Traveling the country is on many people’s bucket lists. Considering how expensive it is to travel in the traditional sense, one of the best ways to achieve this dream is to simply pack up and travel by car. In fact, you can forgo costly hotels and flights entirely by simply using your car as your primary living space as you travel. Utilize these tips for living out of your car to easily travel for months at a time on the cheap—it’s not as hard as you might think!
Get Your Affairs in Order
Before you set out on your extended travels, you’ll want to take care of a few housekeeping items. Set up a mailbox at your local post office so that important letters or packages don’t sit on your doorstep for months at a time, or have everything forwarded to a friend or family member’s address. Another option is to put a hold on your mail for the duration of your travels. Furthermore, you should pay any bills in advance or download apps that will allow you to take care of them on the go.
Sign Up for a Gym Membership
The gym doesn’t just allow you to adopt a healthy lifestyle. One of the biggest drawbacks to living in your car is not having a toilet, shower, or sink. A gym is the perfect place to visit when you need these amenities. Most gyms have all those things and more, and they’re often open 24 hours a day. Many gyms also have locations across the country; a membership can grant you access to all of them, which is perfect for when you’re traveling.
Find Local Laundromats
Aside from keeping your hygiene in order, you’re going to need to do your laundry at some point, as well. Luckily, laundromats are widely available, but if you do have a hard time finding one, ask a local friend or family member if you could do laundry at their place.
Prepare for Emergencies
When you live out of your car, you may run into more emergency situations than you would if you were hopping around the country by plane. You’ll definitely want to store various items in your car in case there’s an emergency. These items include a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a flashlight.
Maximize Space
An additional tip for living out of your car is to maximize the space you have. If you’re planning on traveling full-time, you may want to consider purchasing a larger vehicle such as a van—you’re going to need as much space as possible in order to live comfortably. You’ll also need to be creative with how you use the space. This means utilizing cabinets and drawers specialized for car storage wherever you can to keep your belongings organized.
Make Sure the AC and Heat are Working
To remain safe and comfortable, you want your vehicle to have working AC and heat—this is a no-brainer. However, don’t be afraid to splurge on a hotel room or stay at someone else’s place if the weather gets dangerously hot or cold.
Utilize Public Wi-Fi
Surviving without the Internet today can be difficult. If you really need a reliable signal, many public places offer free Wi-Fi. Utilize places such as libraries, coffee shops, and restaurants to get the solid connection you need. You can also use these spots to recharge your electronics, although you should make sure to keep a charger in your vehicle.