of paradise & future adventures to come. To the two most spunkiest men on RU-vid, enjoy your paradise & I’m looking forward to seeing your new home & what you get up to. I spent 10 years working in Bunnings. Great company to work for. There’s always something great to find there. Take care you two. ♥️

Ps. Beautiful mom - inside and out!❤❤❤

You are correct, transitions are unpredictable. Thanks for taking us along for every bump in the road and sharing your parents and clips from the past. It was so funny to see Occy growl at Max; I’ve never seen that side of him. But, sharing your meal on the road with Occy was the best!! It highlighted your relationship. Warm best.

We all miss Lee so much 🥺 I'm at a point in my life where I know exactly how she must have felt....but talking about it is not an option.

Oh Lee...😔💗 Yay mom, she's a gem...so happy for you, congratulations on your new home 🏠 Can't wait to follow along...

WoW big changes. South America with Lee was a reality check. May she rest in power.❤️‍🩹 All the best for the move & thank you for promoting mental health, wellness & charities.

Im still crying for Lee. Id follow you for So many years now. Love to See you and occy

Seeing Lee was a little emotional for me. So excited for you, and your journey. Wonderful to see your family.

Occys happy dance was so adorable and epic! Been so amazing seeing your vanlife journey Max & Occy. And the beautiful journeys with Lee. It’s been an honour to follow along side it through your videos! Ps. I cannot fall asleep without my head space sleep stories. I’ve been using the app since 2018. I love that I can pick voices! Eve snd Simon are my two favourites! ❤

I hope you continue to make videos! We will miss your handsome gentle being and adventures along with Oxccy.

I didn't know you had painted the van and I kept saying to myself that the van seemed like it was now gray. I'm glad you talked about it, but I have to say there was no thought that it might be green. It definitely looks gray in this video.

Hey, dreams come true, huh? This next adventure is so exciting for you and Oc. So happy for you!!!

Max & Occy, you are a model of embracing change & challenge. Happy to learn the van problems were simple trailer wiring but did cause too much time. Best wishes accepting the keys of your new paradise! 💜

Max I love you and the energy you infuse in people’s life by sharing your life story. You are a good bugger. Love you Cobba. (That is too much oz English for an indian-Australian)

Occy is so precious good doggy. Max is very much a precious human being too. Max, to me, your van looks white not a light green. It's the camera I think, that makes your van look white. Be very careful, and aware of spiders on the property in the forested areas etc. as well as ticks too. Then there could be or will be snakes on your new property. In the country there's always a snake somewhere...the forest, meadows, lakes, rivers, and streams, taken altogether, we called 'the country' when I was a kid. Going camping. In the country we knew to be aware of rattlesnakes..a nasty, vicious, cursed, venomous species of snake with a rattle on the very end of their tail; which the rattlesnake shakes as a warning before striking...and gave the rattle🐍 it's reputation as a killer. . Thank you Max and Occy 😊. Car troubles really are frustrating! You guys will love the new place. Being settled is always good. Peace.

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been three years since the van build. Max I can’t wait to watch your next adventure

I am excited for you and Occy. You have amazing parents. Your mom looks young, healthy and vibrant as when I seen her in your other videos. This is an awesome video. It is not goodbye, it is starting a new chapter. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Oh, I am encouraged that after seeing what you went through with your van, I have not a thing to complained about.

youre a good person....

That was a great video, meeting mum and your friends. I too am looking forward to you arriving at your property, take care 🌸

Occy is hilarious, Max. And is absolutely adorable. I look forward to seeing you move into your new home. 🥰