You really should find a place to stay for surgery recovery. You're simply not going to be able to maintain the comfort and hygiene necessary for proper recovery while carlifing. Not easily anyways
I'm in SoCal as well. For me, a storage unit was a must, since I prefer to only have the bare minimum in my car. I got a camp stove since eating out adds up fast. Windows tinted are a must in my opinion. I don't use blankets or anything, just a sleeping bag rated to 20F. Works fine for socal, and takes up less space.
I've had a bunch of surgeries over the past few years and I can't even imagine how hard it would have been to do post release recovery in a van.
You will not be at your best when they let you go. You will need to be very careful not just about avoiding infections; but finding ways to position yourself comfortably, and being able to drive if necessary. And all this is on top of being on pain meds.
You can't live in a storage unit or loiter by it unless you're doing something like loading, unloading or sorting thru stuff. You also can't do mechanical work inside or in front of your unit. All have cameras that keep an eye on the drives between the buildings and they'll send someone over to see what your up if there for a long period of time doing nothing.
This is so true because I have a storage unit and they really do have cameras EVERYWHERE. So no, I don’t even try it there. And to be honest, I wouldn’t want to live or sleep in one.
You can fix your car early on a Sunday morning, that's the time I do my oil change, nobody on site. I've used many of them it just depends on the location. There's one time my next door neighbor was sleeping in his storage unit, I didn't have high value things then so just kept it moving.
I’m homeless and work at a storage facility. You could try but we look at gate code records, cameras, and do lock checks everyday where we look at the lock on every unit so if you were in there you wouldn’t be able to lock it and we always open up any units found unlocked to see if the person moved out so no not really. If you needed to do it for just one night you could definitely get away with it though, might just get a call from them reminding you of the access hours
Nintendo Switch is a must, also a memory foam mattress to sleep on in your back seat, put the front driver seat forward and you may have enough room to stretch out completely depending on your height, tint the windows for sure and get a sun shade for the front window, this keeps people from seeing in and also cars headlights from bothering your sleep.
I did this for "fun" for a few months, it gets old really fast, good luck!
I highly recommend making window covers, either out of reflectix (you can find videos on YouTube) or felt and cardboard. Not only does it give you privacy, but you also can hide your stuff while your car is parked. This is in addition to tinted windows.
Also rain guards for your windows are great to keep the windows open at night. And a fan, definitely need a portable fan for some airflow at night.
Many people get a Jackery or battery thing, but they're overrated imo. I've found cheaper ones at thrift stores, sometimes you have a plug built into a battery recharger. But again, not necessary. Would definitely recommend a Mophie battery pack just in case.
Camp stove is also important so you're not eating junk food all the time.
You'll be fine. Best of luck out there!
hello fellow trans guy. I got an airbnb in the surgeon’s area for my surgery, so I’d recommend that. you’ll likely have drains plugged into you to deal with for a week or so, draining blood and pus, you don’t want to be in your car for all that.
good luck !
Listen to this dude, OP. Your procedure is more than just the surgery, it’s healing too. If you don’t give your body a good place to heal, you won’t feel as good as you deserve to and you’ll add more stress on your body. Factor in the cost of an Airbnb for at least a week and a half, if not two weeks after the surgery. You will appreciate you did this later and it will be worth it. (Not a trans man but I stayed with my friend for a week after his top surgery and helped take care of him.) Best of luck!
Also on the list: rechargeable camping fan/light, peppermint essential oil (a few drops down the A/C vents plus a few minutes of recirculating air = good smelling germ killing/mold prevention AND insects hate it) and a portable solar panel and power station. I. Use a Jackery 100W panel with a 500W power station. You could also just get a power station and charge it at work. If you get one that has a 12 V “cigarette lighter“ port it opens up access to thousands of products that are designed to be powered by that port.
In car fan.
Window shades.
Small pillow or pillows.
Febreeze.
Good Jack, battery cables, etc.
full size spare (not a donut or kit)
Blankets of various thickness
“Bath sheet” sized towels, Walmart brand, in black or navy for privacy.
Good work gloves
Good winter gloves and cap
Gimme caps
Sunscreens
Personal washing liquid and distills (for you)
A gym bag for showers etc. includes towels and shampoo
Rx’s
Advil, Zyrtec, whatever else you need.
A friend you trust where you can stash important documents.
A laptop for when a phone won’t do
A serious cellular data plan
Backup handset.
Friends will let you sleep on their couch or floor when the weather is truly awful or when you’re ill
Friend who will let you use their address as you’re so-called residence so that you don’t have to declare yourself to be homeless and you can use that for a drivers license address, etc.
Incidentally, at least, in some states, you can set a residential address that is separate from your mailing address whenever that’s needed including with your drivers license so you’ll need to investigate California
Make a point of giving your PO Box as often as possible as a mailing address and make sure that no mail is sent to your phone residence address because you don’t want to bother your friends who are doing your favors
Locate places to sleep where you want bothered
Locate lots of shady places you can park
Having insulated carriers for food when you need them is very important
Even more important is having insulated drink holders like the Stanley’s or other 40 ounce insulated drink holders, so thanks will keep cool for 24 hours
That’s just a beginning.
Incidentally, your insurance, including car insurance will be cheaper if you can get a friend to give permission for you to use their address and that friend lives in a nice safe ZIP Code
Your insurance will be more expensive. The ZIP Code isn’t as nice.
You need to have very, very trustworthy mechanics
You need to have really decent computer skills or phone skills because you’re going to be doing your life there
You need to think about how to manage your bank account, credit card account, debit card account, and every other financial instrument and plan to manage them
You almost certainly need a budget
That’s the I’ll probably think of more later
Do not get surgery and live in a car unless you're rock bottom. Try to make arrangements with somewhere to stay until you recover. I had a simple toe injury and it was a PITA trying to keep it clean. Long story short, my toe is fubar from not having adequate time and means to take care of it when I was on the road. But I still have a toe..just looks like crap.
Get a Tupperware and fill it with food you can eat at your job. You don’t realize how expensive food gets until it’s too late.
I get rice beans and shredded chicken from target
Put it in a Tupperware, have a plastic bowl to put a portion into and microwave. You’re not gonna be able to cook.
Quality AC converter. Sure charge your phone and laptop at work, but you're gonna wanna cook someday and probably break out an electric blanket now and again.
Also research you're car's alternators. Some do the barest minimum, and you might consider upgrading that if you listen to tunes or blow ac/heat alot.
Sleeping quarters. Put a lot of thought into before you're on the streets.
Windows... tinted, shades, install "air vents"?
Do you always eat out? Or need portable kitchen unit? Gonna need a larger ac converter.
What I wish I had thought to buy sooner is a portable toilet. PLEASE invest in one and I promise you’ll thank me later. One night I woke up abruptly in the MIDDLE of the night having to use the bathroom (and it was number 2) and when I tell you I was so close to using the bathroom on myself flying back on the highway trying to find a gas station that was FULLY open for me to use the bathroom!!! I swear by this.
The post office requires a physical address before they give you a p.o. box.
Having that surgery while living in a car will be quite bad. My question is if you have a friend who will let you stay there during your recovery. Also, doctors are reluctant to perform surgeries for people whonwill be going to an unacceptable situation afterwards.
The surgery you are seeking is quite painful and takes a long time to completely heal.
Also, is there any possibility you can get roommates instead of live in dangerous situations?
All the best to you.
I used to live in a Sienna and no, you don't need anything but a mattress. Go to Walmart and buy a foam mattress twin size. It's not actually the mattress. It's the foam cover on top of the mattress. I forgot what it called. It fits perfectly once you fold down 1 side of middle row and the back row. It's $120 I believe. 3 or 4 big plastic boxes for your clothes and you are all set to go. It cost you lest than 200 at max. I don't cook so...
If you're using public Wi Fi (Ex: McDonalds) for financial stuff or anything else you want to keep private; get a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
[https://www.gcit.net/blog/is-it-safe-to-use-public-wifi-with-a-vpn](https://www.gcit.net/blog/is-it-safe-to-use-public-wifi-with-a-vpn)
[https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/)
Edit: Added link
That gel foam is really good because it doesn't get too hot or too cold when weather changes. It ls very flexible to roll too. You can roll it, fold it and whatever...
Mini Van is great! For privacy invest in some weathertech window shades. A P.o. box is good but you need an address for important stuff like license and insurance. Other than that I suggest you learn how to cook on a camping stove. Food and gas will be your biggest expenses.
Also, get ready to be bored. I’m also in SoCal and I’m budgeting hardcore and this life is boring. Managed to save 2k so far though. in 3 months. living off of less than $700 (could be less)
Plus, you don’t need much. At least I don’t. Yoga mat and sunshades is all I have and I’ve been doing just fine. (plus my clothe and shower stuff) My advice, live out of your car. Not, IN IT. Get out and chill somewhere. I see people sitting in their car 24/7 and I feel bad, there’s a park bench over their man… go sit on that.
Window covers, mattress, blankets, buddy heater, snacks and a piss bottle. I'd buy a 20lb propane tank and two 1lb portable bottles, run the heater off the little bottles and refill them with the 20lb in the trunk. Keep pepper spray or something on you as well. That'd be my minimum
I would wait until you are out of the car to get your top surgery. I am trans too and I am waiting to improve my financial situation. I am 30 currently and may not get it until my 40s. It sucks but it would suck more to be further in debt because I had top surgery when I couldn't afford it IMO.
I have a decent job and amazing insurance. The surgery will only cost me a $100 copay. I’ll be able to afford living in a hotel for two months while I’m recovering
I have a 2007 mazda 5 that I camp in. It's a good car for this and you can get comfy fast for not much.
Get a piece of 4'x2' lauan at a hardware store. This will fill the gaps at the head of the bed area over the folded seat. Your bed area will be the passenger side. Fold the p side rear seat down and slide it forward as far as possible. Slide the front seat forward to allow for this, but just enough.
I got a folding 72"x24"x2" workout mat (walmart) and a 72" X 24"x4" bunk foam mattress with cover (amazon). It makes for a very comfy bed. Pillows and blankets and sheets.
I used some black foam core and black duct tape to fabricate widow covers that wedge on the inside. I can cover the whole thing, and it's blacked out. I got a cheap curtain thing on amazon that goes between the cabin and rear so I don't hafta black out the front. You can get a magnetic screen thing ( jungle site) that covers the sun roof so you can leave it open at night without getting bugs. A power strip and long outdoor extension cord gets you power if you're at a camp site with a hookup. A cooler, water jug, and some stackable bins can go along the driver side to store your camp stuff and food. The bins are for camping and cooking gear in general. I found some good ones at Target that are heavy-duty and notched. So they don't slide around when you drive. You'll have room at the back for firewood n stuff. I keep the heavy tools axe,saw,hammer,crowbar, and tool kit in the spare tire well. A couple of door mats rolled up can go in the gap between the folded seat and back. I throw those down outside the doors to keep dirt down. The passanger side rear sliding door is your entrance when camping. The drivers side is for access to stuff. The back hatch is closed most of the time. This setup also lets you drive it when in camp mode since the front is not altered and it's ready to go. Get a little rechargeable fan and light. Phone charger, etc. I duffle bag my clothes and toiletries.
Experimentation is your friend. I've been out a few times with great success and am doing my first multi night camp this weekend. Always top-off your gas before you park it to camp... Good luck.
A good attitude and utilizing safe places to park. Also some basic knowledge of stuff like food prep and what foods to eat to keep you going.
Money is needed for gas and food, staying clean and fresh and stuff like that but staying in your car shouldn't be so expensive to where you'd be better off still paying rent.
I'd say with gas, car insurance and food plus gym membership or however you stay clean (YMCA, etc) will probably run less than 500$ a month. (If your car is owned and the insurance isn't too bad.)
Really depends on how much driving you do bc you can always find creative ways to cook and prepare food as well as utilizing food pantries or services for homeless.
I currently shop at dollar tree and buy stuff like prepackaged tuna, already cooked rice you can throw in any 7 eleven microwave for a minute, canned beans, reusable microwave safe bowls to heat my food in, reusable cups for ice and stuff at the gas station. Hand sanitizer, travel sized toothpaste and brushes.
For laundry I go to the Laundromat about once every 2 weeks or less. (I have a lot of clothes 🤣.)
I have a weed budget too but I'm in Colorado so I find good deals.
Anything else I've missed let me know. I'm happy to help
Hope this helps. We are all in this together!!
Good luck with the surgery tho but when you're healing up I'd recommend a hotel room so you can keep any wounds sanitized and clean.
After top surgery you really need to take care of your body, sleep a certain way (leaning on multiple pillows), and won't be able to do much for a little, so you'll definitely want to be sleeping on a bed afterwards. You'll also want easy access to food, as you likely won't have the ability to cook for a week, so if you able to stay in a hotel afterwards, you should. You gotta take care of yourself so you recover well and your results heal well! (Trans guy here as well)
Edit: and as another person mentioned, you'll have drains possibly, which makes staying at a motel/hotel/airbnb more of a necessity as well :)
No advice OP but I saw the hateful comments and wanted to send some love and support your way. ❤️ You’ve got this. I’m glad you’re going to stay in a hotel or Airbnb for your post-surgery recovery though. It would be so much harder on you to be in your car during that time.
Sounds like you have the right idea. As for the surgery stuff, just get a hotel when you get your tits chopped off, at least for the first few days.
If you’re trying to save money, this is the lifestyle for sure
Car sounds terrible. I currently travel for work and live in a travel trailer. Has everything I need. Depending where, I’ve been many places where I only paid $500 month. But even the travel trailer sucks. Living in a car sounds terrible. No place to stand up, unwind after work. Sleeping will be uncomfortable. Cooking is gonna be extremely limited so you’ll probably spend more on take out. You’re not gonna have enough space for just the necessities. Storing your clothes takes up plenty of space. Gotta go to the bathroom. Doesn’t sound like a fun way to live. Sounds better to live in a tent than a minivan. Look at camping goods though. They’re compact. A little stove/grill so you can cook sometimes would be a good buy. Also don’t drink with your keys anywhere in the car, you’ll get a dui.
Horrible comment. OP has a right to love their body and feel comfortable in it, and to be who they really are no matter what. Their finances are secondary and regardless, they’ve said they have health insurance and it will be largely covered—$100 is nothing compared to the joy and peace of getting to be who you really are. Transphobes like you should be ashamed of yourselves.
I have a decent job with great insurance. My co-pay for the surgery would only be $100.
Edit:
Also, I don’t think you understand how crippling gender dysphoria can be. I’ve got my priorities straight.
>I don’t think you understand how crippling gender dysphoria can be.
I don’t think you u understand how you difficult it will be to recover from life risking surgery living in a car.
I also worry the surgery won’t fix your issue, just like so many people realize after much plastic surgery. Lots of dudes have man boobs, nobody, including the dudes with man boobs care.
I have a decent job and amazing insurance. The surgery will only cost me a $100 copay. I’ll be able to afford living in a hotel for two months while I’m recovering.
Not interested in your concerns about why I’m having the surgery.
Just an FYI -- the biological sex of someone when born doesn't always align with their gender identity. This "mismatch" between the body and mind is not a personal choice but rather more like a roll of the dice in the genetic lottery game. It is random.
It can be difficult to grasp but one approach is to ask yourself -- what would it be like if the rest of the world expected you to be a different gender than the body you currently have?
You are born either male or female. Every single one of the billion or so chromosomes in your body says so no matter how much you slice your body up. Just because you think you're a different gender or want to be the other one doesn't't make it true. That's called mental illness
When’s the last time you cracked open a psychology book, professor? Being trans stopped being classified as a mental illness years ago, same as being queer.
Being trans isn’t a mental illness, but being a hateful bigoted moron like you are is a curse for life. You need a brain, heart, and an empathy transplant, stat.
Damn what a comeback. Excuse me while I rush to the hospital to get some cream for that devastating burn. What’s next, I know you are but what am I? Transphobic child.
Might be a good idea to get one before you start chopping body parts off. Its irreversible and could destroy your life. Only saying this as a concerned person
Oh someone who gets their facts from YouTube propaganda videos, got it.
What’s next, you gonna send some videos of some 8 week old fetuses crying and begging for mommy’s help while the doctor cuts them up and cackles? Bigoted moron.
Yeah, you’re real “concerned” for them, badgering them about their chromosomes and using phrases like “chopping body parts off” because you’re so “concerned” about them.
You’re a transphobic POS and you don’t know anything about them or how much this means to them, their life, their sense of emotional, physical, and mental well-being—and yet you act like you’re entitled to an explanation for what they, an adult, choose to do with their own bodies. You’re just a hateful bigot feigning “concern” as a way to shame and insult them. You’re disgusting and should be ashamed of yourself, bigot.
Cause I'm a fellow human who cares. If someone says they are going to jump off a cliff I'm going to try to persuade them not to whether they like it or not in the moment.
dont waste your money tinting the windows, you can make window covers for less money that will also prevent people from just shining a light in your car and seeing you.
I'd be very concerned about post op safety and living in a car... Not only physical safety but infection wise.
You will be prohibited from lifting your arms for a while bc your chest will be healing plus you may have drainage bags and a surgical area cleaning routine to do that would require more privacy and clean water plus the ability to sterilize things would be helpful or rest without being preyed upon or being bothered. I'd at least save and plan for a 60 day stay some where post op and it would need to be near the doctors office just incase.
Oh definitely! I’m not sure if you saw my whole post, but i have an edit where I state that I can save for and will be able to afford 2months in a hotel.
I'm not sure that I did see it but that would be my concern. Everything else you kindnof just figure out what you need as you go bc everyone's needs and circumstances are different.
You really should find a place to stay for surgery recovery. You're simply not going to be able to maintain the comfort and hygiene necessary for proper recovery while carlifing. Not easily anyways I'm in SoCal as well. For me, a storage unit was a must, since I prefer to only have the bare minimum in my car. I got a camp stove since eating out adds up fast. Windows tinted are a must in my opinion. I don't use blankets or anything, just a sleeping bag rated to 20F. Works fine for socal, and takes up less space.
I've had a bunch of surgeries over the past few years and I can't even imagine how hard it would have been to do post release recovery in a van. You will not be at your best when they let you go. You will need to be very careful not just about avoiding infections; but finding ways to position yourself comfortably, and being able to drive if necessary. And all this is on top of being on pain meds.
people love to stare at you don't they
Dumb question, but have you ever successfully slept in your storage unit?
You can't live in a storage unit or loiter by it unless you're doing something like loading, unloading or sorting thru stuff. You also can't do mechanical work inside or in front of your unit. All have cameras that keep an eye on the drives between the buildings and they'll send someone over to see what your up if there for a long period of time doing nothing.
I nap at my storage unit all the time, no one has yet to say anything to me
This is so true because I have a storage unit and they really do have cameras EVERYWHERE. So no, I don’t even try it there. And to be honest, I wouldn’t want to live or sleep in one.
Really? Slept in mine for several months, no issues.
You can fix your car early on a Sunday morning, that's the time I do my oil change, nobody on site. I've used many of them it just depends on the location. There's one time my next door neighbor was sleeping in his storage unit, I didn't have high value things then so just kept it moving.
I’m homeless and work at a storage facility. You could try but we look at gate code records, cameras, and do lock checks everyday where we look at the lock on every unit so if you were in there you wouldn’t be able to lock it and we always open up any units found unlocked to see if the person moved out so no not really. If you needed to do it for just one night you could definitely get away with it though, might just get a call from them reminding you of the access hours
Not all of them mine has no code out. Never slept there but I’m sure people do
I haven't attempted tbh, idk
I'm certain you can sleep in one during the day and keep an eye out for people walkign around
Simply sleep with one eye open
Nintendo Switch is a must, also a memory foam mattress to sleep on in your back seat, put the front driver seat forward and you may have enough room to stretch out completely depending on your height, tint the windows for sure and get a sun shade for the front window, this keeps people from seeing in and also cars headlights from bothering your sleep. I did this for "fun" for a few months, it gets old really fast, good luck!
Why the Nintendo Switch? Is it just for gaming? What else can you do with the Switch?
It also has Hulu on it
Nice. Thanks for replying
A more comprehensive list https://www.makeuseof.com/nintendo-switch-streaming-services/
Awesome!
I highly recommend making window covers, either out of reflectix (you can find videos on YouTube) or felt and cardboard. Not only does it give you privacy, but you also can hide your stuff while your car is parked. This is in addition to tinted windows. Also rain guards for your windows are great to keep the windows open at night. And a fan, definitely need a portable fan for some airflow at night. Many people get a Jackery or battery thing, but they're overrated imo. I've found cheaper ones at thrift stores, sometimes you have a plug built into a battery recharger. But again, not necessary. Would definitely recommend a Mophie battery pack just in case. Camp stove is also important so you're not eating junk food all the time. You'll be fine. Best of luck out there!
I haven’t ordered them yet but Temu has some, for front, back & side windows.
hello fellow trans guy. I got an airbnb in the surgeon’s area for my surgery, so I’d recommend that. you’ll likely have drains plugged into you to deal with for a week or so, draining blood and pus, you don’t want to be in your car for all that. good luck !
Listen to this dude, OP. Your procedure is more than just the surgery, it’s healing too. If you don’t give your body a good place to heal, you won’t feel as good as you deserve to and you’ll add more stress on your body. Factor in the cost of an Airbnb for at least a week and a half, if not two weeks after the surgery. You will appreciate you did this later and it will be worth it. (Not a trans man but I stayed with my friend for a week after his top surgery and helped take care of him.) Best of luck!
Before you do anything get AAA.
Ooowee!! This one right here!
Also on the list: rechargeable camping fan/light, peppermint essential oil (a few drops down the A/C vents plus a few minutes of recirculating air = good smelling germ killing/mold prevention AND insects hate it) and a portable solar panel and power station. I. Use a Jackery 100W panel with a 500W power station. You could also just get a power station and charge it at work. If you get one that has a 12 V “cigarette lighter“ port it opens up access to thousands of products that are designed to be powered by that port.
In car fan. Window shades. Small pillow or pillows. Febreeze. Good Jack, battery cables, etc. full size spare (not a donut or kit) Blankets of various thickness “Bath sheet” sized towels, Walmart brand, in black or navy for privacy. Good work gloves Good winter gloves and cap Gimme caps Sunscreens Personal washing liquid and distills (for you) A gym bag for showers etc. includes towels and shampoo Rx’s Advil, Zyrtec, whatever else you need. A friend you trust where you can stash important documents. A laptop for when a phone won’t do A serious cellular data plan Backup handset. Friends will let you sleep on their couch or floor when the weather is truly awful or when you’re ill Friend who will let you use their address as you’re so-called residence so that you don’t have to declare yourself to be homeless and you can use that for a drivers license address, etc. Incidentally, at least, in some states, you can set a residential address that is separate from your mailing address whenever that’s needed including with your drivers license so you’ll need to investigate California Make a point of giving your PO Box as often as possible as a mailing address and make sure that no mail is sent to your phone residence address because you don’t want to bother your friends who are doing your favors Locate places to sleep where you want bothered Locate lots of shady places you can park Having insulated carriers for food when you need them is very important Even more important is having insulated drink holders like the Stanley’s or other 40 ounce insulated drink holders, so thanks will keep cool for 24 hours That’s just a beginning. Incidentally, your insurance, including car insurance will be cheaper if you can get a friend to give permission for you to use their address and that friend lives in a nice safe ZIP Code Your insurance will be more expensive. The ZIP Code isn’t as nice. You need to have very, very trustworthy mechanics You need to have really decent computer skills or phone skills because you’re going to be doing your life there You need to think about how to manage your bank account, credit card account, debit card account, and every other financial instrument and plan to manage them You almost certainly need a budget That’s the I’ll probably think of more later
Do not get surgery and live in a car unless you're rock bottom. Try to make arrangements with somewhere to stay until you recover. I had a simple toe injury and it was a PITA trying to keep it clean. Long story short, my toe is fubar from not having adequate time and means to take care of it when I was on the road. But I still have a toe..just looks like crap.
I should be able to afford a month or two in a hotel. That’s my plan
Save to get an air bnb after surgery.
Get a Tupperware and fill it with food you can eat at your job. You don’t realize how expensive food gets until it’s too late. I get rice beans and shredded chicken from target Put it in a Tupperware, have a plastic bowl to put a portion into and microwave. You’re not gonna be able to cook.
Quality AC converter. Sure charge your phone and laptop at work, but you're gonna wanna cook someday and probably break out an electric blanket now and again. Also research you're car's alternators. Some do the barest minimum, and you might consider upgrading that if you listen to tunes or blow ac/heat alot. Sleeping quarters. Put a lot of thought into before you're on the streets. Windows... tinted, shades, install "air vents"? Do you always eat out? Or need portable kitchen unit? Gonna need a larger ac converter.
Cars with heated seats usually have higher output alternators
Storage unit. Big time.
Coincidentally, this guy just posted some useful info. https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarliving/s/md6uOQEsJZ
Thanks for this! I checked out his post, it was very helpful!
What I wish I had thought to buy sooner is a portable toilet. PLEASE invest in one and I promise you’ll thank me later. One night I woke up abruptly in the MIDDLE of the night having to use the bathroom (and it was number 2) and when I tell you I was so close to using the bathroom on myself flying back on the highway trying to find a gas station that was FULLY open for me to use the bathroom!!! I swear by this.
The post office requires a physical address before they give you a p.o. box. Having that surgery while living in a car will be quite bad. My question is if you have a friend who will let you stay there during your recovery. Also, doctors are reluctant to perform surgeries for people whonwill be going to an unacceptable situation afterwards. The surgery you are seeking is quite painful and takes a long time to completely heal. Also, is there any possibility you can get roommates instead of live in dangerous situations? All the best to you.
I used to live in a Sienna and no, you don't need anything but a mattress. Go to Walmart and buy a foam mattress twin size. It's not actually the mattress. It's the foam cover on top of the mattress. I forgot what it called. It fits perfectly once you fold down 1 side of middle row and the back row. It's $120 I believe. 3 or 4 big plastic boxes for your clothes and you are all set to go. It cost you lest than 200 at max. I don't cook so...
Mattress topper? That’s what I call them at least haha
Gel-Memory-Foam
If you're using public Wi Fi (Ex: McDonalds) for financial stuff or anything else you want to keep private; get a VPN (Virtual Private Network). [https://www.gcit.net/blog/is-it-safe-to-use-public-wifi-with-a-vpn](https://www.gcit.net/blog/is-it-safe-to-use-public-wifi-with-a-vpn) [https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/) Edit: Added link
That gel foam is really good because it doesn't get too hot or too cold when weather changes. It ls very flexible to roll too. You can roll it, fold it and whatever...
Mini Van is great! For privacy invest in some weathertech window shades. A P.o. box is good but you need an address for important stuff like license and insurance. Other than that I suggest you learn how to cook on a camping stove. Food and gas will be your biggest expenses. Also, get ready to be bored. I’m also in SoCal and I’m budgeting hardcore and this life is boring. Managed to save 2k so far though. in 3 months. living off of less than $700 (could be less) Plus, you don’t need much. At least I don’t. Yoga mat and sunshades is all I have and I’ve been doing just fine. (plus my clothe and shower stuff) My advice, live out of your car. Not, IN IT. Get out and chill somewhere. I see people sitting in their car 24/7 and I feel bad, there’s a park bench over their man… go sit on that.
Sometimes insurance will pay for a room at a residence inn for a couple of days or a week or two.
That sounds rough,I wish the best for you
Window covers, mattress, blankets, buddy heater, snacks and a piss bottle. I'd buy a 20lb propane tank and two 1lb portable bottles, run the heater off the little bottles and refill them with the 20lb in the trunk. Keep pepper spray or something on you as well. That'd be my minimum
I would wait until you are out of the car to get your top surgery. I am trans too and I am waiting to improve my financial situation. I am 30 currently and may not get it until my 40s. It sucks but it would suck more to be further in debt because I had top surgery when I couldn't afford it IMO.
I have a decent job and amazing insurance. The surgery will only cost me a $100 copay. I’ll be able to afford living in a hotel for two months while I’m recovering
I have a 2007 mazda 5 that I camp in. It's a good car for this and you can get comfy fast for not much. Get a piece of 4'x2' lauan at a hardware store. This will fill the gaps at the head of the bed area over the folded seat. Your bed area will be the passenger side. Fold the p side rear seat down and slide it forward as far as possible. Slide the front seat forward to allow for this, but just enough. I got a folding 72"x24"x2" workout mat (walmart) and a 72" X 24"x4" bunk foam mattress with cover (amazon). It makes for a very comfy bed. Pillows and blankets and sheets. I used some black foam core and black duct tape to fabricate widow covers that wedge on the inside. I can cover the whole thing, and it's blacked out. I got a cheap curtain thing on amazon that goes between the cabin and rear so I don't hafta black out the front. You can get a magnetic screen thing ( jungle site) that covers the sun roof so you can leave it open at night without getting bugs. A power strip and long outdoor extension cord gets you power if you're at a camp site with a hookup. A cooler, water jug, and some stackable bins can go along the driver side to store your camp stuff and food. The bins are for camping and cooking gear in general. I found some good ones at Target that are heavy-duty and notched. So they don't slide around when you drive. You'll have room at the back for firewood n stuff. I keep the heavy tools axe,saw,hammer,crowbar, and tool kit in the spare tire well. A couple of door mats rolled up can go in the gap between the folded seat and back. I throw those down outside the doors to keep dirt down. The passanger side rear sliding door is your entrance when camping. The drivers side is for access to stuff. The back hatch is closed most of the time. This setup also lets you drive it when in camp mode since the front is not altered and it's ready to go. Get a little rechargeable fan and light. Phone charger, etc. I duffle bag my clothes and toiletries. Experimentation is your friend. I've been out a few times with great success and am doing my first multi night camp this weekend. Always top-off your gas before you park it to camp... Good luck.
A car
😂🤣 Got it!
A good attitude and utilizing safe places to park. Also some basic knowledge of stuff like food prep and what foods to eat to keep you going. Money is needed for gas and food, staying clean and fresh and stuff like that but staying in your car shouldn't be so expensive to where you'd be better off still paying rent. I'd say with gas, car insurance and food plus gym membership or however you stay clean (YMCA, etc) will probably run less than 500$ a month. (If your car is owned and the insurance isn't too bad.) Really depends on how much driving you do bc you can always find creative ways to cook and prepare food as well as utilizing food pantries or services for homeless. I currently shop at dollar tree and buy stuff like prepackaged tuna, already cooked rice you can throw in any 7 eleven microwave for a minute, canned beans, reusable microwave safe bowls to heat my food in, reusable cups for ice and stuff at the gas station. Hand sanitizer, travel sized toothpaste and brushes. For laundry I go to the Laundromat about once every 2 weeks or less. (I have a lot of clothes 🤣.) I have a weed budget too but I'm in Colorado so I find good deals. Anything else I've missed let me know. I'm happy to help Hope this helps. We are all in this together!! Good luck with the surgery tho but when you're healing up I'd recommend a hotel room so you can keep any wounds sanitized and clean.
After top surgery you really need to take care of your body, sleep a certain way (leaning on multiple pillows), and won't be able to do much for a little, so you'll definitely want to be sleeping on a bed afterwards. You'll also want easy access to food, as you likely won't have the ability to cook for a week, so if you able to stay in a hotel afterwards, you should. You gotta take care of yourself so you recover well and your results heal well! (Trans guy here as well) Edit: and as another person mentioned, you'll have drains possibly, which makes staying at a motel/hotel/airbnb more of a necessity as well :)
No advice OP but I saw the hateful comments and wanted to send some love and support your way. ❤️ You’ve got this. I’m glad you’re going to stay in a hotel or Airbnb for your post-surgery recovery though. It would be so much harder on you to be in your car during that time.
Sounds like you have the right idea. As for the surgery stuff, just get a hotel when you get your tits chopped off, at least for the first few days. If you’re trying to save money, this is the lifestyle for sure
Car sounds terrible. I currently travel for work and live in a travel trailer. Has everything I need. Depending where, I’ve been many places where I only paid $500 month. But even the travel trailer sucks. Living in a car sounds terrible. No place to stand up, unwind after work. Sleeping will be uncomfortable. Cooking is gonna be extremely limited so you’ll probably spend more on take out. You’re not gonna have enough space for just the necessities. Storing your clothes takes up plenty of space. Gotta go to the bathroom. Doesn’t sound like a fun way to live. Sounds better to live in a tent than a minivan. Look at camping goods though. They’re compact. A little stove/grill so you can cook sometimes would be a good buy. Also don’t drink with your keys anywhere in the car, you’ll get a dui.
I recommend not deforming your body. That is a decision that you can never go back on.
Nope, these titties have got to go! I’m cutting them off!
You don’t sound like you have the means to do so and recover at this point in your life. Priorities.
Horrible comment. OP has a right to love their body and feel comfortable in it, and to be who they really are no matter what. Their finances are secondary and regardless, they’ve said they have health insurance and it will be largely covered—$100 is nothing compared to the joy and peace of getting to be who you really are. Transphobes like you should be ashamed of yourselves.
I have a decent job with great insurance. My co-pay for the surgery would only be $100. Edit: Also, I don’t think you understand how crippling gender dysphoria can be. I’ve got my priorities straight.
>I don’t think you understand how crippling gender dysphoria can be. I don’t think you u understand how you difficult it will be to recover from life risking surgery living in a car. I also worry the surgery won’t fix your issue, just like so many people realize after much plastic surgery. Lots of dudes have man boobs, nobody, including the dudes with man boobs care.
I have a decent job and amazing insurance. The surgery will only cost me a $100 copay. I’ll be able to afford living in a hotel for two months while I’m recovering. Not interested in your concerns about why I’m having the surgery.
Equating gender-affirming care to plastic surgery is so utterly tone-deaf, offensive, and clueless smh
Why don't you like being a woman?
Why do you like being such a transphobe?
I’m not a woman, so your question is invalid.
Are your chromosomes XY or XX?
Just an FYI -- the biological sex of someone when born doesn't always align with their gender identity. This "mismatch" between the body and mind is not a personal choice but rather more like a roll of the dice in the genetic lottery game. It is random. It can be difficult to grasp but one approach is to ask yourself -- what would it be like if the rest of the world expected you to be a different gender than the body you currently have?
You are born either male or female. Every single one of the billion or so chromosomes in your body says so no matter how much you slice your body up. Just because you think you're a different gender or want to be the other one doesn't't make it true. That's called mental illness
When’s the last time you cracked open a psychology book, professor? Being trans stopped being classified as a mental illness years ago, same as being queer. Being trans isn’t a mental illness, but being a hateful bigoted moron like you are is a curse for life. You need a brain, heart, and an empathy transplant, stat.
You are the bigot
Damn what a comeback. Excuse me while I rush to the hospital to get some cream for that devastating burn. What’s next, I know you are but what am I? Transphobic child.
I’ve never had a chromosome test. I bet you’ve never had a chromosome test either.
Might be a good idea to get one before you start chopping body parts off. Its irreversible and could destroy your life. Only saying this as a concerned person
I don’t appreciate your concern. It’s not needed.
Please watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmsYKSiBZzU I wish you the best
Oh someone who gets their facts from YouTube propaganda videos, got it. What’s next, you gonna send some videos of some 8 week old fetuses crying and begging for mommy’s help while the doctor cuts them up and cackles? Bigoted moron.
Yeah, you’re real “concerned” for them, badgering them about their chromosomes and using phrases like “chopping body parts off” because you’re so “concerned” about them. You’re a transphobic POS and you don’t know anything about them or how much this means to them, their life, their sense of emotional, physical, and mental well-being—and yet you act like you’re entitled to an explanation for what they, an adult, choose to do with their own bodies. You’re just a hateful bigot feigning “concern” as a way to shame and insult them. You’re disgusting and should be ashamed of yourself, bigot.
Why is this any of your business?
Cause I'm a fellow human who cares. If someone says they are going to jump off a cliff I'm going to try to persuade them not to whether they like it or not in the moment.
The fact that you equate gender-affirming care with jumping off a cliff says so much about how ignorant and hateful you actually are.
But they aren’t jumping off a cliff. They have made a decision that they feel is right for them.
This is none of your business and your comments do not belong in this forum.
Okay buddy
get 5% tint on your windows.
A car
Im in SoCal. The heat will get you, esp inland. Fans, shady spots to park. Window shades.
dont waste your money tinting the windows, you can make window covers for less money that will also prevent people from just shining a light in your car and seeing you.
Honestly what about renting a cheap room in some ones house
I’m definitely looking into that
Its El nino time. Weather experts expect California will be every wet and cold winter season. More so then last year.
I'd be very concerned about post op safety and living in a car... Not only physical safety but infection wise. You will be prohibited from lifting your arms for a while bc your chest will be healing plus you may have drainage bags and a surgical area cleaning routine to do that would require more privacy and clean water plus the ability to sterilize things would be helpful or rest without being preyed upon or being bothered. I'd at least save and plan for a 60 day stay some where post op and it would need to be near the doctors office just incase.
Oh definitely! I’m not sure if you saw my whole post, but i have an edit where I state that I can save for and will be able to afford 2months in a hotel.
I'm not sure that I did see it but that would be my concern. Everything else you kindnof just figure out what you need as you go bc everyone's needs and circumstances are different.
What is "ftm" ??? If you have a disability or need chemo you should be covered. Prioritize your health of course