r/urbancarliving • • Feb 12 '26

FAQ for newbies.

71 Upvotes

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:

  • Get a good zero degree rated sleeping bag.
  • Use woolen blankets which you can buy cheap from second hand stores.
  • Dress in layers.
  • Wear a hat / beanie to keep warm.
  • Use a hot water bottle, or almost any bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a sock.
  • Buy and use reusable hand warmers.
  • Eat hot food.
  • Use a Mr Buddy or similar propane heater when awake, but do so with a carbon monoxide detector and the windows cracked a little.
  • Use a 12 volt pet heating pad if you have the battery capacity.
  • Use foil emergency blankets to keep the heat in.
  • Build a blanket tent to make a small space in your car to keep warm.
  • Run the car engine for a while then run the heater.
  • Drive to warmer locations.
  • Put insulation (plastic foam, cardboard?) between the sleeping bag and floor surface. Cover the windows on the inside.
  • Buy and use a heated mattress topper if you have the power to run it.
  • Use two sleeping bags, one inside the other
  • Sleep with a hat on and don't sleep in wet or damp socks -- even if your socks are just a little damp with sweat, take them off and put on fresh dry socks or sleep barefoot.
  • Park in an underground parking lots because they're protected from cold breezes and often the concrete retains heat. Sometimes they're purposely even heated.

Q: How do you keep cool?

A: Check out https://nomadlife.wiki/Keeping_cool and;

  • Park in the shade.
  • Open your windows. Get window shades / screens.
  • Go to cool public places like mall, library, museums, coffee shops etc.
  • Drive to cooler areas such as up in the mountains, or by the sea, lakes and rivers if there is a cooling breeze.
  • Rechargeable USB powered fans. These are cheap, don't use much power and help keep you cool.
  • Use a misting squeese bottle. Use it in conjunction with your fan.
  • Drink plenty of cool water.
  • Soak a cloth in cold water and wipe yourself down.
  • Buy ice for your cooler.
  • Cool drinks in your fridge.

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:

  • You should have multiple places you can park so if one is "burned" you can choose another.
  • Find places where you can blend in.
  • Arrive late and leave early if sleeping in urban streets.
  • Highway rest stops may be good for parking.
  • In the USA, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands allow parking for extended periods.
  • In Australia State Parks and National Parks often have camping spots which allow you to camp for one cheap fee ($6 in 2025) no matter how long you stay but with a maximum stay of 7 days.
  • If parking on a residential street, park where your car is against a blank fence, like on the off side of a corner, away from the house front.
  • Industrial estates are often quiet at night.
  • Libraries and sports grounds may be good places to park.
  • Some people advocate parking near hospitals or churches.

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 • • 13h ago

I Cooked In My Car I don’t regret a thing.

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246 Upvotes

Hope everyone is well.


r/urbancarliving • • 9h ago

 Advice Starting tomorrow I will be living in my car

56 Upvotes

Long story short my GF broke up with me. I’m staying one last night then tomorrow morning I’m out. I have no real job. I do Uber Eats and DoorDash to get by. I put a pillow and a comforter blanket in my backseat already. Any advice anyone can give me will be super helpful. I’m really scared to be honest.


r/urbancarliving • • 14h ago

Story I think I want to go back to my car. Vent.

144 Upvotes

Currently renting a room after doing several months in FL. I have 2 roommates and I am miserable. One is our landlord who owns the house (he is 75) and another gal (we are in our 60s). It is a good deal (25% of my salary), but I have become uncomfortable due to his old man crush on the other gal (she is very attractive, I get it). His constant sexual innuendos towards her and favoritism have created....an imbalance, I guess. She is very noisy and he plays the TV too loud. There is a yippy dog that barks a lot. I am just waiting for the weather to cool down because it is hot AF. Sorry, I guess I needed to vent. Am I being unreasonable? I am old (f) with an old car and nervous. They exclude me from everything (like if they order food, etc.). She moved in after I did. It was my understanding it would just be him. No lease, so that is not an issue. I miss the quiet nights in my car, but I don't miss looking for a bathroom at 2 AM.


r/urbancarliving • • 15h ago

Car Photos Editing Video Today

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94 Upvotes

I am way behind getting videos out and I’m finally taking time to do it.

Powered by STARLINK and a BLUETTI AC200L


r/urbancarliving • • 2h ago

Newbie, treat with kindness Eager for a car

2 Upvotes

Hey guys I’ve been on my own since February and got a car to get me out of the elements about 3 months ago but I was desperate and got the first car I could afford off Facebook which is a very dirty old Saturn sedan previously owned by a college student who did NOTTTT care about it. I really like cars and see the beauty in all of them but for my situation I’m so fed up with my current car, it needs a lot of TLC I can’t afford to put into it because I need it to be habitable. I’ve been saving for a better car and with how life is rn I’m looking for a minivan but I can see this being my normal for the foreseeable future which, it is what it is. But my thing is that this car has roaches due to being so filthy and I’ve refused to get a deep clean done because I’m trying to save as much as I can for a new car but the pests are getting to me. Would it be stupid to just get into another sedan maybe a Prius? Something I can afford with what I have saved rn until I can afford a minivan/real van? Idk I have traps up in my car and I vacuum the car but it’s just getting to a point. German roaches are relentless in FL


r/urbancarliving • • 21h ago

💩 Michigan in the autumn

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79 Upvotes

I'm still unemployed. I'm down to a few hundred dollars. I was just in a car accident a couple days ago, which will cost $4500 in repairs. My vehicle needs to be in the shop starting Monday for 2 weeks, and I have no one to rely on nor enough money for a rental or a motel. I still owe $20k on the SUV, and in 2 weeks I'll have to lay another $850 for November's car note. On top of that, my old man is gravely ill in California, and I'm supposed to help subsidize his living expenses. He needs $1500 from me by December. So, yeah, life is not going too well for me these days. But this view? Priceless.

Don't think I'm a charity case. I'm just sharing the reality of life. Maybe you're in a similar situation? Sorry for the trauma dump. Like most of us, I'm going through a lot. But, let's try and appreciate the small things when we can—at least that's what my ex-GF told me when I dropped my pants. Have a nice day, folks. Hang in there.


r/urbancarliving • • 14h ago

Pets Moving into my car with my dog at the end of the month. Tips?

13 Upvotes

Before we get started I want to say this is my last option. I have no one who can watch my dog, I have asked around. I cannot and will not rehome him. He's a socially anxious dog who was pretty badly neglected the first year of his life and would not do well with a transition to a new home. I have spent the past two and a half years training him and building up his trust in me and his confidence in himself to interact with others again.

I'll be moving into my 2004 Prius. It's fairly spacey for a small car, and a hybrid so that's fantastic with gas prices right now. My dog is an American Eskimo Dog mix with a double coat. He loves the cold, he loves snow, and I'm not too concerned with his safety regarding winter temperatures because of this. I will still be keeping an eye on him obviously.

I've got DogPack (An app) to find dog-friendly places to hang out with him and the like, and he's obviously my priority, so any other apps, websites or resources that would assist with him in any way are particurally welcome. I plan to do a lot of hiking, and things outside of the car to make sure he's not too cooped up and doesn't go stir crazy.

I am accounting for space for the things he needs (foodbowls, grooming supplies, leash, etc) first, and my things second.

I am aware to keep his vet records on me at all times. He has one dog tag on his collar and one on his harness, so if he somehow slips either he still has my contact information.

Outside of info for my dog, I'm also looking for any apps or websites or other resources that may come in handy. I've seen a few different ones mentioned in comments of other posts, but want to make sure I haven't missed anything.

Thank you in advance for your help and consideration.


r/urbancarliving • • 1h ago

Summer Heat Easy casual work

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• Upvotes

r/urbancarliving • • 1d ago

Car Photos Truck setup for seasonal work

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114 Upvotes

I upgraded from an escape to this massive f-150 lol. Have been living with this setup for a few months now, and have changed a few small things around (namely the straps hooked to the topper clamps lmao) and still need to make a few tweaks. All in all I enjoy this a lot.


r/urbancarliving • • 7h ago

Mechanical Need help with power bank questions

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for recommendations on a quality power bank under $800. I figure at this price point I can get at least a unit with over 1,000 wH. Should I stick with the big names (Ecoflow, Bluetti, Anker) or take a chance on a more budget brand like Pecron or Oupes? Would love to hear your experiences with any of these brands.

I plan on putting a 200 watt solar panel on the roof (that’s all the room my roof has). Where I get lost is whether I need a dc to dc charger or an inverter? Sorry Im not familiar enough with electrical.

Thanks in advance for reading.


r/urbancarliving • • 12h ago

Power Charging your devices

4 Upvotes

Hello, this question is about recharging a power station that takes hrs to charge. Is this a daily routine of frustration? I'm a tourist/overlander.

I'm looking to do extended stealth car camping, slash sightseeing or seasonal/gig working, while I travel far away from my cold eastern US city if only just as a short mid-life crisis or figurative rumspringa. I have savings to budget for gas, laundry, the occasional museum access, but still need to do it with counting my pennies cause I won't be breaking my current lease just yet and will have no income besides Ubereats. I'll be having a big hole in my pocket with money falling out. I guess I'm still even deciding where I'm going, and if I'm looking to let the seasonal weather decide, or the culture/historical appeal, or just cause I heard there was a great landmark/park to see. And in the same breath, imagining if I could see myself moving to those places permanently. I'd love to see Chicago, or St. Louis, or Mt. Rushmore. But, will they always have free public libraries or rest stops just where I need them along the way? I hope to stop in lots of places, taking pictures, finding any landmark or free museum no matter how small, not zipping through the interstate.

And, I'm really starting to understand that what seemed like enough power for a power station is barely enough, and I'll have to recharge on a day-to-day basis. I did anticipate it somewhat and got a power station that can recharge fully on A/C power in 1.5 hrs. I have the car charging DC input that is about 75w which would be too much gas waste each day. So the only way I can continue this realistically is to have some plan on how I can find places each day to recharge.

TL:DR I'm asking for advice/experience tips on where you've charged where you also avoid the conversation where you have to ask first, hence the risk of being told "GTFO", regretting your drive time to get there. Really wishing I had a hybrid or something for this and the timing with the gas prices. Also avoiding places where its a more family atmosphere.
Places where people don't care, and where I rarely will see families with kids are staring at me, not that I'm a good enough person to just ignore a little kid, or inversely tell off an older 17 yr old for not knowing to mind his damn business, or girl. Still don't want that extra distraction on a daily basis. My brain is damaged from my city, I have no jokes always on deck for a kid. Actually I've got one.. what do you call a fish with no eyes? Fshhh.

Even though I'm sure AI has some answers, and I already asked it, I think its not considering other things... there's got to be good seats near outlets. I'd rather not stick out like a sore thumb sitting on the floor near an outlet for 1.5 hrs with a backpack and looking lost, you know?....and worry public places like malls, train stations, airports, bus stops, etc have adapted to pretty much only USB-A charge connections for patrons and only hidden/scattered 120v outlets that are likely also dedicated for a neon sign or something like that. And also those things I imagine you'll have to rotate and not be noticed. And again, the power charge hinges on having a 120V outlet for a 1 hr-90 min charge.

Libraries are on the list, the choice that jumps out, imagine hospitals are another, even if they are for profit, I believe nobody will really bother me. But how often I'll be near either of those is a worry.

How do you approach this problem? Ideally I'm looking for answers that isn't just sticking in one city and is overlanding like me. And someone who has no hybrid car, no solar or DC to DC charger setup. I have an SUV that I've removed the back seat out of and made a level platform, and added batter powered lighting that can go days of usage without a recharge. But beyond that setup, I'm looking to hit the road in the next couple days. I have heard there are apps for finding plugs, but I haven't seen one firsthand that looks reliable. iOverlander and Park4night are pretty much showing just where to park. And favors what you can do to be unnoticed in a parking lot, not inside the property.

So in summary I can only imagine that libraries, highway rest stops and welcome centers, some museums?, and hospitals are the choices where I think I can drive there with the confidence I can carry in a backpack, not being told to leave very early on, or feel awkward.

I am open, however, to something that gives me a membership for less than $30/mo that gets me access to a quiet place to charge, that has locations scattered as much as subways and coffee shops, I'm just ignorant if there is such a thing. This rules out most gym memberships. I have a Planet Fitness Black card, but I've only been to my local one, where there is literally one chair near an outlet in the Black card lounge

Thanks in advance.


r/urbancarliving • • 16h ago

 Advice A question about setting up video (and possibly audio) surveillance

4 Upvotes

Hi community!

I am thinking of setting up a 24/7 video (and possibly audio) 360 degree surveillance for my vehicle. Complete newbie here and have no idea how to go about it.

Has anyone here done it? I don't know if it will require a dedicated battery or if there are cameras that have their own rechargeable battery sources? Naturally i can't spend a ton of money and get the best of the best but a good budget option will work.

I have been lurking here for a while and have seen someone keeps a wiki but don't remember the poster. In any case will greatly appreciate suggestions advice etc from our wonderful community.

Thanks


r/urbancarliving • • 1d ago

💩 3 Michelin Star Meal

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60 Upvotes

Nothin' fancy for dinner tonight. Just a bowl of instant noodles in the back of my SUV. But, don't be sad for me. Maybe I'm just a screw-up with one too many screws loose, but I like it. The 'it' being the experience. The instant noodles is not an every night thing. Not even a once a week thing. But, I ran out of time to cook. It'll hold me over to tomorrow.

the hot water is from a gas station. I love it. I walk in with a Thermos, I tell them I'm getting hot water, they nod, I fill up, and I leave. It's free.

What are you having for a meal?


r/urbancarliving • • 12h ago

 Advice Any tips for like immediate same day money-making?

1 Upvotes

I've been road tripping but I realized I have a lot less money than I thought I did, and I'm really desperate at this point. I really don't want to go back home yet, and so I'm wondering what my options are.

I have a camera, a guitar, etc but also general labor skills, I'm near Washington, DC, eating one of my last meals unless I can figure something out :/

I was thinking about donating my plasma but I feel like that takes up to a month?


r/urbancarliving • • 1d ago

Sleeping Anyone sleep with earplugs or noise cancelling headphones?

16 Upvotes

I was always thought that I’d rather be alert with all senses in case of the knock or worse. But the street sweepers are giving me PTSD. What do you think?


r/urbancarliving • • 2d ago

Power Homeless 20yo CS student in Netherlands

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580 Upvotes

I am homeless CS student. I am not doing this because of lack of money. Rent in Netherlands is so extremely high and the rooms are often times so shitty. I find it unfair and I don't want to support that.

Since i live in Netherlands i don't even use the car i have it stationary i go around on bike.

I modified my 2005 Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi for living. I have fridge, freezer, battery, heating, storage, completely custom boot i made, i can cook and do everything out of that car. Here is my website: attk.org (without JS just a log of costs and build process). if you want to check that out.

Best part is the battery. end to end it costed me 350eur and it has capacity of 1.3kwh and charges very quickly it is better than these pre-build ones. i also made a promo video for my friends.

It is like 2 months since i started and my family lives over 800km away so i come into contact with them like every month or two.

I had to modify the fuel pump for the diesel heater and it is coming in clutch. Temperatures at night go to about 5 degrees C. it is manageable with the heater.

Any advice with condensation? i have blinds made from cardboard and i have these window deflectors so that i can keep my window a little open. But In the morning there is still loads of condensation on the windows.

So far it is like the best decision i have ever made it is so freeing.


r/urbancarliving • • 20h ago

 Advice Keeping connected while on the road

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0 Upvotes

r/urbancarliving • • 1d ago

Newbie, treat with kindness New to car living in Maryland. Any experts out there that can take a look at my set up and give me advice?

14 Upvotes

I know I have too much stuff, and I’m not at all clear how to organize any of it and what to keep/throw away. I currently have a cooler that is probably too big. I’m sleeping on 3 coated fabric containers of clothes sorted by season/use with blankets and pillows on top and damn is it uncomfortable. Plus the clothes are hard to get to/put away. Food/pantry items/utensils are a pain to get to as well. I’m in an Acura RDX and any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


r/urbancarliving • • 2d ago

Sleeping Toddler Mattress in Kia Soul

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102 Upvotes

It turns out a toddler/crib mattress (about 4ft x 2.5ft) is the perfect size for the back of my Kia Soul. I picked one up for free off Facebook marketplace today and it felt like Christmas. I’m 5’7 so I have to sleep curled up but I feel like I’m doing alright for what I’ve got considering I’m only 9 days into car living.


r/urbancarliving • • 1d ago

Question? Trying to stay in California for a month while sleeping in my Tesla model Y. Tips?

0 Upvotes

Due to some complication with work I will be in LA/SF for a month. I always wanted to try Tesla camping so this is good chance I guess. Already got mattress and planet fitness membership for shower.

What are some good places to stay parked overnight at, and is the break-in still big problem there? Really hard to keep everything invisible, especially the stuffs in trunk area


r/urbancarliving • • 2d ago

💩 ...people with no integrity 🥺

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75 Upvotes

I was having a good day. I bought groceries. I was planning on making pasta for dinner. I bought Italian sausages, boxed rotini, a jar of tomatoe sauce, garlic, a canister of parmesan cheese, and a few other ingredients to meal prep. I came in under budget, too. I'd have enough leftovers for at least 3 nights. I even broke out the cooler from the storage unit and filled it with ice. Then, en route to the nearest rest stop to overnight—someone backs their SUV into the driver's side of my 4Runner 😭 It's not even paid off. I still owe 20 bands on it. I just made October's payment. It's under 50k miles!

I have driven through over a dozen states. Thousands of miles. I have lived out of it since autumn of 2024. Ugh. The infuriating thing, aside from the actual collision, the jerk is feigning as if I hit HIM 😱 Some people exist with no integrity, I swear. An officer came and said it's a civil matter, then left. Michigan is no-fault so our own auto insurers will handle it. Fortunately, it's just the two doors and not the top, c-pillars, or bottom rocker. There's no structural damage. At least from what I can tell. But, still! It's infuriating!

Tomorrow I'll head to the local branch of my auto insurer. I have full coverage so after a deductible, it should be fixed. The keyword is should. How long that'll take, I don't know. It's still livable currently. The doors shut and lock. But, once it enters a shop, now I have to figure out what to do as far as housing. I want this fixed quickly because winter is around the corner, and this'll rust if not addressed.


r/urbancarliving • • 2d ago

Work & Employment Prius C camping

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57 Upvotes

r/urbancarliving • • 3d ago

💩 One of my go-to spots 🤫

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235 Upvotes

Laundromat. Haha. I ain't even joking. I found one near me that's clean, it has state-of-the-art washing and drying machines, it has public restrooms, it has tables and chairs to lounge, flatscreens to watch shows, vending machines, wall outlets, drinking fountain, sink, there's AC during the summer and heat during the winter, and trashcans for your trash. It's $3 for a small load of laundry, and $1.25 for 20 minutes of dry time. There's low foot traffic. I've only ever seen 6 people total in here at a given time. It opens at 8 AM and it closes at 10 PM.

I don't sit in here all day. But a couple-few hours? Enough for my Jackery to charge? Yeah, buddy. Plus, the parking lot is always empty. A couple times I parked there just to chill during the day, when I had the bubble guts, and I needed to be in the proximity of a restroom for awhile 🤣 I've also washed my food containers here, and even bird bathed in the restroom. I make sure to clean up after myself. Always! No issues yet.


r/urbancarliving • • 2d ago

Winter Cold Chicagoland, DoorDash living Arrangement.

0 Upvotes

Hello,
I’m looking for a reliable DoorDash delivery partner who may be interested in a mutually beneficial living arrangement. I’m offering a place to stay at my home in exchange for working together on deliveries.
Inbox me if you’re interested.
34, AA, F, Illinois.