Living in a car is not something that everyone usually recommends. However, when you're fired, your emergency fund runs out, your home is foreclosed on (or you're forced out), and there's no one to help, staying in a car may be the only option, especially if you don't feel safe in a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, in many places, sleeping in a car is not only seen as strange, but also illegal. Luckily, there's some useful information to help you do that until you hit better odds. You have to choose the right car, the right parking space, and look for savings points to access basic necessities like showering.
Step
Part 1 of 7: Early Stage
Step 1. Find a suitable car
You can only stay in the car if the car is working. If you can predict long-term living situations, buy a van; ideally one without windows (like delivery vans): you'll have room to store things, have a roof that opens to get air, shelves on the ceiling, and can look out for the sun. If you live in Australia, white Chevy vans and Holden panels can make your identity more secure. Buy a new or "like new" car. Otherwise, you will have to be a reliable mechanic to live in an old car. Old cars may break down at inopportune times if you are not diligent about taking care of them.
Step 2. Before you start living in a car, use a permanent address to:
- Rent a post box or Personal Mailbox (PMB). Although Personal Mailboxes are usually more expensive, you can receive packages through their services. Some service providers allow you to use the address format to look like an apartment; this format can be useful when someone needs your physical address.
- Sign up for a membership service in the game. If it's too expensive, a more affordable alternative (depending on your location) is to take a community college class - you can use their game facilities. At some colleges, you don't even have to register. Just make sure you're careful and visit only colleges that open their games to the public and don't ask for proof of identity.
- Update all files that require a processing address immediately.
- Put valuables in the deposit box at the bank.
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If you have friends or family members who can't (or refuse) to help in your life situation, or you don't want to ask them for help, consider at least asking for permission to use their address.
Step 3. Carry personal identification, driver's license, car insurance with you at all times
Have these papers ready in case the police check on you.
Step 4. Buy a steering wheel lock and use it
Why is this thing necessary? Because if your vehicle is lost, your house will also be lost. You'll probably never see it again and you'll be in real trouble! It's not like someone owning a house or apartment - it's about your survival. Buy a steering wheel lock now, the price is usually around IDR 260,000.00.
Part 2 of 7: Finding a Safe and Unobtrusive Parking Place
Step 1. Find a safe and unobtrusive parking space
First, look to see if there are any organizations or businesses in your area (or nearby) that design dedicated parking spaces for people in your situation; for example, some Walmarts allow people to stay in their parking lots at night. This is not only legal, but permitted by the company. They may even provide women-only parking spaces. If there is no parking space like this and you live in an urban area, look for a road that has no sidewalks, is easily visible from windows, and is near a forest; the area should be quiet enough to prevent inquisitive people from peeking in, but still busy enough with cars to keep your vehicle inconspicuous. Retail store parking lots (especially those that are open 24 hours and have restrooms) are great for cleaning and keeping safe, as long as you pay the fee and don't park in the same spot too often. However, the parking lot can be noisy, especially in the morning when delivery trucks arrive with food and goods.
- Church parking lots are usually quiet on weekdays. If you look around where you live, there may be churches that are used less frequently than others. This church can be a good place to park, and you may be able to ask the church for help. You can also join his worship to build a reputation, but wait a while before telling others about your situation. Only tell those who seem trustworthy and willing to help.
- Industrial establishments and shophouse complexes are usually busy during the day, but very quiet at night. A place of business close to a residential area is the best option, as long as it's quiet at night. You may run into security at these places, but if you're honest and say you're just sleeping, they usually won't bother you. Their main task is to protect property.
- Parking lot at the university. You can choose it if you're a student, but it's not ideal if you don't have ties to the university. You may have to get a parking permit.
- Another option is a campsite, although usually places like this have time constraints and are almost as expensive as a hotel room. Some campsites offer bathrooms that can be used for a fee. In the US, the national forests have free camping sites with a 14-day limit.
- Cruise ports are popular 'free zones' – because fishermen and other boats spend a lot of time here, so they offer a variety of services, such as hot showers and transit vehicles. If the harbor is busy, lots of big ships come and stay for several months with their crews, they are all just 'transiting', so it can make you and the vehicle inconspicuous. They don't know or care about you. If they know that you live in the car, they still don't care, because they usually 'act freely' themselves. You can hang out with them on the weekends and get to know someone who wants their boat cleaned – offer this service, then you'll have access to showers and onboard space.
- If the boat doesn't have a toilet, look for a nearby creek to clean the body. Learn how to defecate safely outdoors and build a poop tube. You can also use a 15 liter bucket with a lid that can prevent odors.
- Free parking spaces at the hospital can also be an option. If approached by a guard, say that you are waiting for someone to visit a sick relative. However, be aware that in Australia, because of past nurse homicides, you may attract police attention when parked at a hospital and asked to move.
- If you can build a good reputation with the manager of a retail store or restaurant, they may not mind letting you sleep in their place, especially if you think you can help with security.
- Try the hotel parking lot. Hotels and motels along the interprovincial route usually allow parking until 11 a.m. the next day (checkout time). As long as your car seat is fully reclined, no one will notice you. However, you still have to move places.
- Once you find a place, try to arrive at night and leave before 7am. This will ensure that you attract as little attention as possible.
Step 2. Purchase earplugs
Due to street noises, you may need earplugs to fall asleep. This plug will block background noise until you can tolerate it. Earplugs are effective at drowning out the sounds of traffic, birds, animals, talking, and background music. These plugs will not be able to block out very loud noises or coming from close sources, such as a knock on a car window.
Part 3 of 7: Maintaining Body Cleanliness
Step 1. Find a shower
The most logical choice is a game. This way, you will stay fresh and be able to move in the morning. Don't pick a game right away the first time you find it. Search first, you'll probably find an almost forgotten game and can shower and clean yourself in it without shame. Remember: the people who can build a bad reputation for how homeless people look are the real homeless, so don't be like them! Don't be tempted to "leave things as they are," because once you get used to it, you'll have a hard time cleaning yourself up. A neat appearance can help you maintain a positive self-image when needed.
- Games may be expensive. Many games require fees ranging from IDR 300,000,00 per month to IDR 700,000/more per week. This fee is quite expensive, especially just for a shower. Many government agencies, churches, and social organizations provide free bathrooms. You may be at a loss if you use the gym just to shower, especially since you can still get in shape without working out at the gym. Consider washing your sandals or shoes to keep your feet from getting moldy and towel drying outside the car.
- Community or recreation centers with games and bathrooms are a cheaper option than commercial games. The average annual membership fee at these venues is the same as the monthly membership fee for the national games. However, you may not be able to store items safely in these locations.
- The next best option is a caravan park, which you can park one or two days a week. The cost in Australia is around IDR 180,000-Rp 260,000, 00, and may be more expensive in the US. You will get a parking space, can wash clothes (usually there is an additional fee), refill drinking water, shower, and even set up a tent if you have one. Caravan parks also usually have a charging station where you can charge electrical equipment or turn on fans and heating.
- A possibly more expensive alternative is to rent a motel/hostel room once or twice a week and have a full bath there (if you can afford it).
- The swimming pool has a shower, which can be a comfortable place to bathe (depending on the arrangement, whether private or group). Another option you might consider is using wet wipes to clean yourself up when you can't shower, or a "cowboy bath" in a public restroom if you're comfortable doing so. Also look for local buildings that have private toilets. Use it to wash your hair or face. Bring a towel to dry your head and sink area, and clean yourself up quickly. Make sure you move around.
- If you live in the US, you can request shower coupons at truck stops. Only do it when you can tell people that you have no place to live. This rest stop is also good for resting, although it can be noisy at night (so prepare earplugs).
- Some toll roads, particularly the cross-provincial roads, have rest areas with free showers for truckers. Since these rest areas are usually open 24 hours, you can also use them to sleep.
- Look for college sports dormitories-they usually don't always check for identity and can be a great place to shower. Check out the schedule and costs-sometimes you can take a class for a low price, so you're considered a member of the gym, and gain access to a gym, library, WiFi network, and resource and work office (in addition to being able to learn something).
Part 4 of 7: Appear Inconspicuous
Step 1. Be careful
Practicing a vigilant attitude will help minimize embarrassment and avoid being the target of police investigations or criminal robberies.
- Rotate some parking locations so you don't get noticed.
- When you move in a parked car, do so slowly so that your vehicle doesn't sway with it.
- When the weather is sunny during the day, use a windshield cover.
- You may need and want more privacy than your windows can offer you. There are several inexpensive ways to get it. Reflective windows on the front and back can help. You can also attach the cover to the side mirror, or buy a cheap cloth and clip it to the car window, attach it with tape, or attach it with a magnet. Black fabric is the best choice for privacy and protection from light.
- If you can afford it and are permitted by local law and you're comfortable, darken your windows as much as legally possible. Together with the combination of a windshield cover and a black cloth or towel, you will get a high level of privacy. If you hang towels or clothes from a non-dark window, people will know that a homeless person lives in the car. If you hang it on a dark window pane (and don't allow people to see into the car), you won't attract attention.
- Open the windows while sleeping, but not so wide that someone can reach into the car. Make sure there's enough to get fresh air and reduce condensation on the window panes.
Part 5 of 7: Finding the Main Purpose
Step 1. Purchase the items you will need
The basic necessities for living in a car are blankets, pillows, and mattresses or other bedding. Since the corner in the car is in a seated position, your back may hurt - the space is tight. If this happens, make sure you have painkillers on hand. Once your bedding is complete, cover the back bench with a blanket and stretch it over the two front seats. This strategy helps block out light as well as people's views.
- An inexpensive small refrigerator can make your life easier. Buy a waterproof one. Cold food will cause condensation, while ice will melt. Do not let this water wet your car. This small refrigerator will help keep food cool. It will work best when it is fully charged, so put a bottle of cold water in it when you take out the food. If you choose to buy an electric small refrigerator, you must prepare a good ventilation space so that the refrigerator can function. It is for this reason that the refrigerator cannot be turned on when the car is stopped. The refrigerator must be run while the car is moving. Make sure the refrigerator only turns on when your car's engine is also running, or use a voltage cut tool (as described below). The vents of the refrigerator should not touch anything as they give off heat and may cause a fire.
- One of the most important items (if you can afford it) is the Porta-Potty, the chemical toilet. This tool can really help life in the car. You can buy them for under Rp1,300,000,00. If you don't have the money or space, you can pee into a wide-necked bottle (eg a Gatorade bottle) or make your own improv toilet.
Step 2. Purchase a spare air compressor/battery to jump start the car when needed
Prepare extra tires and at least one tire sealant. Make sure the sealant is a removable type.
Step 3. Find alternative ways to create electric current
You can use a cigarette lighter plug. This plug is a useful low-energy device for generating power (100 watts), but if you want to use the vehicle for cooking, you'll need to use more power directly from the car battery or the ignition circuit will explode. However, be aware that running cookware on car power is not very practical, batteries and inverter systems are expensive. You can use a water heater and a small 12-volt pot, but these are usually not very efficient. You'll also need to buy a much more expensive inverter if you want to power things that use the mains. You may have to turn off the vehicle while it's running on power (if you don't have dual batteries), however, a real car alternator isn't designed to produce the current you need.
- The right option for all car occupants is to purchase a tension cutlery. This device protects the car battery by cutting its power once the battery reaches the voltage to start the car, but cannot run other electrical equipment. These tools usually sell for around IDR 300,000, 00 to IDR 500,000, 00, and are a good investment for car occupants. Continuous absorption of power from the battery can damage it, so you will need to spend a lot of money to replace it. You will also certainly feel annoyed when you can't start the car.
- Alternatively, you can use gas for cooking instead of electric appliances, but don't use it in a vehicle - this is important for safety. There are many dangers of cooking in a car: unstable surfaces, risk of fire, burns from hot metal or spilled liquids, carbon monoxide buildup, and unpleasant odors. Cooking must be done outside the car. If you live in a van that has a stable kitchen for cooking, you may do so as long as the van has a ventilation system.
Step 4. Prepare something portable to store things
Buy a bag that you can fill with soap, clothes, cell phone, etc. Keeping it tidy will help you avoid the hassle. Cars may appear to have little space, but it's actually easy to lose things in them. Also, keeping your car tidy will ensure that you don't get too noticed by passersby looking through the windows. Hide your bed (consider keeping it in the trunk). If you don't have enough space to store clothes and supplies for weeks, try leaving them at a friend's house for safety reasons, unless you can visit them. He may also give you permission to shower and relax. When you wash clothes, dry them thoroughly, don't let damp clothes leave mold or odor in the car. When you're not in the car, open the windows slightly and use air freshener to make the interior of the car smell good. Wash your sheets once a month, or you'll smell like a bum - so you'll be caught homeless and start being treated like a homeless person.
Step 5. Store dirty clothes separately in plastic bags so they don't stink
Step 6. Prepare a high quality flashlight
Purchase a flashlight with 3/4 batteries for two purposes: lighting and keeping safe. A flashlight like this is big enough to use as a metal stick in self-defense if needed.
Part 6 of 7: Eat
Step 1. Evaluate your food options
Peanut butter, tuna, and crackers are good choices. Prepare a lunch box so that the food does not crumble. Also prepare several gallons of water for various things. The amount of food you can store will be limited to the preservation factor. Fast food is expensive if you rely on it to make a living. Make sure you always have a nutritious snack by preparing rolled oats, powdered milk, bottled water, plastic cups, and chocolate protein powder.
Part 7 of 7: Keeping the Spirit
Step 1. Stay positive
Keep reminding yourself that this situation is only temporary. Take time each day to find work. Visit local libraries and bookstores not only to find work, but also to build knowledge that can help you get a job. Search the internet for community voice mail services and have a paid cell phone ready for potential employers to contact you. To save money, consider requesting free meal service from food banks and soup kitchens. The most important thing is to talk to social volunteers and religious organization staff - they will usually sympathize and understand your situation and try to help.
Tips
- Listen to your intuition. If a parking location feels uncomfortable for any reason, find a new one.
- Make sure you have documentation and vehicle insurance. Without these two things, your problem will only get worse.
- If you've got a social assistance fund and can't afford deodorant or car deodorizer, choose baking soda. Cheap hydrogen peroxide, mixed with baking soda, can be used as a toothpaste. If you can't shower for a day or two, baking soda can also be used to clean your hair and remove the oil.
- If you spend the night in your car after drinking alcohol, don't leave your key in the ignition. If the weather is cold and you need to turn on the heating in the car, move to the passenger side or the back seat. Otherwise, you could develop DUI/DWI syndrome while sleeping in the car.
- Register to be a member of a car association. This can help, especially when the car battery is damaged or dry.
- Prepare a disinfectant to clean your hands if you wear contact lenses. Better yet, choose glasses.
- If you have enough space in your car, install a gallows for storing clothes. Plus, your shirt will be wrinkle-free, especially when you need it for a job interview.
- If you live alone and your vehicle can accommodate a lot of passengers, get rid of unnecessary benches. Your vehicle will be more spacious and fuel efficient.
- Personal safety should always be the number one priority. Place the key near you (but not in the starter hole) so you can quickly escape when needed. You can use a kitchen knife as a weapon, or pepper spray. If allowed by law in the area where you live, buy a gun. Criminals look for targets who appear weak or travel alone. Sometimes, the sound of a gun being cocked is enough to frighten would-be firefighters. However, be aware that the police may shoot you if they realize you are carrying a gun. Police usually don't have much respect for the homeless, there have been so many shootings of homeless people (even when they don't carry guns) by the police.
- Remember, you are not alone and you still have a vehicle. There are many others who have survived and even managed to succeed while still sleeping in cars.
Warning
- Don't drink alcohol. Don't bring alcohol into the car. If the police find you with alcohol or blood in the car, you could get into trouble, even if you weren't driving when you met them.
- Never sleep in the driver's seat if you can avoid it. The body will immediately associate the chair with sleep, creating a risk while driving - especially when you are tired. Lie down in the passenger seat or lie in the back if there is space.
- Be careful who you tell about your situation. If they probably won't be able to help, don't tell, because you could be putting yourself in danger.
- If you regularly sleep in the car, do as little else as possible. Don't eat, read, or do anything that makes you spend more time in the car. The longer you do this, the more your car will smell.
- Be aware that a gun in a car can pose a risk. If you wake up startled and point the gun at the wrong person (such as a cop knocking on a window), you could be shot.
- Stay aware at all times. A clear mind is the best security guard tool. Be honest, be polite, and stay smart and you won't be seen as a threat.
- If you've been homeless long enough, you may not have the money to pay for car insurance. Be aware that you may be found to be breaking the law, and your car may be confiscated.
- Make sure there is always sufficient airflow in the car cabin. Do not block airflow through vents, and do not use car hoods.
- Cars can become your master's weapon if you stay in them. Remember this. If a police officer tells you to do something, follow the instructions, because he has the right to take strict action if you don't want to get out of the car. Never move your body unless instructed to.
- Avoid driving a car. Although it may seem harmless, the police are not very happy with the marginalized. They may write a report about you to the government office, hoping that your driver's license will be revoked.
