How to Live in Your Car
Whether you have to move into your car or you want to, there are some bases you need to cover.
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You Will Need
- Pillows
- Blankets or a sleeping bag
- Cooler
- Camp stove
- Voltage converter
- Access to restrooms
- Places to park overnight
- Hot-water bottle
Steps
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Step 1
Furnish your car
Furnish your car with blankets (at least one made of wool, for warmth); a couple of pillows; a cooler; a camp stove; and a voltage converter so you can power appliances with your cigarette lighter.
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Consider removing the passenger and rear seats for more room.
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Step 2
Know where to park at night
Know where you can park at night. Trucker areas off the interstate are usually safe, as are hospital parking lots. Wal-Mart allows RV’s and cars to park in their lots overnight.
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Never park near a school. Someone is sure to call the authorities.
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Step 3
Find restrooms
Shopping malls, supermarkets, and hospitals are good places to wash up. For a shower, go to a truck stop and ask around for a shower coupon; truckers usually have more than they need and are happy to give some away.
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A gym membership will allow you to shower regularly.
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Step 4
Gas up during off hours
Buy gas off-hours at stations with convenience stores. When you go to pay, ask if you can use the microwave to nuke a meal, like a baked potato or a frozen entrée.
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Step 5
Stock non-perishables
Stock up on foods that are nutritious and don’t require refrigeration, such as peanut butter, beans, and cereals.
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Step 6
Stay cool or warm
Stay warm in winter with the help of a hot water bottle; stay cool in summer by parking in the shade and spending the hottest part of the day -- noon to two -- in someplace air conditioned, like the library or mall.
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Mad Money host Jim Cramer once lived in his car for five months.
