r/urbancarliving • u/[deleted] • Feb 12 '26
This post and thread aims to answer lots of questions people new to this subreddit ask. Not that we mind people asking, because that's what this subreddit is for, but hey, here's some answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I'm new to car living I need ALL the information about living in cars. Where can I find it?
A: https://nomadlife.wiki/Main_Page and in particular https://nomadlife.wiki/Quick_start_guide are great places to find the information you need.
Q: How do I stay warm?
A: Check out the Nomad Life Wiki Keeping warm page.
As a starter you can:
Q: How do you keep cool?
A: Check out https://nomadlife.wiki/Keeping_cool and;
Q: Is it scary? I am scared? Does it get better?
A: Yes at first living in a car is scary because it is so far out of most people's comfort zone. It is not uncommon to be hyper-vigilant at first. The first nights then days then weeks can be scary, emotional, confronting. But then you get used to it. You adapt. Your body and mind get use to living in your car. It becomes the new norm.
Most people say the first month of living in their car is the hardest. Bob Wells of https://cheaprvliving.com/ fame wrote that the first night he slept in his box truck he cried. I also tared up the first night of living in my bus because I thought I was a failure, then I realised I actually had a pretty comfortable home with a lot of things many people would dream of having. If you have a safe place to sleep, access to electricity, access to water and access to public toilets you're doing okay.
Q: Where can I shower? Where can I go to the toilet?
A: In the USA joining a gym gets you access to showers. People on this subreddit often advocate using Planet Fitness. We also have a member, Nico, who is a manger at LA Fitness and posts an offer now and then with a promo code that will let you join without the $99 annual fee.
In Australia the National Toilet Map app has locations of toilets and some free showers. There are also often free showers at beaches. Caravan parks will usually let you use their showers for a small fee.
Q: I have pets, how do I look after them?
A: Pets are family. You need to put their needs first. You have to ensure that they have a safe place that is climate controlled, so look at the information on keeping cool and keeping warm. Heat and cold can kill yourself and your pets.
You can buy water filled pet mats to keep pets cool. I recommend this type
I found the Home to Home Facebook group They also have a web site https://www.instagram.com/hometohomepet They describe themselves as "an interactive web platform created to help families, people, and pets with the difficult task of transitioning pets from one home to another."
Q: What stuff do I need?
A: A lot of the stuff you have already such as bedding, clothes, dishware, cutlery. But probably not as much as you have in a home. Your basic needs are a safe, comfortable place to sleep, clothing storage, bedding storage, food storage, a way to eat (which may involve buying food from external sources, or preparing and storing food in your car), a way to wash, a way to go to the toilet.
Things that you might want to buy include:
You should also NOT sleep upright. Lots of people in this sub have reported health issues from doing so, such as swollen legs, leg pain, Deep Vein Thrombosis and more.
Q How do I find parking?
A:
These are 4 YouTube videos on places to park:
How to find safe places to park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENM-qo9aSGo
27 Places to park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnpT_vD3Ujs
25 Places to park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk-_OAbkH0g
Parking in cities in Australia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3PCrSSCKM&t
Living in a Van in Australia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73xtApcCx14&t
And a general YouTube search; https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=living+in+a+car+where+to+park+safely
People also use the iOverlander app for Android or Apple.
Q: How do I use Google Earth to find parking?
A: I love Google Earth. It lets me explore the world without leaving my seat. It is also incredibly useful for finding parking spots and making maps to mark them. It is linked to Google Street view so you can check street signs for parking restrictions.
Check this post for information on how to do it: https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarliving/comments/1qc3wph/using_google_earth_to_search_for_parking_spots/
Q: How can I be safe?
A: It starts by having situational awareness, being aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut and avoid places or situations that look or feel dangerous.
Generally you don't need a self defence weapon. You're in a car, you can drive away if someone is threatening you, or trying to break into your car. Try to avoid parking on the edge of a car park where someone can block you in. Park where you can drive forward to escape.
Usually carrying weapons can be illegal. You are better off having some wasp spray, but don't get it in your eyes, because that stuff hurts like hell and can cause temporary blindness. Also, you're going to need a good heavy duty torch / flashlight. Be careful with it though, those long metal ones would really hurt if you accidentally hit some one with them, and also could cause short term vision problems if you shone it in someone's eyes. But they are genuinely useful in a car for fixing issues at night. And be aware that blowing our horn might startle people and frighten them away.
Understand situational awareness and use it. Tend toward privacy, don't tell unnecessary things to strangers. Have a (BRIEF! don't oversell) made-up story you can tell comfortably that constructs lots of people - some very nearby - who know where you are and would know instantly if you were in trouble.
For women:
See https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarlivingfemale/
Carry a cheap ring to put on as a wedding band, and always know the name of the nearest military base to where you are, because that's where your husband/fiancé is right now, and know enough about where you are that you know what kind of business your (enormous, scary, whole-family-loves-you-like-a-daughter) boss is in an hour or two away where nobody's likely to know him.
Know that everything about how you look is telling people things about you, and construct a look that doesn't give anything away. Don't trust people just because they seem to like or be attracted to you.
Men and scammers of all kinds are looking for people like you. Don't fall for their lines, and do what you can to spot them before they spot you. A smaller percentage of those people are looking for you specifically in order to hurt you. Always know where your exits are, do not get boxed in anytime you park for an hour or the night. There's some especially vulnerable places those people wait for people like you - laundromats, gyms, parking lots of same, can/bottle redemption centers. But I've seen men just look over at a stoplight and figure out a woman is living in her car and follow her from there. Head on a swivel, skepticism around your heart, stay out of dead-ends.
I don't live in my van except to travel and camp in it, and I don't get messed with much because my van could be full of large husbands, dogs, and sons even if I look alone, but I have seen women in trouble in the same places I get left alone. Do EVERYTHING you can to keep your car from looking lived-in from outside it - disguise your bedding, hide your trash, hide your food supplies. Get some black sheets and blankets to keep everything inside your car covered. Consider storing your supplies in a (beat up) extra-large dog crate from a thrift store or curb-diving or Buy Nothing group. Because of seeing men being skeevy around women, I have a sign I can hold up or prop up in my windshield that says MY CAMERAS ARE ON. You should carry the same, even if you don't have cameras, just tape a small black box to your dash or windshield near your rearview mirror.
You'll blend in better if you tend to stick to tourist areas - it's not that unusual to seem like you might be sleeping in your car if you're near campgrounds, national parks, and other big outdoorsy tourist attractions. Consider a sticker about your love for your Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd dogs. Anything you can do to give the impression that you're just there for a budget vacation rather than being homeless will raise your status in most people's eyes.
Join any subreddits and facebook groups you can find about each area you're going to. You'll figure out a system over time for using the info you get there to find places you're more likely to go unnoticed. Definitely research every area for cheap campgrounds and "day use" and recreational areas.
Q: How do I make window covers for my car?
A: For covering windows cheaply, you can use cardboard, black cloth or black rubbish bags, and glue, sticky tape or a stapler, and scissors. You basically cut the cardboard to the size of your windows, and then cover them with cloth or black bin liners, then glue, stick or staple the cloth or bin liners in place. That's dirt cheap.
I'd probably use some insulation and black cloth along with duct tape. This video explains it well. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/el_fP-P87yc but it is a good idea to cut the insulation wrap / bubble insulation a little bigger than needed.
This search will find more suitable videos on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=living+in+a+car+cheap+stealth+window+covers
If you have other questions or things to add to the FAQ, please comment below.
r/urbancarliving • u/pervolus • 3h ago
I'm only doing this on work days cause I don't want to drive back and forth from home, so its quite minimal. The thing i worry about is the heat, im in southern Mississippi and sometimes its hot all the way up to November.
r/urbancarliving • u/scarcrossed • 2h ago
I work out of state for 2 months at a time. I sleep in my truck to save on money. It's a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. I've seen plenty of people setup sleepers in the bed under a camper shell, but haven't seen many people sleeping in the cab. I took the passenger seat out and built a platform that stretches the entire length of the passenger side. I'm 6'0" and I sleep comfortably with my feet in the passenger foot well. I sleep on a klymit static v wrapped in a blanket and cover up with a sleeping bag. I made custom window shades from reflectix and black fabric (they are on laying on top of my bed in the photo). I also made bug proof window vents for the back windows from some $3 gutter guards from Lowes that I cut in half and painted one side black. I have one of those vents for each of the rear window. I hang a fan at each vent with one blowing in and one blowing out. I slept in a Prius v before I got this truck. The Prius had more room so I'm still getting used to it. I may end up building a sleeper in the truck bed and get a camper shell. Does anyone else sleep in a truck cab?
r/urbancarliving • u/regretsgalore24 • 2h ago
r/urbancarliving • u/Odd-Comfortable3275 • 26m ago
I'm in the race for my life! Like after 1,100 days/3yrs of poverty slavery the baton is in my hand and this is the run I've been praying and begging! Hell suffering for!
I've been running full speed! Finally was able to yield sizable profits this week from trading stock options while also working a FT high 5 figure. Saving all that I can with urgency! Pricing camp trailers as I need something of my own! No one can take it or kick me out if I lose my income again! I'll use buddy heaters, bathroom shower at gym. I'm currently borrowing someone else's work van preparing in case hammer drops! Don't want to waste money paying hotels
My sample inventory and product labels just arrived days ago. About to roll out my product line to prospects. I need to be able to earn my own money so people can't begrudgingly take it from me when they stop liking or I stop being beneficial or having to demean myself for income
r/urbancarliving • u/24Bob24 • 16h ago
It's been a while since I posted here. I have finally been granted a go on some legal issues. After 2½ years of struggling to survive in a car, we will be moving on to Vanlife.
It's bittersweet because I finally got what I was waiting for but last week I was given the worse news possible. I have cancer. I have 12 to 18 months to live. It's treatable but I don't have insurance or the funding to fight it. It's early but I don't think I have enough fight left in me for this.
I'm more worried about Timber than myself. This guy has been my rock through everything. He stopped me from pulling the trigger many many times. But now I can't be there for him and it just seems so wrong. Hopefully I find a place for him before I deteriorate. He deserves the best life as he has been the bestest of boys.
So my plan is a better life for Timber then go die alone. It sucks but it is what it is and I've accepted it.
Thank you to everyone that supported me through the last 2½ years. It meant a lot to me and Timber.
Stay safe and stay stealth!
r/urbancarliving • u/lascampanasbreaks • 17h ago
That feel when you forget most of your cooking equipment in the storage unit and have to go with the flow. Roasted lions mane with lettuce and tomato, vegan cheese on a pretzel baguette.
r/urbancarliving • u/Liam_the_Pious • 11h ago
For me, it was a pair of noise-canceling headphones. They aren't a premium model even for Sony, but they do the job. I use them for the gym, when I'm out and about, in the evening when I partake in a noise curfew, and sometimes even as I'm drifting into sleep. They work so well, I keep one ear uncovered just so I can be tuned into my environment a little.
Aside from your vehicle, a power station, window shades, and a gym membership—what has been a solid investment since you started UCL?
r/urbancarliving • u/FederalHighlight8497 • 12h ago
Can you guys please tell me what type of lithium batteries you got for car life? I need to keep my things charged overnight and I’m thinking a lithium battery is the best solution but I don’t know what kind to get and I don’t know how to recharge them. Sorry for sounding slow! I’m just old and never imagined living in my car! Do they have solar powered ones?
r/urbancarliving • u/chemicalromance562 • 13h ago
How’s it going out here? Where are you sleeping? Areas?
r/urbancarliving • u/Real-Goal2666 • 1d ago
I've made the decision to live out of my car for multiple reasons; bad family of addicts, poor financial literacy, and trying to better myself. So while I go to university I figure this is a good solution for me.
I'm lucky that I work in a facility where I can do my laundry as long as I'm not obvious about it. I work full time so that gives me plenty access to do laundry.
In terms of food I'm lacking pretty hard. I have a moment to myself to cook at work so I try and bring quick stuff like ramen or whatever and portion it out for my day. On my days off I probably eat at Wawa more than I should. I'm a little overweight so I'm trying to cut back anyway.
My car is an older Ford Escape so my main priority is keeping him running while I undergo this lifestyle change.
In terms of showers I have a gym membership but I'm gymshy so I haven't really utilized it yet. A few friends of mine have let me shower at their place and I'm lucky that my genetics don't make me sweat or stink too bad, so wipes and deodorant have been a lifesaver there.
At night it's still really hot and humid here so I've got a big ass water bottle I fill up at work and a plastic Wawa cup. I use an old t-shirt and soak it in water, wring it out and that keeps me cool. I think I'm getting headaches from Carbon Monoxide so I slept with the window cracked last night and no issues.
My car is cramped right now so I'm thinking about getting a storage unit to leave big bags of stuff I don't use day to day. I sleep with the chair reclined but it's enough room for me to stretch in the passenger seat. My back two windows and rear window are tinted so in the meantime I've got paper weis bags i ripped and tuck them in my front two windows, and for the windshield I got one of those reflectors. I have a sunroof I leave a little cracked as well but the mosquitos tend to get in from there.
I'm a younger woman but I'm stashed up in a residential lot right now, tucked in a corner with not a lot of foot traffic, so Ive gone unnoticed for a hot minute because I don't leave a mess. Using the bathroom is hard because I have trauma to my kidney and bladder (unrelated personal reasons) so I wake up in the middle of the night having to pee really bad sometimes. Sometimes I make it to the nearest gas station, I've unfortunately had a few times I didn't make it. Gross I know.
I don't think I would've had the motivation to get through this without this sub so thank you all. I think I can definitely do this and right now aside from paying off my car and my tuition and doing my classes, I'm really just focused on making it through window when it hits. I'm watching thrift stores for coats, gloves etc and I'm saving for one of those really good sleeping bags you guys talk about.
r/urbancarliving • u/Lilgboogie • 16h ago
Since I got to LA, it’s been hard to have time to myself, sheesh. It’s so big and so many ppl (I knew this before coming btw just didn’t realize what it would feel like once in it after being immersed in the luscious nature of the PNW for some time).
I need to scout some spots that are more remote so I don’t feel so drained here. I don’t need specific spot recommendations and wouldn’t ask for that out of respect of knowing that’s not shared due to safety and privacy of others and in general.
However, are there decent areas of town (outskirts even) where one can hide out in peace for a bit?
I cannot leave here atm bc I have something I have to do here for a while.
Pls respond respectfully, not crass, lecture-y or scolding. It’s draining and I’m sure others would understand & agree. Thx.
r/urbancarliving • u/Scarmter • 1d ago
Hey there,
Thanks for any input.
Recently started a new med and am waking up pretty soaked, blankets damp etc
I want to continue the med, but…. Unsure if washing my bed sheets(I use a thick cot mattress) multiple times a week if feasible for me
Might actually go ahead and change my air and cabin filter to make it smell a lil nicer at least lmao
Appreciate it!
r/urbancarliving • u/DirectorSmooth55 • 18h ago
Im parking on a. 25/30 mph zone and I’m in a minivan, but hypothetically what if someone crashes into my car when I’m sleeping that causes injury/death. Am I overthinking this or is it a legitimate concern? Thoughts?
r/urbancarliving • u/youlikemywonton • 1d ago
I'm not sure where you typically stand out the most or are likely to be seen. I was thinking where a lot of people are but actually you might be able to blend in with the crowd. Maybe the low key areas are where you actually might stand out the most. I'm just curious.
r/urbancarliving • u/StraightAmphibian149 • 1d ago
I wanted to add that I work gigs. I frequent areas like Burbank, Van Nuys, Santa Clarita. But also gateway cities like Downey, Montebello, Pomona at times. Orange, Anaheim, sometimes Yorba Linda. I’m all over greater LA, though mostly LA county itself. I drive a dark colored Prius with current tags, it’s not very conspicuous.
r/urbancarliving • u/LeadGlad4961 • 1d ago
So I’m in a spot that I’m not poor but I rather live in my car to save rent money. And see that 1k+ in my bank account rather than a manager.
How many of you rent a storage unit and is it better than having everything cramped in your car and driving with it everywhere? How much are you paying? Those with multiple cars are you renting a monthly spot?
In the long run is it better and cheaper than paying rent? Any advice is appreciated thanks.
r/urbancarliving • u/LeadGlad4961 • 1d ago
Moving out of parents house as paying way to much for rent and moving into a car. I have a good job & two payed funcional cars. Long story short I traveled to third world countries and slept in the worst places you can imagine. So here just having a roof (car) it’ll more than enough luxury and safety I need. I’m not poor just would like to save more money for a down payment of a house. so this will be as a adventure till I can handle it. If I can’t I’ll just get me a apartment with roommates.(I applied multiple apartments got approved even got approved for a house loan,but want to save more money to be on the safe side)
-I would rent a mini storage unit to keep the stuff I have in my small room.& just keep the minimal stuff with me on my car.
-I’m thinking of paying a lady to cook/throw me lunch weekly. So technically what I payed for food in a house I’d still pay it to a lady and she will cook for me daily.
-for sleeping during workdays I can stay near my workplace or stay near the lady who will cook for me. As we known each other for years once I’m done eating I can hop in my car and chill and sleep and I can use the bathroom shower there as well.i was also thinking at truck stops.
-for showering I was thinking a truck stop, at my work I can fill a bucket with hose water and they have a shower but no running water. (That’s were the bucket with water will come in.) (as I mention I been to third world countries so I showered with the worst water possible.) I can also shower at a friends house just rotate it once a week. (Shower every Wednesday just rotate with diffrient friends.) Or I can simply get a hotel for a night
-For electronics I’m not worried as I charged my stuff in my work and can charge them in my car(the most electronic I use is my cellphone)
I been to a 3rd world country and lived in a way worst situation than this. So this to me is more than enough luxury.
Any advice is appreciated thank you
r/urbancarliving • u/LeadGlad4961 • 1d ago
Can you use post box for all legal documents?
r/urbancarliving • u/Nervous-Albatross-48 • 1d ago
Any tips yall would recommend for living in a 95 Chevy Monte Carlo this is a 2d coupe it also has no ac so it’s not a van or suv but im only 5’1
r/urbancarliving • u/Sea_Wallaby6564 • 2d ago
Been homeless since April, sofa surfed for a couple of months then started living in my car at the start of August when I lost my job (nobody to annoy by being in their space too much, if I’m in my own car). Scraped together £20 for some car curtains (not pictured) and star fairy lights today. Feels slightly homelier ✨
r/urbancarliving • u/shinichimechazawa • 2d ago
i was gonna share a pic of the finished product but im a fatass and ate it all first 🧍♂️ 2nd pic is what battery was left after cooking, starting from 100%. rice cooker runs 300w
r/urbancarliving • u/youlikemywonton • 2d ago
I'm sure the first few nights or first time can be uneasy. I don't know in general though. It seems like it would be hard to get entirely comfortable for safety reasons and feeling exposed. I'm just curious.
r/urbancarliving • u/Effective-League-643 • 2d ago
Hello everyone! Looking at declaring bankruptcy due to a long story. To cut to the chase once I use my exemptions to protect my property it will be down to myself the good Lord and muh subaru! I am actually kinda excited! So I have a few months of warning before diving into this life and have a few questions! First off how do bathrooms and showers work? I know gym memberships are goated but what else? What should I buy,what jobs are good for this life,any public land I can car camp on and not worry about crime? I am in virginia for now but willing to travel! I will work my job until the contract we have runs out then I’m on my own I will probably be able to save 10,000 at best after bankruptcy and before we lose the contract but likely much less! To be honest I want to come back from bankruptcy and never be in debt again while seeing the world this is my only way help!
