Difference between revisions of "Live in Your Car"
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| − | + | Living in a car isn't something that anyone would recommend. However, when you get laid off, your emergency fund runs out, your home is foreclosed (or you get an eviction notice), and there's nobody to help, living in your car might be the only choice, especially if you don't feel safe at a local shelter. Unfortunately, in many places, [[Sleep Comfortably in a Car|sleeping in your car]] is not only frowned upon, but also illegal. Luckily, there is some helpful information on how to get by until something better comes along. It's important that you choose the right car, find the right parking spots, and find appropriate and cost-cutting spots to access basic amenities such as showers. | |
[[Category:Cars]] | [[Category:Cars]] | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#*Church car parks are often quiet during weekdays. If you check around, you may find a church that is less used than others. This could be a good place to park, and you may be able to ask for assistance at the church. You might even attend the church to gain rapport, but wait a while before telling others about your situation, and tell only those who seem trustworthy and willing to help.<ref name="parking">http://www.carliving.info/parking.htm</ref> | #*Church car parks are often quiet during weekdays. If you check around, you may find a church that is less used than others. This could be a good place to park, and you may be able to ask for assistance at the church. You might even attend the church to gain rapport, but wait a while before telling others about your situation, and tell only those who seem trustworthy and willing to help.<ref name="parking">http://www.carliving.info/parking.htm</ref> | ||
#*Industrial estates and business parks are often noisy by day, but very quiet at night. Small ones close to residential areas are best. They have to be quiet at night. You may encounter security in some places like this, but if you are honest, saying you are just sleeping the night in your car, they usually won't bother you. Their main role is to protect the property. | #*Industrial estates and business parks are often noisy by day, but very quiet at night. Small ones close to residential areas are best. They have to be quiet at night. You may encounter security in some places like this, but if you are honest, saying you are just sleeping the night in your car, they usually won't bother you. Their main role is to protect the property. | ||
| − | #*University car parks. This is okay if you are a student, but not so good if you are not associated with the university. You may be required to get a parking permit.<ref name=" | + | #*University car parks. This is okay if you are a student, but not so good if you are not associated with the university. You may be required to get a parking permit.<ref name="parking" /> |
#*Camping grounds are another option, although they usually have time limits and some are almost as expensive as a hotel room. Some offer a shower for a nominal fee. National Forests have some free camping with a limit of 14 days. | #*Camping grounds are another option, although they usually have time limits and some are almost as expensive as a hotel room. Some offer a shower for a nominal fee. National Forests have some free camping with a limit of 14 days. | ||
#* Yacht harbors are notoriously 'free zones'—given the nature of fishermen and boats, so marinas offer a lot of services, like hot showers and transient vehicles. If the season is high, larger boats from out of state show up and stay for months along with their respective crews, all of whom are 'transients' providing excellent cover for you and your vehicle. They don't know or care, and if they find out they still don't care, being a 'little wild' themselves. Hang around on the weekend and meet someone who wants their boat washed and waxed—that'll do it, from there on in you'll have a gate/shower key and legitimacy. | #* Yacht harbors are notoriously 'free zones'—given the nature of fishermen and boats, so marinas offer a lot of services, like hot showers and transient vehicles. If the season is high, larger boats from out of state show up and stay for months along with their respective crews, all of whom are 'transients' providing excellent cover for you and your vehicle. They don't know or care, and if they find out they still don't care, being a 'little wild' themselves. Hang around on the weekend and meet someone who wants their boat washed and waxed—that'll do it, from there on in you'll have a gate/shower key and legitimacy. | ||
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#* Gyms can be an expensive option. Many gyms range in cost from $35 a month to a more typical cost of $55 a week. This is pretty expensive just for a shower. Many councils, churches and support organisations have free showers. It can be a false economy to use a gym just for showers, particularly as there are many free ways to keep in shape without a gym.<ref name="rf9400">http://www.carliving.info/myths.htm</ref> Try to remember the flip flops or water shoes as not to get a foot fungus and let the towel dry out in the car. | #* Gyms can be an expensive option. Many gyms range in cost from $35 a month to a more typical cost of $55 a week. This is pretty expensive just for a shower. Many councils, churches and support organisations have free showers. It can be a false economy to use a gym just for showers, particularly as there are many free ways to keep in shape without a gym.<ref name="rf9400">http://www.carliving.info/myths.htm</ref> Try to remember the flip flops or water shoes as not to get a foot fungus and let the towel dry out in the car. | ||
#* Community or Recreation centers that have gyms and showers are a cheaper option than the nationwide chains. Many Rec or Community centers yearly memberships cost about the same as the monthly memberships at a national gym. You may not be able to store your items as safely in these places though. | #* Community or Recreation centers that have gyms and showers are a cheaper option than the nationwide chains. Many Rec or Community centers yearly memberships cost about the same as the monthly memberships at a national gym. You may not be able to store your items as safely in these places though. | ||
| − | #*The next best choice is to check into an affordable caravan park one or two days a week. These usually range from about $18-$26 a night in Australia, possible more in the USA. You will have a spot to park your car, you can do laundry (usually an extra fee), fill up on water, have a shower and even pitch a tent if you have one. They usually have powered sites, so you can recharge your electrical devices or run a fan or heater.<ref name=" | + | #*The next best choice is to check into an affordable caravan park one or two days a week. These usually range from about $18-$26 a night in Australia, possible more in the USA. You will have a spot to park your car, you can do laundry (usually an extra fee), fill up on water, have a shower and even pitch a tent if you have one. They usually have powered sites, so you can recharge your electrical devices or run a fan or heater.<ref name="parking" /> |
#*Another option, though possibly more expensive, is to book into a cheap [[Find a Cheap Motel or Hostel|motel or hostel]] once or twice a week and clean up thoroughly there (if you can afford it). | #*Another option, though possibly more expensive, is to book into a cheap [[Find a Cheap Motel or Hostel|motel or hostel]] once or twice a week and clean up thoroughly there (if you can afford it). | ||
#*Swimming pools have showers, depending on whether they have private stalls or are set up gang style, they may provide a discreet place to shower. Another option to consider- when you can't shower, use unscented baby wipes to clean up, or take a "bum shower" in a public restroom where you feel comfortable doing so. You also could learn local establishments that have single-person restrooms. Use them to washing you hair or face. Bring a towel to dry your head and the sink area, and be quick. Alternate between establishments. | #*Swimming pools have showers, depending on whether they have private stalls or are set up gang style, they may provide a discreet place to shower. Another option to consider- when you can't shower, use unscented baby wipes to clean up, or take a "bum shower" in a public restroom where you feel comfortable doing so. You also could learn local establishments that have single-person restrooms. Use them to washing you hair or face. Bring a towel to dry your head and the sink area, and be quick. Alternate between establishments. | ||
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# [[Stay Positive when You Know Your Life Sucks|Stay positive.]] Keep reminding yourself that the situation is only temporary. Spend each day hitting the pavement and [[Get a Job|looking for jobs]]. Use the local [[Do Whatever You Want on Library Computers|library]] and bookstore not only to [[Search for Jobs|search for jobs]], but also to become more knowledgeable in ways that will help you get through this and find a job. Search the Internet for free community voicemail services, and/or get a prepaid cell phone so employers can call you. To build your funds, consider food stamps, food banks and soup kitchens. Most importantly, talk to people like social workers and religious organization workers who will sympathize and understand, and try to help. | # [[Stay Positive when You Know Your Life Sucks|Stay positive.]] Keep reminding yourself that the situation is only temporary. Spend each day hitting the pavement and [[Get a Job|looking for jobs]]. Use the local [[Do Whatever You Want on Library Computers|library]] and bookstore not only to [[Search for Jobs|search for jobs]], but also to become more knowledgeable in ways that will help you get through this and find a job. Search the Internet for free community voicemail services, and/or get a prepaid cell phone so employers can call you. To build your funds, consider food stamps, food banks and soup kitchens. Most importantly, talk to people like social workers and religious organization workers who will sympathize and understand, and try to help. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
