How to Live in Your Car may not be an ideal long-term solution, but for some, it’s a practical option when circumstances or personal choices make traditional housing unfeasible. Whether due to financial hardship, a desire for independence, or safety concerns with local shelters, living in your car could be the only viable alternative. However, it’s important to understand that in many areas, living in your car is not only discouraged but can also be illegal. That said, with the right strategies, you can manage this lifestyle temporarily while working toward a more stable living situation.
To start, it’s crucial to select the right car that offers enough space and comfort for living. Finding safe, legal parking spots is also key to avoiding trouble. In addition, you’ll need to identify cost-effective locations for accessing basic amenities like showers. Remember, how to live in your car isn’t about permanence but rather making the best of a difficult situation until a better solution presents itself. Always aim to keep your living arrangements temporary while you work towards a more permanent housing option.
With the right preparation and mindset, living in your car can be manageable. Just remember that this should never be a long-term plan, but a temporary strategy to weather difficult times.
Things You Should Know
Maintaining a clean car, especially the interior, is essential for creating a comfortable living space. Invest in a warm sleeping bag, a soft pillow, and earplugs to help ensure you get a restful night’s sleep.
Finding a safe and discreet parking spot is crucial. Consider parking at 24-hour big box stores, quiet streets with minimal traffic, or campgrounds to stay under the radar.
For personal hygiene, make sure to identify a few reliable spots for regular grooming and showers, such as gyms, truck stops, or recreational centers. Alternating between these locations will help you avoid over-relying on one place.
Part1 At the Start
Step 1: Find a Suitable Car
To successfully live in your car, the vehicle itself needs to be in good condition. If you have some time before making the transition, consider getting a van, ideally a windowless delivery van. It provides ample space beneath the platform bunk for storage, and you can install a rooftop skylight or hatch for ventilation, along with a rooftop rack for additional storage. A simple, inconspicuous vehicle like a white Chevy van or a Holden panel van in Australia can help with camouflage. If you’re using an older car, make sure to stay on top of maintenance, as older vehicles are more prone to breakdowns at inconvenient times.
Step 2: Use Your Permanent Address for Important Tasks
Before you start living in your car, make sure to set up some essential services using your permanent address:
- Rent a post office box or a Private Mailbox (PMB). While PMBs tend to be pricier, they allow you to receive packages, and some services provide an address format that makes it look like an apartment, which can be useful when a physical address is required.
- Sign up for a gym membership or, if it’s more affordable, enroll at a local community college where you can access their gym facilities.
- Renew any important paperwork that needs an address for processing.
- Store valuables in a safe deposit box at a bank for added security.
- If you have friends or family who can’t assist with your living situation, consider asking them if you can use their address for mail.
Step 3: Keep Your Identification and Insurance Up to Date
Ensure that your personal identification, driver’s license, and car insurance are always current. These documents should be readily available, especially for inspection by law enforcement when needed.
Step 4: Invest in a Steering Column Lock
Buy a steering column lock and use it regularly! This inexpensive investment (around $20) is crucial for your safety. If your car is stolen, you not only lose your vehicle but also your home. A steering column lock is a small but important step to protect yourself and your belongings.
Part2 Finding Safe and Inconspicuous Places to Park
Step 1: Find a Safe and Inconspicuous Place to Park
Finding the right place to park is essential for staying under the radar. Start by checking with friends or relatives to see if they’ll let you park on their property. If that’s not an option, look for businesses or organizations in your area that offer designated parking lots for people in situations like yours. For example, Walmart allows overnight camping in their parking lots. These lots are often safe, legal, and might even have women-only spaces, offering an extra layer of security.
If there are no designated parking lots nearby, search for quiet streets in urban areas with no sidewalks or overlooking windows, preferably next to a wooded area. The area should be discreet enough to avoid drawing attention but populated enough that your car doesn’t stick out. Big-box retailers, especially those open 24 hours with restrooms, are also good options for parking, as they provide security and cleaning facilities. Just be sure to buy something occasionally and avoid parking in the same spot too often.
Church parking lots tend to be quiet during weekdays, making them another good option. Find a church that’s less busy, and if you feel comfortable, you can ask for assistance. Some industrial estates and business parks offer quiet at night, though you may encounter security guards. If you explain your situation honestly, they might leave you alone, as their main concern is protecting the property.
University parking lots are ideal if you’re a student, but if you’re not, it may be harder to park without a permit. Campsites can also be an option, but they often have time limits, and some can be expensive. National Forests offer free camping for up to 14 days. Yacht harbors are another possibility, as marinas often have services like hot showers, and the transient nature of boats provides cover for your vehicle.
If you’re in a pinch, hospital parking lots can be a temporary solution, but be aware of potential attention from security, especially in places like Australia. If you’re on good terms with a retail store or restaurant manager, they might allow you to stay overnight without issue. Similarly, hotel parking lots along highways often let vehicles park until checkout time, typically 11:00 a.m. As long as you stay in your car, you should be undetected. Aim to arrive late and leave early to avoid drawing attention.
Step 2: Get Earplugs
Earplugs are a must for sleeping in your car, especially if you’re in a noisy area. They will help block out background noise, such as traffic, animals, and conversations. While earplugs won’t eliminate very loud or close noises, like someone tapping on your car, they can make your environment more bearable. Invest in a good pair of earplugs to ensure a more restful night’s sleep.
Part3 Maintaining Hygiene
Find a Place to Shower
A gym is often the most logical choice for a shower, as it provides not only cleanliness but also a sense of routine to start your day. Don’t settle for the first gym you find; take the time to search for quieter, less crowded gyms where you can shower without feeling self-conscious. Remember, maintaining a well-groomed appearance is essential, especially during a difficult time, as it helps preserve your self-esteem. Avoid letting yourself “go,” as regaining a sense of cleanliness and order becomes harder the longer you neglect it.
That said, gyms can be pricey, with memberships ranging from $35 a month to $55 a week. For just a shower, this can become an expensive option. Many local councils, churches, and community support organizations offer free showers, which can save you money in the long run. Also, keep in mind the importance of bringing flip-flops or water shoes to avoid foot fungus, and ensure your towel has enough time to dry out in your car.
Community centers or recreation centers that include gym and shower facilities often offer cheaper memberships compared to large national gym chains. Many of these centers charge a reasonable yearly membership fee, which may cost about the same as a gym’s monthly rate. However, keep in mind that the security of storing personal items at these places might not be as reliable.
Another affordable option is to book into a caravan park once or twice a week. These parks usually charge between $18 and $26 per night (depending on your location) and offer the added benefit of laundry facilities, water refills, and sometimes electricity to charge your devices. You can park your car and enjoy a proper shower in a secure environment.
If your budget allows, booking a cheap motel or hostel for a night or two per week is a good option for thoroughly cleaning yourself. This may be a bit pricier but provides the comfort and privacy of a full shower.
Swimming pools often have showers, and if they have private stalls, they can be a discreet place to freshen up. Just make sure to check the facilities before relying on them.
If a full shower isn’t possible, unscented baby wipes are a useful alternative for cleaning up on the go. Alternatively, consider using a public restroom where you can discreetly wash your face or hair in a single-person stall. Bring a towel to dry your head and the area around the sink, and be quick to avoid drawing attention. It can also be helpful to alternate between different establishments to keep your routine flexible.
Truck stops are another option. If you’re comfortable with the idea, you can ask about shower coupons, as some truck stops offer them to people in need. Truck stops are also great for sleeping, though they can be noisy at night, so earplugs might be helpful.
Finally, some toll roads or state turnpikes have rest areas with free showers for truckers. These facilities are typically open 24 hours, making them a good place for both sleeping and showering.
In some cases, you can take a single class at a community college for a small fee. This grants you legitimate access to the college’s gym, library, WiFi, and other resources while giving you the chance to learn something new.
Part4 Staying Under the Radar
Be Discreet
Keeping your situation private is key to maintaining your safety and avoiding unnecessary attention from both law enforcement and potential criminals. The less visible you are, the better.
Rotate among different parking spots to minimize the chances of being noticed. Avoid staying in one place for too long, and if you need to move around inside your car, do so slowly to prevent the car from rocking, which could attract attention.
During sunny days, use a sunshade on your windshield to block the sunlight and keep the interior cooler and less noticeable from the outside.
For added privacy, you might find that the standard windows aren’t enough to keep prying eyes out. There are several inexpensive ways to achieve more seclusion. Reflective window shades for your front and rear windows work well, and fold-up shades for side windows can also provide effective coverage. You can even purchase inexpensive cloth, which can be stuffed into windows or held in place with magnets or tape. Black cloth is particularly effective at both blocking light and ensuring privacy.
If your budget allows, and local laws permit, consider having your windows tinted as dark as legally possible. This, combined with a sunshade and dark cloth or towels, will offer significant privacy and reduce visibility into your vehicle. Hanging a towel or cloth on an untinted window can scream “homeless,” but the same cloth on a tinted window will make it virtually impossible to see inside, helping you blend in and avoid drawing attention.
Lastly, when you sleep in your car, keep the windows slightly cracked open—not enough for someone to reach in, but just enough to allow for fresh air and reduce condensation inside the vehicle. This small adjustment can help keep the air fresh while maintaining a sense of privacy.
Part5 Finding the Essentials
Step 1: Get the Essentials
To live comfortably in your car, you’ll need a few basic essentials. These include a blanket, pillow, and padding or a mattress to sleep on. Given the cramped quarters, back pain can become an issue, so it’s wise to keep pain medication on hand. Once your sleeping area is set up, drape a blanket over the back seat and front seats to block out light and provide more privacy.
A cooler is also essential for keeping perishable food fresh. It should be waterproof to avoid water pooling inside your car due to melting ice. Fill the cooler with cold water bottles to help maintain a consistent temperature. If you opt for an electric cooler, make sure it’s well-ventilated and only operates when the car engine is running, unless you’re using a low-voltage cut-out device to prevent battery drainage.
A Porta-Potty, or chemical toilet, is a must-have if your budget allows. If not, you can use wide-necked bottles like Gatorade bottles or create an improvised bucket-style toilet.
Step 2: Invest in a Combo Backup Battery/Air Compressor
A backup battery and air compressor combo is a great investment for emergencies. It allows you to jump-start your car and ensures you have a reliable source of power. Additionally, always carry a spare tire and at least one can of removable tire sealant to cover tire-related issues.
Step 3: Find Ways to Generate Electricity
To power devices in your car, consider using a cigarette lighter converter. It can handle low-consumption devices (up to 100 watts). However, for cooking, you’ll need a more direct connection to the battery. Be mindful that running electric cooking appliances without a dual battery and inverter system can blow a fuse or damage the car’s alternator.
A low-voltage cut-out device is crucial for protecting your car’s battery. It automatically shuts off power when the battery reaches a voltage level that can still start the car but isn’t strong enough to power plug-in devices. This small device (typically $25–$40) is a worthwhile investment to avoid damaging your battery.
While electric cooking devices can be used, gas cooking is a safer alternative. However, do not cook inside the car due to risks like fire hazards and carbon monoxide buildup. It’s best to cook outside your vehicle when possible.
Step 4: Store Your Items Neatly
Keep your personal items organized in portable bags or containers. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your car looking neat. Hiding your bedding and keeping things in order will also make your car less noticeable to passersby. If you can’t fit a week’s worth of clothes and supplies in your car, store them at a friend’s place, and you’ll have an excuse to visit for a shower or a bit of time away from the car.
To prevent damp clothes from developing mold or odor, make sure your clothes are bone-dry before storing them in the car. Use dryer sheets to keep the car smelling fresh, and make sure to wash your sheets once a month to avoid any unpleasant smells.
Step 5: Keep Dirty Clothes Separate
Use plastic bags to store dirty clothes, ensuring they don’t contaminate the rest of your clothing. This helps maintain a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
Step 6: Get a Quality Flashlight
A good quality flashlight is a must-have. A 3 or 4-battery Maglite flashlight is a reliable option that can serve two purposes: providing light and offering a means of self-defense if needed. Its size and weight make it ideal for protection in emergencies.
Part6 Eating
Step 7: Evaluate Your Food Options
When living in your car, it’s essential to choose food that is both nutritious and easy to store. Peanut butter, tuna, and crackers are excellent staples that don’t require refrigeration and are high in protein. Keep a designated box or container for food to prevent it from getting smashed or disorganized.
Water is a must-have. Gallons of water will serve multiple purposes, from drinking to cooking and cleaning. However, the lack of refrigeration will limit the types of food you can store, so plan accordingly.
Fast food should be avoided, as it can become costly over time. Instead, consider stocking up on old-fashioned (large flake) rolled oats, powdered milk, bottled water, plastic cups, and chocolate protein powder. This combination provides a nutritious snack that can easily be made into a meal and doesn’t require refrigeration, ensuring you have something healthy to fall back on when needed.
Part7 Keeping Buoyant
Step 8: Stay Positive and Seek Support
Maintaining a positive mindset is key to overcoming difficult times. Remind yourself that your current situation is temporary and that each day is an opportunity to improve your circumstances. Focus on actively searching for job opportunities. Utilize local libraries and bookstores, not only to search for work but also to expand your knowledge and skills, which will help you during your job search.
Make sure you’re reachable by potential employers by using community voicemail services or getting a prepaid cell phone. This will ensure that employers can contact you when necessary.
To stretch your budget, explore options like food stamps, food banks, and soup kitchens to help meet your basic needs. Connecting with social workers, religious organizations, and other community groups can provide invaluable support and assistance during tough times.
You can also check the US Department of Labor website for federal programs aimed at helping those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Homeless Assistance Program offers vocational services for individuals facing chronic homelessness.
Reach out to your local homelessness coalition for additional resources and programs such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities, all of which provide employment services and other support. These organizations have websites with detailed information on their services, eligibility requirements, and contact details.
