How To: Live in your car

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. This Howcast guide demonstrates how to live out of your car. This is also helpful for cross country trips.

You Will Need
* Pillows
* Blankets or a sleeping bag
* A cooler
* A camp stove
* A voltage converter
* Access to restrooms
* Places to park overnight
* A hot-water bottle

STEP 1: 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.
TIP: Consider removing the passenger and rear seats for more room.

STEP 2: 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.
TIP: Never park near a school. Someone is sure to call the authorities.

STEP 3: 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.
TIP: A gym membership will allow you to shower regularly.

STEP 4: 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.

STEP 5: Stock up on foods that are nutritious and don't require refrigeration, such as peanut butter, beans, and cereals.

STEP 6: 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.