After living in a car for a year, I’m sharing some of the best car living tips. Whether it’s a small car, SUV or van, this lifestyle can save you money. It comes with many benefits, but there are downsides as well. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and on a path to financial freedom.
Living in a Car Tips and Essentials
1. Living in a Car to Save Money
Living in a car can be a great way to cut expenses. This lean lifestyle can help you regain financial control. Without rent or mortgage payments, you can repay debt, save more, or better invest in your future. Many people choose this lifestyle temporarily. It can help you build up an emergency fund or save for a down payment on a home.
Monthly living costs drop when you get rid of utility bills and rent payments. With smart budgeting, you can survive on a fraction of the typical cost of living. This can make it easier to pay off student loans, credit card debt, or even fund travel. Many who embrace car living find financial freedom faster by avoiding housing costs.
However, to make car living sustainable, it’s essential to plan ahead. You can improve your fuel efficiency, eat affordable and healthy meals, and find safe overnight parking. A few simple steps can make this lifestyle more manageable. Living in a car can be a stepping stone to a more stable financial future.
2. Is it Legal to Live in a Car?
The legality of living in a car varies depending on location. Some cities have strict laws against sleeping in vehicles. On the other hand, some places allow overnight parking in designated areas. It’s good to research local regulations before settling into a routine.
Many public and private properties prohibit vehicle dwelling. This includes many shopping center parking lots, residential streets, and public parks. However, some states permit overnight parking at rest stops, truck stops, and certain Walmart locations. Checking local ordinances can help you avoid fines and legal trouble. And for a ride on the wild side, you can stealth car camp. Here’s how I do it…
To lower the risk of issues, consider rotating your parking spots. This can help you keep a low profile. Avoid drawing attention to your vehicle by keeping windows covered and noise levels down. Being aware of laws can lead to a smoother and less stressful car-living experience.
3. Essential Items for Car Living
Living in a car requires tight packing to improve comfort and save money. Essential items include a sleeping setup, such as a foldable mattress or sleeping bag. This along with a comfortable pillow or two can lead to more restful nights. In a pinch, you can use sweatshirts and other clothing for more comfort as well.
For another must-have accessory, window covers provide privacy. You can cut your own from good materials for temperature control as well. Here’s the material other van-lifers recommended the most (Amazon affiliate link). I kept hearing about this one from other people living in cars, all across the U.S.
Smart storage is key for organizing clothes, food, and daily essentials. Using under-seat storage bins and organizers can keep your space tidy. A small cooler or portable fridge can help keep food fresh. This can help reduce the number of times you need to drive to stores.
If hygiene is a priority, keeping wipes, dry shampoo, and a portable shower system can help keep you clean. Having a plan for regular showers and restroom access will make car living more manageable.
When packing, keep the items you’ll use most often in easy to grab places. For a full list of car camping accessories, check out that article. I shared my favorite gear for living in a car. It’s a well-tested setup after living in my car for a year.
4. Safety Tips for Sleeping in Your Car
Safety should be a top concern when sleeping in a car. Choose well-lit, low-crime areas to park overnight. This might include rest stops, campgrounds, or business lots that permit overnight stays. If possible, park near other vehicles or security cameras for added peace of mind.
Always lock your doors. In some situations, it’s good to keep windows slightly cracked for ventilation as well. Not too much though, otherwise it could compromise safety. Plan around the weather and use sunshades to block people from looking in. This can help reduce unwanted attention. Carrying a personal safety device, such as pepper spray, can also provide peace of mind. Although, double check if it’s legal to carry in your area.
Trust your instincts and have a backup plan. If a location feels unsafe, relocate. It’s wise to have an emergency exit plan. Know where the nearest 24-hour store or police station is in case of trouble. Taking precautions can make sleeping in a car much safer. It’s good to let friends or family know where you’re staying as well.
5. Finding Safe Parking Spots Overnight
When living in a car, it’s vital to find a reliable place to park overnight. Rest stops, truck stops, and Walmart parking lots often allow overnight stays. They can provide a legal and safe option. Also, some campgrounds and dispersed camping areas offer free or low-cost overnight parking. Although, double check the area in advance.
When traveling to a new area, I’d often start my search on FreeCampsites. You can search to see both free and paid sites. Looking for recent reviews can be useful as well. Then with the site names, you can search on other sites for more reviews as well.
On top of that, apps like iOverlander can help locate safe and legal spots for overnight parking. Many casinos, churches, and 24-hour gyms also welcome car dwellers. But please follow their guidelines. Remain discreet and don’t leave any trash behind. That way you won’t ruin these options for others.
Rotating your parking spots reduces the risk of being asked to leave. It can help avoid attracting unwanted attention. Keeping a low profile and respecting parking rules can make securing a safe spot easier night after night.
6. Saving Money on Food and Eating Healthy
Eating well while living in a car can be affordable. Shopping at discount grocery stores and meal prepping can cut food costs. Non-perishable items like canned beans, oats, and peanut butter provide high nutrition at a low cost. Bananas might keep for up to a week as well.
If you don’t want all dry food, there are portable cooking options. You can pick up a small butane stove or electric hot plate. These can give you more options for preparing healthy meals. Many car dwellers also rely on grocery store pre-made food. There are sandwiches, salads and many other affordable, nutritious options.
When living in a car to save money, consider bulk purchases. You can also take advantage of loyalty discounts. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding fast food can help you save money and improve overall health.
7. Finding Showers While Living in a Car
Don’t forget good hygiene when living in a car. Many people rely on gym memberships, such as Planet Fitness or Anytime Fitness. These can offer 24-hour locations with showers. For more options, YMCA centers and community pools provide shower access for a small fee.
If in a pinch, you can pay a bit more at truck stops and travel centers. They often have clean, private showers available. It’s good to search online to find free or low-cost showers in different areas. If planning to stay in campsites, they might have showers as well.
In warmer climates, natural bodies of water like lakes or beaches may be an option for rinsing off. Carrying wet wipes and dry shampoo can help keep you clean between full showers.
8. Resources and Communities for Car Dwellers
At times, living in a car can be isolating. But it doesn’t have to be. There are online communities that provide valuable support. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and forums like Cheap RV Living offer tips, advice, and shared experiences. You can learn from fellow car dwellers like me and many others.
There are nonprofits like Safe Parking Programs in some cities. They can help you find designated overnight parking areas with access to bathrooms and security. These resources can help provide peace of mind.
Attending van life meetups and events can also foster a sense of community. Many car dwellers form friendships and share resources. This helps make life on the road easier and more enjoyable.
9. Stories from People Living in Their Cars
Here are some highlights from living in my car…
Many people choose car living for different reasons. Some are forced into the lifestyle with financial hardships. Others choose it for minimalism and to save money. It’s also a great choice for the freedom to travel. Some have shared their experiences online, showcasing how they turned vehicle dwelling into an adventure.
For example, workers who’ve lost their jobs due to layoffs. They’ve turned to car living as an opportunity to stretch their savings. By cutting living expenses, you can save money to travel full-time or pursue other paths. For example, many people living in cars find some remote working opportunities.
Others embrace car living by choice, seeking a simpler, debt-free lifestyle. Their stories highlight the adaptability and a life of adventure. It comes with resilience for those who make this lifestyle work. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. You can leave a comment on any of my YouTube videos or reach out via my contact page.
10. Back to Living in a House
While living in a car can be a great choice for a while, it’s not often an end goal. Whether it’s a month or a few years, many people transition back into traditional housing. That’s after saving money and going on once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
The transition can be better by setting financial goals ahead of time. Many car dwellers use their time on the road to build up savings. You might be able to improve your credit score, or prepare for a down payment on a home.
One huge benefit of living in a car is a minimalist mindset. When adjusting back to indoor living, these habits are more ingrained. They can help you keep clutter to a minimum, save money and focus on what matters most.
Living in a Car Tips for a Year of Travel
If you’re unsure about living in a car, test it out for a weekend. Find a free camping spot close to where you live. You might be able to talk a friend into trying it out as well. This can help you ease into living in a car to save money.
Then when ready, make the jump. Car dwelling comes with some new challenges, but also many new opportunities. You can set new habits. For example, maybe you have a goal of reading more. If so, check out my top recommended books for young professionals.
To better prepare for living in a car, here are my favorite accessories. If doing a full year without working, you might want to consider other financial moves as well. For example, I did a big IRA Roth Conversion to lower my taxes. It was a simple tax move while living in a car to save money. A little planning can lead to lower expenses and more freedom down the road.