Ive been living in a van for over a year now.. and actually don't plan on finding an apartment any time soon. I am very comfortable in here!!
I took out the back seats, and made a little bed inside, and some rugs and small containers to organize my clothes and 'stuff'.
I have a job where I actually make decent money, but am saving so much as i live in San Francisco and housing is f***ing expensive!!
I shower at the gym every day, and that actually gave me motivation to work out, which i never even considered before.
Since it is such a small space, I do have to clean it more regularly than a house, like every 2-3 days, or else it feels super messy, but it is very fast and easy, since its so small as well.
Its all about making it comfortable and organized inside, and finding the right places to park is very important!! For your night spot, make sure to never get out of the vehicle once you park so nobody knows who is inside. And I cut out those reflector things to put in the Windows to make it private. They are kindof a cop magnet though.. so its good if your Windows are tinted very very dark so they can't see them. During the day when I'm not working or doing anything, I park at the beach and study, read, play on my computer ect. (I got a hotspot for my phone so i have internet anywhere I go.. its a little expensive but way better than rent!)
I also have a small storage unit to keep my guitar and my bike and stuff I'm not using much.. i go by there once every few weeks to put more stuff in or take some stuff out, to keep it as decluttered in here as possible.
Keep little trash bags and throw them out at grocery stores or gas stations whenever possible so they are never big and seem weird to be carrying up to a store.. haha.
I love that after a long tiring day at work I just walk a block to my car and get to lay down in my comfy bed! Then drive to my night parking spot whenever I feel like it. I feel very free, like I have my whole house with me wherever I go. Just keep it clean, and take care of it, and don't feel discouraged if you get bothered by the cops a few times. Its bound to happen. Just be polite and courteous and learn where 'not' to park. It can take some time depending where you live.. Ive done it in many parts of the country and San Francisco has by far been the best so far.
I see people doing it and they look miserable... but they don't understand how comfy they can make it if they just spend a little time and money on it. (My bed is made up of a camping sleeping pad and 4 $10 foam toppers.
Copyright © 2026 eLLeNow.com All Rights Reserved.