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Would need to be able to use my laptop. But I guess you can find free wifi somewhere!
Having said that, I admit that this kind of thing must have required extraordinary self-control over certain aspects....and I do appreciate that.
Also, this wouldn't work for me at my Northeast film school - too cold! Of course, I'm not about to add "you can live out of your car!" to the list of "Southern California Film School Advantages."
If he got this setup, he could probably go on like that for a few more years and have a huge nest-egg saved up.
I think one should get a gym membership if they were to do this, place to shower and get ready for work, plus you'd get really buff.
I think this is a great idea for people looking to make some changes in their debt quickly.
Honestly, showering has been my biggest problem during the past year. I've manage to take one every once in a while but I never thought about joining a Gym until reading about it on the net a couple days ago. And lucky me theres a 24hr Fitness right up the street from were I park.
I use Staples or Best Buy for Free Wifi. They block Myspace but I can still look things up. I own a little minivan and have been parking at Walmart in the same spot for a 2 months and have never gotten in trouble. There was even a finder bender right in front of my van once and a couple cops were walking around. I didn't move, but I have sheets over my windows. Perhapes they just don't care where I'm at or maybe they honestly didn't notice me. Either way I'm getting pretty bold, I don't even bother with my curtens some nights.
I think I've pretty much got living in my car down to an art, and I've finally got enough saved to get me an apartment, and I'm not sure I want to. I've had an apartment before, and its not that useful. If this Gym thing works out, I just might screw the idea of ever leaving my car and just keep improving it. I've been thinking of removing my Passanger seat and buying a few car batteries and a inverter. Let one run almost dead and then use my car to recharge it.
Couples of tips and ideas:
The police knew what was up. You don't appear to be a threat to anyone and unless a Walmart manager calls the police, they usually won't waste the time.
For the summer days, see if that 24hr Fitness has a pool with lounge chairs nearby. I'd sleep there. If not, you may want to look into getting a generator and portable a/c unit. The generator can go up on the roof of your minivan and the a/c unit anywhere inside since most of these units cool up to 400 sf. A Yamaha EF1000iS generator weighs about 30 lbs and lasts on one gallon of fuel for 12 hours. From what I read it's very quiet too. An Amcor ALTL12000E portable a/c unit will set you back around $500. You'd be looking at a total cost for both appliances with an extension cord of around $1,500 and whatever it costs for one gallon of fuel.
An inverter is good too. You can buy a jump starter for the dead car batteries. Hopefully you get enough time and power to operate a cooling unit. Make sure those six holes on the top of your car batteries are filled with water or they will dry out.
I hope your windows are tinted and get one of those sun visors to place across your entire front window.
I kind of have an edge of getting away with parking. I'm still living in my condo, but I have a PI license and can go up to a store manager and give him all my information. I'll just tell him I'm looking for a stolen car. If he calls the police, all the police can do is run my license to prove I'm a PI. It's illegal for the police to ask who a PI is investigating so they won't go into detail. You may want to look into this idea and check your Division of licensing to get a PI license. Oh, and one last thing. You're not homeless. Unless you sleep under a bridge or on a bench your vehicle is considered your home.
It's ok only for saving money..saved 2,000.00 Minimum ..soon, I can get a penthouse and live plush
Also... I make 50k a year... this isn't just a poor mans resource...
That's true. I wish I made 50 grand. I bet I could plug away 200,000 in six years. Speaking of the clowns that tried breaking into your car, this may sound weird, but blow up dolls can protect your abandoned car at night. That little human-like shadow in the driver seat is all you need.
I forgot to mention that we put a very lightweight tarp over the PVC pipe. It looked a little like Chitty Chitty Bank Bang but lots of people came over to talk with us about our rig. I have often wondered whether or not anyone else tried this since 2003 when we took this trip We also took 5 two or 3 week trips to the East Coast and Canada. When we passed through Canadian customs, the fellow asked my husband if he planned to do some plumbing on our visit. He answered no but said we used it as part of our camping shelter.
have to supplemrnt my pension. The rich have no idea how we struggle, but some how we make it.
I thank God for what I have overcome these almost 66 years.
I also got a PO Box, and put all of my belongings in storage. The less you have in your car, the less chance there is of your stuff getting stolen.
I am going to try an last 6 months....well see.
I have lasted one month now and doing okay. There is actually an element of adventure to it that I like. Also, not having a TV and a comfy couch means that I am now forced to get out into the world and be more active. I am healthier and have met new people. When I am bored I go to the park and play pickup basketball or go to the library. I would actually recommend this experience to others.
On using a wireless laptop, I need suggestions on the best places outside my car to use one. I have a desktop right now and when I am fulltime living on the road it will be with a laptop. I am not prepared yet to get a dual battery for my SUV but would like to use it at starbucks, etc. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Yeah, I would assume it should only take about a month and you'll escape the life of living pay check-to-pay check.
No more dishes, house cleaning, lawn to cut, neighbors to bitch at you and hurricanes to destroy the place. I live in a condo. My neighbors are criminals, deadbeats, stereo blasters, and winers. I'm stuck on a rock that will never change. I always here songs and stories about the ghettos. Hey man, just get in your car and drive away.
Good luck to you and your dog. It will work out. Try to land a job where you can work and have your dog tag along. There are portable a/c units for purchase that can keep your dog cool while you are at work, you'll need a generator. Perhaps your job has a nice garage parking area and allow you access to an electrical outlet. If all else fails you can run the vehicle all day with the a/c cranked. Pull the driver seat up as far as you can and chain lock it to the steering wheel to prevent vehicle theft. Get dark tinted windows and an alarm. Don't forget to walk your dog on breaks. There's a lot of other ideas you can think of.
soon i will be setting off on my own liveing in a car adventure. i live in wisconsin and my fiance is going to college in southern wisconsin so im following her down there i dont have a job currently but have a little money saved up for things ill really need i allready have a bunch of dry food (cereal is a life saver) i love the idea of getting a gym membership cuz i am a bigger guy and i could use a little excersise i hopefully wont be liveing out of my van (all seats are removed) for too long im guessing a month maybe two at the most but ill do it as long as i have too. so i thank you all for your great ideas and life lessons and respect every last one of you that have gone or is still going through this you are awsome peopls
I lived in my car for 5 warm-nighted months, in 2007.
This year, 2008, it'll probably be the same - I've been living in it since June, and October is when it starts to get really hard to stay warm. I've been working, and I too have trouble with keeping clean. I'm in Michigan, by the way. Already the nights are getting very cold.
It's pretty rough since I don't know anyone around here,
but the reason I'm doing it is to save money in order to be unemployed again for a while.
I'll be moving back to where I know people, and hopefully I won't have to pay to sleep the winter there and hopefully I can transfer my job.
My car is also terrible - it's just difficult to start. I may get a new vehicle with my savings, hopefully a van - the most comfortable vehicle for carliving. Cars are so uncomfortable.
Hey! If you want to contact me, please do! I'm totally down with discussing car-living with you awesome folks.
nefarious_sanctum@yahoo.com
Make sure the subject line says something like "saw your car-living post".
Love and peace, oh my car-living brothers and sisters!
Some things I've found useful:
When I roll into town I get a good town map (often for free at the information center). It will tell you where lots of things are. It's good to get your bearings.
Junior colleges make for good shower spots. It seems that big universities have a check in desk while smaller schools don't bother with that. I look like I know what I'm doing, carry a small bag and then take long, glorious showers.
Sleeping in church lots during the week and school lots during weekends or summers are easy.
Keep clean and tidy. It would be depressing to sleep in your own filth. Having a clean car gives a legit appearance.
Hope this helps. Good luck and peace to all.
Many resorts, National Parks & Forests, State and County parks, hire folks to do general work. Some offer free camping or even dormitory style housing. Some resorts give free meals. There are many places to legally camp for free. The options are out there, even in the year 2008. You don't have to stay put. Travel with the weather you like. Travel for months, stop for a month and work to save up more money to get out and travel again. Become a garbage picker or flea market hag. No one is forcing you to continue to live this debt ridden lifestyle. You are free!!! Life has no instruction booklet. You don't need a house to put all that stuff in. You don't need a fancy car to make you look happy. You don't need a college degree to feel accomplished. Live life through experiences! Meet your fellow Americans. See the world around you. It (or you) may not be here tomorrow. Simplicity!
~*~Much love to you all~*~ Best wishes to those of you in hard times~*~Don't give up hope~*~You are important~*~
TR
I too live in southern california, work and am a student. I rent a master bedroom in the suburbs. I am considering living out of my honda crv because it has fold-down rear seats and tinted windows. I could save $550/per month, not to mention gas. But, I am a girl and I guess that could be particularly more risky as far as safety. I have mentioned to my older sister and she said "no way!" and my ex-boyfriend initially said no way, but after hearing me out, didnt really seem to have any other good arguments left. :oP
I'm planning on doing this too if you read some of my posts. I went a little crazy writing to a lot of folks. I live in South Florida and if I take on this task I'll probably head to the Florida Keys. I like the keys and there are a lot of places to pull over onto the side and relax. Finding a job is hard though and may be a big reason for a short departure to a new location.
Getting back to you: Don't listen to the "No Way" shouters, especially ex-boyfriends. Do you realize that you'll be saving more than $6,000 per year. Probably put that down on a new car or house.
But anyway, I have a dodge caravan with removable seats. Im short so I got all leg room i need. My problem is going to be heating and storage for my clothes and tools. I was thinking about using my friends portable propane grill for heat. Those little cans are fairly cheap. I have a power inverter for all my electronics up to 75w. The gym membership seems like a fantastic idea for hygiene.
If I do all this to live out of my van, where would i be able to keep my tools? I have about $5000 dollars worth of carpentry tools that I need to make my money. I cannot sleep on My miter saw.
Any body have any ideas for me? Any suggestions will help greatly.
Don't forget the parks either. You can sleep on a hammock or anything you would do at the beach. What are you? About 18 now? I'm 38. Look at it this way, if you stick with this plan until you are my age you'll be able to retire in a nice place. Never have to stay at the same-lame job with the nutty boss, maybe take a few months off per year and travel around the nation. Did you get your license? Try looking into getting a National Drivers License.
-P.S what kind of car do you have?
Msany eat at soup kitchens and volunteer there to get as much food as they want, and normally can shower at th shelter. I feel we need to have dormitories for people down on their luck. America can spend money on the world, yet cannot help her own, and that wil destroy us. America and Americans first!!!
WalMart parking lots have been a blessing; you wouldn't believe all the folks living out of their cars in Albuquerque!
Also, if you're a potential car-dweller, with a dream of heading west, you wouldn't believe all the beach bums in Cali. Transients in VWs. Amazing. Though sleeping on the beach is probably not one of your safer ventures.
Winter's a-coming, and I'm headed north... scary.
As for showers: River-bathing, wash-houses on public beaches, and shelling out the money to a State Park...but not all State Parks have bathroom amenities! Check before you pay; Joshua Trees' got no showers, duh, mind your deserts people! Haven't even broken out the solar shower, that was a wash. Not kosher for a WalMart parking lot. Good luck folk! Stay warm!
Sonja
EXACTLY!!! I'm still living in my crappy condo in a bad area. It's time to ditch. I love my car. I can blast my tunes, relax and go anywhere I want to go. I'm gonna' go for it!
Recently, in response to a lot of emails I have recived, I wrote up a basic guide with tips, suggestions and advice for people living in their car. It is at http://www.carliving.info/101.htm. All the information there is compleatly free, there are no adds (I hate adds!) and there are plenty of links to other, more in depth pages on the site, also add free.
Another site that I think many people will find useful is run by a friend of mine from the Yahoo Vandwellers group. It is http://ParkFreeOvernight.com. It has a searchable database of places to live for free. Very useful for finding a no hassles place to park overnight.
It is also great to read that like myself, there are many people taking a concious descision to live in their cars or vans without beiing forced there by circumstances. It can be quite liberating being out on the road, travelling where you want, and taking your home with you for free. Life is a journey folks. Our anscestors were all nomads, so some of us have to continue the journey. :)
Stay safe folks.
Romana S.
Great advice. Vans concern nosey folks though. They call the police with one thing on their mind and that's crime. I was a PI and experienced this. The best place to park is to talk to a friend with a house. You'll never be in his/her way by simply using the driveway.
What hasn't been posted on this site yet is investment strategies. Everyone should deposit their money in a bank that pays a decent interest rate. Some credit unions pay monthly interest rates. Since this plan of living in a car will save 75 to 90 percent of the average income you will be saving a lot in time and receive interest on top of it. Never leave your money in the console. Cars catch on fire all the time or your vehicle can be broken into. Besides, even car people have bills too. Suppose you save up to $100,000 in five years. At 3% monthly interest you'll never have to work again. Mutual Funds are okay as well. You can open one for around $2,500 and forget about it for ten years. IRAs and CDs too, which are things that most renters or house owners can't do. For folks with children I'm sorry for. They need a house or apartment to suit their needs.
Unfortunately the Internet was introduced to the world in 1989 or I would have jumped on this idea after high school.
All I hear on the news is how companies are closing down and people are losing their jobs and homes right now so I guess this is going to become a growing trend soon in the States. I'm giving the building I live in my 30 days moving notice on January 1st, 2009 and I will be in my car beginning February 2009 until I get back on my feet again or maybe longer if it works out well. I don't plan to tell anyone I know personally that I am doing this because I'm embarrassed but I know that I'm not going to let myself go. I will stay clean and fit thanks to my gym membership and everything will be okay.
Stay safe and good luck to all of you!
Get one or two extra car batteries (or backup power batteries like this one) and store them in a plastic bin somewhere in your car, wire them up to a solar panel and mount that on the truck/van roof (they sell these at most auto parts shops for less than $100 ie. this is a high voltage example, just google solar battery charger at google shopping, there are many options including dash mounted "battery maintainers"). Note, it does not always have to be completely sunny for these panels to work.
Next, plug an electric blanket (with a cigarette lighter or other adapter) into your one or two spare car batteries, this will keep you warm and not kill you with fumes or lack of oxygen. Here is a good one.
As many have already said, get a membership to a gym, potentially 24 hour fitness so you can visit and use the facilities whenever you want. Make friends there and stay healthy and active by visiting each morning.
Spend your spare time working or hanging out at the library, make friends, read books, use the free wifi.
Get a car alarm, keep your car clean by visiting the "do it yourself car wash" with the spray hose that takes quarters. Possibly keep a stun gun or pepper spray (or bear spray) in your car with you. Add one way mirror, mesh, or dark tint to the inside of your camper topper and park at Wal-Marts or campgrounds. Maybe offer to rent the driveway space at a friends house - don't abuse the system! For those of you with truck toppers, try to enter into the bed area using the pass through window of the cab, that way you don't draw unnecessary attention to what you're doing. Park in well lit areas where other people may be present, if you can't afford a real car alarm get the fake red LED flashing kit (this one is solar powered and shock sensitive) this one is a bit cheaper.
Here is an interesting article about "truck camping" and caving where people build shelves in the back of their pickups and then mount a pad or mattress above for sleeping:
Own a cell phone or track (pay by the minute) phone for safety, have a first aid kit and warm clothes available or a metallic survival blanket. Don't ever gamble with your spare money, open a ROTH IRA and save what you can (ask about it at your bank or credit union). Put a fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in your car as well as a portable fire extinguisher (not sure renters insurance will cover you in car).
I'll let you know more as my adventure unfolds. Good luck to all! Be caring towards others in these difficult times, be safe and healthy!
I forgot to mention that I'm a volunteer firefighter, but although my fire station has all the facilities I'm afraid I'll be in the way. There are paramedics at my department who live there and make a very nice income.
FACT # 1 = If 80% of your pay check is eaten up by bills like rent and utilities you are living in a silk trap!...
Your landlord and others are using you to enrich themselves...
As long as you continue to live in these "silk traps" - you will always be broke!
Don't be a sucker live in your car and save that money!
fact # 2 = Get a cheap storage unit to store most of your stuff.
fact # 3 = Get a gym membership: to allow you to take showers.
Fact # 4 = Buy a cheap truck on craigslist or ebay.
Fact # 5 = Do not tell anyone that you live in your truck...especially women...they don't get it.
:-)
A concerned female called the popular NPR radio show, CAR TALK: She said that she had just discovered that her college boyfriend sleeps in a van...she wanted to know...what was 'wrong' with him and whether she should tell her mother. When this young man told her that he sleeps in his van, he must have thought that she would keep it to her self, instead she got on the radio and told the whole world.
It is obvious that some people...MEN AND WOMEN don't get it... it is a predatory system and the only way you can save any money is by swimming against the current....but these suckers would rather be forever broke.... they want to keep up appearances even though they don't own and will never own the expensive houses and cars that they claim to 'own'...they are trapped in a silk web of predatory leases, mortgages and rent payments.
I have decided that I'm not going to tell my boyfriend. He doesn't have to know because he's in jail right now fighting a case where he has been wrongfully accused of something. I feel guilty that I'm not going to tell him what I plan to do but I can't do it. Specially after reading what Eric said about the radio caller.
People don't react well when they hear you don't have a home. He doesn't need to worry about me and I'm also embarrassed to let him know that it has come to this. He has his own stress right now.
I've had 3 roommates in the past and I've been robbed all three times. There's always problems and headaches that I rather spare myself. I rather sleep in my car and save the money.
From what I read here, this site is for people that have decided to live in their car to save money not people that want to be drunk and high all day and do nothing with their life.
Being a Volkswagen Cabriolet, it was very cramped for the dog and I to sleep with the place being packed with bags, clothes, pillows, ice chests and so forth. But I managed. The dog was more upset about it more than I was. He likes to go "home" and sleep.
Now, several years later I had a decent job and got a large sedan. But all of a sudden I've lost what was to be a good job with the economy and have re-applied for unemployment extension from a stint last year. I just will not be able to afford rent and my car payment, insurance, cell, etc. I moved into this studio apartment the beginning of the year and now I'm thinking about returning to the car option for a domicile for a while.
My stuff is in storage. The Grand Marquis is a lot roomier than a "rabbit". Back to the Motel 6 for a few nights a week to give us both a good rest, iron some clothes, and feel "normal" for a night or two.
Wal-Marts lots are good if they allow it. I also parked in a Target lot some nights, out of the way and there were overnight stockers' cars and nobody bothered me. I have two sets of those folding silver/black shades for he window and will need to get a couple more. They're easier than a curtain rod and blackout cloths.
I'm also thinking about a tent and one of those blow-up mattresses to try camping which I love and miss anyway. We'll see. I think this is going to be a growing trend as we see the economy worsen.
Hire Americans and bring our jobs back,or there will not be an American,and the parasites will return to their own country.WE CANNOT PROTECT THE WORLD.
We are never alone. Sometimes a storefront is cheaper than rent, and you could run a used bookstore, clothing, or whatever in the front, and live in the rear. Many newcomers to this country have done that, and doing it now.
It has been very interesting since the last time I had posted on here. I have been here in Los Angeles for 3 months now, still living in my car. I had to move the car twice. I had to move the car from the recreational park that I use to park at because workers there caught on to what I was doing and decided to call the police. Believe me, it is not fun waking up to see a police officer with his gun pointed at you. After about nearly an hour dealing with them, they figured out that I was really a good guy trying to make it and told me it would be better to park in the parking lot at the VA hospital. I thought that was a good idea since I am an ex-marine. Well that lasted for a week until the federal police saw me and told me that I couldn't sleep in my car on the lot and had to go. But, they did tell me of a very safe spot to park the car where it would not be bothered by LAPD or the Feds. It is near Brentwood, CA right outside the VA compound. Actually there are several other people living in their vehicles there as well. I actually got to meet a few of them and they are really cool people. I have been here ever since and do not have any trouble with police or parking enforcement. Also, there is a building right across the street where I can clean up and nobody even knows. I do still go to the UCLA campus to take showers, workout, or use their computers. Anyone can be a member at the gym on campus where it costs about $40 for the whole semester. I did get help from the state so that I could eat better. I was able to get the EBT card which has about $300 per month for food. Now, I will tell you, this really isn't all that easy. You do, however, get use to it, but you just got to keep striving for better things. I am hoping that soon I will be able to get back into a house or apartment, however, I am very grateful that I have my car, because living on the street would probably be a bit too much for me.
Good Luck.
What I did not see here were any comments on living out of a car when you have a pet. My cat is almost 11 years old and I would not want be willing to give her up as I can still feed her and take care of her basic needs. Does anyone have any hints for pet owners? And no, there is no family member that would be willing to take her. Thanks.
I also suppose it matters what type of car you have. When I was broke and living in an apartment with no amenities, I felt trapped in from the outside world. Living in my car has been liberating and going to the gym is making me healthier. Also, with my internet and cellphone, I can look for jobs!!
So far things are going great, and I have cut back. I got rid of cable, but I do have AOL dialup, Netflix, and I use Peapod.com for groceries. I am a senior, and many my age have been attacked for our groceries and money. I do not want to hurt anyone protecting myself. I am very generous in gift giving, and I do save. I still work from 8-2:30 daily, and I have my summers and holidays free, since I did retire in 2001 from my main computer job. I help young people learn English now, and I love it.
Thanks
which is tiny and the seats don't go down.
And for the person that needed an address for her CA driver's license, you could always get a UPS postal box. It cost a little bit more then a US Postal box but you get a physical address no a P.O. #.
I'm a woman, and so far I'm on my third month of sleeping in my car and it's working out fine. You would never suspect that I sleep in my car. My hatchback is comfortable, every night I put down the seats, I layered the bottom with a thick comforter, I have pillows and black sheets so that it looks dark when people pass by. They don't even notice I'm there.
Thanks, I was thinking about opening a PO Box until you mentioned that UPS has a physical address, that will probably work best for me in my situation.
And also thanks to MercPDX, I sure the homeless shelter will provide me with some sort of service to help me find a job in CA.
Thank you both for your good advice and quick response
If you know you'll be in one state for a while, job searching or soul searching, try and get volunteer hours at the local State parks. The readily available jobs may not be so pleasant, but cleaning bathrooms is a good trade for a safe place to sleep and a shower in the morning. If you get much internet time, you can look at a town's census information; pay attention to the number of teenagers or the ratio of old to young; the most gruesome state park jobs are left for teen summer jobs.
Also, if you're going out west to find a job, let's cross our fingers that it's a good job, and get familiar with a place that doesn't get too cold in the winter. Insulating an SUV is a pain-in-the-butt, and no matter what actions I took, I'd be frozen by morning.
We are all here for different reasons, but we are obviously alike enough to be here.
I live in Maine, have a home, a "regular" white-collar job, and a part-time weekend job at a fitness center. I'm lucky - both jobs have showers! I love living in my SUV. I call it "camping" to certain family and friends, and most don't understand why I do it, but they seem to think I have "balls."
Maybe it's the gypsy in me.
For me, I guess it's the freedom and adventure. The Romance of the Road. Knowing if/when I do lose my job and my house, it won't devastate me.....I'll just move on in the adventure I've already started.
Right now I "camp" about 3 nights a week, but I'm about to go off-grid full-time at home by living in my SUV, or my small egg-shaped camper........and building a funky shelter/A-frame/shed/cabin in the backyard as well. Yeah, you'll call me crazy, and I still have the mortgage and mostly empty house and all, but I guess I never got out of that "fort-building" mentality as a kid, where a sheet and a couple chairs went a long way.
As for car-living and such - I've used a curtain rod in my SUV for years....wedge it above the windows just behind the front seats, and hang a dark blanket over it.....instant cabin. I take a nap at lunch EVERY DAY, and once I climb in the back, I'm in my own world.
Obviously, living in Maine, heating is an issue, and I've spent many a night with long underwear and blankets. Knit cap is a MUST, of course - you all know that's where most of your body heat escapes. Just got the propane camping heater......not sure if I can do a pre-heat in the SUV before I settle in for the night. I assume there is a level of toxicity in a closed cabin, right? But what about a 5-minute burst? Anyone have experience?
I also highly recommend a backup battery, trickle charger and an electric blanket. Recharge the battery as you drive, or work, or somewhere.......plenty of places to find an electrical outlet.
Laptop. Netflix. Red Box.
Keep your sanity. Enough said.
Need a free gym membership?
Volunteer at the Y. Ask them if they need volunteers to file paperwork or wipe off machines once a week. They will love you. Just be cool, get along with the regular employees, and don't abuse the system (like sneaking in your friends)..........gym, showers, restrooms, new friends can be yours for a couple hours of your time.
You might not even mention that you want a free membership if they don't mention it. Just help out and start popping in once in awhile on other nights - "Yeah, I'm doing the volunteer work on Thursdays....just want to grab a quick workout tonight." Let people get accustomed to your presence and DON'T JERK THE SYSTEM and don't stay for hours.
If they don't need volunteers, a Y membership is about only about $50/month, and they offer FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE that could drive it down to under $20! Most YMCAs these days look just like any other gym.......not your grandfather's YMCA.
Keep up the great posts - Car Dwellers are the rare modern-day adventurers, so embrace the adventure........even if you didn't ask for it.
That's some interesting stuff. I live in Florida and worked out of my car for up to 13 hours a day. Gets really hot in the car and running my car for all that time just to stay cool would be a lot of wear on my car. In your case, when it gets cold, how about running a hot hair dryer down your coat to warm up? I have a plug in socket that works fine for running fans. They are very simple to find and easily plug into your cigarette lighter.
I've worked out at the YMCA, but are they open 24 hours? Mine wasn't. There are people in this website who work different shifts. The Y would work out for people working 3rd shift. 24 hour fitness has over 400 locations and would be great with an All-Club Membership for those searching for better jobs in different cities. According to sugarfit.com there are more than 1000 gyms nation wide who never close their doors because 5% of gym bound people, use the gyms between the hours of 8:30 pm and 5:30 am. So it looks like the fitness centers are the best suggestion and won't be going anywhere for a long time. Plus they have lockers to store your belongings, but only for ONE day. Then you have to take your stuff out again. I would store like a laptop or anything electronic to keep it away from heat. Unfortunately these fitness centers don't have free cable (meaning for your advantage to watch what you want), but that's no problem. Ever watch PIMP MY RIDE? Direct TV now has a satellite option for your car or van.
Volunteering:
DON’T JERK THE SYSTEM is a great option. It's best to keep a low profile. I've mentioned before that I'm a volunteer firefighter but I won't stay at my fire station because some of the paramedics do. They have everything from free cable to phone access. Not to mention a fat pay check. They'll catch on real quick to what I'm up to, because they are doing the same thing. The ones who have been doing this for twenty years at the station are ready to collect a pension and probably have over a million bucks saved.
Getting out of debt, escaping reality, beating the system or saving for a house this car deal is probably the best way to go. As long as you are not married with kids there's probably nothing stopping you. I can see how living in you car can be considered semiretirement.
The economy has absolutely NO effect on single men and women living out of their cars. This is such a brilliant way of beating the system. I suggest getting a membership at a 24-hour gym which of course has ALL the facilities, a PO box, cell phone and you'll be just fine.
Please do not leave animals in any car,van etc. Go to an animal shelter, and volunteer if you and the dog can sleep in your car. The dog can be in dog runs, whoile you are at work. Keep your word and do help.
The rich will neer know how we struggle to survive, not do they care. I watched the documentaries, SICKO, and Imelda. Talk about GREED! We know who have SOLD US OUT, but they will reap what they have sown.
Wells Fargo won't give me a loan to pay off the credit cards and a different lending company claims they can't give me a loan until August because they have to wait six months after a home has been taken off the market. Sounds like a bunch of crap to me. I want to f..k these clowns back by filing bankruptcy and ditch my place.
Speaking of the rich; some are okay people. But there are rich people----one I know inparticular who inherited money from Rolls Royce who does nothing but complain. He's gay too, and always calls the guys down at my desk to come up to his penthouse to take care of noises and BS just to get them in his place. He made a pass at me a few times. People like this have no values in life. And from one trip to Aruba to the Virgin Islands and back to their cribbs, their only problems along the way may be a loud noise on the roof, a spot on the pillow, or coffee not hot enough.
As far as times getting worse. A little worse yes, as far as crime goes that's up. The ARM loans destroyed our economy. When the real estate bubble exploded, the mortgage rates broke record highs. A lot of folks were paying a high mortgage on a house of less value. But the ones with the ARMs really got f..ked. They should have stuck with a fixed mortgage rate. Their loans jumped from some families paying $200 per month up to $1,500 per month. The only way for the folks with the ARMs to save their homes was to completely eliminate all other expenses and just focus on their mortgages. No more movies, restaurants, bowling, vacations, new cars, etc. All these economic activities on the side were put on hold. NOT GOOD! So the car dealerships, etc. had to lay employees off because no money was coming in.
The banks got their bail out, but the interest rates on these loans have still not dropped. GREED is the word here. Until the interest rates on the ARMs return to a low interest rate again and these homeowners can refinace, the economy will stay the way it is.
Doesn't look good for a while. And gasoline has risen because the reserves are getting low. Gas prices were about $4 a gallon. Thankfully there were reserves filled to drop the prices down but that doesn't last long. Can't drill off shore because the EPA will stop that. If gas goes up to $4 per gallon in a time like this we'll really be f..ked.
I want to know where Obama went? Nowadays he seems more interested in Gitmo and disarming weapons. He won the election to improve our economy.
It's hotter than hell in South Florida now, but my car will make a great place to get away. I hope things improve.
BTW, I had to stop paying my mortgage and credit cards. I will probably end up filing bankruptcy and sell my home. I've witnessed people staying in there homes for up to 2 years w/o making a payment because the banks are giving people time to get back on track, if possible.
TR
Something similar happened last month. I was sleeping in the back of my stationwagon and had my bag up on the front passanger seat when a guy came up to the car and tried to open my door to get to the bag. luckily the doors were all locked. I grabbed my baseball bat and prepared to fight him off but he took off when he saw me. He looked damn scared too! haha
Our cars are a big invitation to these idiots because of all the belongings we have to leave in them. Try to hide as much as you can by putting a blanket over your stuff. and always take your valuables with you. Living in a car is an adventure, and no adventure is complete without an element of danger. Be careful out there!
Try to park in a busy area. Avoid secluded locations. Shove as much things as you can in your trunk or get a storage bin. I googled around and found a storage bin 5x5 ft for $13.00 per month. Others at that size can cost a lot more. Try publicstorage.com
Sorry about those two wild encounters you had. That's sad. My wife's car was broken into a few months back. Her car radio was stolen. I posted before that I live in a condo and man, does it suck. At least in a car you can drive away. You won't be stuck like me starring at the same old rotten neighbors and criminals. I live in a pretty slummy area.
Some suggestions of other places to sleep at night: Apartment parking lots, condo guest spots, hotel lots, 24 hour grocery parking lots, place of employment, 24 hour fitness locations, rest stops, restaurants (Dennys), Night Clubs and a new one----nudist clubs. You can actually crash out inside nudist clubs. Memberships are not too pricey either. Take care! Write back about your status. Love to hear from you.
The business center is vacant in the evening, as most are, and why would they care if one of the hotel guests spilled over at the back of their lot....?
Being able to blur the lines of the two very different businesses, I suspect I will rarely, if ever, be hassled - each business thinking I must be connected to the other..........so maybe that's another good tip: blur the lines.
Be safe everybody!
The problem with busy areas are the noise problems and people who might see you and hastle you. For instance, someone once called the cops on me for no other reason than I was loitering in my car. Maybe they thought I was a stalker. Also, now that the weather is getting warmer i have to put at least one of my windows down. My strategy is to park up against some bushes or a wall so that no one can see that I have a window down. In order to do this i usually have to find secluded locations.
Yes, I do have a storage room, but I still need some of my belongings with me, like my laptop computer etc. I am thinking about buying a car alarm but they are expensive, and you have to pay to get them installed too. For now, I have my trusty baseball bat and a cellphone. Hope that works....
That's the main reason I quit my Private Investigator job. I got so tired of people calling the cops on me all the time. I don't get it. Why is someone parked on a swale or in a lot such a threat to them? Even when I called the police and gave them all the info on my car they would still come out on the caller's request. I'm a volunteer fireman and can park at any of my city stations and use their facilities all I want to. 85% of the fire departments in the US are volunteer. Maybe you should try looking into that? Park at a police station. If they ask who you are tell them the truth. Also tell them you don't have a house and feel safe parking here.
Another suggestion would be to sacrifice your shift to working nights. This would give you more freedom to park just about anywhere during the day to sleep. It's 90% more difficult to try and find a place to park and sleep at dusk when only about 10% of the localities are open.
It's not right for you to hide out behind bushes or in secluded locations. That's too eerie for me.
If your in the south Florida area I'll give you a bunch of locations to hang out at and at any time.
I don't know..., if I can come up with any other ideas to help you out I'll let you know. Keep in touch!
With the windows down, I have to spray around the area with bug spray to keep the critters out. So far that is working.
I tried to come up with ideas like solar panels and custom made coolers, but I think this website might be the best step as of now.
I planned on moving out of my 'walk-in closet size' studio at the end of August. I live in Southern Cali and I stayed with my brother in the past and he has absolutely no room for me then and have no room for me now. However he lives about 45 mins away from where I go to school and work. So my plans are to; 1) get a PO box 2) get a storage 3) get a gym membership/ or use the university's facilities 4) and tint my windows. I want to avoid driving up and down the mountain 7 days a week for an hour there and back. I spend most of my day in my current town and driving 45 mins to and hour just to 'possibly' sleep in a bed and only get about four hours of sleep just isn't what I want to do, and traffic drives me a little crazy! (well I haven't met anyone who likes traffic ;p )
Also, instead of simply moving into a cheaper apartment, I want to live rent free for as long as I can and save as much as I can. I have also tried living with roommates and it definitely has its ups and downs.
I never thought of it as 'beating the system' but I'd say it definitely is. So I'll be doing more research and making preparations and soon I too will join the car living community. I really like the idea of sleeping on the beach, but I would stay inside the car cause I'm female and I don't want to be outside or in a tent alone at night. Well lit or not! Well thanks for the tips, and inspirational stories! I will definitely keep coming here for more first hand advice.
Stay safe everyone!
A lot of Walmarts allow you to park in their lots to sleep. Try fire department parking lots too. Firefighters are laid back and if you tell them about your situation they will allow you to park there. They'll become very used to your presence too. Working nights is the best because you can park almost anywhere during store hours, but the choice is yours.
Remember to keep your budget as tight as possible or living in your car will be close to what you'd pay renting an apartment. If you can't save at least 80% of your paycheck it's not worth it.
If you can save that much, you should be able to place a nice down payment on a house in about one year. Try also to deposit your savings in an account with at least 3% interest to speed things up.
I hope it all works out for you.
Singapore allows deductions from your income to purchase a home. There is insurance on your home, so if you are ill, the house payments would still be paid,and you can repay once you are back at work. Murderers and drug dealers are hung on Friday morning. They fine you for tossing trash on the streets, and you pay to get a permit to drive a car in the thousands. Your car cannot be junk, for they have an excellent public transportation system. They avoided 9-11-01 in their country by paying attention and not worrying about stains on a blue dress. They have excellent healthcare, and you do not go broke paying for medical services. I wish I could live there,but they have very STRICT immigration laws, that you better obey!
and if so do you know of the location of any good "spots" i.e. walmart-supercenters etc.
I am planning to go to DC in september but I am not familiar with the area, so any suggestions would be welcome.
Actually I am from Washington, DC and relocated to Los Angeles last February. Washington DC is a little bit tough to sleep in your car, however, a spot where you may be safe is in South West near the waterfront. There is a street called Delaware Ave which would probably be your best bet. It intersects M St. SW, but got on the South side. However, make sure your car is fully registered because DC tickets very hard.
positivebro - I was planning to buy a car on craigslist and then park it at walmart so thanks for the tip - "make sure your car is fully registered because DC tickets very hard."
Acajudi - whenever i am in DC I aways stay in a hostel which costs me about $25 per day so the news about the The William Penn House charging only $12 is very welcome.
Answer to this post:
Romana,
Great advice. Vans concern nosey folks though. They call the police with one thing on their mind and that’s crime. I was a PI and experienced this. The best place to park is to talk to a friend with a house. You’ll never be in his/her way by simply using the driveway.
What hasn’t been posted on this site yet is investment strategies. Everyone should deposit their money in a bank that pays a decent interest rate. Some credit unions pay monthly interest rates. Since this plan of living in a car will save 75 to 90 percent of the average income you will be saving a lot in time and receive interest on top of it. Never leave your money in the console. Cars catch on fire all the time or your vehicle can be broken into. Besides, even car people have bills too. Suppose you save up to $100,000 in five years. At 3% monthly interest you’ll never have to work again. Mutual Funds are okay as well. You can open one for around $2,500 and forget about it for ten years. IRAs and CDs too, which are things that most renters or house owners can’t do. For folks with children I’m sorry for. They need a house or apartment to suit their needs.
Unfortunately the Internet was introduced to the world in 1989 or I would have jumped on this idea after high school.
The Wal-Marts in LA will not be a good idea. There are not many Wal-Marts in LA and the ones that are here are not in safe areas. One is in Crensaw and the other is in Long Beach. There is no parking lot in Long Beach and the one in Crensaw is attached to a Mall, Baldwin Hills Mall. Go to Brentwood. You can park along the side of the VA compound on San Vincente Blvd and Bringham. That is the best place to sleep in your car.
I am still in my car next to the VA compound. It's going on 7 months. The truth of the matter is that this isn't for everyone. I do long for being back into some form of housing now. I respect all who can do this.
Go online and search for Homeless in LA, and Homeless shelter or housing in LA. There is no such thing as a good area, dealing with the homeless. It is a dog eat dog world, like in politics and business.
Try volunteering for the local Salvation Army, in exchange for sleeping in your car. Use the Internet to contact businesses in LA.
I am sorry about your friend and her boyfriend. I worked nights and you really need a quiet place to sleep in the day. How about renting a storage space near your job, and sleep there in the day. Make it a place for your car and your stuff. Get there as soon as you get off from work, and you can sleep in your own bed, that you will have there. Rent a cheap membership to the Y, and you can clean up there, and you can eat at the soup kitchens. Save as much money as you can, and then get your own studio apartment, near your job. You are working night, so you will not have to be there at night. (storage place) Use your friend's address, or any friend. The very best to you, and to all, who are trying to make it, while the rich stomp on us daily!
Ask not what you can DO for your country, but ask, WHAT your country can do TO YOU? Our country is doing us a job!!! I am strong, and will hang in here. I am glad I will be 67, and I am not a young person, trying to make it. It was so much easier in the 60's.
EXAMPLE:
This 8-hour generator goes for $299.00
w2www.duropower.com/images/upload/products/x/DP2000S.jpg
This A/C unit goes for $85.95
http://www.refurbdepot.com/HAIER_HWF05XC7.cfm
The trick to the whole thing is not to appear gypsy-like. You want to look as normal as you can.
The advantages of a truck or van are many, not the least of which is being able to pull into most any church parking lot and park right next to their church vehicles. Black out your windows, no one will mess with you.
As for bathing, a truck or van will allow you to carry a good tank of water, but even better is simply joining a local gym, where you can bathe any time you want.
The down side is that, if you are not careful, vehicle maintenance will eat up almost everything you would have spent on rent in any given month.
I have been living in my car since, October 07, everything has been great but for the problem of cooking. I prefer to eat natural home cooked foods, but that can be tricky when you don't have a place to cook.
I tried everything, cooking in my car, eating cheap chinese food, etc,...but i didn't find a convenient way to cook until I rented a storage space. The management comes in at 9am, so I try to do most of my cooking before 9am. My storage is on the ground level and it costs $86 per month. Expensive yes but I figure it is cheaper than renting an apartment.
I drive a small car so cooking in my car is not convenient.
David Waters is right when he says that vans are the best accomodation when it comes to living in your car..."GET A VAN. I bristle at trying to imagine car living from a sedan. My truck is good, but a van is in a class by itself, and the ultimate one-person road-living vehicle would have to be Dodge Sprinter van with diesel engine."
Volunteer at the Salvation Army and you probably can cook what you want to eat, while helping them.
I have never lived in my car, but I would try volunteering, house-sitting, running errands to keep a room in someone's home. I would save all I could to get a furnished studio, or an unfurnished one. The SalavationArmy will give you furniture, clothing etc. They are the best of all the Charities. They really care.
I know. And renters make noise and cause trouble. I moved back in my condo due to the south Florida heat. But once I get my generator and A/C unit I'll be on my way.
I saw a nice van the other day for $12,000 Brand new too. If I had a van I'd get the inside fixed up like a bedroom. A 12,000 BTU A/C unit, built in generator and satellite television.
I had a big scare a few nights ago. I parked in a business zone because I don't like parking in a residential area so I won't disturb the neighbors that could call the cops on me. Well, someone saw me and called the cops anyway. They came banging on my windows with flashlights. I sleep with a big black sheet on top of me so people won't notice but since theywere looking in with flashlights they could see a body and even since I ignored them they continued banging with such a force I finally raised my head and they were shocked to see me and they asked me to open the door. Since it was hot, I was wearing little shorts so I climbed overn legs first, and I don't mean to brag but I am fairly attractive and in great 24 hour fitness shape so they were a little flirty with me. They asked what I was doing, I said I was was resting. They asked if I had a home and I said yes. I had a fight with my boyfriend and I left and was just resting. I told them I didn't know I was doing anything wrong. They asked if I was scared of gang activities. I said no, I wasn't aware of this happening in the area. In my head I was thinking how I'm more scared of them because they could give me a ticket and impound my car and ruin my life even more. I apologized for doing something I didn't know was wrong and told them I would go home now. I said good by and drove far away from that place and I will never go back there again.
I'm desperately looking for a job. My unemployment runs out November 21st and I will be in big trouble once it stops. All I hear is bad news everyday about the job market and the layoffs and now Mattel is cashing in on the Homeless American Doll. And they tell us that this is the greatest country in the world.
I'm a little scared for you. I hope you get a job and things work out.
I found a sweet spot to park in a shopping center where they have a 24 hour fitness gym, starbucks with Wi-Fi, supermarkent and everything else I need on a daily basis. A couple of nights ago I noticed there was a new security guard taking his job a little too seriously. He was looking in to a car with flashlights because the car was parked far away from the rest. I got a little worried but thought he wouldn't bother me. The next day I hear a knock on my window, I answered yes...and he says, you can't sleep here anymore and walked away to his security car. I said okay and started my car to leave. I saw that he left me a violation ticket on my window. It was more of a warning ticket because it didn't have an amount to pay. I went to a Walmart I heard has overnight parking for the RV's that night, but there were no RV's. The next day I called 311 which is the non emergency 911 and I told them my situation and how I wanted to know if there was a safe area where I can park and not be harrassed by the police that can give me a $500. ticket. They apologized and said they had no answer for me. They wished me luck.
Santa Barbara has a parking lot for their residents who have fallen to hard times. They have to be there by 10AM and out by 6AM. They go through a screening process to check that they are not crazy or on bad drugs. They are working on opening up in Ventura and in Venice beach. I want to know how I can start something like that in the town I live in. Does anyone know how we can start these kind of lots? Times are really bad right now. Our country is going down the drain fast. There are no good jobs anymore to help us live a average decent life. This is what Capitalist greed has done to us.
Laura
I joined a volunteer organization that has a thrift store. I can work there whenever I want. I would never have gotten so involved in community activites if this situation hadn't occured. I would go home a get lazy! Interesting?
Also I go to libraries a lot. It will get colder soon so I realize right now things are kind of easy. Its hard for me to stay up late on weekends because I got up so early so I do hangout with friends but I am usually the first to leave.
One more cool thing I found this great laundry mat. While my clothes are washing I take everything out of my car to reorganize it again it keeps me sane.
I realize most people would find this desperate but I really feel like i am getting away with something! Sort of silly I suppose. My goal is to pay off a $5600 debt. I am able to put $!000 o month on it so its going ok. I shouldn't have to do it for too long. But I am starting to question the value of having my own place. I mean once you sign the mortgage papers you don't really own it until its paid off. You only really signed to have the right to pay for it! And then life becomes so limited?
It has been half a year now. Having a cellphone, laptop, and gym membership have kept me sane.( Luckily i was able to get a credit card to help me get these things). Looking for work...its been difficult out there. Two months ago it was the heat that was a problem, now it is the cold. Winter is coming...
Hopefully our nations healthcare will be reformed and this kind of situation can be avoided.
Tape one up (like a pouch) to stick your feet in, and use one as a normal blanket. Add your other blankets over that.........
I did find a Red Cross sanctioned survival mini-heater - again, probably Wal-Mart or similar - which plugs into the cigarette lighter and does a simple pre-heat without having to wait for the car to warm up, etc. Probably around $20.
Best wishes........stay warm everyone!
Greed is a big part of it. I was making 10.00 per hour back in 2000. Today I'm making 10.50 per hour (50 cent difference in ten years). It's very clear that by year 2030 I'll be making 12.00 per hour.
I'm a certified volunteer firefighter, but that's not going anywhere "careerwise". I have way too much schooling to be a $10.50 per hour security guard. Enough of my complaints, but
I just wish the recession would end. My brother was recently laid off from a $75,000 per year HR director. This president we have was elected to try and fix the economy----whatever happened with that? He was off to a good start and just let it go.
Thanks! :0) Just takes time I guess.
Stay away from the swine flu vaccine. Body bags were sent with the vaccine to the Aborigines in Australia. Check it out!
God: We need you. Help us to help ourselves. Get the greedy ones out of our pockets!
Going on month number two of this adventure. I was thinking of getting a tent heater but I am afraid in my small sedan I could get overwhelmed by fumes. Any advice? Had a set back I accidentally set my car alarm off one night. And I am not sure but I think someone called security. They never questioned me because I was on the way out when they headed in this complex. They did turn around and follow me until I exited. I have been too nervous to return and I have been sleeping at my work parking area. I still need a different place though any
ideas? It would be hard to explain if I get caught at work.
Thanks,
Rebecca
Thanks
Rebecca