Living in Your Car to Save Money: Tips and Warnings

A new trend amongst young (and occasionally, not-so-young) adults is to live inside their car for a year or two in order to save up a healthy amount of money. The reasons people do this vary-some individuals do it in order to avoid wasting money on rent and saving up enough to get a house early in life; others do it because it is the only way they can afford to pay off their credit card bills; still yet, others do it because it is a cheap way to see the country while saving money in the process.

No matter the reason, sleeping in a vehicle can be both simple and difficult, depending the on the day and your preparation for unexpected situations. Below are some not-so-obvious tips and warning for those who are considering this unusual lifestyle.

Family and Friends

Prepare to explain (over and over and over) to your family and friends about why you choose to live this way, and how it is going to work. You will, in all likelihood, be met with disbelief, resistance, and possibly even anger. You will instantly be labeled as homeless, and assumptions will instantly be made about the way you'll live, including the impression that you'll be dirty and will urinate in coffee cups. Stay strong.

Vehicle

You vehicle is about to become your home. If you have a passenger car, I recommend selling it (perform minor repairs if necessary so you can sell it for more), and get a truck or an SUV. Most people resist this at first, thinking that the gas is going to offset any savings - this isn't true, however, and living is a passenger car is all but impossible.

If you get an SUV, look for a reliable model with seats that fold down in the back. A good example is the Jeep Cherokee, which are found frequently on Craigslist and at used car lots. If you get a truck, look for one that has a good bed and, preferably, a bed cap. If it doesn't, make sure that you can easily find a cap to put over the bed so that you have shelter.

Initial Costs

Your vehicle will need to be in good running condition. Never purchase a vehicle that is having engine or transmission problems, as the replacement costs for those two parts can be twice the cost of the vehicle itself. Give it a complete tune-up, including: oil change, transmission filter/fluid change, new brake pads and rotors (if necessary), new tires (if necessary), check the oxygen sensor, the spark plugs, the serpentine belt, the water pump and radiator, as well as the structural integrity of the body.

Consider an AAA membership for the off-chance that something breaks on your vehicle and you need a tow or a tire change. Always have spare motor oil, air filter, and some fuses in the truck. Always have a spare tire in good working condition, as well as a jack.

Food

You will need to learn to readjust your cooking habits so that you don't eat out every day. Not only is this incredibly unhealthy, but it will also cost many hundreds of dollars a month, and will offset any savings.

Mount a spice rack to the side of your car, get a small propane or charcoal grill, and canned food. If possible, purchase some 1 quart canning jars and use them to store nuts, flour, dried fruit like berries and raisins, powered drink mixes, and dried meat. To save space, use bouillon cubes to make gravy instead of broth, as the cubes take up far less room. Making a big batch of hardtack is an excellent way to preserve flour. Hardtack can be tossed in a pot of chili or a skillet of fish and will be soft like a biscuit by the time the food is done.

Consider getting a bottle of multivitamins, and taking one a day to make up for dietary deficits.

Clothing

Clothing will be dependent on your career - if you have a job where you can dress casually, consider keeping five plain t - shirts, two pairs of plain shorts, one pair of pants, and a zipper jacket. All of these items can be stored in a small chest, in a net across the ceiling, or in a backpack. If you have a job that requires more formal clothing, the only option is to hang them from the ceiling. If you position them correctly, they can double as curtains for privacy. Use a spray bottle with a solution of water and fabric softener to help loosen and prevent wrinkles. Store a dryer sheet between each piece of clothing to keep them smelling fresh and clean.

Location

Safety is a concern, and should be high on your list of priorities. If you live in a city without campgrounds, then look for overnight parking decks and park on the highest level where you're not likely to be disturbed. If you have access to a national park, public land, or campgrounds, consider staying there instead. Most campgrounds will have a lower monthly fee, while most national forests are free all season with the purchase of a cheap camping pass.

Electronics

An mp3 player with long battery life and a large capacity hard drive is your best option for media. Before moving into your car, convert your favorite TV shows and movies to the small file size possible and still them on your player. Copy all of your CDs, and download any songs you like. Charge the player everyday while at work, while driving using an inverter in the cigarette/12v outlet of your car, or while using your laptop at a library or café. An mp3 player with a user-replaceable battery, such as the SanDisk Sansa line, are ideal. IPods require that you send them in for servicing, which is expensive and requires an address.

Cleanliness

Get baby wipes, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, and scented lotion for cleaning without a shower. Baby wipes are excellent for quick cleaning when you get motor oil or dirt on you, while a douse of rubbing alcohol on your face and neck in the morning will not only make you feel fresh, but will also kill bacteria. Scented lotion is good for the psyche, as it makes you feel smooth, clean, and smell fresh.

To shower, consider a gym membership. All-night-memberships are generally best, as you can shower early in the morning or late at night and take your time. If you work has a gym, use it. The YMCA is a good place to get a shower, and as well as a relaxing dip in the hot tub.

Sleeping

A blow up mattress might seem like the best choice (this is where the SUV or truck comes in handy), but isn't. It becomes a hassle to blow up and can be popped. Consider a thick foam mattress that can be folded up when not used. Never crawl in your vehicle through the back when you're done working. Crawl in the driver's door, take your shoes and coat off, pull the curtains, then crawl in the back and spread out.