Taking that first step toward alternative living is going to be a lot easier than you think. For one, you probably as like most people already have one of these type of vehicles, a car, or minivan. That’s one thing on your list of preparations you already can check. Another thing is you’ll need to put together a plan. Go purchase a composition book, or anything to take notes on will do. Then sit down and start writing out a list of what you have, such as a itemized list of everything you own, assets you have, such as savings, 401k’s, vehicles, money on hand. For now, my advice is to stay with your current job. If necessary take a part time job in addition to your current one, and save as much money as possible.
Ok, your wondering what would be the the best vehicle to do this adventure in. Well, its according to your situation and your finances. If you already have a car that's great! it's just that cars don’t have the best head room for moving around in but, if it's what you have, then its entirely possible to live in a car. If you have a minivan, to me that’s the way to go. I totally recommend a minivan for mobile living.
There are many reasons why they are advantageous for the mobile lifestyle. Most minivans can get fairly good fuel mileage, although not as good as a car, but close. You can take out the rear passenger seats and build a bunk on one side for sleeping and you can build a shelf unit on the other side for storing things, and you will be able to move around better than you could in a car. You’ll be able to sit on your bunk and use a laptop, tablet, watch tv and so on.
There’ll be times when it’ll be raining, windy, storming, and you’ll need that space a minivan has over a car. I really like full size vans especially if there’s going to be two people. With a full size van your going to have even more headroom than with a minivan, and you can build in a bunk for sleeping that will be bigger than with a minivan. Although a full size van will get somewhat less fuel mileage than a minivan. with that said, If that’s what you want then go for it, but I still recommend a minivan.
After you’ve put together a plan and started your list. You need to start pairing down your personal belongings. You’re just flat out not gonna need a whole lot of stuff when you start living in a vehicle. Here’s what you need to do.
Have a yard sale, and what doesn’t sell give it away or donate it. Put the money you’ve made from selling stuff in a savings account. I recommend two accounts, a emergency savings account and a checking account. Having an emergency savings fund is very important, you need to have at least $3000 dollars or more in it, and don’t touch it! Because that will be your go to for mechanical breakdowns and such. As for your checking account, money kept there will be liquid, to be used for everyday things you’ll be needing to be a nomad. With your checking account use only a debit card with it, don't order checks, that's one more thing you won't have to keep up with.
Now there will be of course some things you can’t part with. Consider putting those things in a storage unit or if you have a relative or a good friend that would let you store some things at their place, that will be just fine.
Unless your in a situation where time is not on your side, for instance, and you have to move out of your house or apartment right away, been evicted, or you’ve went through a financially devastating situation, job loss divorce, and so on. Then your going to need to move into your vehicle soon. Here is a list I put together to help you get started, although, you can add to or change it to suit yourself.
If its just one one person and like most people you have a car. Getting good restful sleep is very important. Take out the back seat and the front passenger seat. Build a bunk on the right side from the dash to where the back seat was. Or instead you can leave the front seats in place and after taking out the back seat remove the divider between the back seat and trunk. You can then build a bunk so that you can put your legs into the trunk. Like I mentioned before, you’ll be able to sit or lie on your bunk and read, use your laptop or tablet, that is unless you prefer to sit in the driver's seat. You’ll need to be as comfortable as possible because there will be times of inclement weather, and you’ll be stuck in the vehicle.
Your going to need privacy. Get a windshield sunscreen. You can also purchase a product called Reflectix. Go to Amazon.com and order what you need to make covers for your windows. I also recommend that you spray flat black paint or cover it over with black fabric on the side of the Reflectix that faces the outside.
For very informative videos about vehicle privacy, and how to install Reflectix on your windows, go to cheaprvliving.com and their YouTube channel.
If your car has roof top racks. Buy a cargo carrier and install it, that will be extra storage you’ll have. Or use the racks to haul a kayak, paddleboard or surfboard. I’m a paddler, so I take my kayak with me on my travels. Also if you can, install a box receiver hitch on the back. Then purchase a cargo carrier that mounts to a receiver hitch. That will be even more storage space for you.
For a minivan, I recommend the same privacy and storage options as described for a car. With a mini van you can build a bunk or put a folding cot on the left side (for example) from behind the drivers seat back to the rear hatch. Under the bunk or cot is space you can use for storage containers.
For cooking and preparing food, you can use a single burner butane stove, or a single burner propane stove. You can a use either stove for heating the inside of the vehicle. I recommend buying bulk packs of butane fuel from Amazon, or from any retailer of your choice. At least try to keep 3 to 4 cans extra. 1 pound propane cylinders can be purchased at Walmart and sporting goods stores.
Install a carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher inside your vehicle!
Use duffel bags or totes for storing your clothes, one for clean clothes and one for dirty clothes.
Buy some water storage containers. I recommend 1 gallon jugs, I wouldn't go no bigger than 3 gallon containers because water gets heavy and handling the larger containers can get old after a while, but 1 gallon jugs will do just fine. Don’t over do it with the containers, although, more is better, but think about it, your going to be living in a vehicle and becoming a minimalist.
Ok, now that you’ve got most of your storage issues solved, and you’ve got your vehicle tricked out with a sleeping bunk. Whether it be a car or minivan. Now the time has come to pull the trigger and become a Nomad.
Just Go For It, A Life Of Travel Adventure Awaits!
~Chaz~
No comments:
Post a Comment