Van Steading

While living out of a mini van I often turned online to see if people had any tips or maps of resources or anything. Sadly, I found only a few resources but by combining and adding tips in this post I feel I am adding to the dialogue on rogue living in post modern America. 1. Get a windshield cover. Many people recommend a car cover; however this was out of my price range and I think it would make me more conspicuous in the desert. The bonus of the cover is it helps regulate the temperature in the car which is great for everything. 2. Clean your space once a day. I know that seems like a tall order but if you don't at least straighten a little or organize then its going to slip. 3. Wal Mart doesn't care if you sleep in their parking lot and use their bathrooms but the police care if you want to sleep parked anywhere thats beautiful. Everyone talks mad shit about Wal Mart, but if you don't want to pay to use a restroom or campground and are feeling sketchy about parking in a residential neighborhood go for it. Sleeping in residential areas is something that most sites advise against, we found that it was easy the hardest part is anticipating that you are not in anyone's way for their morning schedule, have a covert place to pee, and aren't parked in a street sweep zone if its urban residential. Our van is very family-looking and non-descript, i imagine if your auto is more outlandish looking this might not be viable. 4. McDonald's parking lots are great places to get free wifi, the range is usually pretty strong so if you have a laptop or mobile device you don't even have to go in. No passwords either. 5. Take crates from the loading dock of a grocery store and use it to stow and organize your belongings. We found some that were more rectangular than the standard size and they are perfect. We have 10, 9 are filled with items and stowed, the 10th is used as a table in combination with a wooden tray from a thrift store. It holds the tray and the water and anything that i might want handy in the "bedroom". 6. Get a free futon on craigslist. If you are in a town for 3 days you can probably make this happen. Many people end up with just the futon mattress and realize they can't sell it, so they donate. This will make the beginning of a good bed that will also help with insulation. 7. Make discreet curtains of thicker materials for privacy,sun and wind protection. Our curtain rods are bamboo from decoration aisle and eye hooks. We slide back and forth the curtain but leave them extended the majority of the time. Provides shade and privacy as well. 8. Have tarps and use them creatively to make awnings and areas for you to work when you are in a day use area or rest area or camping spot. 9. BLM lands are free and you can do whatever you want except camp 50 feet of the roadway. They are not all paved. 10. Have AAA. If your car is your greatest resource, you need a lifeline in case something happens and you don't have cash or know a good guy in town. Pre-existing Blogs: http://www.wikihow.com/Live-in-Your-Car http://www.off-grid.net/2011/12/22/live-in-a-van-with-no-hassle-from-the-man/