Buzz
Living in a car isn't a lifestyle many would advocate for. However, circumstances may sometimes dictate otherwise. If you find yourself without a permanent residence, residing in your car might become a viable option, particularly if safety concerns arise in local shelters. Unfortunately, in many areas, sleeping in your vehicle is both socially discouraged and legally prohibited. Nevertheless, there are strategies to navigate this situation until better prospects emerge. It's crucial to select an appropriate vehicle, identify suitable parking locations, and locate cost-effective options for accessing basic amenities like showers. Nevertheless, this should be considered a temporary measure.
Key Insights
- Maintain cleanliness in your car, especially the interior, to enhance comfort. Consider investing in a comfortable sleeping bag, a pillow, and earplugs for quality rest.
- Seek out safe and inconspicuous parking spots. Consider large retailers open 24/7, low-traffic streets devoid of sidewalks, or designated camping areas.
- Identify multiple locations for grooming and showering regularly, such as gyms, truck stops, or recreation centers. Rotate among them to avoid reliance on a single spot.
Essential Steps
Commencing the Journey
Secure a Suitable Vehicle. Your ability to live in your car hinges on having a reliable vehicle. If you foresee this lifestyle choice, consider acquiring a van, preferably a windowless delivery van. This provides ample space for storage beneath a platform bunk, allows for the installation of a rooftop skylight/hatch for ventilation, and facilitates the addition of a rooftop rack for extra storage and observation. Opting for a nondescript white Chevy van or a Holden panel van in Australia enhances concealment. For those relying on older vehicles, diligent maintenance is crucial to prevent untimely breakdowns.
Preliminary Preparations.
- Secure a Post Office Box (PO Box) or a Private Mailbox (PMB). While PMBs may incur higher costs, they offer the advantage of receiving packages and allow for an address format resembling an apartment, which can be advantageous in certain situations.
- Consider obtaining a gym membership, or explore affordable alternatives such as enrolling in a local community college for access to gym facilities.
- Ensure all necessary paperwork requiring an address is updated in advance.
- Safeguard valuables by storing them in a bank's safe deposit box.
- If seeking assistance from friends or family is not an option, consider requesting the use of their address for essential matters.
Maintain Current Documentation. Ensure your personal identification, driver's license, and car insurance remain up to date at all times. Keep these documents easily accessible for potential police checks.
Invest in a Steering Column Lock and Utilize It! Why is this crucial? Because the theft of your vehicle equates to the loss of your home, potentially jeopardizing your survival. Investing in a steering column lock is imperative to mitigate such risks. Obtain one promptly, as they are available for approximately $20.
Discovering Safe and Unobtrusive Parking Spots
Seek out secure and inconspicuous locations to park. Begin by inquiring with friends or relatives regarding potential parking arrangements on their premises. Alternatively, explore organizations or businesses in your vicinity that designate parking areas for individuals facing similar circumstances. Some establishments, like Walmart, permit overnight parking, often with additional security measures. Urban dwellers may opt for streets devoid of sidewalks and neighboring wooded areas, striking a balance between seclusion and visibility. Additionally, consider the following alternatives:
- Utilize quiet church parking lots during weekdays, fostering relationships with church members for support if needed.
- Target industrial estates or business parks for nighttime tranquility, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
- Explore university parking options if associated with the institution, adhering to any permit requirements.
- Consider camping grounds with amenities like showers, or seek out free camping sites in national forests.
- Take advantage of yacht harbors for transient parking, benefiting from available facilities and blending in with the maritime community.
- Adapt to restroom limitations by utilizing nearby water sources for hygiene purposes.
- Consider hospital parking lots, leveraging plausible excuses if approached by security.
- Foster relationships with retail or restaurant managers for overnight parking privileges.
- Utilize hotel parking lots, adhering to checkout times and maintaining a low profile.
- Arrive and depart inconspicuously during late-night hours to minimize attention.
Invest in Earplugs. Noise disturbances may necessitate the use of earplugs for uninterrupted sleep. Earplugs effectively mitigate ambient sounds such as traffic, wildlife, and background noise, enhancing overall comfort during rest periods.
Prioritizing Personal Hygiene
Locate a place to freshen up. A gym seems like the most viable option, providing not only hygiene facilities but also a sense of routine. However, it's advisable to explore various gym options to find less crowded alternatives. Remember to maintain a tidy appearance, as it can positively impact your self-esteem during challenging times.
- Consider cost-effective alternatives to gyms, such as community centers or support organizations offering free showers.
- Explore caravan parks for occasional stays, providing amenities like showers and laundry facilities.
- If affordable, occasional stays at budget motels or hostels can offer thorough cleaning opportunities.
- Swimming pools and truck stops are potential options for showers, although caution is advised in noisy environments.
- Utilize baby wipes or public restrooms for interim cleanliness, maintaining discretion.
- Investigate college single-class options for access to campus facilities and resources.
Remaining Unnoticed
Exercise Discretion. Minimize visibility to mitigate embarrassment and potential risks from law enforcement or criminals.
- Vary parking spots to avoid detection.
- Move cautiously within the vehicle to minimize movement.
- Use sunshades and window coverings for privacy and sun protection.
- Consider window tinting for enhanced privacy, in compliance with local regulations.
- Maintain ventilation by partially opening windows while sleeping.
Acquiring Necessities
Acquire Necessary Items. Essential items for car living include a blanket, pillow, and mattress or padding for comfort. Back pain may arise due to cramped seating, so keep pain medication handy. Cover the back seat and front seats with a blanket to block light and visibility.
- A waterproof cooler is beneficial for storing perishable food items. Ensure it remains full for optimal efficiency, and consider adding cold water bottles to enhance cooling. Electric coolers require good ventilation and should only run when the engine is on.
- A Porta-Potty or improvised toilet solution is valuable for maintaining sanitation.
Invest in a Backup Battery/Air Compressor for Self-Jumping. Carry a spare tire and tire sealant for emergencies. Ensure the sealant is removable.
Explore Alternative Power Sources. Consider cigarette lighter converters for low-power devices, but avoid overloading your vehicle's electrical system. Invest in a low voltage cut-out device to protect your battery. Gas cooking is safer than electric cooking inside the vehicle, but proper ventilation is essential.
- Utilize gas cooking appliances outside the vehicle to mitigate safety risks associated with indoor cooking.
Organize Items for Portability. Use portable bags for toiletries, clothing, and electronics to maintain order and minimize clutter. Stow bedding discreetly, such as in the trunk, to avoid drawing attention. Store excess belongings at a friend's house if space is limited. Keep clothes dry to prevent mildew and use dryer sheets to maintain a fresh interior scent.
Segregate Dirty Clothes for Odor Control. Keep soiled clothes in plastic bags to prevent odor contamination of clean clothing.
Invest in a reliable flashlight. A sturdy Maglite flashlight with 3 or 4 batteries serves dual purposes: illumination and personal security, given its substantial size.
Meal Planning
Assess your food choices. Stock up on essentials like peanut butter, tuna, and crackers, ensuring they're stored securely to prevent damage. Water gallons are indispensable. Opt for cost-effective and nutritious options like rolled oats, powdered milk, and protein powder to sustain yourself without relying heavily on fast food.
Maintaining Positivity
Maintain a positive outlook. Remind yourself that this phase is temporary. Dedicate each day to job hunting, utilizing resources like local libraries and bookstores to enhance your skills and job prospects. Explore community resources such as food banks and vocational programs to support yourself financially. Seek assistance from social workers and religious organizations who can empathize and provide support.
- Explore federal programs and local initiatives designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Connect with homelessness coalitions and nonprofit organizations offering employment services and support.
- Utilize online resources to learn about available services and eligibility criteria.
Useful Tips
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Utilize the air-conditioner as a makeshift dryer. Place a wet garment over the air-conditioner vent on the dashboard blowing against the windscreen. Turn on the car and set the air-conditioner to hot to quickly dry the item.
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Trust your instincts when choosing a parking spot. If a location feels uneasy, find an alternative spot.
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Ensure you possess proper vehicle documentation and insurance to avoid unnecessary complications.
The suggestions provided here are drawn from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a valuable tip to share with our community, please submit it below.
- If you have a service animal, create a cozy space in one of the back seats using blankets. Utilize the floor area between the front and back seats to store pet essentials like food, water, and medications.
- Train yourself to nap during the daytime, opening up opportunities for night shift work, often offering higher pay.
- Some parks provide complimentary grills for cooking purposes.
Cautionary Notes
- Avoid sleeping in the driver's seat whenever possible. It can lead to dangerous associations between driving and sleepiness. Opt for reclining the passenger seat or lying down in the back if space allows.
- Exercise caution when sharing your living situation with others. If they can't offer help, it's best not to disclose, as it could put you at risk.
- Minimize activities in the car if you're sleeping in it regularly. Avoid eating, reading, or lingering unnecessarily to prevent odors from accumulating.
- Stay sober to maintain clarity, which is crucial for your safety and security. Display intelligence, courtesy, and honesty to avoid posing a threat.
- Ensure proper airflow in the car cabin by keeping vents open and avoiding the use of car covers.
- Be cautious about having a firearm in the car, as it carries risks, especially if startled awake and pointing it at the wrong person, such as law enforcement.
- If you're unable to afford car insurance due to homelessness, be mindful of potential legal consequences and the risk of having your car impounded.
- Remember that staying inside your car can be seen as a threat. Follow police instructions precisely to avoid escalation, as failure to comply may lead to the use of deadly force.
- Limit driving your car, as police may scrutinize marginalized individuals. Driving could result in reports filed against you, potentially affecting your license.
- Avoid alcohol entirely, as its presence in your car or bloodstream can lead to serious consequences, even if you're not driving.
Essentials Checklist
- Car with valid insurance and license
- Blankets and pillows
- Towels and washcloths
- Soap and shampoo
- Disinfectant and/or antibiotic ointment
- Water
- Gasoline
- Food
- Gym membership (for cleanliness and stress relief)
- Automobile association membership (if Roadside Assistance isn't covered by your insurance)
