Living out of a vehicle
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy a used Toyota or Honda for cash and avoid financing cars, even when financially better off.
Car finance is described as a debt scam; money spent on payments could go elsewhere. Maintained older cars (10+ years) last.
- Not everyone can buy cash.
one person who lived it
Use a money belt to protect valuables from theft.
One person's sister had her belongings stolen three times in less than two months.
one person who lived it
Consider becoming a truck driver by getting a CDL permit, as companies often pay for training and cover travel costs.
There is a shortage of truckers.
- Read the training contract before you sign. Company-paid CDL training usually commits you to work for that company for a fixed term, and leaving early can leave you owing thousands — which is a worse position than the one you started in.
one person who lived it
Ask truck drivers at truck stops if they have spare shower credits to donate.
Truckers often have extra credits from fueling up and are happy to share.
- Showers at truck stops can be unfathomably gross.
2 people, independently
Call 211 to connect with a community resource specialist who can link you to local organizations and services.
It helps you connect to services in your area that can help you.
one person who lived it
Avoid drinking alcohol while living in a car to prevent charges of being drunk in charge of a vehicle.
Having keys accessible while drinking can lead to DUI or drink-driving tickets.
2 people, independently
Use laundromats to hang out by using free wifi and watching TV while waiting for clothes to dry.
It is not suspicious to kill time there since that is what people do while waiting. Dragging out laundry allows for multiple visits per week.
one person who lived it
If you sleep in a car, use the front passenger seat instead of the driver's seat to avoid subconsciously linking the driving position with bedtime.
Prevents the brain from associating the driver's seat with sleep.
one person who lived it
Consider shelters or transitional housing for structure and potential utility assistance.
Provides good structure and some organizations help secure housing and pay utilities.
- Living arrangements can be restrictive.
one person who lived it
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Ask homeless people what they need before giving items.
Needs may differ from assumptions; providing unwanted items is frustrating.
one person who lived it
Wear sandals in public showers to avoid bare feet.
Bare feet in public showers are considered gross.
one person who lived it
Downsize possessions aggressively by selling or throwing out unnecessary items, aiming to cut your basics in half.
Getting rid of excess stuff can make you feel better immediately.
- Do not get rid of all your clothes; keep enough to layer comfortably for warmth.
one person who lived it
Use food banks, specifically requesting non-bulk items if you are homeless and cannot cook or carry large quantities.
Food banks understand the situation and will typically provide non-bulk food if you explain you can't carry or cook.
one person who lived it
Create mosquito nets for car windows using patio door screen and superglue to protect against insects.
One person reported this worked well for their 4Runner.
one person who lived it
Park overnight in hospital lots, rest areas, 24-hour gyms, or Walmart parking lots for safer and more accessible stays.
Hospital garages provide extra coverage.
one person who lived it
Use blue foam yoga mats for sleeping instead of inflatable mattresses for better comfort and space efficiency.
They are comfortable and take up less vertical space.
one person who lived it
Rig a tarp over folded-down seats to create privacy for sleeping and changing while making the interior appear ordinary from outside.
Provides privacy and maintains a normal appearance.
one person who lived it
Use public libraries for internet access, skill-building resources, and as a safe space to research community services.
Libraries provide computers/internet to find events and services, and offer a place to learn useful skills.
one person who lived it
Spend time in public libraries or shopping malls to access air conditioning and electricity for charging devices, helping to conserve vehicle fuel.
Air conditioning burns too much fuel in cars.
one person who lived it
Use local libraries for computer access, air conditioning, restrooms, and quiet desk space during the day.
Libraries are an underutilized resource that provides these amenities.
one person who lived it
Build up financial reserves and contingency plans, such as retirement and rainy day funds, while avoiding debt, to prevent returning to homelessness.
one person who lived it