So I finally started living in my van full time...

[ShameFace]

And I've actually never been happier, in all of my life.

For the past several days now, I have spent my nights doing some stealth urban camping in the Downtown L.A. area. I wake up, take a piss and head over to a local park.
There I use the electrical outlet to make myself a cup of coffee with my Mr. Coffee and my blender.
Then I get in a little workout before I head to library to do some reading and writing.
Then in the evening, I'm at the dojo. Which now serves not only as my martial arts training center, but the place I will be taking most of my showers.

There are minor inconveniences of course, but nothing that makes me wish I were back in my old shitty apartment.
Contrary to what I thought female reactions would be, they actually find it fascinating; and think of me as some really brave eccentric, who makes his own rules.

I have been so depressed most of my life, I really have no idea how to deal with all of these positive hopeful feelings.

Just thought I'd share this experience, for anyone who may be considering doing something similar.
I know that living in a van is not for everyone, but I also know I'm not a unique INTP.

 

[The Gopher]

Brilliant! Can we get pictures of inside the van? Also how does internet connection work?

 

[ShameFace]

When I get a chance, I'll post pictures of the inside. Of course, there isnt much to see. I just moved my futon mattress from my old apartment into the van, I have an Igloo cooler for cold food storage and the rest of the van is just my clothes and books.

Also don't have internet or electricity in the van just yet. Thats why I've had to resort to use the electrical outlets in the park, and the library wifi. All in due time though.

I have a lunch date down in Huntington Beach tomorrow, so I will be the temporary owner of beach front property, by this time tomorrow night.

 

[Turniphead]

Nice. I've thought about this kind of thing at times. A bit harder to do up here in the cold though.

 

[ShameFace]

yeah, that definitely makes it harder to do, but not impossible. I'm fortunate enough to live where the weather is pretty mild.
However, if someone wanted to, they could insulate their van really well and also buy portable heaters that run on those small propane tanks. One brand is called "Mr Heater".

 

[MissQuote]

Very cool.

part of my upbringing was by hippies that all lived out of vans or buses as a total lifestyle.

It can be very liberating if, instead of considering yourself homeless, you consider yourself a sort of gypsy making a lifestyle choice.

No reason to be despondent in any way about this sort of thing. It can be very positive and interesting if you choose to let it be.

The only thing to be careful about is not being caught onto by local law enforcement. They will consider you a vagabond and annoyance rather than a person living outside of convention, on nothing more than you choosing something different than the accepted norm for yourself.

If you live like this for an extended period of time you will learn all kinds of methods for taking care of your needs without being tied down to bills and lease contracts and stupid neighbors. You'll probably even meet cool other people that are living like that too. Whether it be in vans or RV's or Buses or whathave you.

Keep us updated!

 

[ShameFace]

Thanks!

I in no way consider myself "homeless". That's insulting to people who are truly without a place to stay. The way I see it, I have a mobile bedroom and the rest of the world is my back yard.

I actually met a man who is truly homeless today at the park I frequent. I made us both some coffee, smoked some weed with him and gave him some thermal underwear. He was cool as hell, completely lucid and a thankful person, who focused on the things he did have, rather than the things he didnt have.

Last night, I was going to stay the night outside of the park, but I saw a cop car circle the neighborhood I was parked in, three times, so I decided to go back to my usual parking spot. I think as long as I don't stay in one spot for too long and don't leave a mess anywhere, I should be fine.

I will definitely keep this thread updated and when I start my blog documenting my experience, I will share that as well.

 

[snafupants]

I actually met a man who is truly homeless today at the park I frequent. I made us both some coffee, smoked some weed with him and gave him some thermal underwear. He was cool as hell, completely lucid and a thankful person, who focused on the things he did have, rather than the things he didnt have.

The only things I really Need are health, intelligence, integrity and happiness. Without health you can't enjoy anything...

Anyway, I would look into purchasing a foreclosed home or farmland up north.

You could even mortgage it and make small monthly payments. But hey, what are you doing for cash and where do you eat?

What are your monthly expenses? How much is gas per month? Food? Car insurance?

I have been so depressed most of my life, I really have no idea how to deal with all of these positive hopeful feelings.

I happen to feel modern life is too easy. Without a challenge, people get bored and depressed.

Also, because it is so easy, I know I can get into soul-deadening routines.

 

[Architect]

INTP Type Profile

Ne also confers an open-mindedness, helping INTPs see truth on both sides of an issue without forming unwarranted judgments or premature conclusions. More specifically, their Ne can be seen as contributing to their openness to alternative or Bohemian lifestyles. INTPs are those most likely to suddenly become vegetarians, join a commune, or decide to live out of the back of a van. They are drawn to the idea and challenges of an unconventional lifestyle.

I think the desire at least is more common than you may think.

I've toyed with the idea before. Not seriously because it wouldn't make sense for multiple reasons but it is attractive. I have a smaller "mommy" van that I thought about outfitting for such an operation. The one you have looks made for it - what's the make and model of that van?

 

[Affinity]

Bitchin! What a awesome experience it must be. So do you still work or have income? What do you do for food and water? Are you a freegan? Keep us posted.

 

[BigApplePi]

When can you invite us over for a tour? I did find a parking place here in New York City for you but you have to move it on alternative days except for Wednesday and weekends. Internet and facilities are free if you know where to look. Can't park in the park though.

 

[crippli]

Hah...yes, I would think it's like when we let loose the calfs on the farm in the spring. They are born inside in the autumn, so it's freedom for the first time. First it's scary, but then delirium takes over and they run until they are completely exhausted. But it's clear they still throughout the summer they appreciate good shelter, because it's not often they choose to camp under blue skies.

I think this lifestyle is attractive to anyone, if you can manage to keep the comfort when it matters, like security when you sleep. I tend to spend a month or two each year in a big tent or the car(station wagon), usually a combination, as I sleep in the car for security, as it can be locked and have a good alarm. Some nature time seems to refresh me.

It will be interesting to see how you will like it over time. What is your time perspective on the camping? Or is it all open minded, and just go where the wind blows?

 

[Solitaire U.]

INTP Type Profile



I think the desire at least is more common than you may think.

I've toyed with the idea before. Not seriously because it wouldn't make sense for multiple reasons but it is attractive. I have a smaller "mommy" van that I thought about outfitting for such an operation. The one you have looks made for it - what's the make and model of that van?

It's a Dodge 1/2 ton...looks like early to mid '80s vintage. Nice roof extension...not having to stoop over all the time is a plus when living in a van. It's got a propane tank...what do you have in there? A stove and heater?

Also, what the heck caused that long diagonal black gash on the side?

How do you earn money to feed that beast, not to mention yourself?

 

[ShameFace]

Anyway, I would look into purchasing a foreclosed home or farmland up north.

You could even mortgage it and make small monthly payments. But hey, what are you doing for cash and where do you eat?

What are your monthly expenses? How much is gas per month? Food? Car insurance?



I happen to feel modern life is too easy. Without a challenge, people get bored and depressed.

Also, because it is so easy, I know I can get into soul-deadening routines.

I eventually want to purchase a small parcel of land in the Southwest U.S. and build a small, sustainable farm. Vegetable garden, fruit trees, egg laying chickens, rabbits for meat and goats for dairy.

I mostly do odd jobs I find on craigslist. Things like moving peoples apartments or maybe helping them paint their place.

I think the desire at least is more common than you may think.

I've toyed with the idea before. Not seriously because it wouldn't make sense for multiple reasons but it is attractive. I have a smaller "mommy" van that I thought about outfitting for such an operation. The one you have looks made for it - what's the make and model of that van?

It's a 1980 Dodge B200

Bitchin! What a awesome experience it must be. So do you still work or have income? What do you do for food and water? Are you a freegan? Keep us posted.

I've been eating mostly cold stuff or take out so far. Will probably take to BBQing in the park very soon though.

When can you invite us over for a tour? I did find a parking place here in New York City for you but you have to move it on alternative days except for Wednesday and weekends. Internet and facilities are free if you know where to look. Can't park in the park though.

Thanks. I would love to visit NYC someday. WIth the van to stay in, it would be even better.

Hah...yes, I would think it's like when we let loose the calfs on the farm in the spring. They are born inside in the autumn, so it's freedom for the first time. First it's scary, but then delirium takes over and they run until they are completely exhausted. But it's clear they still throughout the summer they appreciate good shelter, because it's not often they choose to camp under blue skies.

I think this lifestyle is attractive to anyone, if you can manage to keep the comfort when it matters, like security when you sleep. I tend to spend a month or two each year in a big tent or the car(station wagon), usually a combination, as I sleep in the car for security, as it can be locked and have a good alarm. Some nature time seems to refresh me.

It will be interesting to see how you will like it over time. What is your time perspective on the camping? Or is it all open minded, and just go where the wind blows?

So far security hasnt been an issue. Either in the city or the suburbs where I've parked. Not that I'm a trained killing machine, but I don't look like a push over and I'm pretty street smart, in general. I'm worried about graffiti on my van more than anything else.

As for my time perspective. Its pretty open ended. I just want to save some money and get some writing done. If I hate it within a few months, I can just go back to living in an apartment, as I was before.

It's a Dodge 1/2 ton...looks like early to mid '80s vintage. Nice roof extension...not having to stoop over all the time is a plus when living in a van. It's got a propane tank...what do you have in there? A stove and heater?

Also, what the heck caused that long diagonal black gash on the side?

How do you earn money to feed that beast, not to mention yourself?

Good eye. Its a 1980 Dodge B200. The roof extension really does a lot to make it much more liveable. I'm about 5'11" and it has just an inch or two clearance above my head. Almost like it was made for me.
It has a sink, oven/stove and a refrigerator. None of its hooked up yet. Kind of nervous about driving around with propane under my drivers side. Will probably go with a Marine battery instead or eventually a solar hook up.

The gash just looks to be the remnants of some retro racing stripe that used to be on the van.

Besides my labor jobs, I'm also going to give professional gambling a try. Not card games or lottery tickets though. I like to bet on UFC fights and I'm pretty good at it.
If one picks a good 3 fight parlay, they can make over $2000 on a $100 bet.
I try not to drive it around too much at this point though. Just a few mile between my sleeping spot and the park I like to have my morning coffee in. It has a 30 gallon gas tank that costs about $120 to fill up.

 

[MichiganJFrog]

I have been so depressed most of my life, I really have no idea how to deal with all of these positive hopeful feelings.

It's weird how people can cling to things that do them no good. It's the devil you do know, basically. Makes perfect sense to me you'd be feeling good. You're liberated from all the B.S. most people think they can't do without.

I saw a family parked in the alley behind my house that looked like they were doing the same thing. I just thought, "Those guys have way more courage than me." I went into upstanding citizen mode just to compensate for it. Don't let dumbshits like me push you around. Keep it up. Great story.

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

For a few months many years ago, I slept (sleeping bag only) in newly constructed houses waiting to be sold. I slept in an abandoned house (sleeping bag only) for a few months around the same time. I saved quite an amount of money not having to pay rent.

With my new flatmates getting high and making a substantial amount of noise every night, I might try something different.

 

[Thomas A. Anderson]

Last year, I traveled across the United States and Canada by sleeping in my car for 3 months. Definitely a great experience. I mostly slept in Walmart parkings and in small streets when there was no Walmart. The windows are not tinted so people from outside could see me. That got me some weird looks in the morning and some comments like "Looks like we're having bums here now."

I got the wifi from the McDonald, Starbucks or library. I went to the gym when I could to use a shower. Washing yourself from a restaurant bathroom gets annoying. Washing your hair there is awkward.

It made me think about the purpose of houses and wonder if we need them. Imagine all the money that would be saved. And I definitely don't need one. All my useful stuff fits into a backpack.

What gave you the idea to live in a van and why now?

Mr. Anderson

 

[Duxwing]

Last year, I traveled across the United States and Canada by sleeping in my car for 3 months. Definitely a great experience. I mostly slept in Walmart parkings and in small streets when there was no Walmart. The windows are not tinted so people from outside could see me. That got me some weird looks in the morning and some comments like "Looks like we're having bums here now."

I got the wifi from the McDonald, Starbucks or library. I went to the gym when I could to use a shower. Washing yourself from a restaurant bathroom gets annoying. Washing your hair there is awkward.

It made me think about the purpose of houses and wonder if we need them. Imagine all the money that would be saved. And I definitely don't need one. All my useful stuff fits into a backpack.

What gave you the idea to live in a van and why now?

Mr. Anderson

Remember, those who live out of vans are scavenging from a tiny but relatively unused resource pool, so having everyone live in a van would be unfeasible.

-Duxwing

 

[ShameFace]

What gave you the idea to live in a van and why now?
Mr. Anderson

I always thought it would be cool to live in a van conversion on the open road. I always wanted to travel, but never had the means and the time, all at once. Originally I thought of getting a class C RV but found them to be too bulky and attracting too much attention. So I settled on this machine. There was really no one thing that set this experiment in motion. Its not like i got a divorce or had a near death experience. More like I could feel the slow death experience, that was my life. I wanted to give my dreams one honest try, and ignore the naysayers in my life and in my own brain. I dont know if i answered your question, because Im not sure I know either.

 

[Cavallier]

When I was 9 my parents moved across the country. We had a sedan and a toyata pickup truck with a camper cover on it. We had everything we owned boxed up in those two vehicles including our two house cats. For 3 months we travelled across the country and lived out of those vehicles. We visited various national parks and just had a hippy gyspy vacation going.

 

[ShameFace]

thanks to everyone for the questions and encouragement. I really do appreciate it. Im sitting in my van listening to a podcast with the DTLA skyline outside my window. It feels great.

 

[Affinity]

What do you do to fill your free time?

 

[The Gopher]

I still want to see pictures of the inside but that might be like asking someone to show what their house is like.

 

[Adrift]

I have thought of doing something similar. I wouldn't want to live in a van permanently but I do want to travel the country in say... an SUV that I've made into a mobile "apartment". It would have nothing but clothes, food storage, and a bed so I wouldn't have to pay for hotel rooms.

I would just take a bath in local rivers and ponds (maybe a pool) and clean my clothes at laundry mats... just writing about it makes me want to do it.

 

[Valentas]

Don't worry. I know a guy who graduated from Oxford and lived in his van for a year. He said he learned a lot during this life. Also bills were close to nothing. He has established his business in his van lol

In this world, no one cares where you live.

 

[ShameFace]

What do you do to fill your free time?

Pretty much the same things I did before, except now without the concern of how I am I going to raise my rent every month; and more of an emphasis on all aspects of my personal health.
I take long morning walks, I lift my kettlebell, foam roll, hold some Yoga postures, read classic literature, write in my journal, listen to music, haul bags of ice and water back to my van, and in the evening I'm doing Jui-Jitsu. I fall asleep early and i don't eat too heavy or too late at night, because if I have to wake up in the middle of the night to poop, I'm fucked.

I still want to see pictures of the inside but that might be like asking someone to show what their house is like.

I really don't mind, but I don't have a very good camera to take pictures with. Maybe that'll change soon though.

I have thought of doing something similar. I wouldn't want to live in a van permanently but I do want to travel the country in say... an SUV that I've made into a mobile "apartment". It would have nothing but clothes, food storage, and a bed so I wouldn't have to pay for hotel rooms.

I would just take a bath in local rivers and ponds (maybe a pool) and clean my clothes at laundry mats... just writing about it makes me want to do it.

I never said I wanted to do this permanently either. That seems like a long time to do anything.
I say go for it. Just do your research and preparation.

Don't worry. I know a guy who graduated from Oxford and lived in his van for a year. He said he learned a lot during this life. Also bills were close to nothing. .

My bills are pretty low. Takes a big burden off and frees my mind to concentrate on more important things.

 

[GRING0]

Sounds incredibly liberating. The mobile aspect makes for great potential. I used to live near downtown off Silverlake Blvd. If you ever need a trustworthy mechanic I know of one near your hood. It's called Hyperion Motors, and they are incredibly honest and fair.

What martial art discipline are you studying?

 

[ShameFace]

Sounds incredibly liberating. The mobile aspect makes for great potential. I used to live near downtown off Silverlake Blvd. If you ever need a trustworthy mechanic I know of one near your hood. It's called Hyperion Motors, and they are incredibly honest and fair.

What martial art discipline are you studying?

Thanks for the info. I might need a trustworthy mechanic someday. Ultimately I would like to learn how to do my own repairs on the van. That is a long term goal though. I train in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu mostly but have also started to get into the boxing/kickboxing classes my gym also offers.

 

[JASSY]

Awesome experience !
You're happy , more power to you .
Is it as liberating as I percieve it to be ?
I would join my grandfather in cross country truck driving and I loved it . I hope you repost in a couple of months and let us know what you learned or any change in point of views .

 

[Valentas]

I lived two weeks in nature with my family about 5 years ago in the forest in our tents. That was amazing experience. However, as father pointed out, you can do this when you are younger. When you are over 30-35 normal house is preferable

There were some students, living in a van I met and all were happy and had loads of extra cash for drinks.. :}

BTW, how do you keep interior warm, for instance, during winter? I have never lived in a van or that camp car and always wondered how to keep temperature around 15-20 above zero?

 

[Beat Mango]

I never use the word rad, but... rad.

 

[ShameFace]

Awesome experience !
You're happy , more power to you .
Is it as liberating as I percieve it to be ?
I would join my grandfather in cross country truck driving and I loved it . I hope you repost in a couple of months and let us know what you learned or any change in point of views .

I will keep this thread updated from time to time.

you can do this when you are younger. When you are over 30-35 normal house is preferable

There were some students, living in a van I met and all were happy and had loads of extra cash for drinks.. :}

BTW, how do you keep interior warm, for instance, during winter? I have never lived in a van or that camp car and always wondered how to keep temperature around 15-20 above zero?

I'm 35, so i don't know how correct father was. I guess it all depends on what type of person you are. I suppose I am the "young at heart' type.

I wouldnt know about dealing with extreme cold. I live in Los Angeles, so the weather is pretty mild. I just wear socks and a beanie to bed, along with extra blankets and I'm fine.

I never use the word rad, but... rad.

I am honored. I think....

 

[Cavallier]

I saw this driving around the other day and thought of you...

Spoiler

The bumper sticker reads: If you lived in your car you'd be home right now. :}

 

[Solitaire U.]

VW Vanagon hippies.

 

[ShameFace]

I saw this driving around the other day and thought of you...

Spoiler

The bumper sticker reads: If you lived in your car you'd be home right now. :}

Thanks. I really like that. I would get one for my machine but I dont want the authorities to know Im actually living in this thing.

 

[walfin]

Nice!

 

[Absurdity]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5fNCyqo7NI

A modern day Diogenes you are.

And I say that with the utmost respect.

 

[Cherry Cola]

congrats dude, if I was cool enough to be able to live in a van without feeling all lost I would, but alas I am limited to traditional costly and immobile means of housing

 

[ShameFace]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5fNCyqo7NI

A modern day Diogenes you are.

And I say that with the utmost respect.

I appreciate the comparison.

congrats dude, if I was cool enough to be able to live in a van without feeling all lost I would, but alas I am limited to traditional costly and immobile means of housing

Thanks. You never know what the future holds for you.

 

[Affinity]

Updates?

 

[Valentas]

I hope he didn't die... :\

 

[ShameFace]

I didnt die. But thanks for the concern.

However, last Thursday, I was asleep at around 2:30am when I felt my van shaking a little bit. That woke me up initially and then hearing two girls talking and walking down the street made me get out of my bed. I proceeded to do what I usually do when I see hot babes walking down the street. I open my window slightly and give em the ole construction worker whistle. It always gives me a chuckle to see them looking around, wondering where it came from.
Before I could even enjoy this cheap laugh, a guy with a hoody runs up on these girls with a gun and demands her purse! Fuck! I was afraid I was going to witness some poor girl being executed. Luckily, that didnt happen and he just fled on foot.
I was quiet as I could be and called 911 on my phone. Since I'm parked on a random street in front of a vacant lot, I can't give them an address, so I just told them what park I was near. They said they didnt know where it was, so I told them the major cross streets I was near and that in addition to a park being across the street, there is a high school next to it.
I gave them my name and contact info, but when they called back, I didnt answer. The last thing I need is to be seen by local residence, talking to the fuzz. Or having to explain what I was doing in my van at 2:30 in the morning. So I just waited for the adrenaline to subside and went back to bed. Needless to say, I havent parked there since.
Other than that, the van life has been very liberating and peaceful. I'm in my 4th month doing it full-time and it still feels good, not having to worry about making rent every month.
Sorry, I havent updated more, but one drawback to the van is that my internet access has been more limited than it used to be. Not entirely a bad thing, as it helps get me out of the "house', but it has obviously kept me from updating.
Plus I thougt this thread had probably died. Had I known people were wondering, I would have made more of an effort. Since I know that at least some have an interest, i will update more frequently.
Til next time!

 

[Cherry Cola]

this is such an awesome project

I'd love to hear more from you in the future

 

[pixieness]

I had spent a month in a small sailboat with my parents and my brother when I was little and it was definitely interesting, but tiring. All the while I kept thinking how much better it would be if I could live in it on my own. I think that living in small vehicles is good when you are on your own but it must get bad if there's more people.
Also, how do people react after they learn that you live in a van?

 

[ShameFace]

it would definately be uncomfortable living with a second person in my van but then again, I have always found it to be a drag living with other people. As far as peoples reaction, its mostly positive once I explain that its mostly by choice and that I really enjoy jt. Some of my friends with nice/expensive houses and lofts (and jobs theyre tied down to, to support these things) have expressed how lucky I am, to be so free and unencumbered.

 

[Amagi82]

I really envy you in a lot of ways. I seriously considered the "buy a small RV and travel the country doing odd jobs" lifestyle, but at that point in my life, I was in a serious relationship and it wouldn't have flown. Now, I live in San Francisco, where it costs $2500/month for a studio apartment in an area filled with mentally unstable bums screaming in the night(no, that's not a typo, and I'm not kidding). Part of me desperately wants to give up everything I own, get a van, and pay off this endless pile of debt that I can only barely chip away at now. I could live like a fucking king out of a van.

 

[ShameFace]

I really envy you in a lot of ways. I seriously considered the "buy a small RV and travel the country doing odd jobs" lifestyle, but at that point in my life, I was in a serious relationship and it wouldn't have flown. Now, I live in San Francisco, where it costs $2500/month for a studio apartment in an area filled with mentally unstable bums screaming in the night(no, that's not a typo, and I'm not kidding). Part of me desperately wants to give up everything I own, get a van, and pay off this endless pile of debt that I can only barely chip away at now. I could live like a fucking king out of a van.

I know what you mean. I never had a 2500 a month studio, but before the van, i had a very small studio apartment in a rent controlled building in gentrified Downtown L.A. It was not only bums screaming in the middle of the night, but my own neighbors screaming, throwing garbage out of their windows, blasting music at all hours, not to mention young frat boy types leaving bars after last call, yelling along with the usual city noise of buses going by setting off car alarms and taxi cabs honking. Some nights I sleep on a street that runs parallel with the Hollywood Freeway and its still much quieter than my old building, and absolutely free.
I encourage you to consider living in a van or RV if you can. Go on Youtube and search "living in a van" or something similar and you'll find that a lot of people are doing it, for the same reasons I am doing it and the reasons you want to.
A year ago, I never would have thought it would be feasible, but once I start researching and found others with the same attitude and goals, it gave me wings to go for it. If you need any advice or help, I would be more than willing.