Van Dwelling Tips!
SECURITY: Keys, locks, extra window alarms are all useful. Make an extra key. Or two. If you can afford it, a dog is ideal, but paradoxically this can attract unwanted attention as well. If possible, keep a camera (camcorder is ideal, but a $5 disposable WITH flash will suffice) for deterring/documenting intruders or overzealous law-enforcement
GARBAGE BAGS/PLASTIC BAGS: Extraordinarily useful. A petroleum product, unfortunately, and therefore soon-to-be-extinct. Ziploc bags (gallon size, generic) are useful for everything: storage for all items. Keep your notebooks/important papers/passport in a ziploc bag, eventually you will encounter an orange-juice spill or a rain-leak that will be disasterous. Garbage bags (black giant) are useful for keeping moisture out (leaks, screens, etc.) and multiple other incidental uses. Different garbage bags (thick Hefty vs. thin generic leaf bags) each have their uses and advantages. Put heavy black plastic garbage bags over shades/drapes/windows for security: not only for unwanted peepers looking inside, but to prevent your vehicle from becoming a late-night display of "having the lights on" at night.
SAFETY PINS: Extraordinarily useful. For everything that duct tape does not accomplish.
DUCT TAPE: Extraordinarily useful. If you keep extra rolls, you must rotate. Not all duct tape stays fresh. Keep away from heat.
HANDI-WIPES: Extraordinarily useful. Buy luxury on this item if possible: get Huggies Supreme Care. Although there is alcohol (drying) content in these wipes, they are invaluable for hygiene, spills, water-saving, etc.
OTHER HANDY ITEMS include paper towel, toilet paper, extra medium-size boxes, earplugs for urban areas, saving your empty bottles/containers, saving plastic grocery bags.
SUMMER TIPS: Park in the shade whenever possible. Urban/rural areas with more canopy trees can decrease vehicle heat by up to 20 degrees. If you must park in the sun, you must keep the windows/doors open a crack if possible. Store all perishable/valuable possessions in the geographic center of the vehicle, away from doors/walls, or it will melt/damage. Perishable items include medical items, electronic equipment, food supply, water, batteries, etc. Stay out of the sun. If your vehicle is dark-colored, it will absorb more heat. This is an advantage in the winter, a disadvantage in the summer.
WINTER TIPS: Park in the sun whenever possible. Your vehicle will absorb heat during the day, even on overcast days. Winterize the vehicle for leaks/wind, using garbage bags/visqueen, and blankets. Buy extra sleeping bags on the cheap at Goodwill or K-Mart. You will always use them. You almost cannot have too many. Living in a vehicle in the winter is not recommended unless you're in a temperate area. Below 40 degrees you will produce an amazing amount of moisture (from your breath) inside the vehicle. This can damage almost everything. You MUST wrap EVERYTHING in garbage bags and keep them marked (or else you're going to keep opening the garbage bags to find out where you put your CDs, certain books, etc). Don't skimp on this. Paper items/products will also be water-damaged eventually, and mold will grow even on the outside of the garbage bags in unusual areas. If you can, store items around you in the vehicle (opposite of summer) and yourself in the geographic center of the vehicle. The items stored around you will absorb/retain heat, and block cold from the outside. The walls of your vehicle are going to be colder than the center of the vehicle (opposite of summer). Common sense, perhaps, but it's not always evident unless you're used to "survival thinking."
BATTERIES: Purchase extra batteries for all that you will need them for....Buy solar if you can afford the expense/investment. Not all solar items "work" reliably. Research on the Net. Solar cooking/"Volcano Stove" is handy during the summer.
OTHER EQUIPMENT:Do not use flashlights or conventional light sources -- trust me. LED lasts 100 times longer. E-Bay and other outlets sell some very nice LED lights that are brighter than conventional light sources -- or less bright, depending on your preference. LED also comes in colors and shades which are useful for different times of day. Do not leave expensive items in your vehicle when you leave. Invest in a good backpack, and carry your laptop/DVD player/vital DVDs-unreplaceable CDs.
PASSPORT: Always carry your passport on your person. Do not leave your passport anywhere OFF your body except for sleep. Make photocopies. If you do not have a passport by now, get one!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Use your library, post office, local mail rental box. Do not underestimate carelessness. Be 100% discreet if you care about yourself at all.
If you must avoid the city, try a college/university town. They are often more tolerant, although this has changed plenty in the past 25 years. Avoid using university facilities -- even if you think you can "pass" for a student. This used to be a lifesaving feature of university towns, but security concerns have eliminated any possibility of using a university/dorm restroom or cafe. You WILL be asked for ID. You WILL be arrested for trespassing. Depending on the university, this can be a misdemeanor or a serious felony.
MOTELS can be used for emergencies, when you really need a normal existence.
LIVING AND WORKING : There are many creative ways to earn an income while traveling. Use your imagination, or explore the many temporary employment possiblities through the internet or local employment agency.
MORALE can be a concern when you're living in a vehicle. Eat well: Food Is Morale. Don't punish yourself to save money in this area. Maintain exercise. Don't skimp on sleep. Living in a vehicle can be "the best of times." Treat yourself as if it's your personal vacation. Keep a logbook/journal. Enjoy the benefits & advantages. It's an adventure. And you are saving a ton of cash on rent.
PASSPORT: Always carry your passport on your person. Do not leave your passport anywhere OFF your body except for sleep. Make photocopies.
INTERNET is a precious resource. Use it while we have it. Read about alternative energy sources and strategic locations for survival. These are the Good Old Days, believe it or not.
I'm looking forward to mountain living, with a dog and some chickens , and I can live forever on potatoes, eggs, cheese & peppers. Give me a shovel and I won't need the Internet by the time it's regulated or obsolete because of the Second Great Depression. A case of chocolate for rations, I'll live the rest of my life in FREEDOM.
bravenet.com
