Urban Van Life Tips: Stealth Parking, Staying Clean, and Staying Connected

Stealthy Park & Sleep Strategies – Keeping Clean – In Shape And Connected…

After Josh’s financial collapse, his only hard asset left was his old white Astro Van…

So Josh got to work on building a makeshift van conversion. He removed all the rear seats and, with the help of a friend, insulated the interior and built out a bed frame and a double-shelf unit. The shelves were 18 inches wide and 14 inches deep. Josh bought some plastic pullout storage shelves from Target and framed them with plywood, then bolted them up into the wood shelves to keep them secure.

For electricity, Josh installed two deep-cycle batteries, which cost him about $120.00 for both. With a bit more work, Josh had a private place to sleep without having to resort to a homeless shelter. He gave notice to his landlord and entered the realm of urban van dweller. Surprisingly, Josh found the whole experience liberating.

Josh shared more of his story with me:

I was scared but emotionally charged at the same time. No more rent! All I needed was my laptop, some light, and a twelve-volt blanket when it got cold.

I purchased a $41.00 monthly gym membership which allows me to work out and shower at any one of over 400 different locations. This is critical for me. Just because you are technically homeless doesn’t mean you have to smell like you are homeless.

Staying Clean And In Shape

Self-respect becomes very important as a van dweller. If you choose this kind of life, you need to be clean and well-groomed. Personally, I love gyms. It’s a place where you can be social and have some fun. Some of these clubs even have sauna rooms and jacuzzis. I’m even working on my basketball game which, at my age, has been challenging.

The funny part to all this is that I look at all these guys buffing up and ready to take on the world…full of piss and vinegar…I don’t share my story with them…if I did, I think they might get a bit jealous.

I recharge my laptop at the gym and use Skype to make telephone calls. Most of the time, I just e-mail people to stay in touch….”  The cost of getting your own mobile internet hotspot has gone down, and the data download is extensive compared to just a few years ago. There are many different types of mobile plans to choose from – but you really have to hunt for the deals. Some let you can pay as you go without having to sign a contract.

Where To Park And Sleep

Finding a place to park your van at night can be tricky. The goal is stealth – especially if you are in an urban environment. When I find an odd job, I want to be close to both a gym and the job. Most cities have made it illegal to sleep in your van, and local police will enforce these ordinances.

In case you didn’t know, being poor in most states is a crime. But the urban areas are where the jobs are, so I make my way into the city to make a few extra dollars when I need to  – though most of the jobs I qualify for are minimum wage, or sometimes you can get lucky, and the small business owner will throw you some cash under the table. Did I just say that?

A Community Of Van Dwellers

When you’re a van dweller, you meet others in the same situation, and a social bond forms – you stay in touch through the Internet, and most are happy to share their experiences and offer valuable tips about van dwelling.

Some Van Dwellers have converted their cargo vans into a mobile home and then tried to blend into a commercial setting. One guy put a sign on the sides of his cargo van that read something stupid like, “Dicks 24-Hour Plumbing Repair” and added a humorous twist to his sign: “Call 1- 800-Got-Sewage.” No one is getting near that van!  At least the guy had a sense of humor.

Stealth Parking Equals Smart Parking

If you park your van in front of a bunch of big stores, your presence will usually go unnoticed, which is exactly what you want. Getting woken up in the middle of a deep sleep to be told to go elsewhere is something I have still not gotten used to – thankfully, it’s becoming rare for me as I keep learning the tricks and rules of van dwelling.

If you are in my situation and have an Astro Van, I make it a practice to keep my van clean. The key is not to draw attention to your presence. So I try to find a middle-class neighborhood with plenty of curb space.

I  arrive late and then leave early. The term stealth cannot be underestimated. You are living in a world where almost everyone lives in fear of an unfamiliar presence, like a van they have not seen before on their block.  So never park in the same place twice – you need to keep rotating locations.

Big late-night parking lots that contain 24-hour grocery stores and super gyms can be a good waiting area until it’s late enough to relocate into your neighborhood areas for some sleep.

Boondocking – Free Camping

For me, the safest but loneliest place to park is in the great outdoors. It’s still a beautiful experience, especially if you can find a spot next to a stream. For a list of free boon-docking locations, there is a database you can access from your van via an internet connection called BoonDocking.org.

With an Internet connection and GPS system, a van dweller can almost always find a safe and free place to sleep.

Off The Grid Financial Hardship

Going off the grid sometimes can lead to financial hardship. In those cases, you should be prepared to know the public resources that are available to you until you can get back on your feet.

Off-Grid Assistance With Groceries

These programs include assisting with food and grocery needs

Off-Grid Assistance With Healthcare

Off-Grid Assistance With Healthcare

Off-Grid Assistance With Emotional Counseling

Off-Grid Assistance With Counseling Services

Off-Grid Assistance With Obtaining Prescription Drugs

There are also deep discounts on prescription drugs offered by companies that require no premiums or co-pays.

Lost Shelter & Facing Homelessness

There are also public services for families and individuals facing homelessness

Wellness Tips

Maintaining a positive mindset and emotional wellbeing during a major life change is essential for a successful and fulfilling transition. You can navigate this period with resilience and optimism.

Remember to embrace change with an open mind, practice self-care, set realistic goals, and stay connected with those you love.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay positive and emotionally balanced during this period:

Embrace Change with an Open Mind

• Stay Flexible: Understand that Change is a natural part of life. Embracing it with an open mind can help reduce anxiety.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset can transform obstacles into valuable experiences.

Practice Self-Care

• Prioritize your health: Ensure you are eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Your physical health will often depend on your emotional wellbeing.
• Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

Set Realistic Goals

• Break Down Goals: Divide your primary goals into separate but manageable tasks. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and accomplish more than trying to handle everything at once.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. This can boost your motivation and confidence.

Stay Connected

• Reach Out to Loved Ones: Maintain regular contact with family and friends. Sharing your experiences and feelings with supportive people can provide comfort and perspective.
• Join Support Groups: Make the effort to connect with others going through similar changes. Support groups can offer encouragement and remind you that you are not alone.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

• Practice Gratitude: Every day, do your best to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life. Reflecting on what you’re thankful for can enhance your mood.
• Focus on Positives: Concentrate on what’s positive in your life rather than dwelling on the potential negatives. Visualize the benefits and rewards of your new path.

Stay Organized

• Plan Ahead- Create a Schedule: Develop a daily or weekly plan to keep yourself organized and focused. Having a clear structure can reduce feelings of chaos and uncertainty.
• Set Priorities: Identify your priorities and allocate time accordingly. This ensures that you are working on what is most important to you.

Engage in Activities You Enjoy

• Hobbies and Interests: Dedicate time to activities and hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. Engaging in what you love can be a great way to relieve stress and maintain a positive outlook.
• Creative Outlets: Explore creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music. Creative expression can be therapeutic and uplifting.

Stay Informed But Don’t Get Overwhelmed

• Educate Yourself: Gather information about the changes you’re undergoing. Being informed can reduce fear of the unknown and help you feel more in control.
• Filter Information: Be mindful of information overload. Limit your exposure to negative news or sources that can increase anxiety, and focus on positive and constructive sources.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

• Practice Meditation: Keep a regular meditation schedule. Meditation helps calm the mind and enhance emotional resilience.
• Build Relationships: Foster relationships with people who support and uplift you. A robust support system can provide encouragement and a sense of belonging.

Stay Positive and Patient

• Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce a positive mindset. Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities.
• Patience: Understand that adjusting to significant changes takes time. Be patient with yourself and recognize that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions.

Focus on What You Can Control

• Let Go Of The Uncontrollables: Concentrate on aspects of your life that you can influence. Letting go of things beyond your control can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Enhance your problem-solving skills to tackle challenges effectively. This proactive approach can increase your confidence and resilience.

Reflect and Adapt

• Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your progress and experiences. Self-reflection can provide insights and help you adjust your approach as needed.
• Adaptability: Be open to adapting and make changes as you go. Flexibility can help you navigate unexpected challenges more smoothly.

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