How to Network: Family for the Lonely Van Dweller

Talk about isolation, living in a van, looking in the rear view mirror at yourself and that's it. Your world reduced to about 150 cubic ft of space. Being alone is fine for a while, but after a period of time your world will close in on you, and withdrawing from reality becomes a serious issue.

Whether it was by choice you became a nomad in a world geared toward stationary dwellings, or if the current economy has forced you into this new and seemingly singular life style, either way you really can't do it completely alone.

Finding helpful information will make life better for you. Making life easier reduces stress, and allows you to keep your perspective. Communicating with others will build your confidence, provide a sounding board for ideas, even provide a social atmosphere. The cyber world of the Internet can provide both guidance and companionship. With your lap top computer, making use of wireless hot spots, you can keep connected. It can provide you with a friendly ear, and even give you family of sorts.

Social groups such as Yahoo Van Dwellers bring people of a similar interest together. Support, camaraderie, and exchange of ideas. It's a wonderful resource.

As important as socializing outside the steel walls of your mini-condo are, there will be plenty of times where your stuck, by yourself, inside your cozy cocoon. A very small TV is inexpensive and in an urban environment can provide access to entertainment. Your laptop again can provide entertainment as well.

With sites like http://www.hulu.com/ you can download a wide variety of television programs any time day or night for your entertainment and it's all free.

Most laptops come standard with a DVD player built in. Any local library can provide many current run movies, and again it's all free. How about reading a good book, Google Book Search can give you a long list of free on line novels.

Music can be enjoyable entertainment. Of course there isn't room for that huge stereo you had in the past, even a good sized Boom Box uses too much valuable space. A small MP3 player takes no more space then a throw away cigarette lighter and can store hundreds of albums and songs. If you happen to be a fan of Old Time Radio you can download programs from the 40's and 50's.

Job searching, talking to those not on line, even ordering a pizza, all may require telephone service. With the vast majority of the population using cell phones you might as well join the crowd. With a 12vdc power cord you can recharge the battery from your vehicle. Combine that with portability and you've got the perfect match for the mobile lifestyle.

With these few devices you have everything to operate a small office from your van. You have access to social activities, and entertainment. Most important you have a ready supply of people who relate to your situation. With these few basics many have successfully found ways to earn an income to support their simple life. Remember, without the financial drain of a house or apartment the cost of maintaining your lifestyle is a fraction of what it once was.