I lived in my vehicle from 2016-2022. My job has showers so that's a blessing for me. I used to rotate 5 different places ...1. job 2. UPS parking lot 3. FedEx parking lot 4. 24 hr gym. 5. Police station. I saved a lot of money over the 6 years. I miss car life since I'm a loner anyway
I cannot tell you how much it bothers me that we pay taxes all our life, for city, county, state and federal taxes, in addition to "fees," and other mysterious add-ons, that ostensibly go for roads and infrastructure, along with many other things. We buy a car, we pay insurance, we pay taxes on that, we continue to pay taxes on the gasoline, and taxes on car repairs. Yet, in spite of all this, we are not allowed to stay in our car, on a public street or public space. If we are "caught" living in our car, we are told we are not allowed to do that. On what planet, and under what conditions WOULD we be able to? If we have paid for all of it ourselves, how does the government come along and say we are now not allowed to use it?? They are our streets. Our parks. Our recreational areas. We paid for them, and are STILL paying for them. The government has no money of it's own, yet it tells us we are not welcome on that for which we have paid dearly. Something is deeply wrong here. If you are in your car, bothering no one, parked on a public street, what is the harm? I could see it if you built a patio off your car and put out a grill, furniture, etc. as that is not what streets are for, or sidewalks, either. But simply being in a vehicle for as long as you want anywhere you want as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else, should be allowed. To me, it is outrageous that people have to sneak around like criminals in order to "be" somewhere legally. Unbelievable.
Hey Lynn, I was deeply humbled by what you said and literally couldn’t agree more. The amount of taxes we are REQUIRED to pay yet it is deemed illegal to use them is truly crazy. As you said we pay for these streets and even pay for the cops salaries yet they forget they are our employees and in turn many times keep us from using the vary things we have paid for. It’s alarming how fast and high everything is going up including actual food at my grocery store. It feels as if almost every single time I go into the store to buy the things I always buy, the price has gone up and not just a little. Is very disheartening… this is why I want a small cabin in the woods… to disconnect from all the crap. Our country is going downhill fast…
The government doesn't like things that make controlling people more difficult. They don't like people being self-employed either. They are okay if you are homeless living in the streets in a big city because they know where you are and can make money from "helping" you.
ALL so VERY True. But that's the REAL Issue They can not collect TAXES from you IF you do that and Worst Constantly being in Control of your life and Mindset. Big Brother wants your Compliance.
It's not really the government. It's the neighbors and the business owners and etc. They're the ones that call the police. They're the ones that pass ordinances not allowing us to sleep on the street in our cars. My condo association has signs inside our condo and they send out a newsletter telling us to call the police if we see people parking and living on the street. I never do that but other people do. They hate people living on our street. Some of the people litter and break into the building to use the water.
Marmalade...I just wanted to say how happy I am I found your channel. At the end of March of this year, I said F it and literally walked away from my life with what I could fit in my car. My rent was raised and I was barely making it before that, so I left BEFORE it became a problem. I have a college degree and work 2 jobs, but still struggle. Its just how it is nowadays. My kids are grown and its just me. One of the things Im really struggling with is the stigma. Like, one side of me says, good for you you've always been a nomad at heart, the other says, "You are 54 and living out of your car so OBVIOUSLY you are a complete loser?! How can you let yourself get to this point?" But then I ask myself, if you could go back, would you? And the answer is always no, but I have told about 2 people Im doing this...and well now all of RUclips lol. I dont want to tell my kids because I dont want them to worry for me. And I just dont want anyone else's judgement. But...despite the hardships that come with it, and really, its just trading one set of hardships for another, non-domiciled vs. domiciled, I am kind of having the time of my life. I work 2 jobs, both remote and there are a lot of "workshare" spaces opening up around and Ive been using those for work. Its a pretty cool idea and I believe you will see more of them as remote working becomes the norm. I am on a podcast too that records once a week and both of the workshare spaces I have used have podcasting booths so that's been great. Also, I'm doing all this in a Ford Fiesta, luckily I am only 5'1". I see so many people doing this with vans and SUVs and if people are reading this and seeing these posts and thinking, I can never do that with my car...chances are, you probably can. I have stayed at Walmarts, Pilot Truck Stops, Loves Truck Stops. Im in the Midwest. Walmarts have been the best, I find...just try to park away from the lights that I think are meant to land planes. And I've🚗 gotten a hotel room here or there, and AIRBNB to visit my kids last week. I also got the Planet Fitness Black Card...if you are going to do this, that is the BEST $27/month you can possibly spend. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for making me feel like what I am doing is okay, or that others are also doing it. Also, I saw what you said about your luck on dating sites and those women are dumb, you are adorable. I think we are on the cusp and being renegades for those who will follow behind us. This stigma with change to some degree, but it will definitely take some time and probably never fully go away. I KNOW I am choosing this, but I have to get over feeling like a failure. Also, in case this helps anyone else...I am off all my anxiety medicine for the first time since 2005. At first i thought I was opening up a giant mental can of worms by leaping off this ledge...but it has had the exact opposite affect on me. "Letting go" is AMAZING. And there is something so soothing about that little cocoon of my back seat. Ok, if I keep going I will have to get my own RUclips channel. Best of luck to you, and thank you for being so vulnerable for the benefit of the rest of us. Just wanted to let you know you really helped someone feel better. I know from my podcasting that feedback, especially positive, reminds us why we put ourselves out there in the first place.
I'm 54 and moved into a converted ambulance 4 yrs ago. I WISH I'd have done it sooner! SOO much cheaper! I'm in the process of building out an old 86 Ford van/truck cause ambo engine is shit but to me, vehicle living is the least stressful life!
I hope you are doing ok. 💚 I think what you are doing is amazing. And, you do too. You KNOW it has changed your life, for the better. So, don't be ashamed. Anyone who tries to shame you should be ashamed. Most people are jealous of you!!! They know the rat race is miserable, and look at you--your just said "nope". You are BRAVE!!! I hope you have been able to tell your family and that they were supportive! 💚
We are the same age. I turned 55 this year. I bought my van about a month ago. I plan to hit the road in just a few months, getting the van ready now. I hope you are doing well.
I did think of police stations. I had not thought of hospital parking lots! Thanks for a great list of ideas for upping my parking game when I am urban.🖤
I slept in a hospital parking lot. I had no data on my phone, but was able to sleep and use thier WiFi..I was actually waiting for the ER line to go down.. and fell asleep..
I read a suggestion to park at a tire dealer or mechanic's place. Pull in after they have closed and leave early. All kinds of vehicles parked there waiting for service the next day so you will blend in.
I've had many times to park just on side streets here in Hawaii... The only 2 times the police knocked on my window I explained that I had been out drinking with friends, and I couldn't drive safely yet... They always (actually they pretty much have to) then just tell me to be careful and they take off....
I have read about people who have been arrested for DUI when they have been drinking and were sleeping it off in the car. The theory is even if you are not actually driving, you *could* potentially drive at anytime. Ridiculous I know! If you do try this just make it very obvious that you are not in a position to be driving,l ike you are in the back and your keys are in the glove box, etc.
Hi I recently was in a large city in a community with row houses. I first drove past around 7pm but thought this main street would fill up late at night. To my surprise 10:30 pm there were a lot of empty parks I pulled in and had a good nights sleep the passing cars didnt bother me at all. I also love to stay in hospital level parking and park where the workers park. I do shift parking and Ive always remained stealth. I park around 45 min before a shift starts and leave within 45min after a shift ends. In bad weather or when I dont feel like moving I park as if Im doing a double. Inside Im completely blacked out and have never been discovered. I have everything I need in my minivan. During a big snow workers were out cleaning off snow from the cars and plowing the driveways. Only thing is that you cant turn your engine on. So I have enough power to last. i often heat water for hot water bottles. The daylight if sun is strong it heats up a vehicle just be prepared with warm clothing and bedding. I love my life
Suggestion as a truck driver if you wanna park your car at a truckstop, do not take up any of the truck parking spots. We as truckers have legal hours that we can run and if we violate those hours it can cause us to lose our license so we have to be able to have parking spots, y’all people that are homeless and just you know on road trips and stuff have a little respect because you can park anywhere and we can’t for every truck that’s on the road there’s 11 trucks to one parking spot so it’s very difficult for us to find safe parking
I'm in the South and I have often thought that car repair places would be a great place to sleep. There are typically lots of different vehicles parked around and they don't open super early :)
Right I think that would be a gray place. The main thing with those kind of places is don’t be there a super long time. Park after they close and leave early
Very true, I feel if you pulled after they close, crawled in the back, slept then left early even the cameras wouldn’t know you stayed there. Also as long as you’re not bothering them or there during business hours I would think you make it work?
In my experience, truck stops welcome car travelers sleeping overnight. I traveled for four months all around the country sleeping almost exclusively at truck stops. I preferred Loves, particularly for the $11 (in 2015) clean shower rooms for rent. Truck stops are great because you have proximity to food, drink, supplies and bathroom facilities. There is no hassle whatsoever. I found that Loves tended to have almost no shady activity going on, although sometimes you will see an escort show up and jump into the cab of a truck. But I never had any problem or any hassle sleeping at truck stops during my 22k mile road trip around the U.S.
@@dhmoss75 Interesting. My 22k trip was the reverse: Seattle, eventually ending in DC. I'm curious where some of your favorite spots were. I spent a lot of time in Idaho, northern Utah and western Montana. The other thing I liked about sleeping at truck stops was how quickly I could get on the road after waking up.
@@johnfake2739 I started in DC with just plans of making it to Yellowstone with my 15 year old son. We ended up north of Seattle but stopped all over on the way, then we drove home. We slept in my car every single night. We started every single day with “what should we do today…?” I was surprised with Illinois. It was a lot quieter than I expected. I have a lot of family in CO, ID, and Utah so we did quite a lot of that. We DID make it to Yellowstone too! I took him when he was very young but he didn’t remember any of it. I’m taking my older son this summer and we are going to travel mostly in Canada. Same thing, in the back of my Outback… I LOVE to people watch, I love to watch the bustling of an evening in a truck stop. Real life. It’s humbling sometimes.
Most major, and even some smaller, airports have Cell Phone Parking Lots where you can park while waiting for an incoming plane to land (instead of constantly circling the pick-up area). Taxis, limousines and just regular everyday people make use of these lots. No one keeps track of how long you've been there, and, they're usually free and open 24 hrs.. Love your list, thanks! 💗
U can always park and sleep at the airport. If u dont want to pay at all. Just get behind a car right before they pay. Once they pay and the stick pulls up follow right behind em. U will go right through!
I realize the advantages of living in a vehicle no mortgage, utilities,homeowners insurance, home maintenance etc. But in my opinion living in a vehicle is a lot of work, mostly planning and constantly moving. Then you have weather conditions to contend with. It can get mighty hot and cold. This is just a small part of the inconveniences. More power to you for pulling it off.
I parked in a Toyota dealership as I have a Toyota sienna and they locked the gate at night and when I went to leave in the morning I couldn’t get out was there till 11 AM and I’m pretty sure they knew that I wasn’t one of the their vehicles
Some travel/welcome centers have guards. I slept at one of these in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I actually asked the guard if I could stay there and he was perfectly fine with it. On the flip side, rest stops in that area of Mississippi have posted warnings about crime at night. When you sleep at a rest stop, you really have to be aware of the probability of crime and how alone you might wind up being in the middle of the night.
I'm driving out there in may for a week to ride the bike trails on the beach and I want to just crash in my car hopefully in an area where I'm less likely to get robbed and you have given me the best advice! I like the hospital idea best Thanks!
Hey Jose, yeah I think I’m general most people follow similar places… would love to find somebodies driveway or curb outside their house so I would have to worry about anything. Someday perhaps. Thanks for watching
Good ideas. I've never lived in a car or van but I think the subject is fascinating and who knows, I might find myself in such a situation that I need to do just that. In looking at these videos about living in vehicles I never hear anyone talk about trying to make your sleeping body stealthy instead of the vehicle. Wouldn't this be less obvious? In other words, instead of putting up window panels and/or a blanket (which where I live and shop would definitely attract nosy neighbors or cops in a second) maybe somehow attaching lots of trash, old boxes or whatnot to a black blanket or bed spread and covering yourself completely with it in the back seat when you sleep? That way when someone looks inside your car at night they just see what appears to be a pile of junk in the back seat and not someone sleeping. Just a thought.
I'm fascinated by this subject too. I own my sticks & bricks house but for some reason I am drawn to these kind of videos. Who knows, maybe one day our society will get to a point where more and more people are living this way, then everything I've learned will come in handy either for myself or people I care about.
Here's a thought: Build a false floor a couple feet off the real floor in the back of your car and use a bunch of 'obvious garbage' (maybe you can get a few unused wrappers from various fast food joints that you can kinda wad up along with their bags, maybe rinse out some potato chip bags, maybe use some slightly crumpled old sale flyers from grocery stores, etc and glue them to the top of your false floor... so it looks like the back is just full of trash. You can make a section that you can lift on a hinge even so you can enter from inside without going outside. Under your false floor is your 'bedroom.' You could make it as nice as you want in there make it raised in the center a bit for more space if you want.... even install a couple USB rechargeable lights and 2 little USB fans for airflow (one blowing in to your 'bedroom' and one blowing out at the other end, and hide the holes with a couple large plastic soda cups on their sides with a hole cut in the bottom that's glued down with the open ends about an inch away from the interior walls so no one could possibly see in). Use black caulk or weather stripping to seal around the edges to be sure no light escapes at night. Small enough to keep warm easily on cold nights. Anything valuable or living-related is hidden and it just looks like a really messy car so no sense in breaking in to steal a bunch of wrappers and old newspaper and junk. 🤷♀️ Then as long as you climb into your bedroom when no one is watching, no one would have a clue if the walk past and look in.
I love your attitude towards the way you live, I am just starting to live in my Honda CRV so I have some space, I am 56 and 6ft tall, when I find the right place I get some of the best nights sleep, I am currently living in NH and believe me when I say it gets cold lol, its way to expensive because people are greedy and are blowing up the rents, some have gone up 2 to 300 per month, I worry about safety, because if anyone comes up to my car I set up booby traps lol, I just started watching some of your videos and plan on watching more, learn something new every day, maybe I will keep a little journal, be safe and happy trails!
I always tripped on this one .... If someone worked "graveyards" ( yuck done em done with them) and had their rig "sound proofed" ..black out windows too... one could sleep anywhere ! NO one would think someone was sleepin in the daytime ...
Is there a chance you could discuss what you do to create a PNW travel route while being mindful of fires breaking out along the way. I want to book ahead, but then fear that while on the drive up..I’ll be rerouted to avoid a fire or other hazard and then the booking becomes problematic.
Found all the best spots in the whole Palm Springs & surrounding cities plus all the blm land close by. Great place to live in your car vehicle for 9 months out if the year then back to Orange County for the hot three months, I do a rotation in my 27 favorite spots and have never had one issue!. Just blend in...I wear my old work uniforms and it works out so well!
Great information if I should ever need it. And I am sure there will be a few times when I will. I'm a newbie. I haven't got my van together yet. It has some of my sister's belongings in it right now that need to go in storage. But, I am writing supply and gadget lists. And graphing/sketching/ sizing up the floor plan for furnishings/belongings. In case I lose/ have to sell my home quickly.
College campuses have lots of green space, bathrooms, and most have visitor parking, I live near Purdue and their permit parking is only from 7 to 5 I think, so outside those hours anybody can park there. They also typically have lots of indoor places to just hang out on a crappy weather day.
Great list! Not sure about the dealerships. A lot are patrolled at night for thrives and some are gated. At least near here they are. You’d have to be super stealthy to park and stay without them noticing. Maybe I missed it but what about school and/or community college parking lots? After hours I don’t think a lot of places would require a pass. I would totally go with the churches. Especially if you go in on Sunday, you’d probably get a week or two out of it.
Hey brother! Some great ideas! I have been road tripping since the beginning of August and have boondocked a number of places with out problems. You have a few places that I haven’t thought of. Thanks for the suggestions! DD
Please don't park cars in RV spaces at Cracker Barrel. They can fill up fast at times. A lot of car dealerships usually lock up at night. Watch you don't get locked in.
If u not in and out of town and just staying in ur car to save buck make sure ur registered and insured and a license would be good also u would not believe how many people drive and have no licence
3 types of people you have to be mindful for when looking for a suitable spot for the night. But, 1st & foremost, completely block out your windows. So, 1 is the security guards that patrol the parking lots or the people manning the CCTV. If they happen to see you pull into the parking lot & see you never get outta your vehicle, they'll kick you out. 2 is like the people from #1. It's the resident that happens to see you park on the street & see you never get outta your vehicle, they'll either confront you or call the cops on you. 3 is the worst. It's the criminals that break into cars to steal stuff. If they're violent also, you could be in danger.
#20 is a good idea! I used to live in Tampa and I worked at a medical lab and there was a huge parking lot and I don't think I would have paid attention to any car in the lot. I was always trying to find the closest parking spot to the door and was always in a rush to hit that time clock. The only thing I could think of in that situation is if there was a security guard who walked around. But if you find, out of the 25 places, one place to park every night, then you'd only be in that one spot once a month. In my area, there are 3 hospitals, about 4 Wal-Marts, and tons of churches. I might start checking out places I might want to park if I ever end up living in my car again. Right now, my car is in the shop and I'm having to walk, which is killing me, but thankfully I have a house even though it has its own issues....plumbing, roofing, etc. I'm always hanging by the edge of my seat. The biggest issue I can think of in my situation NOW is that I have a 65 lb dog and he wouldn't take to my asking him to not bark. And he can bark LOUDLY.
@@wolfeadventures I appreciate that brotha! Have you watched my video I uploaded yesterday of the Joshua tree hike? Was wondering what you thought? Didn’t se a comment so was wondering
I'd shy away from hotel parking lots, you are essentially trespassing and IF I were a paying guest at the hotel , I wouldn't want to go to my car in the middle of the night or near check out only to find someone sleeping nearby. And sometimes their lots aren't huge and you are taking a valuable parking spot for a guest who has to park a bit farther away and hump luggage back and forth. Hospitals at least near me tend to be pretty watchful for overnighters and will give you a knock. Independent or chain type auto repair places in addition to a dealership might work well especially if your car is a bit more on the beat up side. As beaters tend to not get serviced at "dealers" but more so by independents. But be careful coming in too early as a few entrances/exits get chained up at both types of places. .
Ehh just be careful and smart which hotel lot you do it at. I don’t feel comfortable doing it at a empty one . I stayed at a hotel in the back in a dark shaded area and was fine. I will agree with you when I pulled up in a hotel there was so many damn hotel employees staring at my truck. Even the leaf blower guy was staring at me .. I was like wtf😂😂 I just left… shit was weird.. Right now I’m in a residential neighborhood. I was going to stay in a rv parking lot but there was literally no damn cars there and I’m riding hella dirty with no license plates 🤦🏾♂️ So I don’t feel safe Hell I don’t even feel safe in this neighborhood being a black guy in a majority white neighborhood I’m genuinely concerned… This is my day one out after I got kicked out arguing with my mom. It’s 46 degrees out here man … I’m freezing my ass off 🤦🏾♂️ I pray I fix my truck and get my license and registration before getting pulled over… and get enough money to get back on my feet. I just started working two days ago… sorry for the rant … just venting I guess 🥺
The point of suggestion to park outside of a dealership is you have to be quiet and stealth. Park there late when everyone is gone and leave early before they come back. Yes if you’re obvious then people will notice that’s all
Oh im stating it because I monitor quite a few dealerships. We have to call police for any vehicle loitering and we are alerted the second something enters the property. Even the cats that wander around town or raccoons get spotted (obviously not calling for that 😂) but Just speaking from experience from this side of the monitor. and maybe its just our areas, but some do call the police other than ours. I love your vid and some are good to camp at most likely but atleast for us and the dealerships in the towns im near are all monitored 24/7 by either the dealership itself during the day and then a contracted company for closed hours. In a couple months ill be living out of a trax and this video will be my go to since it has a ton of tips.
@FirstShotX thank you and I totally understand. I personally don’t think I would sleep next to a dealership unless I was in a real pinch just because as you said their monitored pretty well. I like less people, cars and security around. Thanks for the info it totally makes sense. Cheers
Mine is Wally world. It said "24" hours " no I had a plain clothes officer or pi. Sniffing through the window for illegal smokes. Or the shake down on demand. You get a wright up and you have to put your stuff back then you are written up. And the treatment is not random. Go back later "the same bunch is still there" just not you😢😢😢😢
the USA is much more FRIENDLY for people who live in their vans im from QLD australia, its ILLEGAL to live in your car or Van, you get booked by the city council, even if your not causing any trouble, in the USA like LA there are special areas where people who sleep in their cars can park with a boom gate where they have free toilets and microwaves and a BBQ area and a printer if you need to print any documents like a resume to find work etc... in QLD australia the govt treats people who live in their car the same way that acts russia acts to gay people
Anymore there really are no places you can go depending on where you live. Almost everywhere has no overnight parking signs. Hotels are not a good place because theres always people and they DO pay attention. I get asked to move at hotels more than anywhere elsewhere. The problem is the amount of car campers has exploded and some are ruining it for the rest of us. Campgrounds are charging more than $20 a night even for a tent site. I live in the country and its $40 a night. Walmart does not allow you to be there overnight anymore. In the country just pull over on a road and put a bag or rag in the window. That signifies you are coming back for the car and it wont get towed for a few days at least. Learn your area. Welcome centers do not allow overnight parking either. Ive been asked questions after only being there 2 hours. Car dealerships are a no no. Cameras and cat thefts are rampant. This guy seens to have a lot of money to spend on places to park. This is why i made a video on how and why you are car camping. Out of necessity or a personal choice will dictate your needs.
Walmart 😕 , Dose not want anyone, Sleeping in the parking lot 🛻🚙🚗🚐🚍 , Went in too use the restroom, A few times, Harass by a security guard wantobe, 💂♂️, All Walmart cares about is there bottom end money 💸,
This is not 100% true. The Wlmt location I used to work at had a houseless person living in their auto, way out in the parking lot. It was about the only area with shade when I worked my main hours. My dodge didn't have working ac. It would get very hot on some days with full sun. Even with only a few hours. The car had black interior and it was miserable with the chemicals leaching out of the dash/vinyl. It took about half the ride home to cool and for the built up air, dash/interior (smell/toxins from cleaners) to disapate. I can't imagine how this person dealt with those issues. Except maybe all their bedding n clothing covered most of their dash and upholstery.
Maybe in a 24 hour gym parking lot, Wallmart, lots of people here park near the beach in residential areas since the weather is usually so good. I hope that helps some.
What’s with the hostility? How do you think I can update my advice on this video? Ridiculous. Btw just because you can’t sleep overnight at yours doesn’t mean it’s not allowed at most of them. I’ve been told by many people they have stayed at them. It’s just like Walmarts. Many are not letting you sleep there but many are. This is not an absolute list it’s giving people ideas. Think outside the box a little geez
@@nickyannajones thank you and yes that’s what I was trying to say. I’m sure there are a few that don’t allow it but was trying to say in general… thanks!
@6:07 he says “this is definitely area specific”. I’m a bit shocked that any of these places still allow overnight parking, especially in CA. I’m in TX & what isn’t locked up, has posted signs, mostly because vehicles breakdown & those who can’t afford a place to live, can’t afford to fix a vehicle.
Ok so you’re not really poor and homeless but doing this as a “social experiment “? Why should anyone here support you. There are ppl out there who are really living out of their car and need our support. This is not a joke, there are ppl who have lost everything and living out of their old car. You have several jobs, a brand new car and said u also plan on getting a van or was it a camper . This is so sad that u would do this on purpose. I guess u have way too much time on your hands
Oh...I learned something. I already hate it! I'm being forced into this. All I see from this video is a sneaky, deceitful life. I'm being forced to become a criminal. That's the real crime. ✌️🦋
My town has a 24 hour laundromat so you can park your car, do your laundry AND catch a few z's! Also, if you work at night it seems to me that it's much easier to stealth park DURING THE DAY. So if you can sleep during the day, your best option for work is the NIGHT SHIFT!
Someone mentioned airport cell phone lots but even better is the airport Uber/Lyft lot. I live in the Atlanta area, and drive for Uber for a while. There were always some drivers sleeping there overnight, and no one ever checked. I met an Uber driver who lived in his car, had a small storage space for his stuff, and used Planet Fitness for showers. He slept at the Uber lot every night.
I lived in my vehicle from 2016-2022. My job has showers so that's a blessing for me. I used to rotate 5 different places ...1. job 2. UPS parking lot 3. FedEx parking lot 4. 24 hr gym. 5. Police station. I saved a lot of money over the 6 years. I miss car life since I'm a loner anyway
Great ideas! Why did you give it up if you love it?
@@k-mac5511
"I saved a lot of money"
Did you work at Fedex and UPS or just use their lots?
Us strays get no love except from ourselves. :/
@@bageltv3489 i worked at a ups and you could live in their lot know one would know
Four Guidelines/Rules
1- Safety
2- Respectful
3- Stealthy
4- Bathroom/Restroom
-------------------------
25 Overnight Camping Spots
1- Hotel Parking Lots
2- Hospital Parking Lots
3- Campgrounds
4- Reststops
5- Walmart Parking Lots
6- Cracker Barrel Parking Lots
7- Industrial Park/ Commercial Lots
8- Welcome Centers
9- Car Dealerships
10- Parking Garages
11- Casino Parking Lots
12- BLM Land
13- Grocery Stores / Malls / Shopping Centers
14- Church Parking Lots
15- City Street Parking (after hours)
16- Residential Areas
17- Rent-A-Space (ads & apps)
18- Apartment Complexes (non-gated; visitor areas)
19- Truck Stops
20- 24-Hr Business Parking Lots
21- Safe Parking Programs
22- Friend's & Family Driveway & Parking Spaces
23- Park-N-Rides
24- Police Stations
25- 24-Hr Fitness Gyms
I cannot tell you how much it bothers me that we pay taxes all our life, for city, county, state and federal taxes, in addition to "fees," and other mysterious add-ons, that ostensibly go for roads and infrastructure, along with many other things. We buy a car, we pay insurance, we pay taxes on that, we continue to pay taxes on the gasoline, and taxes on car repairs. Yet, in spite of all this, we are not allowed to stay in our car, on a public street or public space. If we are "caught" living in our car, we are told we are not allowed to do that. On what planet, and under what conditions WOULD we be able to? If we have paid for all of it ourselves, how does the government come along and say we are now not allowed to use it?? They are our streets. Our parks. Our recreational areas. We paid for them, and are STILL paying for them. The government has no money of it's own, yet it tells us we are not welcome on that for which we have paid dearly. Something is deeply wrong here.
If you are in your car, bothering no one, parked on a public street, what is the harm? I could see it if you built a patio off your car and put out a grill, furniture, etc. as that is not what streets are for, or sidewalks, either. But simply being in a vehicle for as long as you want anywhere you want as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else, should be allowed. To me, it is outrageous that people have to sneak around like criminals in order to "be" somewhere legally. Unbelievable.
Hey Lynn, I was deeply humbled by what you said and literally couldn’t agree more. The amount of taxes we are REQUIRED to pay yet it is deemed illegal to use them is truly crazy. As you said we pay for these streets and even pay for the cops salaries yet they forget they are our employees and in turn many times keep us from using the vary things we have paid for. It’s alarming how fast and high everything is going up including actual food at my grocery store. It feels as if almost every single time I go into the store to buy the things I always buy, the price has gone up and not just a little. Is very disheartening… this is why I want a small cabin in the woods… to disconnect from all the crap. Our country is going downhill fast…
The government doesn't like things that make controlling people more difficult. They don't like people being self-employed either. They are okay if you are homeless living in the streets in a big city because they know where you are and can make money from "helping" you.
Definitely true
ALL so VERY True. But that's the REAL Issue They can not collect TAXES from you IF you do that and Worst Constantly being in Control of your life and Mindset. Big Brother wants your Compliance.
It's not really the government. It's the neighbors and the business owners and etc. They're the ones that call the police. They're the ones that pass ordinances not allowing us to sleep on the street in our cars. My condo association has signs inside our condo and they send out a newsletter telling us to call the police if we see people parking and living on the street. I never do that but other people do. They hate people living on our street. Some of the people litter and break into the building to use the water.
Marmalade...I just wanted to say how happy I am I found your channel. At the end of March of this year, I said F it and literally walked away from my life with what I could fit in my car. My rent was raised and I was barely making it before that, so I left BEFORE it became a problem. I have a college degree and work 2 jobs, but still struggle. Its just how it is nowadays. My kids are grown and its just me. One of the things Im really struggling with is the stigma. Like, one side of me says, good for you you've always been a nomad at heart, the other says, "You are 54 and living out of your car so OBVIOUSLY you are a complete loser?! How can you let yourself get to this point?" But then I ask myself, if you could go back, would you? And the answer is always no, but I have told about 2 people Im doing this...and well now all of RUclips lol. I dont want to tell my kids because I dont want them to worry for me. And I just dont want anyone else's judgement. But...despite the hardships that come with it, and really, its just trading one set of hardships for another, non-domiciled vs. domiciled, I am kind of having the time of my life. I work 2 jobs, both remote and there are a lot of "workshare" spaces opening up around and Ive been using those for work. Its a pretty cool idea and I believe you will see more of them as remote working becomes the norm. I am on a podcast too that records once a week and both of the workshare spaces I have used have podcasting booths so that's been great. Also, I'm doing all this in a Ford Fiesta, luckily I am only 5'1". I see so many people doing this with vans and SUVs and if people are reading this and seeing these posts and thinking, I can never do that with my car...chances are, you probably can. I have stayed at Walmarts, Pilot Truck Stops, Loves Truck Stops. Im in the Midwest. Walmarts have been the best, I find...just try to park away from the lights that I think are meant to land planes. And I've🚗 gotten a hotel room here or there, and AIRBNB to visit my kids last week. I also got the Planet Fitness Black Card...if you are going to do this, that is the BEST $27/month you can possibly spend.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for making me feel like what I am doing is okay, or that others are also doing it. Also, I saw what you said about your luck on dating sites and those women are dumb, you are adorable. I think we are on the cusp and being renegades for those who will follow behind us. This stigma with change to some degree, but it will definitely take some time and probably never fully go away. I KNOW I am choosing this, but I have to get over feeling like a failure. Also, in case this helps anyone else...I am off all my anxiety medicine for the first time since 2005. At first i thought I was opening up a giant mental can of worms by leaping off this ledge...but it has had the exact opposite affect on me. "Letting go" is AMAZING. And there is something so soothing about that little cocoon of my back seat.
Ok, if I keep going I will have to get my own RUclips channel. Best of luck to you, and thank you for being so vulnerable for the benefit of the rest of us. Just wanted to let you know you really helped someone feel better. I know from my podcasting that feedback, especially positive, reminds us why we put ourselves out there in the first place.
Planet fitness membership storage that's what I did great
I'm 54 and moved into a converted ambulance 4 yrs ago.
I WISH I'd have done it sooner! SOO much cheaper!
I'm in the process of building out an old 86 Ford van/truck cause ambo engine is shit but to me, vehicle living is the least stressful life!
Yep. Me too. Letting go has been so freeing. Living on the road 6 months now has been ultra healing
I hope you are doing ok. 💚 I think what you are doing is amazing. And, you do too. You KNOW it has changed your life, for the better. So, don't be ashamed. Anyone who tries to shame you should be ashamed. Most people are jealous of you!!! They know the rat race is miserable, and look at you--your just said "nope". You are BRAVE!!! I hope you have been able to tell your family and that they were supportive! 💚
We are the same age. I turned 55 this year. I bought my van about a month ago. I plan to hit the road in just a few months, getting the van ready now. I hope you are doing well.
I did think of police stations. I had not thought of hospital parking lots! Thanks for a great list of ideas for upping my parking game when I am urban.🖤
Hey thanks so much I hope it helps!
I slept in a hospital parking lot. I had no data on my phone, but was able to sleep and use thier WiFi..I was actually waiting for the ER line to go down.. and fell asleep..
As a female that loves to do car life I thank you soooooo much for this list.
Hey there, thank you and I’m so glad it gave you some good ideas!
I read a suggestion to park at a tire dealer or mechanic's place. Pull in after they have closed and leave early. All kinds of vehicles parked there waiting for service the next day so you will blend in.
That’s a great suggestions thanks so much!
I'd be concerned about a video CCTV alerting the owner of an unauthorized vehicle. I don't want police lol
@@kimberlywood7783 true, I guess you’d have to scout it out a little to see if they have cameras
@@kimberlywood7783 just say your car is having trouble and you need to see them when they open.
I parked overnight at a mechanic shop in amarillo
I've had many times to park just on side streets here in Hawaii... The only 2 times the police knocked on my window I explained that I had been out drinking with friends, and I couldn't drive safely yet... They always (actually they pretty much have to) then just tell me to be careful and they take off....
I have read about people who have been arrested for DUI when they have been drinking and were sleeping it off in the car. The theory is even if you are not actually driving, you *could* potentially drive at anytime. Ridiculous I know! If you do try this just make it very obvious that you are not in a position to be driving,l ike you are in the back and your keys are in the glove box, etc.
Hi I recently was in a large city in a community with row houses. I first drove past around 7pm but thought this main street would fill up late at night. To my surprise 10:30 pm there were a lot of empty parks I pulled in and had a good nights sleep the passing cars didnt bother me at all. I also love to stay in hospital level parking and park where the workers park. I do shift parking and Ive always remained stealth. I park around 45 min before a shift starts and leave within 45min after a shift ends. In bad weather or when I dont feel like moving I park as if Im doing a double. Inside Im completely blacked out and have never been discovered. I have everything I need in my minivan. During a big snow workers were out cleaning off snow from the cars and plowing the driveways. Only thing is that you cant turn your engine on. So I have enough power to last. i often heat water for hot water bottles. The daylight if sun is strong it heats up a vehicle just be prepared with warm clothing and bedding.
I love my life
I used to park at a student driver school only because my car looked similar to theirs.
Suggestion as a truck driver if you wanna park your car at a truckstop, do not take up any of the truck parking spots. We as truckers have legal hours that we can run and if we violate those hours it can cause us to lose our license so we have to be able to have parking spots, y’all people that are homeless and just you know on road trips and stuff have a little respect because you can park anywhere and we can’t for every truck that’s on the road there’s 11 trucks to one parking spot so it’s very difficult for us to find safe parking
I'm in the South and I have often thought that car repair places would be a great place to sleep. There are typically lots of different vehicles parked around and they don't open super early :)
Right I think that would be a gray place. The main thing with those kind of places is don’t be there a super long time. Park after they close and leave early
Just keep in mind that quite a few repair places use security cameras.
Very true, I feel if you pulled after they close, crawled in the back, slept then left early even the cameras wouldn’t know you stayed there. Also as long as you’re not bothering them or there during business hours I would think you make it work?
Great idea. Just don't use the dumpster, there r cameras on almost every dumpster.
In my experience, truck stops welcome car travelers sleeping overnight. I traveled for four months all around the country sleeping almost exclusively at truck stops. I preferred Loves, particularly for the $11 (in 2015) clean shower rooms for rent. Truck stops are great because you have proximity to food, drink, supplies and bathroom facilities. There is no hassle whatsoever. I found that Loves tended to have almost no shady activity going on, although sometimes you will see an escort show up and jump into the cab of a truck. But I never had any problem or any hassle sleeping at truck stops during my 22k mile road trip around the U.S.
I just did a 3 week trip from DC to Seattle and I mostly slept at truck stops. Never had a single problem.
@@dhmoss75 Interesting. My 22k trip was the reverse: Seattle, eventually ending in DC. I'm curious where some of your favorite spots were. I spent a lot of time in Idaho, northern Utah and western Montana. The other thing I liked about sleeping at truck stops was how quickly I could get on the road after waking up.
@@johnfake2739 I started in DC with just plans of making it to Yellowstone with my 15 year old son. We ended up north of Seattle but stopped all over on the way, then we drove home. We slept in my car every single night. We started every single day with “what should we do today…?” I was surprised with Illinois. It was a lot quieter than I expected. I have a lot of family in CO, ID, and Utah so we did quite a lot of that. We DID make it to Yellowstone too! I took him when he was very young but he didn’t remember any of it. I’m taking my older son this summer and we are going to travel mostly in Canada. Same thing, in the back of my Outback… I LOVE to people watch, I love to watch the bustling of an evening in a truck stop. Real life. It’s humbling sometimes.
Most major, and even some smaller, airports have Cell Phone Parking Lots where you can park while waiting for an incoming plane to land (instead of constantly circling the pick-up area). Taxis, limousines and just regular everyday people make use of these lots. No one keeps track of how long you've been there, and, they're usually free and open 24 hrs.. Love your list, thanks! 💗
U can always park and sleep at the airport. If u dont want to pay at all. Just get behind a car right before they pay. Once they pay and the stick pulls up follow right behind em. U will go right through!
@@donttrip4912 isso é desonesto
Not a good idea at airports in SF Bay Area because the lots are small, not enough parking spots, & security does constantly patrol.
@Don’t trip That's just asking for trouble. Imho... poor advice.
National Forests
Walmarts been great but I understand why some locations closed it down,I've seen the behavior.
Hotels, they're getting hip to this,so enjoy this while it lasts...
Hotels have always been a bad place to park. Lot of theft and security checking the lot often as all cars of guests are registered.
Be aware some apartment complexes are now requiring visitors to register online or be towed at owner's expense. Cool video.
Thank you & thank you!
I park in a cemetery overnight, very quiet very haunted
I realize the advantages of living in a vehicle no mortgage, utilities,homeowners insurance, home maintenance etc. But in my opinion living in a vehicle is a lot of work, mostly planning and constantly moving. Then you have weather conditions to contend with. It can get mighty hot and cold. This is just a small part of the inconveniences. More power to you for pulling it off.
People who live in cars aren't lazy.. all the changes everyday is the beauty of it.. Couch pototoes live in Sticks and Bricks..
@Wonderful Life people that live in vehicles are one tenth of one percent of the population, maybe not even that much.
It's about 10 times easier when you're in a small RV or a van that's outfitted with power, heat & ac.
That’s part of the great adventure!
This was a great video because some people just don't know
❤
Thank you and yeah it’s just to help people that might be new to it and not sure what their options are… thanks for watching
I parked in a Toyota dealership as I have a Toyota sienna and they locked the gate at night and when I went to leave in the morning I couldn’t get out was there till 11 AM and I’m pretty sure they knew that I wasn’t one of the their vehicles
😂 glad they bother you !
Some travel/welcome centers have guards. I slept at one of these in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I actually asked the guard if I could stay there and he was perfectly fine with it. On the flip side, rest stops in that area of Mississippi have posted warnings about crime at night. When you sleep at a rest stop, you really have to be aware of the probability of crime and how alone you might wind up being in the middle of the night.
Modern day battle at Vicksburg
I'm driving out there in may for a week to ride the bike trails on the beach and I want to just crash in my car hopefully in an area where I'm less likely to get robbed and you have given me the best advice! I like the hospital idea best Thanks!
Oh that’s great, also in the parking lots of 24 hour gyms because there’s people going in and out all night. Good luck!
I have stayed in my car long ago..i parked ina casino parking lot..i live in Oklahoma..plentyof casinos 😊
Good video, my rotation wasn't too diverse, but I'm a natural follower of these guidelines.
Hey Jose, yeah I think I’m general most people follow similar places… would love to find somebodies driveway or curb outside their house so I would have to worry about anything. Someday perhaps. Thanks for watching
Good ideas. I've never lived in a car or van but I think the subject is fascinating and who knows, I might find myself in such a situation that I need to do just that.
In looking at these videos about living in vehicles I never hear anyone talk about trying to make your sleeping body stealthy instead of the vehicle. Wouldn't this be less obvious? In other words, instead of putting up window panels and/or a blanket (which where I live and shop would definitely attract nosy neighbors or cops in a second) maybe somehow attaching lots of trash, old boxes or whatnot to a black blanket or bed spread and covering yourself completely with it in the back seat when you sleep? That way when someone looks inside your car at night they just see what appears to be a pile of junk in the back seat and not someone sleeping.
Just a thought.
I'm fascinated by this subject too. I own my sticks & bricks house but for some reason I am drawn to these kind of videos. Who knows, maybe one day our society will get to a point where more and more people are living this way, then everything I've learned will come in handy either for myself or people I care about.
Looking like you have stuff in your car is unfortunately an invitation for a break in especially in a city environment.
@@allthingsnu4673oh it’s happening
Here's a thought: Build a false floor a couple feet off the real floor in the back of your car and use a bunch of 'obvious garbage' (maybe you can get a few unused wrappers from various fast food joints that you can kinda wad up along with their bags, maybe rinse out some potato chip bags, maybe use some slightly crumpled old sale flyers from grocery stores, etc and glue them to the top of your false floor... so it looks like the back is just full of trash. You can make a section that you can lift on a hinge even so you can enter from inside without going outside. Under your false floor is your 'bedroom.' You could make it as nice as you want in there make it raised in the center a bit for more space if you want.... even install a couple USB rechargeable lights and 2 little USB fans for airflow (one blowing in to your 'bedroom' and one blowing out at the other end, and hide the holes with a couple large plastic soda cups on their sides with a hole cut in the bottom that's glued down with the open ends about an inch away from the interior walls so no one could possibly see in). Use black caulk or weather stripping to seal around the edges to be sure no light escapes at night. Small enough to keep warm easily on cold nights. Anything valuable or living-related is hidden and it just looks like a really messy car so no sense in breaking in to steal a bunch of wrappers and old newspaper and junk. 🤷♀️ Then as long as you climb into your bedroom when no one is watching, no one would have a clue if the walk past and look in.
I love your attitude towards the way you live, I am just starting to live in my Honda CRV so I have some space, I am 56 and 6ft tall, when I find the right place I get some of the best nights sleep, I am currently living in NH and believe me when I say it gets cold lol, its way to expensive because people are greedy and are blowing up the rents, some have gone up 2 to 300 per month, I worry about safety, because if anyone comes up to my car I set up booby traps lol, I just started watching some of your videos and plan on watching more, learn something new every day, maybe I will keep a little journal, be safe and happy trails!
I always tripped on this one .... If someone worked "graveyards" ( yuck done em done with them) and had their rig "sound proofed" ..black out windows too... one could sleep
anywhere ! NO one would think someone was sleepin in the daytime ...
Very good point, funny how cars with people sleeping in them tend to stick out more at night than in the day. I agree, graveyard shifts suck haha
So helpful, clear, and concise. Thank you.
You’re welcome and thank you
For watching
Is there a chance you could discuss what you do to create a PNW travel route while being mindful of fires breaking out along the way. I want to book ahead, but then fear that while on the drive up..I’ll be rerouted to avoid a fire or other hazard and then the booking becomes problematic.
Found all the best spots in the whole Palm Springs & surrounding cities plus all the blm land close by. Great place to live in your car vehicle for 9 months out if the year then back to Orange County for the hot three months, I do a rotation in my 27 favorite spots and have never had one issue!. Just blend in...I wear my old work uniforms and it works out so well!
Could you please share with us your typical nightly routine? I am so intrigued! 🙏👍❤
Thanks Mick, yeah I can make a short video on a normal afternoon/evening what I do. I work two jobs so it’s usually what after I do when I’m off
Great information if I should ever need it. And I am sure there will be a few times when I will. I'm a newbie. I haven't got my van together yet. It has some of my sister's belongings in it right now that need to go in storage. But, I am writing supply and gadget lists. And graphing/sketching/ sizing up the floor plan for furnishings/belongings. In case I lose/ have to sell my home quickly.
College campuses have lots of green space, bathrooms, and most have visitor parking, I live near Purdue and their permit parking is only from 7 to 5 I think, so outside those hours anybody can park there. They also typically have lots of indoor places to just hang out on a crappy weather day.
#1. Don't leave your garbage!!!!
Great video... There are definitely cracker barrels in southern California. Tbe one in Victorville California is closest to me
What also works quite well are cementary parking lots. Great video, thanks for sharing 👍
Wow never thought of that one thank you! Glad you Enjoyed it!
I would be too scared to sleep at a cemetery.
Cemetery's are "GREAT"..... the people who live there Never Complain and they don't drink your beer!
@@bazerkly907 :D
@@michaelssali9353 My grandmother once told me that it is not the dead you need to worry about. It is the living.
I would avoid overnighting at highway rest stops; you make yourself a convenient target, especially if you're the only vehicle there at 3am.
Camp grounds here are 27$ a night! Crazy high
Great comprehensive list, best I have heard and I have been checking out stealth video's for months. So, thank you for sharing! I'm a new subscriber.
Hey thanks Destiny that’s really nice to hear and I’m glad it will help you. Good luck out there!
Great list! Not sure about the dealerships. A lot are patrolled at night for thrives and some are gated. At least near here they are. You’d have to be super stealthy to park and stay without them noticing.
Maybe I missed it but what about school and/or community college parking lots? After hours I don’t think a lot of places would require a pass. I would totally go with the churches. Especially if you go in on Sunday, you’d probably get a week or two out of it.
Thanks a lot and yeah it’s definitely depends on where people live and whether it’s a safer or sketchier area…
Thanks much for the info!!!
Hey brother! Some great ideas! I have been road tripping since the beginning of August and have boondocked a number of places with out problems.
You have a few places that I haven’t thought of.
Thanks for the suggestions!
DD
Please don't park cars in RV spaces at Cracker Barrel. They can fill up fast at times. A lot of car dealerships usually lock up at night. Watch you don't get locked in.
I think I said that, you should never take rv spots anywhere
Great info! Thanks so much. Definitely some options I would have never thought of. As a woman, I like the police station idea.
Thanks Vera and yes I would of never thought of a police station but it probably can’t be any safer than that!
If u not in and out of town and just staying in ur car to save buck make sure ur registered and insured and a license would be good also u would not believe how many people drive and have no licence
Truck Stops ~~ I don’t live in my car but I have family all over the western states ~~ I feel safest in those travel plazas (the nice ones) ~~
Walmart has always been the greatest option. They want you to park there because you are likely to buy something before or after your long nap 😆😆😆
Yeah but after a few days they will call the cops on you and they will ask you to leave
If local ordinances prohibit overnight parking you can't park over night.
I tried sleeping in my car in my local casino and I got a tap on my window. It was security who told me I couldn't sleep there.
3 types of people you have to be mindful for when looking for a suitable spot for the night. But, 1st & foremost, completely block out your windows. So, 1 is the security guards that patrol the parking lots or the people manning the CCTV. If they happen to see you pull into the parking lot & see you never get outta your vehicle, they'll kick you out. 2 is like the people from #1. It's the resident that happens to see you park on the street & see you never get outta your vehicle, they'll either confront you or call the cops on you. 3 is the worst. It's the criminals that break into cars to steal stuff. If they're violent also, you could be in danger.
Thank You. Light & Love 💕
love this content I sub to your channel be safe
Hey there thanks for the sun and welcome aboard
Hospitals and hotel parking lots
#20 is a good idea! I used to live in Tampa and I worked at a medical lab and there was a huge parking lot and I don't think I would have paid attention to any car in the lot. I was always trying to find the closest parking spot to the door and was always in a rush to hit that time clock.
The only thing I could think of in that situation is if there was a security guard who walked around. But if you find, out of the 25 places, one place to park every night, then you'd only be in that one spot once a month. In my area, there are 3 hospitals, about 4 Wal-Marts, and tons of churches. I might start checking out places I might want to park if I ever end up living in my car again. Right now, my car is in the shop and I'm having to walk, which is killing me, but thankfully I have a house even though it has its own issues....plumbing, roofing, etc. I'm always hanging by the edge of my seat.
The biggest issue I can think of in my situation NOW is that I have a 65 lb dog and he wouldn't take to my asking him to not bark. And he can bark LOUDLY.
Another is college apartments; most are gated. Just follow someone through after business hours. College kids don't care. Add that to your list ❤
That’s actually a great one thank you. Maybe I’ll have to make a part two to this list lol
👌🏻👌🏻Some great information here as always!
Thanks bud…. I’m surprised you watched this one! Haha
@@MarmaladeOutdoors I watch ‘‘em all. 👍🏻
@@wolfeadventures I appreciate that brotha! Have you watched my video I uploaded yesterday of the Joshua tree hike? Was wondering what you thought? Didn’t se a comment so was wondering
I'd shy away from hotel parking lots, you are essentially trespassing and IF I were a paying guest at the hotel , I wouldn't want to go to my car in the middle of the night or near check out only to find someone sleeping nearby. And sometimes their lots aren't huge and you are taking a valuable parking spot for a guest who has to park a bit farther away and hump luggage back and forth. Hospitals at least near me tend to be pretty watchful for overnighters and will give you a knock. Independent or chain type auto repair places in addition to a dealership might work well especially if your car is a bit more on the beat up side. As beaters tend to not get serviced at "dealers" but more so by independents. But be careful coming in too early as a few entrances/exits get chained up at both types of places. .
Ehh just be careful and smart which hotel lot you do it at. I don’t feel comfortable doing it at a empty one . I stayed at a hotel in the back in a dark shaded area and was fine.
I will agree with you when I pulled up in a hotel there was so many damn hotel employees staring at my truck.
Even the leaf blower guy was staring at me .. I was like wtf😂😂 I just left… shit was weird..
Right now I’m in a residential neighborhood. I was going to stay in a rv parking lot but there was literally no damn cars there and I’m riding hella dirty with no license plates 🤦🏾♂️
So I don’t feel safe
Hell I don’t even feel safe in this neighborhood being a black guy in a majority white neighborhood I’m genuinely concerned…
This is my day one out after I got kicked out arguing with my mom.
It’s 46 degrees out here man … I’m freezing my ass off 🤦🏾♂️ I pray I fix my truck and get my license and registration before getting pulled over… and get enough money to get back on my feet. I just started working two days ago… sorry for the rant … just venting I guess 🥺
I worked at a dealership...in the back by the garage bay doors are rows of cars waiting for parts or service...not all are new cars
Agree
Safe parking programs are tough….Most require you to have a permit…..In LA they meet with you first to offer services…
NICE VIDEO!
Rest stops and gas stations are cool
Truck stops and casinos.
Yeah. I've seen 'From Dusk To Dawn' thanks. 😂
Just found your channel. Thank you for sharing. Your give the best information. Then most others do😊
👍👍 but at 8:29 and the car dealership my car wouldn't blend at all!! Kind of an old rusted chevy malibu from the east coast! No chance!
Thanks for the tips
You’re welcome glad I could help
i loved this video, it's comforting too
You can park at some parking lots for, I can't think of the name of it but you meet there so one person drives all to work.
Carpooling/Commuter lot?
Great advice , thank you 😊
not car dealerships, security will call police if it is being monitored by security guards virtually. It will cause issues while car camping/living
The point of suggestion to park outside of a dealership is you have to be quiet and stealth. Park there late when everyone is gone and leave early before they come back. Yes if you’re obvious then people will notice that’s all
Oh im stating it because I monitor quite a few dealerships. We have to call police for any vehicle loitering and we are alerted the second something enters the property. Even the cats that wander around town or raccoons get spotted (obviously not calling for that 😂) but Just speaking from experience from this side of the monitor. and maybe its just our areas, but some do call the police other than ours. I love your vid and some are good to camp at most likely but atleast for us and the dealerships in the towns im near are all monitored 24/7 by either the dealership itself during the day and then a contracted company for closed hours. In a couple months ill be living out of a trax and this video will be my go to since it has a ton of tips.
@FirstShotX thank you and I totally understand. I personally don’t think I would sleep next to a dealership unless I was in a real pinch just because as you said their monitored pretty well. I like less people, cars and security around. Thanks for the info it totally makes sense. Cheers
There is a Cracker Barrel in Camarillo which is part of Southern California
Good advice.....😊
Thanks 👍🐾
In Canada you can't beat tim Hortons and McDonalds . Walmart in a pinch
Mine is Wally world. It said "24" hours " no I had a plain clothes officer or pi. Sniffing through the window for illegal smokes. Or the shake down on demand. You get a wright up and you have to put your stuff back then you are written up. And the treatment is not random. Go back later "the same bunch is still there" just not you😢😢😢😢
Car dealership is a good one!
The mormon churches have posted signs that say no to parking/overnight parking.
That is so tolerant of them.!
Lol so true…
there's lotsa other churches. no worries.
They might have security officers at car dealerships. I don't know if they would make you leave.
They might this why I said you have to be stealthy… not sure I will try this one
I saw a vid of a utuber sleeping in a dealership lot, he did it!
It would be cool to see how
Many places you could get away with sleeping overnight
Yes patrolling security will ask u to leave for sure not a good idea
I live in Nevada and casino parking lot with tower parking is a good place specially in Vegas I did it for a year and never had a problem
Where are these parking lots you are referring to
Hello, that’s a vague question… what was I referring too?
For men, carry an empty 6ltr plastic milk jug/bottle. Lads it will fit.
I'd add Walmart parking lot to the list.
Are beaches a good spot?
Rest stops are a BAD IDEA for single women. Period.
I would tend to agree… maybe not in the middle of the day with lots of people around?
Bad idea for anyone (not just women) in the middle of the night, especially if no other cars are there.
@@MarmaladeOutdoors
5:35 Miami is not a good place to sleep in the car, not even at Walmart.
The fact you are constantly moving is terrible and lack of sewage and trash control is huge issue. Good luck, be well, take care.
What about hospital parking, people are coming and going, no one would pay attention
Yes that’s a good one for sure! I think it’s on my list in this video but it’s been awhile since I made it. Cheers
the USA is much more FRIENDLY for people who live in their vans im from QLD australia, its ILLEGAL to live in your car or Van, you get booked by the city council, even if your not causing any trouble, in the USA like LA there are special areas where people who sleep in their cars can park with a boom gate where they have free toilets and microwaves and a BBQ area and a printer if you need to print any documents like a resume to find work etc... in QLD australia the govt treats people who live in their car the same way that acts russia acts to gay people
Jeremy from jersey just subscribed
Hey Jeremy, thanks a lot and welcome aboard!!!
Awesome ideas👍 Thanks!
Anymore there really are no places you can go depending on where you live. Almost everywhere has no overnight parking signs. Hotels are not a good place because theres always people and they DO pay attention. I get asked to move at hotels more than anywhere elsewhere. The problem is the amount of car campers has exploded and some are ruining it for the rest of us. Campgrounds are charging more than $20 a night even for a tent site. I live in the country and its $40 a night. Walmart does not allow you to be there overnight anymore. In the country just pull over on a road and put a bag or rag in the window. That signifies you are coming back for the car and it wont get towed for a few days at least. Learn your area. Welcome centers do not allow overnight parking either. Ive been asked questions after only being there 2 hours. Car dealerships are a no no. Cameras and cat thefts are rampant. This guy seens to have a lot of money to spend on places to park. This is why i made a video on how and why you are car camping. Out of necessity or a personal choice will dictate your needs.
Great for divorced middle age men!! Save $$$$_
Walmart 😕 , Dose not want anyone, Sleeping in the parking lot 🛻🚙🚗🚐🚍 , Went in too use the restroom, A few times, Harass by a security guard wantobe, 💂♂️, All Walmart cares about is there bottom end money 💸,
This is not 100% true. The Wlmt location I used to work at had a houseless person living in their auto, way out in the parking lot. It was about the only area with shade when I worked my main hours. My dodge didn't have working ac. It would get very hot on some days with full sun. Even with only a few hours. The car had black interior and it was miserable with the chemicals leaching out of the dash/vinyl. It took about half the ride home to cool and for the built up air, dash/interior (smell/toxins from cleaners) to disapate.
I can't imagine how this person dealt with those issues. Except maybe all their bedding n clothing covered most of their dash and upholstery.
They don't here in Canada anymore. A few bad apples ruined it for everyone.
You cant anymore in Alaska, (Anchorage). Otherwise the lot would be full with RVs
Which places in southern california (l.a. area) are good to park at? I'm coming there next month. I'm a woman, alone.
Maybe in a 24 hour gym parking lot, Wallmart, lots of people here park near the beach in residential areas since the weather is usually so good. I hope that helps some.
@@MarmaladeOutdoors thank you.
I don't have Spider-Man senses to keep safe. But, I do have Aqua Man senses. Will that do ??
Only if you are living on a boat.
@@ripvanrevs I don't have a boat. But, I do have an inflatable pool which would probably limit my powers to the perimeter of such object.
@@DudeMannnyou're not funny, stop trying so hard
Cracker Barrel where I live, Pueblo,CO. does not allow overnight parking period. Update your advice@!!
What’s with the hostility? How do you think I can update my advice on this video? Ridiculous. Btw just because you can’t sleep overnight at yours doesn’t mean it’s not allowed at most of them. I’ve been told by many people they have stayed at them. It’s just like Walmarts. Many are not letting you sleep there but many are. This is not an absolute list it’s giving people ideas. Think outside the box a little geez
Like most places it may vary by city. All of our Cracker Barrel's allow it and it's the same for most of the states I've traveled to geeze
@@nickyannajones thank you and yes that’s what I was trying to say. I’m sure there are a few that don’t allow it but was trying to say in general… thanks!
@6:07 he says “this is definitely area specific”.
I’m a bit shocked that any of these places still allow overnight parking, especially in CA. I’m in TX & what isn’t locked up, has posted signs, mostly because vehicles breakdown & those who can’t afford a place to live, can’t afford to fix a vehicle.
Depends on area can call ahead and ask
Ok so you’re not really poor and homeless but doing this as a “social experiment “? Why should anyone here support you. There are ppl out there who are really living out of their car and need our support. This is not a joke, there are ppl who have lost everything and living out of their old car. You have several jobs, a brand new car and said u also plan on getting a van or was it a camper . This is so sad that u would do this on purpose. I guess u have way too much time on your hands
Serial killers love rest stops.👹
Urban legend. Most have video surveillance with security/police patrol them and don't bother you if you are quiet.
Oh...I learned something. I already hate it! I'm being forced into this. All I see from this video is a sneaky, deceitful life. I'm being forced to become a criminal. That's the real crime. ✌️🦋
I agree and we pay taxes for roads but aren’t allowed to park on them to sleep…
As far as police departments are concerned. If you were a woman.
What are the reasons for living in your car ?
You hold immense privilege to not be able to imagine why anyone would live in their car. I envy you
My town has a 24 hour laundromat so you can park your car, do your laundry AND catch a few z's!
Also, if you work at night it seems to me that it's much easier to stealth park DURING THE DAY. So if you can sleep during the day, your best option for work is the NIGHT SHIFT!
Someone mentioned airport cell phone lots but even better is the airport Uber/Lyft lot. I live in the Atlanta area, and drive for Uber for a while. There were always some drivers sleeping there overnight, and no one ever checked. I met an Uber driver who lived in his car, had a small storage space for his stuff, and used Planet Fitness for showers. He slept at the Uber lot every night.
Im an Uber driver and this is a great idea
Shhhh, don't let that out !
Hospitals usually have a license plate/ticket reader guard.
Storage rental facilities, especially if you rent a space large enough to park your car inside.