I do laundry like a pioneer woman


Hey, Reader!

When we were traveling in Europe with a campervan rental, I brought this bright green bag called a Scrubba wash bag. I didn't have any big expectations for this bag as we typically do laundry in laundromats.

But the Scrubba wash bag was a GAME-CHANGER.

For 5.5 weeks, we did all of our laundry in this bag, using dry detergent strips and hanging the clothes from a portable clothesline. We liked the convenience and how this method was gentler on our clothes. Plus, we didn't have to search for laundromats, many of which don't have driers in Europe anyway.

Now, at the boatyard, we are STILL using our Scrubba. I love the built-in washboard and the fact that we don't have to drive and pick up our laundry here in Mexico. I think our clothes will last longer without the vicious drying cycle.

I do laugh a little bit when using this bag,....because I honestly never thought I'd be DOING LAUNDRY IN A BAG.

I created a YouTube short to show just how I use the Scrubba. Check it out:

video preview

All of this is funny to me because my 96-year-old Grandmother calls me a "Pioneer Woman." She just can't really fathom this way of life, and how we've gone back to basics on so many things. Like no longer using a washer and dryer.

But when we do get modern-day conveniences, we MARVEL at them. It's a great feeling to be amazed by something as simple as a washer and dryer. Or a dishwasher. Or a huge fridge. Or a full-sized oven.

Anyway, I think the Scrubba is great for van life, boat life, and travel generally. It's SO nice not needing to find and pay for a laundromat. You can even use this in a hotel room.

What are you up to this weekend??

Kristin Hanes

Publisher, The Wayward Home, and The Wayward Home Podcast

Hey! Want to live the van life? Whether you're a weekend warrior or full-timer, I'm here to help.

I spend half the year in a DIY Sprinter van camper, and the other half on a sailboat. I want to help you achieve your nomadic living dreams. Join my email list for van life tips and advice, remote work ideas, personal stories and anecdotes, and more!

Read more from Hey! Want to live the van life? Whether you're a weekend warrior or full-timer, I'm here to help.

Hey Reader, Last night in Mexico we went out for tacos with some boatyard friends. Tom and I had five chicken tacos and a bowl of beans, complete with amazing salsas, limes, cucumbers, pico de gallo, and cabbage toppings. Our bill was just $13, including tip! It helps that in Mexico, you can bring your own beer to taco shops like these, which really cuts down on expenses. We see our bills go WAY DOWN when we live in Mexico compared to the United States. We drive less, so we spend less money...

Hey Reader, Our campervan is FULL of stuff. Sometimes, I wonder how we got so much stuff, and how it all fits in such a small space. So when someone asks me what I want for Christmas or my birthday, my answer is usually: "Not more stuff!" I usually tell my family to get me consumables, things I love like Oregon wine, food, or gift cards. But there still are some cool van life items that people might enjoy, too! In this spirit of less is more when it comes to buying a van lifer something, I've...

Hey Reader, We've been hanging out in San Francisco for the last couple of days, visiting family and stealth camping on city streets. Stealth camping isn't my favorite thing - it's a bit nerve-wracking - but it's really the only way to be in or near the city for dinnertime. Plus, we gave $200 to the local economy, so hopefully that's payment enough for taking a parking spot for a couple of nights. Anyway, I am plugging away working even while visiting people in the Bay area. And THIS, how to...