With the housing crisis pushing rents higher than ever, many are looking for alternative ways to live. VanLifeLux is transforming well-maintained delivery vans into fully equipped mobile homes, offering people freedom, flexibility, and financial independence. But what do the drivers who originally operated these vehicles think about their second life as mobile homes?
I recently spoke to a Sainsbury’s delivery driver to get his thoughts on the quality of these vans, how they drive, and why the transition to living in one is easier than most people think.
Well-Maintained & Built to Last
Before these vans hit the road as homes, they spent years delivering groceries—so how well are they maintained?
“Very well. They don’t run them into the ground—they’re looked after properly. No clutch issues since they’re automatic, and they drive smoothly.”
This stood out because he mentioned working for other delivery companies where vans were pushed to their limits with little maintenance, leading to constant breakdowns and mechanical issues. “Some companies will just run them into the ground, but these are actually looked after.”
Unlike second-hand vans that might need extensive repairs, these vehicles are regularly serviced, checked for issues, and built for endurance. That means when they’re repurposed into VanLifeLux homes, they still have thousands of reliable miles ahead of them—a solid foundation for a long-term living solution.
Easy to Drive – Even for First-Timers
For many, one of the biggest concerns about van life is driving a larger vehicle. But as the driver explained, these vans are surprisingly easy to handle, even for beginners.
“Most new drivers pick it up quickly. Sainsbury’s takes just about anybody and gets them driving confidently. When someone starts the job, they go through two weeks of training—first sitting in with an experienced driver, then gradually learning to drive on their own.”
This structured approach means that within just two weeks, someone with no prior van experience is confidently driving a large vehicle through busy streets.
Now, imagine transitioning into VanLifeLux. Driving a converted home on wheels is actually much easier than delivery driving because:
✅ You’re not handling storage or worrying about balancing heavy loads.
✅ You’re not managing multiple deliveries on a tight schedule.
✅ You’re not navigating frequent stops or dealing with customer interactions.
At VanLifeLux, we help new owners and renters get comfortable with driving their home on wheels. The transition is fast and stress-free, making it easy for anyone to adapt.
The Driving Experience: Smooth & Reliable
Not all delivery vans are created equal. Some older fleets were rougher to drive, but the newer models used for VanLifeLux conversions are built for comfort and efficiency.
“The engine is really smooth—it’s a huge step up from the older ones. They’re designed for efficiency.”
Sainsbury’s is constantly improving its fleet, ensuring that newer vans offer better drivability and reliability. Unlike some companies that push their vehicles to the limit without maintenance, these vans receive regular servicing, keeping them road-ready for years.
That means VanLifeLux vehicles are compact enough for city driving yet spacious enough inside to house a full shower, kitchenette, and sleeping area.
A Fast & Efficient Conversion Process
The driver was curious about how quickly these vehicles can be transformed.
“So you strip the branding, remove the speed limiter, and update the electronics—how long does that take?”
The VanLifeLux conversion process is being streamlined, and already takes just a few days. With further innovation, it may even reach a point where a full transformation could be done in just a day—an incredible step forward in combating the housing crisis.
The speed and efficiency of these conversions mean that more people could have access to affordable, flexible housing at a much faster rate than traditional construction allows.
A New Way to Travel & Explore
While we discussed the potential of these vans as homes, the driver saw another major benefit—traveling.
“I love visiting Cornwall, so I could definitely see it as a travel vehicle.”
This highlights an important aspect of VanLifeLux—it’s not just for full-time living. These vans can serve as:
✅ Your home – Fully equipped with a shower, kitchenette, and comfortable living space.
✅ Your car – No need for separate transport costs.
✅ Your holidays – Skip expensive hotels and travel freely whenever you want.
Instead of getting trapped in a bidding war for rental properties, people are choosing mobility, independence, and a higher quality of life.
🚐💨 Would you trade the cost of renting a studio apartment for the VanLifeLux experience?
With monthly costs comparable to renting a studio apartment in Southeast England, VanLifeLux offers a real alternative—one where you’re not tied down by landlords or continual rising bills.