Photo by frerieke
Alexander Supertramp, aka Christopher McCandless from Into the Wild fame, said it best when he said the ultimate freedom is to have “No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes, an aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. Escaped from insert state here.”
I lived in my car for about six months due to some hard times. Maybe it began as just a means to an end, but for me, it was also a step toward a greater freedom otherwise unattainable like say, traveling the world or finally purchasing that dream house debt free. It wasn’t easy, but it definitely made me appreciate people and life just a little more.
In some places, though, living in a car is frowned upon or even illegal, so check with your state or country before parking. Choosing the right parking spot, having fuel, food and facilities at hand, and being prepared for dreadful conditions are musts for survival.
What Supplies Will I Need?
Bedroom
- Sleeping bag/blanket
- Pillow and Tent (for nights when camping is possible)
Bathroom
Photo by ktylerconk
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Soap, Shampoo, and Conditioner
- Deodorant and Make-up
- Washcloth and Towel
- Toilet Paper
- Pee bottle (optional)
- Medicines
- Shaving Supplies (obviously optional)
- Feminine Products (lovely euphemism)
Keep these in labeled and reusable Ziploc bags for easy accessibility and to keep the rest of your stuff dry when these are wet.
Dress to Impress
Pack in duffel bag.
- Work/play clothes
- Swimsuit for easy bathing
- Shoes
- Extra: bandana/hat
Kitchen
Stuff in collapsible cooler behind passenger seat
- One spoon/knife/fork/spatula
- One cook set (pan/plate/bowl/cup)
- Can opener
- Trash bags/Ziplock bags
- Collapsible water bags
- Extra: Firewood/lighter or a camp stove, especially in drought-ridden areas
What to Eat
Stuff in collapsible cooler behind passenger seat
- Canned beans/soup/fruit
- Dried fruit/peanuts/trail mix
- Dry cereal/oatmeal/granola
- Crackers/ bread/tortillas/bagels
- Tea bags/drink mix/sugar/coffee
- Vitamins/minerals
- Spices
- Extra: Fresh fruits/veggies/cheeses/meats/eggs/milk. Eat soon. Restock. Repeat.
Office & Entertainment
Stuff into backpack and leave in trunk or carry it along
- Laptop
- Portable DVD
- Camera or videocamera
- Books/magazines
- Maps
- Binder/folders/work papers
- Extra: cigarette phone charger/plug conversion, solar-powered light or mini book light
Tools
Stuff in toolbox
- Compass
- Leatherman
- Rope/duct tape
- Car tools/spare tire/jack
Where’s A Good Place To Sleep?
The car is packed. Granola bars and dried apricots are within arms reach and Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” is on the radio. Now where do I go?
Safety
Sleep in well-lit areas and avoid parking in residential zones, commercial properties (unless permission is given) and dead-end streets.
Photo by foxypar4
Where to Park
Natural/State parks I found State parks to be a godsend as restrooms and showers are readily available. They also offer extended stays, camping and outdoor recreation such as swimming, hiking and other forms of entertainment. Free wi-fi may be available. Tip: Invest in a state park pass.
Rest areas/truck stops – Look for a visitor center or 24-hour security at rest areas and larger, well-lit truck stops. Free wi-fi may be available.
Wal-Marts – Invest in 2010 Wal-Mart Atlas and No Overnight RV Parking Directory, as some Wal-Marts do not allow overnight parking. If there is a question, ask the manager for permission.
Cracker Barrels – The restaurant usually allows overnight RV parking and travelers are always welcome. If there is a question, ask the manager for permission.
Thinking this might be a more permanent situation?
The Switch-a-roo
- Invest in storage unit for keepsakes/furniture
- Invest in an auto club for repairs
- Invest in a P.O. Box or set mail to general delivery to be picked up at nearest post office
- Pay bills online
- Have a lock box welded in car trunk/truck/SUV (relatively cheap)
- Tint windows or use a sunshade for extra privacy
If trouble does arise, memorize this passage from the fourth amendment:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
A Favorite Moment:
Like I said, it wasn’t easy, but there were also sweet moments. Once, I was sitting under a tree reading a book at a Texas rest area and I kept hearing soft meows. Curious, I wandered toward the noise and found a homeless cat sitting under some hedges. She wasn’t scared just hungry so I shared some Cheerios with her and even thought about taking her in. As the day went on, I noticed people coming and going but always stopping to share what they had with her, even cat food. Now who carries cat food with them? I soon realized she had this whole thing figured out and was where she was supposed to be.
So if you ever find yourself on Southbound Interstate 35 at mile marker 180 and spot the gray and black striped cat, feel free to feed her but definitely leave her be, oh and say hello for me.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Check out additional Matador resources to learn how to sleep in your car and how to live on wheels.
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13 Comments... join the discussion!
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Nice one. I would say the pee bottle is not optional, especially when you’re trying to roll extra stealth. Oh, and don’t forget an eye mask and earplugs!
Happy (car) camping.
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that car has been kitted out better than my house!
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What a cool article – thanks Sonya! I will definitely pass this on to some of my “dirtbag climber” friends
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This list is also great for putting together an emergency car kit/ go bags in case you suddenly need to resort to living in your car.
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This is a fantastic post. Thanks for sharing your insights.
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good to know!
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As a veteran car-habitationist, I can recommend the northern beach at South Padre Island…this is the deserted bit outside the town. No need to fork out for expensive, run down hotels. You can drive right up onto the sand, wake up to the sounds of the surf, and walk to the heady fraternity parties on the main beach only 20 minutes away.
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Awesome article! I know its a bit different, but… When my boyfriend and I were in New Zealand, we actually bought a van and camped out of it for a few weeks. Definitely the best vacation of my life! Making a car home is so much fun. You get everything you need, in your own little bublle, and that bubble is free to float on – Wherever the wind takes you!!
Best of luck to you! And I hope you have some more wonderful adventures! …Something tells me that won’t be hard for you. Life is what you make it, and you are making it happen!!
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Great suggestions!
I find that a thin foamy sleeping mat comes in very handy. Roll it up to smooth out the bumps, folds, and creases of the back seat. Makes napping MUCH nicer
David
HitTheRoad.ca↵ -
Car Camper Fans:
I found this additional resource on the web on living in a car or RV. Includes how to build a camper van. Good stuff.
I would just add that in a pinch, you can park in the long-term parking lots at Airports. If you like the sound of jets and the smell of Jet-A, it’s a match made in heaven!
See you on the road!
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thanks for sharing that link Dean. bookmarked for future reference in case the car living need rises again.
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Hilarious – found you on twitter and wordpress good luck livin’ the dream!
Paul
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