Hello

[speedhighway46]

With the real probability of stating the obvious also experienced by so many of you here, I still need to say it . . .

I have stayed in Walmart parking lots all over Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois over the past 15 years or so. I have NEVER had a problem. I sleep like a log knowing I am safe, and my surroundings are predictable. It is my preferred overnight location; better even than truck stops and rest areas.

Don't ever hesitate to stay at Walmart thinking it is unsafe.

Thanks.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

1)I have around 3500 saved up and i purchase something around 1500-2000 that would leave me with around 1500-2000 left.
2)I am not a handyman at all and don't know anything about fixing cars barely know how to change a spare tire.I
3)I am a comfort person and need a solid 8 hours to function and fear that i will not be able to sleep well and that i would wake up in the middle of the night worrying about being asked to move.
4)Here in Atlanta with the summers being hot and the winter being cool me not being a handyman and being stuck in discomforting situations

I don't want to look back and do something crazy that i would regret.

Thanks

I'd be a little apprehensive about your budget of 15-2000 for a Van if you don't have any experience fixing them.  As in that price range it's a very real possibility it's going to need some work in the near future and if you can't do the work yourself you may find yourself spending the rest of your money pretty quick.  However, if you are willing to learn how to do some of the work yourself,  it might turn into a very rewarding experience all around.  

As far as renting a van for a few days to test out the waters I think that's a great idea.  However, based on how you described yourself, I can almost guarantee you'll hate it at first.  It's going to be very new, humans are creatures of habit, it's just the way it goes sometimes.  So my advice, is if you do it for 3-5 days and absolutely hate it, don't give up on the idea.  Take a few weeks off, rent a van again and do it another 3-5 days and I bet you find the second time around wasn't half as bad as the first.

 

[ilovemyvan]

With the real probability of stating the obvious also experienced by so many of you here, I still need to say it . . .

I have stayed in Walmart parking lots all over Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois over the past 15 years or so. I have NEVER had a problem. I sleep like a log knowing I am safe, and my surroundings are predictable. It is my preferred overnight location; better even than truck stops and rest areas.

Don't ever hesitate to stay at Walmart thinking it is unsafe.

Thanks.

We've stayed at Walmarts, Cracker Barrels and truck stops many times. One thing you have to keep in mind is that some cities have laws against sleeping at places like Walmarts, however it doesn't seem to applied to truck stops. We also found that even in these cities with restrictions Cracker Barrels seem to ignore it. One of their managers told me once that if the police was to ask me to leave I should tell them that I was just waiting for them to open for breakfast. YAY Cracker Barrels!

 

[Michelle (GMC Gypsy)]

I don't think the typical places would be a problem for a Uhaul. But just to be on the safe side, I'd go where it was an accepted practice to park and sleep overnight such as Walmart, Truck stops, Cracker Barrel. Yes, these places might be a little busy, but for one thing you won't be asked to move and another thing, you'll get a real idea on the sounds you might encounter while trying to sleep.
I have been full-time parking and sleeping in parking lots for almost a month now, and I sleep really well. Some of my friends and family think I sleep too well, and they could be onto something but I'm not willing to live in fear. One thing that could be attributed to me sleeping so well in my van is because I slept in it every night for months in my driveway before officially taking off for the blacktop. (Which might be another good idea for you to gradually get used to your new living arrangements once you do purchase a van)
I have to stay somewhat in the city for my job on my working days, so parking lots are the best options for me, and they work.
No, this lifestyle isn't for everyone, but I love my new life. I hope you do too.

Having been a truck driver for 10 years and inside the loop in ATL I DO NOT RECOMMEND a truck stop there for a scared newbie. Or anyone else, for that matter.

 

[[email protected]]

First night was ok i parked across the street of a bar that i frequently go to and it was a bit noisy with people walking bye outside

I then moved to my home area which is right next to the airport and parked in a big lot behind a gym that i go to.

Sleep wasn't great but could have been worse.I did have a little more peace of mind in that second area.

There are surrounding hotels around the airport that may be an option

 

[ilovemyvan]

First night was ok i parked across the street of a bar that i frequently go to and it was a bit noisy with people walking bye outside

I then moved to my home area which is right next to the airport and parked in a big lot behind a gym that i go to.

Sleep wasn't great but could have been worse.I did have a little more peace of mind in that second area.

There are surrounding hotels around the airport that may be an option

Good on you!!!!! What do you do for food? Do you have some camping equipment? I used to skydive and it was a tradition to buy a case of beer every time we did something for the first time. Instead of being told congratulations, they would say "Case of Beer!". So my friend today this is my turn to tell you: Case of Beer!

Nicole

 

[[email protected]]

Good on you!!!!! What do you do for food? Do you have some camping equipment? I used to skydive and it was a tradition to buy a case of beer every time we did something for the first time. Instead of being told congratulations, they would say "Case of Beer!". So my friend today this is my turn to tell you: Case of Beer!  

Nicole

Thanks...for good I bought a small cooler from Walmart put ice in it along with a few peanut butter sandwiches and also bananas and apples.It would be nice if I wasn't dependant on a burner stove and just eat everything out of a cooler.Not sure if this is possible though.

 

[Seadog729]

Sure, go for it... Maybe even step it up a notch. I believe Salty's got a spare stripper pole from her party bus, you could set that up and still have enough room to swing a cat by its tail  

ba ha ha ha ha, yep that'll settle those nerves right down!!

 

[Seadog729]

I have to say the only time I had sleep anxiety was when my kids went to their dad's and I was alone. Completely irrational that I would feel safer sleeping when I had my kids with me, but I think it is what you are used to.