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lifestyle:involuntary [2021/10/07 18:30]
frater_secessus [niceties] 		lifestyle:involuntary [2025/06/04 14:11] (current)
frater_secessus [necessities]
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 ====== Involuntary vandwelling ====== ====== Involuntary vandwelling ======
  
-Not everyone planned to live in a vehicle -- sometimes economic or other pressures mean that living in a  vehicle is the //best option available//.   In that situation we are focused on **functional, not fancy**.  Do what is best for you((and any loved ones that live with you)) right now;  you are not in competition with the Instagram "influencer" crowd. +Not everyone planned to live in a vehicle -- sometimes economic or other pressures mean that living in a vehicle is the //best option available//. In that situation we are focused on **functional, not fancy**. Do what is best for you((and any loved ones that live with you)) right now;  you are not in competition with the [[lifestyle:faq_instagram|Instagram "influencer" crowd]]. 
  
  
 ===== reframe ===== ===== reframe =====
  
-First things first, let's reframe the situation a little bit.  These perspectives may help you cope with the new stresses:+Let's reframe the situation a little bit.  These perspectives may help you cope with the new stresses:
  
-  * **you have shelter** which **can be locked**, is basically **weatherproof**, and might even be mobile.  This is a really big deal; it's one third of the **food, water, and shelter** requirement for human survival.+  * **you have weatherproof and lockable shelter**/.   This is a really big deal; it's one third of the **food, water, and shelter** requirement for human survival.  And you can carry the other two (food and water) around with you everywhere you go. 
 +  * You have something traditionally-house folks don't have:  the ability to relocate at will.  Too much or too little shade?  Obnoxious folks nearby?  Just want a change?  Turn the key and leave!
   * "you can live in your car but you can't drive your house"   * "you can live in your car but you can't drive your house"
   * modern life is $$$, but **one can live very cheaply and simply in a vehicle**   * modern life is $$$, but **one can live very cheaply and simply in a vehicle**
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-You will need **a place to park for the night**.  If you are in a city this typically means [[camping:stealth_camping|stealth camping]]. If you are on the highway you can usually sleep in a rest area then move on.  In rural areas (particularly out west) you may be able to [[camping:dispersed|boondock]]. +You will need **a place to park for the night**.  If you are in a city this typically means [[camping:stealth_camping|stealth camping]]. If you are on the highway you can usually sleep in [[camping:rest_area|a rest area]] then move on.  In rural areas (particularly out west) you may be able to [[camping:dispersed|boondock]]. 
  
 You will need [[lifestyle:faq_laundry|a place to do laundry]], usually a laundromat.  Leverage the free wifi if available.  Carry your own detergent as  it is obscenely expensive by the packet.  Save your quarters for doing laundry.  You will need [[lifestyle:faq_laundry|a place to do laundry]], usually a laundromat.  Leverage the free wifi if available.  Carry your own detergent as  it is obscenely expensive by the packet.  Save your quarters for doing laundry. 
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 ===== smartphones ===== ===== smartphones =====
  
-A smartphone is extremely useful, even a cheap one or one that is not activated or on a plan.  Cheap new smartphones can be found in prepaid sections in stores, and used ones can be found in thrift stores, pawn shops, etc.  Verify it is not password locked and that it boots up before purchase. +A smartphone is extremely useful, even a cheap one or one that is not activated or on a plan.  Cheap new smartphones can be found in prepaid sections in stores, and used ones can be found in thrift stores, pawn shops, etc.  If buying used, verify it is not password locked and that it boots up before purchase. 
  
 Once you have your smartphone you can **use public wifi for [[communication:internet|internet]]**.  Even though libraries, cafes, etc, are closed they likely still have wifi in the parking lot.   Once you have your smartphone you can **use public wifi for [[communication:internet|internet]]**.  Even though libraries, cafes, etc, are closed they likely still have wifi in the parking lot.  
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 For **privacy**, you can use a sunscreen in your front windshield and cut-to-shape cardboard (preferably dark or painted) on side windows.((plain cardboard may affect phone and wifi reception less than foil-covered ones))  Hanging clothes up in the window is a sure giveaway. For **privacy**, you can use a sunscreen in your front windshield and cut-to-shape cardboard (preferably dark or painted) on side windows.((plain cardboard may affect phone and wifi reception less than foil-covered ones))  Hanging clothes up in the window is a sure giveaway.
  
-For **power**, most charging for small devices like phones and tablets will be by USB.  Some newer vehicles have USB jacks built in.  If not, you can find ones that fit into the cigarette lighter in dollar stores and similar.   Charge as often as you can, preferably while driving.  See [[rv:car#power|this discussion of power options]] for cars. If you will be going to work or public indoor space regularly [[rv:build:minimal#survival_micropower|a small battery pack]] and extension cord may serve you well.+For **power**, most charging for small devices like phones and tablets will be by USB.  Some newer vehicles have USB jacks built in.  If not, you can find [[https://amzn.to/3Q6pfyK|USB outlets that fit into the cigarette lighter]] in dollar stores and similar.   Charge as often as you can, preferably while driving.  See [[rv:car#power|this discussion of power options]] for cars. If you will be going to work or public indoor space regularly [[rv:build:minimal#survival_micropower|a small battery pack]] and extension cord may serve you well.
  
 A [[hygiene:gym|gym membership]] will get you a place to shower, use the restroom, use wifi, etc.  And exercise if you are into that.  :-)    A [[hygiene:gym|gym membership]] will get you a place to shower, use the restroom, use wifi, etc.  And exercise if you are into that.  :-)   
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   * [[https://www.findhelp.org/|findhelp.org]]   * [[https://www.findhelp.org/|findhelp.org]]
 +  * [[https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/|Homes on Wheels Alliance]] - grants and other resources to provide vans for financially struggling people
   * reddit   * reddit
     * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/|/r/vandwellers]]     * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/|/r/vandwellers]]
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     * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/homeless/|/r/homeless/]]     * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/homeless/|/r/homeless/]]
   * [[https://vandwellerforum.com/|vandweller forum]]   * [[https://vandwellerforum.com/|vandweller forum]]
-  * [[https://cheaprvliving.com/forums/|Cheap RV Living (CRVL) forum]]+  * [[https://vanlivingforum.com//|Vanliving forum]] - used to be the Cheap RV Living (CRVL) forum before Bob sold it
   * depending on location, 211 may connect you to resources   * depending on location, 211 may connect you to resources
        
lifestyle/involuntary.1633645837.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/10/07 18:30 by frater_secessus

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