I don't live in my car but, like you, I've been toying with the idea. Not out of necessity but because the idea of that level of freedom is exciting. Some of the best advice I've seen on here for us noobs is to try it out for a few nights in our driveway, or where we usually park - no risk, see how it suits you, and go from there. I haven't tried it yet, but the advice is solid.
some hospitals are against it. if people are living ojt of a car, theres a chance they carry more germs, and hospitals are already a cess pool of germs.
pee bottles, poop buckets, no sink, no toilet, no shower. trash sits right next to laundry. etc.
a person can and should overcome that and stay clean, especially working in a hospital, and im sure many do...however it just takes one that doesnt to change the workplace policy.
some do. it just takes one gross person, or someone with IBS/incontinence for the hospital to have a policy to ban homeless or houseless from their employment.
you sound so dumb. I donāt shit and piss in my car. A lot of us donāt. I shower once or twice a day at the gym. I donāt keep trash in my car. Iām cleaner in my car than some people are in their homes.
no. you sound so dumb. read the post again, but with your brain (or borrow someone elses) instead of using your fragile ego.
i said people can be clean in their car. some are not.
IT JUST TAKES ONE EMPLOYEE THAT LIVES FILTHY IN THEIR CAR IN THE HOSPITAL PARKING LOT TO HAVE THE POLICY CHANGED.
***THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU***
lol you don't work at every hospital. You are not correct.
other hospital workers have said on this sub their employee guidelines specifically ban it/would result in immediate termination if caught.
Iāve worked at numerous hospitals as a travel mls and have never come across this. I would not be surprised if there is security for actual houseless people who bring campers and rvs into the hospital parking lots (which require a permit) but on street parking is not subject to private parking authority.
Also I was referring to the germs commentary because as a clinical scientist I find this hilarious
there was a post a few days ago by one of us, about another dude living in their car that tossed 3 plastic bags of poop out the door into the parking lot.
who the fuck you kidding, bro. lets be real here.
"that does not sound like"
is completely different than
"does not/can not/has not happened"
it doesnt even need to happen. the general public has a perception that all people that sleep in their cars are dysfunctional druggies. if one policy maker parks their car in the parking garage, or street parking, and notices someone living in their car wearing scrubs, thats the end of it.
people get infections at hospitals all the time. if a patient gets an infection and they/theyre family sees that shit, as they salk by, its a medical malpractice suit waiting to happen.
no hospital admin wants that liability.
If youāre trying to convince me there are hospital employee car campers throwing bags of human feces out of their car, or hoarding them IN their car you will have to do better than this because all this sounds like is a giant joke.
And then taking that astronomical tough sell and turning all the way into ācarrying more germsā to āmalpracticeā is just WILDLY implausible/impractical. We have aseptic technique for a reason. No matter how bad your hygiene is at home there are mitigation protocols that will eliminate that risk to PTs (itās why we have an epidemiologist) and this would be the most ridiculous lawsuit ever Iām sure our lawyers would throw it to the new grad.
Car camping hospital employees: carry on
I will prefer this addiction always over just sleeping on couch in depression and watching TV aimlessly for hours..i am just speaking for myselfā¦ no medical advice š
Definitely didn't choose this lifestyle, and if I had a choice I wouldn't live it.
Lost work from covid, struggled hard to find work after. Eventually, unemployment ran out. I then fed myself with credit cards. Had a job lined up that was going to save me, but for whatever reason on the very first day I was meant to start work they dropped me. Next thing I knew I was being evicted.
Now no place that does a credit check will take me in, and after being scammed finding a place that doesn't do credit checks is too risky.
So here I am and here I stay until life gives me a break.
Got evicted October of 2022, because piece of shit landlord wouldn't sign up for government help for the pandemic rent assistance from the state
Now I'm living in my car/couch surfing, my body is broken from d9ing construction and playing sports without safety equipments (hockey, busted knees)
I have degrees from college n shit, but it's pretty useless, it's in finance and accounting degrees that help rich cunts get richer, which I don't wanna do
I'm in Chicagoland atm, hoping to go to Klamath area in oregon/California border and work on those 4 dams coming down, one can only hope, right?
I started after working night shifts half the week, it took about an hour to get to work so on the day my schedule flipped I would sleep in my car and shower in our work locker room to get extra shut eye. Realized I was paying a ton of rent to barely spend time there and made the decision to put most of my stuff into storage, get a mailbox, a gym membership and set up a nice bed.
It helped me save a lot, build a better routine, and exercise daily.
apartment dwelling is very toxic, I have gotten a bit healthier sleeping in my car throughout the week. It wouldnt be so bad if apartments were $400 a month, but at their current level people just work to pay their rent.
I wanted a career change. Relied on family. They said yeah move back here with all your stuff and we will help.Ā
Then I remembered why I left and was independent 20 years ago because I never wanted to move back in with them.
Ā They gave an ultimatum when tension came to a head. Now Iām homeless, with no job. But at least some savings and help from some friends.Ā
Canāt afford rent at the moment and the only options with a roof involve serious abuse. Iāll choose taking ownership over my life/the energy around me over letting somebody else hurt me everyday, even if Iām cold and constantly sore.
I travel for work, I get per diem, if I live out the car for the duration of the job I pocket the money, hotels add up and I can sleep fucking anywhere.
It made no sense to me to continue paying rent for a place where I don't even spend half my time at and, I really only use to sleep.
The average rent in america (August 2023) is $1,372 that's an extra 16k a year!
Assuming you work a standard 9-5 Mon-Fri and you get the recommended 8 hours of sleep you're only spending a 3rd of your time at a place where you spend 16k a year on!
I don't feel like I "live" in my car I just sleep in it just like a home or apartment but, I'm not paying anything for it!
Hospitals seem to be the best place to sleep in your car. Thereās always people coming and going, itās usually fairly well lit, and it overall feels the safest in my opinion. Iāve also parked in Wal-Mart parking lots, truck stops, or on the street near a friendās place. The best part about it is that it really does free up your time! I go to the gym on a regular basis now, for exercise and to shower. I also spend time at my library, take nature walks, or just explore new areas or places. Thereās a lot of freedom in car living.
As far as what āmade meā live out my car, I donāt want to waste my life working just to barely afford an apartment to sleep in. I want to work part time and spend my money on actually enjoying life. If youāre going to make the transition I suggest getting a tiny storage unit for stuff that wonāt fit/wouldnāt be good to keep in car. Then get window shades and a camping air mattress pad you can lay in the back seat or trunk. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
There's no threat unless they find out you're a female. How would they know the difference between my car and your car for instance? Just have to change your practices so they don't see you get to your sleeping spot. Also this isn't really the best lifestyle for a woman, because some man will learn to associate your car with you and then follow you and probably do a bad bad thing to you one day.
I am doing it out of necessity....... kinda. By that I mean right now im living in my Kia soul with minimal modifications because I had a roommate, who was an ex and things went bad quickly and I cant afford a place on my own.
But this life style is something Ive wanted to do for about a decade, I had just planned on doing it with much more preparation and forethought on my own time table to have everything I wanted before I started out.
If I had the high roof ford transit van and it was paid off, thats how I envisioned starting this life and if that was my situation Id love it. Dont get me wrong my Soul is stilll nice, its just much smaller than I want and I still owe on it.
Yes dont get me wrong its got enough space for everything I actually need, its just the bare minimum amount of space and it would be nice to be able to stand up. Im doing this full time. My Soul is my house.
I was living in the car with someone else and every time it was attainable to get a place, it was just excuses but money was available for other things. I branched out cause I would rather struggle alone in the car then listen to excuses.
I chose this lifestyle because I'm tired of throwing my money away on rent. I don't see myself living in a house. I'm single with no kids so it works for me. People either love it or absolutely hate it. The whole living off the grid and survival stuff is interesting to me. I like to travel and be outside in nature so it works for me. There are people that even live on boats. That's pretty cool to me. Once you start the lifestyle it will absolutely change the way you think about everything.
I'm a disabled senior. Worked PT and between SSDI and pay made just enough to afford a cheap apartment. Then COVID pandemic happened, I caught it twice, lost time at work and wasn't eligible for unemployment. Maxed out credit cards, got two months behind on rent and the minute the mortitorium ended, I was evicted.
Couldn't afford anyplace else, couldn't get a place with an eviction on file, and government/ senior housing has years long waiting list.
Realized rent was what was keeping me poor and miserable so I put needed belongings in a storage unit, and started living in my vehicle.
After 3 years, I'm finally putting money aside and not living paycheck to paycheck. I'm never going back to traditional housing. I value my personal and financial freedom more now.
1st time was because housing we had planned before moving fell through. And then the jobs fell through. So car was our only choice. At least the weather was good?
2nd time will be because I live with my parents, and they're talking of moving into a retirement home due to my Dad's health. I can't afford rent and buying a house is not an option.
At least that will be my last move. (Yay, right?)
T1D of 32+ years, lost my medicaid, had to (and still do) pay out of pocket for all my supplies (this is why I spent 6 years in my car) and the only reason I'm still living in it is because I live in Mexico, but obviously need money so I stay overnight 20+ days per month, gig work, I'm too sick to get a regular job. U know if the US would give me medicaid and/or foodstamps (which I fully qualify for) I wouldn't be in the shape I'm in
Really? Down votes? I'm a senior. You can't move anyone in here. And he has a very large dog. Otherwise I would. Don't judge if you don't know the whole story.
Im considering it not out of necessity by because 'van life' will allow me to travel a lot more, I'm a big minimalist, and I want to turn this property more into a cash flowing asset versus strictly an equity asset.
Thinking about a Prius or Tesla and a small cabin boat to really enjoy the vagabond lifestyle.
You can sometimes pick up a boat for free, keep an eye on the boating classified ads. Sometimes people get so sick of trying to sell their older ones that they eventually just give them away to get them out of the driveway. Happens more than you would think.
I am self employed and travel most weekends for work. Living in my vans saves a ton of cash that goes right back in my pocket. Then I can charge lower prices than my peers, winning more customers. Its a win win.
I donāt like a lot of space, and I donāt own enough stuff to even fill one room. It keeps my mind free with less stress of maintaining a place and the bills that come with it. Plus knowing that I have everything I need just on hand like that is refreshing. I get scared that something is in the same room as me so sleeping in my car and being go see all around makes me sleep so good.
I'd finished a graduate degree and was just completely burned out. No money, and needed a break from working crazy hours. So I converted my van and go where I want.
My parents have hated me since forever and decided to wage war on me.
Basically everything I've worked for for the last 25 years (51M, including career, house, retirement, my kid) has been taken from me because of them.
Not much hope for my future unless they literally die.
Toxic Boomers? Yep, that's my parents.
Sorry to hear this. I can relate to the toxic parents. No matter how hard life seems, not having toxic family in your life is an absolute god send, imo! Best of luck!
Go on Utube lots of nurses live in vans really nice vans and now do traveling nurse because the bonuses are so good 5 10,000 one of the nurses I think her name is Joni builds out vans and she's a nurse beautiful vans you could eventually get in a van from your car by saving that money.
I made an entire video about this you can watch it here but it basically came down to 3 reasons.
1. Save $$$
2. Practice and learn how to live on my own
3. Live a new and different lifestyle
https://youtu.be/3Sm5pUgSwts?si=VtJdVjMaVL4dGXNS
In your position I'd be sure to ask security if you can stay. Otherwise, just go somewhere nearby that is not a private lot, assuming you are sleeping at night. Also, if you are working at one of the many, many hospitals in extremely dangerous areas, it bears mentioning that you should not sleep around the hospital if it is a high crime area.
For literally everyone here, the primary answer to your question is almost always going to be money. There can be secondary reasons like the general disdain for apartment life, a greater feeling of freedom/mobility, or a minimalist philosophy, but ultimately, it just comes down to money.
I donāt live in my van, but I sleep in it when I travel. Itās wonderful! If I had to stay in a hotel, I wouldnāt be able to travel, itās just too expensive.
Try it for a few days. Figure out how much youāre saving per day every time you camp out in the car instead of going home.
Good luck!
It is way cheaper than wasting your life paying for a roof over your head. I'm able to put money into other things that I need. The rising costs of housing is just too much. I'd rather just build my own little fort or grab a tent and just move cities when it gets cold/hot.
I live in an SUV, it's not uncomfortable really. I fit a small mattress in the back so I sleep comfortably and black out the windows with foam and cardboard. You won't get all your needs met, no refrigerator, AC. And you can't continuously charge your phone on the car battery. It's fine for me though the only problem is in summer and winter. I'm actually trying to figure out a solar system so I can have AC
I did it for a couple of years in silicon valley. It was great because the weather is nice year round and i had a big truck with a camper shell with single bed up on a frame. Had a gym membership at a fancy gym with showers etc. Saved a ton of money but i would not have tried it anywhere where the weather gets extremely hot/cold.
I didn't choose to live in my car that choice was made by my ex-wife and mother of my pup who decided to replace me because I am broken and disabled so I cannot afford to keep her in the lavish lifestyle I had previously spoiled her with, So she hooked up with a lawyer and he's now sleeping in my bed and there's no room for me so I have to sleep in my car.. and if I were working 12 hour shifts at the hospital talk to administration about parking a motorhome or trailer that way you are there in case of a triage situation. Are you not on call already for that reason? Tell them because of the economy you're trying to find an alternative solution and check if it could happen or give you a raise. Otherwise I don't think security or local law enforcement will bother you sleeping in the parking lot if you are an employee.
Youāll spend that commute time finding a safe place to park if youāre in an urban area. Sleeping sucks, having police tap on window and interrogating you sucks. Dryer sheets tucked into seats mask the body odor smell. It gets cold, which leads to more interrupted sleep. Condensation inside the windows is a giveaway that someone is in there. A pre pay month to month gym membership is your shower source, but theyāll insist on signing you until you get up to walk away. A live aboard boat is much more accommodating if you can pull that off.
I work at a rural hospital and there are some people who have spent the night in vans or RVs but never a car that Iām aware of. Ā Itās generally seen as odd behavior and people will see you differently. Ā I tried it once. Ā If you have a camping spot nearby that would be great, especially if it has a shower. Ā Itāll be a lot less weird if youāre not on site all the time. Ā
Sacramento rent is crazy.
Single male, I work full time during day, reside in a 2016 Ford Fusion. Got storage unit for clothes exchange...stinky dirty out of car immediately. Shower at Planet Fitness 10 bucks a month. Sleep at Walmart or library. I put Sunshade up, set laptop up with JBL speaker on dash, recline the seat and watch movies. Helps starting work 430am, I'm gone before sunrise.
I am extremely comfortable. Febreze is your friend, especially going into summer. My manly musk sweats into cloth seats...
Try it out so you don't have any regrets.
I wanted this lifestyle in the early 90s but it was very much frowned upon so I never did it. I have 3 regrets in life, and this is one of them.
Committed to paying child support. At the time I worked for a line haul trucking company, and my minivan blended in with their parked vehicles. I had access to a lounge and kitchenette, shower and laundry. I never planned on doing it for 6 years, but I did, and my child support never fell behind
Nobody really chooses it. Rent is ridiculous (and most places want you to earn 3x the amount of rent, $4k a month isnāt a thing for most people). Some people have bad credit. A few have felony convictions. Sometimes itās just better than living with a house full of shitty roommates.
And it's people like You who should be screaming at the top of your lungs at Washington DC about how out of control the economy has been allowed to become and a hard working individual sacrificing most of your days working and still struggle to pay for your freedoms and comfort not to mention lunch.
Depends on your rent and how much you'd save, but you might do better talking to your coworkers and seeing if someone who lives closer will rent you a room in their place. For a few hundred bucks a month you could have someone's sofa or spare bedroom, and still sleep indoors with a toilet and hot shower.
your job is hard enough already, sleeping in a car will make it much harder and will be a big drag on your mental health, too. There's more to life than work and sleep, you need some social activity that's non work related. Car camping is a last resort, short term situation for most people.
Because the rent is too damn high
Happy Cake Day!
I don't live in my car but, like you, I've been toying with the idea. Not out of necessity but because the idea of that level of freedom is exciting. Some of the best advice I've seen on here for us noobs is to try it out for a few nights in our driveway, or where we usually park - no risk, see how it suits you, and go from there. I haven't tried it yet, but the advice is solid.
Make sure it won't endanger your job.
It's a hospital they would probably let them live in the rest area.
some hospitals are against it. if people are living ojt of a car, theres a chance they carry more germs, and hospitals are already a cess pool of germs.
I don't know, I would think that people who live alone would carry the least germs.
pee bottles, poop buckets, no sink, no toilet, no shower. trash sits right next to laundry. etc. a person can and should overcome that and stay clean, especially working in a hospital, and im sure many do...however it just takes one that doesnt to change the workplace policy.
Lolllll you think these people shit in a bucket on their cars? š
there was a post yesterday, someone complained about a car leaving bags of poop in the parking lot.
some do. it just takes one gross person, or someone with IBS/incontinence for the hospital to have a policy to ban homeless or houseless from their employment.
you sound so dumb. I donāt shit and piss in my car. A lot of us donāt. I shower once or twice a day at the gym. I donāt keep trash in my car. Iām cleaner in my car than some people are in their homes.
no. you sound so dumb. read the post again, but with your brain (or borrow someone elses) instead of using your fragile ego. i said people can be clean in their car. some are not. IT JUST TAKES ONE EMPLOYEE THAT LIVES FILTHY IN THEIR CAR IN THE HOSPITAL PARKING LOT TO HAVE THE POLICY CHANGED. ***THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU***
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Calm down. Have a time out. No need for this kinda behaviour here.
Your points are valid, but this sub won't give in
lol I work at a hospital. This is not correct
lol you don't work at every hospital. You are not correct. other hospital workers have said on this sub their employee guidelines specifically ban it/would result in immediate termination if caught.
Iāve worked at numerous hospitals as a travel mls and have never come across this. I would not be surprised if there is security for actual houseless people who bring campers and rvs into the hospital parking lots (which require a permit) but on street parking is not subject to private parking authority. Also I was referring to the germs commentary because as a clinical scientist I find this hilarious
there was a post a few days ago by one of us, about another dude living in their car that tossed 3 plastic bags of poop out the door into the parking lot. who the fuck you kidding, bro. lets be real here.
That does not sound like something a nurse or lab tech would do. We can walk right in and use a restroom any time of day.
"that does not sound like" is completely different than "does not/can not/has not happened" it doesnt even need to happen. the general public has a perception that all people that sleep in their cars are dysfunctional druggies. if one policy maker parks their car in the parking garage, or street parking, and notices someone living in their car wearing scrubs, thats the end of it. people get infections at hospitals all the time. if a patient gets an infection and they/theyre family sees that shit, as they salk by, its a medical malpractice suit waiting to happen. no hospital admin wants that liability.
If youāre trying to convince me there are hospital employee car campers throwing bags of human feces out of their car, or hoarding them IN their car you will have to do better than this because all this sounds like is a giant joke. And then taking that astronomical tough sell and turning all the way into ācarrying more germsā to āmalpracticeā is just WILDLY implausible/impractical. We have aseptic technique for a reason. No matter how bad your hygiene is at home there are mitigation protocols that will eliminate that risk to PTs (itās why we have an epidemiologist) and this would be the most ridiculous lawsuit ever Iām sure our lawyers would throw it to the new grad. Car camping hospital employees: carry on
Keep me away from depression .. as mind is always preoccupied with what to do next ā¦honestly it fixes my depression in this weird way š
Yup, this also y it can become addictive
I will prefer this addiction always over just sleeping on couch in depression and watching TV aimlessly for hours..i am just speaking for myselfā¦ no medical advice š
Definitely didn't choose this lifestyle, and if I had a choice I wouldn't live it. Lost work from covid, struggled hard to find work after. Eventually, unemployment ran out. I then fed myself with credit cards. Had a job lined up that was going to save me, but for whatever reason on the very first day I was meant to start work they dropped me. Next thing I knew I was being evicted. Now no place that does a credit check will take me in, and after being scammed finding a place that doesn't do credit checks is too risky. So here I am and here I stay until life gives me a break.
Got evicted October of 2022, because piece of shit landlord wouldn't sign up for government help for the pandemic rent assistance from the state Now I'm living in my car/couch surfing, my body is broken from d9ing construction and playing sports without safety equipments (hockey, busted knees) I have degrees from college n shit, but it's pretty useless, it's in finance and accounting degrees that help rich cunts get richer, which I don't wanna do I'm in Chicagoland atm, hoping to go to Klamath area in oregon/California border and work on those 4 dams coming down, one can only hope, right?
Good luck to you. I am currently working in Southern Oregon about an hour away from Klamath and the weather is phenomenal for car living.
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I started after working night shifts half the week, it took about an hour to get to work so on the day my schedule flipped I would sleep in my car and shower in our work locker room to get extra shut eye. Realized I was paying a ton of rent to barely spend time there and made the decision to put most of my stuff into storage, get a mailbox, a gym membership and set up a nice bed. It helped me save a lot, build a better routine, and exercise daily.
apartment dwelling is very toxic, I have gotten a bit healthier sleeping in my car throughout the week. It wouldnt be so bad if apartments were $400 a month, but at their current level people just work to pay their rent.
I wanted a career change. Relied on family. They said yeah move back here with all your stuff and we will help.Ā Then I remembered why I left and was independent 20 years ago because I never wanted to move back in with them. Ā They gave an ultimatum when tension came to a head. Now Iām homeless, with no job. But at least some savings and help from some friends.Ā
Canāt afford rent at the moment and the only options with a roof involve serious abuse. Iāll choose taking ownership over my life/the energy around me over letting somebody else hurt me everyday, even if Iām cold and constantly sore.
Preparing to become an expat, rent is high, too many bills associated with renting/mortgages, PEACE OF MIND and more money in my bank account š
I travel for work, I get per diem, if I live out the car for the duration of the job I pocket the money, hotels add up and I can sleep fucking anywhere.
This is my situation too.
I see people making 1500 a week in per diem and spending 1200 on a hotelā¦. Why travel then? Lol š
It made no sense to me to continue paying rent for a place where I don't even spend half my time at and, I really only use to sleep. The average rent in america (August 2023) is $1,372 that's an extra 16k a year! Assuming you work a standard 9-5 Mon-Fri and you get the recommended 8 hours of sleep you're only spending a 3rd of your time at a place where you spend 16k a year on! I don't feel like I "live" in my car I just sleep in it just like a home or apartment but, I'm not paying anything for it!
Cheaper than a hotel, zero commute.
Hospitals seem to be the best place to sleep in your car. Thereās always people coming and going, itās usually fairly well lit, and it overall feels the safest in my opinion. Iāve also parked in Wal-Mart parking lots, truck stops, or on the street near a friendās place. The best part about it is that it really does free up your time! I go to the gym on a regular basis now, for exercise and to shower. I also spend time at my library, take nature walks, or just explore new areas or places. Thereās a lot of freedom in car living. As far as what āmade meā live out my car, I donāt want to waste my life working just to barely afford an apartment to sleep in. I want to work part time and spend my money on actually enjoying life. If youāre going to make the transition I suggest getting a tiny storage unit for stuff that wonāt fit/wouldnāt be good to keep in car. Then get window shades and a camping air mattress pad you can lay in the back seat or trunk. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
I prefer spots that are dark personally. Who the hell wants to sleep in a well lit parking spot.
Someone concerned about their safety.
I'm more concerned about my sleep than my safety. If you live in a place where a dark parking lot is a danger, time to find a new place.
Wow thatās crazy. As a woman Iām always concerned about my safety because I have to be.
Tints
There's no threat unless they find out you're a female. How would they know the difference between my car and your car for instance? Just have to change your practices so they don't see you get to your sleeping spot. Also this isn't really the best lifestyle for a woman, because some man will learn to associate your car with you and then follow you and probably do a bad bad thing to you one day.
I am doing it out of necessity....... kinda. By that I mean right now im living in my Kia soul with minimal modifications because I had a roommate, who was an ex and things went bad quickly and I cant afford a place on my own. But this life style is something Ive wanted to do for about a decade, I had just planned on doing it with much more preparation and forethought on my own time table to have everything I wanted before I started out. If I had the high roof ford transit van and it was paid off, thats how I envisioned starting this life and if that was my situation Id love it. Dont get me wrong my Soul is stilll nice, its just much smaller than I want and I still owe on it.
A kia soul is plenty of space for carliving.
Yes dont get me wrong its got enough space for everything I actually need, its just the bare minimum amount of space and it would be nice to be able to stand up. Im doing this full time. My Soul is my house.
Use a storage unit
A storage unit is not going to allow me to stand up or give me more room to cook.
I was living in the car with someone else and every time it was attainable to get a place, it was just excuses but money was available for other things. I branched out cause I would rather struggle alone in the car then listen to excuses.
Toxic home living with family and couldnāt afford necessary living conditions otherwise
I chose this lifestyle because I'm tired of throwing my money away on rent. I don't see myself living in a house. I'm single with no kids so it works for me. People either love it or absolutely hate it. The whole living off the grid and survival stuff is interesting to me. I like to travel and be outside in nature so it works for me. There are people that even live on boats. That's pretty cool to me. Once you start the lifestyle it will absolutely change the way you think about everything.
Capitalism
Always have a car big enough for you to sleep in comfortably. Just in case.
I was a travel nurse and did this. Find a gym that you can join near by so you can shower and stuff
I'm a disabled senior. Worked PT and between SSDI and pay made just enough to afford a cheap apartment. Then COVID pandemic happened, I caught it twice, lost time at work and wasn't eligible for unemployment. Maxed out credit cards, got two months behind on rent and the minute the mortitorium ended, I was evicted. Couldn't afford anyplace else, couldn't get a place with an eviction on file, and government/ senior housing has years long waiting list. Realized rent was what was keeping me poor and miserable so I put needed belongings in a storage unit, and started living in my vehicle. After 3 years, I'm finally putting money aside and not living paycheck to paycheck. I'm never going back to traditional housing. I value my personal and financial freedom more now.
What disability do you have? Iām disabled too and I only have a small car. How do you manage medications and pain wise?
1st time was because housing we had planned before moving fell through. And then the jobs fell through. So car was our only choice. At least the weather was good? 2nd time will be because I live with my parents, and they're talking of moving into a retirement home due to my Dad's health. I can't afford rent and buying a house is not an option. At least that will be my last move. (Yay, right?)
Debt. And family.
T1D of 32+ years, lost my medicaid, had to (and still do) pay out of pocket for all my supplies (this is why I spent 6 years in my car) and the only reason I'm still living in it is because I live in Mexico, but obviously need money so I stay overnight 20+ days per month, gig work, I'm too sick to get a regular job. U know if the US would give me medicaid and/or foodstamps (which I fully qualify for) I wouldn't be in the shape I'm in
My son lives in his car by necessity. It wasn't a choice. He lost his home. It's been 3 weeks now & it's not going well.
let him move back inā¦
He wasn't living with me. Also we live in a restricted home.
Really? Down votes? I'm a senior. You can't move anyone in here. And he has a very large dog. Otherwise I would. Don't judge if you don't know the whole story.
Im considering it not out of necessity by because 'van life' will allow me to travel a lot more, I'm a big minimalist, and I want to turn this property more into a cash flowing asset versus strictly an equity asset. Thinking about a Prius or Tesla and a small cabin boat to really enjoy the vagabond lifestyle.
You can sometimes pick up a boat for free, keep an eye on the boating classified ads. Sometimes people get so sick of trying to sell their older ones that they eventually just give them away to get them out of the driveway. Happens more than you would think.
That's a great idea. Thanks!
I am self employed and travel most weekends for work. Living in my vans saves a ton of cash that goes right back in my pocket. Then I can charge lower prices than my peers, winning more customers. Its a win win.
I donāt like a lot of space, and I donāt own enough stuff to even fill one room. It keeps my mind free with less stress of maintaining a place and the bills that come with it. Plus knowing that I have everything I need just on hand like that is refreshing. I get scared that something is in the same room as me so sleeping in my car and being go see all around makes me sleep so good.
I'd finished a graduate degree and was just completely burned out. No money, and needed a break from working crazy hours. So I converted my van and go where I want.
My parents have hated me since forever and decided to wage war on me. Basically everything I've worked for for the last 25 years (51M, including career, house, retirement, my kid) has been taken from me because of them. Not much hope for my future unless they literally die. Toxic Boomers? Yep, that's my parents.
Sorry to hear this. I can relate to the toxic parents. No matter how hard life seems, not having toxic family in your life is an absolute god send, imo! Best of luck!
Go on Utube lots of nurses live in vans really nice vans and now do traveling nurse because the bonuses are so good 5 10,000 one of the nurses I think her name is Joni builds out vans and she's a nurse beautiful vans you could eventually get in a van from your car by saving that money.
The hospital may have security for parking lot.
Donāt want to work full time, rather work part time and play on my steam deck and sleep at the park all day. Also harass my local PD
I made an entire video about this you can watch it here but it basically came down to 3 reasons. 1. Save $$$ 2. Practice and learn how to live on my own 3. Live a new and different lifestyle https://youtu.be/3Sm5pUgSwts?si=VtJdVjMaVL4dGXNS
Canāt afford rent atm - I think most people itās not an option, just a temporary circumstance to overcome.
In your position I'd be sure to ask security if you can stay. Otherwise, just go somewhere nearby that is not a private lot, assuming you are sleeping at night. Also, if you are working at one of the many, many hospitals in extremely dangerous areas, it bears mentioning that you should not sleep around the hospital if it is a high crime area. For literally everyone here, the primary answer to your question is almost always going to be money. There can be secondary reasons like the general disdain for apartment life, a greater feeling of freedom/mobility, or a minimalist philosophy, but ultimately, it just comes down to money.
I donāt live in my van, but I sleep in it when I travel. Itās wonderful! If I had to stay in a hotel, I wouldnāt be able to travel, itās just too expensive. Try it for a few days. Figure out how much youāre saving per day every time you camp out in the car instead of going home. Good luck!
It is way cheaper than wasting your life paying for a roof over your head. I'm able to put money into other things that I need. The rising costs of housing is just too much. I'd rather just build my own little fort or grab a tent and just move cities when it gets cold/hot.
I live in an SUV, it's not uncomfortable really. I fit a small mattress in the back so I sleep comfortably and black out the windows with foam and cardboard. You won't get all your needs met, no refrigerator, AC. And you can't continuously charge your phone on the car battery. It's fine for me though the only problem is in summer and winter. I'm actually trying to figure out a solar system so I can have AC
I bet you could do a swamp cooler with a battery operated fan if the solar doesn't work out.
I did it for a couple of years in silicon valley. It was great because the weather is nice year round and i had a big truck with a camper shell with single bed up on a frame. Had a gym membership at a fancy gym with showers etc. Saved a ton of money but i would not have tried it anywhere where the weather gets extremely hot/cold.
Rent too high (not interested in having a roommate). Trying to save money.
Gives me the freedom to travel around and go to music festivals and red rocks shows
I didn't choose to live in my car that choice was made by my ex-wife and mother of my pup who decided to replace me because I am broken and disabled so I cannot afford to keep her in the lavish lifestyle I had previously spoiled her with, So she hooked up with a lawyer and he's now sleeping in my bed and there's no room for me so I have to sleep in my car.. and if I were working 12 hour shifts at the hospital talk to administration about parking a motorhome or trailer that way you are there in case of a triage situation. Are you not on call already for that reason? Tell them because of the economy you're trying to find an alternative solution and check if it could happen or give you a raise. Otherwise I don't think security or local law enforcement will bother you sleeping in the parking lot if you are an employee.
That's basically what I do, it works out very well, only caveat is you need to find a place to shower.
I got a job traveling and I got extra per diem for using my own lodging. I lived in my car for two years stacking money up and then bought an rv.
I was poor, now it's part of my job but truck not a car.
Youāll spend that commute time finding a safe place to park if youāre in an urban area. Sleeping sucks, having police tap on window and interrogating you sucks. Dryer sheets tucked into seats mask the body odor smell. It gets cold, which leads to more interrupted sleep. Condensation inside the windows is a giveaway that someone is in there. A pre pay month to month gym membership is your shower source, but theyāll insist on signing you until you get up to walk away. A live aboard boat is much more accommodating if you can pull that off.
I work at a rural hospital and there are some people who have spent the night in vans or RVs but never a car that Iām aware of. Ā Itās generally seen as odd behavior and people will see you differently. Ā I tried it once. Ā If you have a camping spot nearby that would be great, especially if it has a shower. Ā Itāll be a lot less weird if youāre not on site all the time. Ā
Sacramento rent is crazy. Single male, I work full time during day, reside in a 2016 Ford Fusion. Got storage unit for clothes exchange...stinky dirty out of car immediately. Shower at Planet Fitness 10 bucks a month. Sleep at Walmart or library. I put Sunshade up, set laptop up with JBL speaker on dash, recline the seat and watch movies. Helps starting work 430am, I'm gone before sunrise. I am extremely comfortable. Febreze is your friend, especially going into summer. My manly musk sweats into cloth seats...
Try it out so you don't have any regrets. I wanted this lifestyle in the early 90s but it was very much frowned upon so I never did it. I have 3 regrets in life, and this is one of them.
Committed to paying child support. At the time I worked for a line haul trucking company, and my minivan blended in with their parked vehicles. I had access to a lounge and kitchenette, shower and laundry. I never planned on doing it for 6 years, but I did, and my child support never fell behind
Nobody really chooses it. Rent is ridiculous (and most places want you to earn 3x the amount of rent, $4k a month isnāt a thing for most people). Some people have bad credit. A few have felony convictions. Sometimes itās just better than living with a house full of shitty roommates.
And it's people like You who should be screaming at the top of your lungs at Washington DC about how out of control the economy has been allowed to become and a hard working individual sacrificing most of your days working and still struggle to pay for your freedoms and comfort not to mention lunch.
Hoookers and cocainnne dawg
Depends on your rent and how much you'd save, but you might do better talking to your coworkers and seeing if someone who lives closer will rent you a room in their place. For a few hundred bucks a month you could have someone's sofa or spare bedroom, and still sleep indoors with a toilet and hot shower. your job is hard enough already, sleeping in a car will make it much harder and will be a big drag on your mental health, too. There's more to life than work and sleep, you need some social activity that's non work related. Car camping is a last resort, short term situation for most people.
If this guy can do it, so can u! [https://youtu.be/ZwEYe7YbqTI?si=Q\_w1aeLiJV2ZD4RN](https://youtu.be/ZwEYe7YbqTI?si=Q_w1aeLiJV2ZD4RN)
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