Living in a Van

[amyFB]

Originally Posted by Tahitijack

We've talked about this but are trying to figure out the practical negative. Life on the road questions:

Doctor, specialist: if you are already under dr/specialist care, ask them for recommendations (and agreement that you are physically suited to the endeavor). Review your health insurance for out-of-network providers/costs which may be less attractive/available and more costly.
OTherwise there are the walk in care centers and hospitals.

Dentist? I have never had trouble to find a dentist when needed, no matter where I am.

Haircut/stylist? Which one? there are a million walk in hair salons...wait for the stylist who is busy to get the best cut, but don't overlook the possiblity of getting a talented newbie.

US mail delivery? - check out the options for stuff being sent to c/o Gneral Delivery, any city, any state, usa, zip. That might work if you have a destination known in advance and can let folks know to use it.
Look into converting to electronic delivery to reduce the dependence on postal.

Local services, which one?

Medical coverage? I think you want a PPO plan (not an HMO) but you'll have to pick a primary something so they know how to designate the out-of-network providers.

Vehicle repair, brake down. - AAA road service (or equal) for break down. Pep boys or a dealer for repairs.

I'd be more concerned with keeping clean and neat, freshly showered, laundry done, and meal planning that doesn't depend on restaurants.

[Bob Womack]

Read about Amazon's seasonal migrant workforce based around retired, nomadic, camper-based workers, HERE.

Bob

[Enchilada Jones]

I read about a college student in Europe who was fed up with her dorm life and used her housing money for a seasonal pass on the euro train system. Cars with sleeping and bathing capability. She would get out of class and go board a train to a nearby destination live on the train overnight and on weekends could return to family home etc. and return to campus as needed all within the trains schedule. Imagine a ride through the alps while writing a term paper...

I was envious of her. Unfortunately the US doesn’t have the rail systems to recreate her housing solution

[SMan]

My Dad spent spent over 12 years living in Arizona off a motorcycle at first, then he made a tent trailer from a small utility trailer, finally he converted a 55 passenger school bus to his home. It was spartan living but his bus was beautiful inside. He absolutely loved that lifestyle.

My oldest brother spent much of his life after Vietnam living in a Van. He certainly never was a 9-5 job / house with a picket fence guy. He was happy living that way but always had money and substance abuse issues.

Having lived on my own since my junior year in high school I ended up living in my car for an extended period prior to joining the Army in the early 70's. Can't say I liked it but sometimes it is what it is.

The logistical stuff like mail and medical can be figured out. Hygiene stuff can be a bit of a challenge if you are employed. If you can figure it all out and it works for you give it a try.

All that said I agree the media turns the amp up to 11 all the time and life is not near as dangerous, dramatic, or doom and gloom as they portray it.

[cotten]

DANGERS OF TRAVELING AND LIVING IN A VAN



A great site: https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/

MUST WATCH BEFORE STARTING VAN LIFE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_6XjWUBexY

cotten

[Truckjohn]

So why not try it out. Just go do something on the cheap and see... You can be on the road for well under $500...

Start cheap... Try living in a tent and see how a week away goes. Then try 2 weeks...

What you will probably find is that you will want a "home base" some place you can orbit back to... Some place you can stop and recharge your batteries, do maintenance, and ride out bad weather... Home base wise... I would endeavor for debt free/own it out right... And if you don't have family or geographic limitations - pick some place with low taxes, cheap standard of living, and a laid back lifestyle... YMMV based on what makes you happy..

Another home base possibility would be to work out a deal with a family member to rent a room for a price...

[Mr. Jelly]

I have a friend who lived is whole life "free". When he hit his 60s and got on social security or what he got from social security he found he couldn't live on it. He even gets a little pension from a union job he had in the 70s. Now his thoughts go to having someplace to die. He doesn't have any place to claim as his. He's a nice guy though!

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by waveform

Im less afraid of bears then humans. Im a little afraid of the living in a van and homeless stigma.

Me too for the most part. The most freeing thing you can do is let go of what others think of you, so don't worry about the stigma, heck, I'm technically homeless myself. Do it while you are young and get it out of your system.

I think my retirement gig is going to be "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" - living out of a vehicle and playing music for whomever will listen.

[jpd]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

I have a friend who lived is whole life "free". When he hit his 60s and got on social security or what he got from social security he found he couldn't live on it. He even gets a little pension from a union job he had in the 70s. Now his thoughts go to having someplace to die. He doesn't have any place to claim as his. He's a nice guy though!

I have a brother-in-law like that. This year, he bought his first townhouse at age 66 He has asked my youngest to donate his body to the U of tennessee for research.....

[RP]

Originally Posted by jpd

...He has asked my youngest to donate his body to the U of tennessee for research.....

That's the location of the famous Body Farm where the decomposition of donated bodies is studied....

[veryzer]

Go for it. On of my favorite people on the planet, world class rock climber, Alex Honnold does it and enjoys the freedom it provides.

[waveform]

Wow I wasn't expecting that much response, thanks all. It does seem like something one would do in the 60-70's with more social acceptance. Ironically its music from that time period that shapes me musically. It would be cool to hear some folks who have done it also. Work and making a living is one of the big ones people pointed out. Theres a lot of important stuff folks said and although I can comment on it all Im taking it into consideration. A single bedroom apartment goes for 1200 bucks lets say. Minimum wage 10 dollars so 1600 bucks a month. I dont see the freedom in that.

If I did find a job I wanted I would say I live down the street from the place, just not tell them its in my van. America is still the most free place on the planet. But it is a "must be present to win" kinda place. I think this will be difficult, sleeping, finding places to hang out and camp. But the more I read people have made it work, like the people pointed out.

The world is nut job crazy, in part, not seeing that will lead one to ruin. "Society" is too subjective and at this point you need to find the gold, its there. Living on the road will keep you free and clean. I have a water system, heat, stove, solar, fridge. Yes I will post pics! Even a place for my guitar.

Its important to remember we are all human and at the end of the day we dont need all this stuff. One of my dreams is to get onto one of those Survival TV shows kill the camera crew, eat the contestants and claim the island for my self. Ok maybe not resort to cannibalism thats gross.

[jpd]

Originally Posted by waveform

Wow I wasn't expecting that much response, thanks all. It does seem like something one would do in the 60-70's with more social acceptance. Theres a lot of important stuff folks said and although I can comment on it all Im taking it into consideration. I think this will be difficult, sleeping, finding places to hang out and camp. But the more I read people have made it work, like the people pointed out.
.

The book I recommended-Nomadland*-is all about the rise of people giving up homes, apts, etc to live on wheels . Some by choice, some by necessity. You will find it eye opening:eek
I did travel around the Country in the late 60's early 70's living in a cab-over camper atop a Datsun King-cab. Used Walmart parking and many campgrounds . But I also had a trade that paid cash at the end of your shift...not done anymore! Hoping it all works out for you

[RustyAxe]

Living like a homeless person. What a thing to aspire to! Here's to you my ramblin' boy ...

[RP]

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

Living like a homeless person. What a thing to aspire to! Here's to you my ramblin' boy ...

I wonder if John Steinbeck's family offered similar encouragement....https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travels_with_Charley