Idea for easing into the life...

[Dorcas]

I’m fascinated by the simplicity of the van dwelling lifestyle, but I’m a bit chicken on jumping in. I’m the kind of person who is still (at 46) getting to know myself. I’m also still rather attached to my lovely one bedroom rental.  I have a full-time job here in the city, and my housing costs 45% of my income...and I have  a very cheap place. If I move from here and decide I can’t hack living mobile, I’ll not find a place like this again...my city has extremely low vacancy rate, and rents going up all the time.

My idea...sublet to a ‘roommate’ for my one bedroom, and sleep in the van. I can use the bathroom, kitchen, easy power for daily life, and take road trips on my weekends to dry run what I need etc. The money saved can go into a good buildout, and if it isn’t for me, I haven’t lost my place.  

Any thoughts? Anyone done something like this?

 

[mpruet]

I think that it is a good idea.  Quite honestly, spending 45% of your income on your housing costs is pretty high and doesn't provide enough clearance for much in savings/retirement.  If your landlord will allow you to sublease, then not only would you have additional income but you would also have a place to come back to. 

Will your landlord allow you to live in a van parked on his property?

 

[user 423]

What kind of weather do you have to deal with? If you found out that you didn't like living in the van or couldn't hack it after a few months, seems you would have to kick the roommate out and that wouldn't be fair to them. Or maybe not even possible if you signed an agreement with them. Also,it might be hard to find someone who wouldn't mind you traipsing in and out of 'their' apartment all the time. If you did a split rent deal it would be more feasible.

 

[mpruet]

Another possible issue with this arrangement.

Would your landlord allow you to run an extension cord from the house to a van.  If so then you could have a space heater in the van.  I've never lived in a van, but did live through a couple of winters in a class-A RV - and they get cold in the winter months.  I can just imagine how cold a van would be in the northern 3/4 of the USA.

 

[Scout]

I plan on doing the same thing.i live in ohio and i want to see how i do in the cold. I never plan on sleeping some where this cold if i go full time but it would be a good test for the heater and insulation.alsi lije you said everything i need and work out the details

 

[Scout]

As far as what i might need, almost everday in my daily activities i stop and think how would i do this in my van or what could replace this object im using to work in a van? I dont have my van yet so thats my way of planning until i can actually try it

 

[slynne]

I am planning on doing something similar. My plan is to rent out my house to a "roommate" which gets me out of bringing up the house to city rental code. I am planning on parking the van I buy in the backyard which isn't entirely legal but when I tried to talk to my elected officials about it, they told me to come talk to them if I got a ticket and also that no one would even know I was back there. As it happens, I haven't mowed the backyard since I bought the house 17 years ago so he is right. It is fairly wooded now an secluded so I should be ok.

At any rate, as with a lot of things, there is value in having an escape plan. For me, that means not selling my house. For you, it might mean subletting your apartment.

 

[TrainChaser]

Dorcus, go camping on the weekends and see how it goes. That way, if you don't like it, you can always go home.

 

[Dorcas]

I think that it is a good idea.  Quite honestly, spending 45% of your income on your housing costs is pretty high and doesn't provide enough clearance for much in savings/retirement.  If your landlord will allow you to sublease, then not only would you have additional income but you would also have a place to come back to. 

Will your landlord allow you to live in a van parked on his property?

It’s an apartment complex, I pay for each parking spot. I think the vehicle just needs to be insured, and since I’d just be sleeping there, I think it is pretty low impact. My neighbors are all myob immigrant families, I think no one would care.

 

[Dorcas]

What kind of weather do you have to deal with?   If you found out that you didn't like living in the van or couldn't hack it after a few months, seems you would have to kick the roommate out and that wouldn't be fair to them. Or maybe not even possible if you signed an agreement with them. Also,it might be hard to find someone who wouldn't mind you traipsing in and out of 'their' apartment all the time. If you did a split rent deal it would be more feasible.

Oh, yeah rent would totally be split. It is fairly temperate here, rarely gets below freezing. There are lots of visiting students in my city, so could find someone here short term.

 

[Dorcas]

Another possible issue with this arrangement.

Would your landlord allow you to run an extension cord from the house to a van.  If so then you could have a space heater in the van.  I've never lived in a van, but did live through a couple of winters in a class-A RV - and they get cold in the winter months.  I can just imagine how cold a van would be in the northern 3/4 of the USA.

My parking space is right under my 2nd storey window, so maybe. But I’m thinking of investing in a lithium power pack, that can be hauled into my place to be charged, and later incorporated into a solar set up.

 

[Dorcas]

Dorcus, go camping on the weekends and see how it goes.  That way, if you don't like it, you can always go home.

Good idea...I have camped out in my car...an 85 Corolla hatchback. It is a little small to sleep in, I’m 5’8”. A big part of this is saving money. I have a job that pays about 30k Canadian, but I can’t save much.  And, the idea of having a mobile home is very attractive. I have driven across the country before, loved being on the road.

I’m so close to jumping in, but my apartment is a very precious thing. I’m great at thinking I’ve thought things through, only to realize I’ve misjudged. My judgment never seems to improve, but I’ve at least developed more caution.

 

[rm.w/aview]

Great idea to go out and use the van when you're able (weekends only?). Camping gear in the back has you in the truck eating, sleeping, planning, and formulating ideas on what will go where as you are using it. Do you work remotely or will you use the van to get there? If it's the latter, can you get to work from a camping/overnight location(s) to simulate your future? Finances always figure into the equation, so as you think this through, be sure you've considered your options in this area. Put the idea of subletting aside for now and continue on as is but out of the van more & more, unless you are certain that splitting the rent is your only way to make this happen. I understand the desire to want this, and want it now, but not at the cost of good judgement. But don't procrastinate or overthink it to long at the cost of not doing it. I've been in both camps and found that if a decision has proven itself sound, move on it now... no regrets. All the best...

 

[rm.w/aview]

As far as what i might need, almost everday in my daily activities i stop and think how would i do this in my van or what could replace this object im using to work in a van? I dont have my van yet so thats my way of planning until i can actually try it

Good stuff here Scout, this is how it starts and finishes well.

 

[user 423]

.... I’m thinking of investing in a lithium power pack, that can be hauled into my place to be charged, and later incorporated into a solar set up.

That would be a good way to see what it's like to rely on batteries and to learn how to trim your power needs.