Also, his paintings are so thick. Photos don't allow you to see how the paint was applied on top of other paint. Seeing them in person allowed me to understand that Van Gogh attacked his canvas.
Maybe he had a trustfund. Maybe he spent 99% on art supplies and 1% on potatoes. I dunno.
His family, especially his brother Theo, was well off and they sent him an allowance to survive as well as art supplies. (I would not be surprised that they were afraid that, if they send more money he'd spent it on alchool instead of supplies)
As for space, I think he sent most of his paintings to his brother in exchange for the allowance.
Then maybe read a biography?