Is the shift to vandwelling a one-way trip?

[ganchan]

One of the reasons I'm interested in vandwelling is to escape the mental, emotional, and financial fatigue of meeting my ever-increasing rent on the somewhat unpredictable income of a freelance writer. In addition to reducing my living expenses (a benefit somewhat counterbalanced by the cost of owning and operating the vehicle), I believe that I can actually grow my business by connecting with potential clients and business partners in the various cities I visit. But there's still one fear holding me back: What if it doesn't work out, or I just decide that I hate it? How easily can I go back to renting a place when I've effectively been homeless for however many months? I can show tax returns as proof of income, but won't I still wear the brand of "vagrant" on my forehead?

 

[anewbiewannabe]

If it's only for so many months you can tell prospective landlords you took a sabbatical or something to tour the country for fodder for your writing---actually, with freelance writing you could get away with it being many years most likely. Just a possible idea.

 

[Reducto]

I rent out a mailbox which serves as my "current address" and haven't had any issues using it. Since you are actually traveling for a business you have a perfectly good excuse for moving around. I noticed that when I was staying in one place I would get the vagrant label sometimes but now that I have a narrative involving a job it's seen more as an interesting life choice.

Also, it's very easy in most places to get a temporary place to live if you need one for a bit. I often rent rooms on airbnb or stay in "extended stay" type motels.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You could even just say you lived with your girlfriend for a couple years and the apt was in her name thus no reference from that place.

 

[ganchan]

Thanks for the reassurances. Now that I think of it, I could even give my elderly parents' address. But I'll also look at getting one of those Escapees mail services for my domicile state (Texas).

 

[SoulRaven]

There are many full timers out there for various lengths of time and there is nothing derogatory about it. Some have motor homes worth more than many people's houses.

For many it's the American Dream lifestyle. If you decide to go back to your former lifestyle you can do so at any time with ease.

 

[LeeRevell]

I have read of many full timers who, as they get older, decide to go back to renting. Not a big deal. When I got out of the military, I stayed at my parents' awhile, then rented a place for awhile. Prior 'accomodations' was never an issue. If the place I am looking at doesn't like that, there are other places.......

 

[mconlonx]

YMMV, but...

Currently, fixed address is an apt my ex-no.2 is renting from my PT boss... which I set up. Because PT boss is also a friend, I have rent receipts in my name, which garnered me van registration and a PO Box in town. Also was told by a former apt manager than they would provide me with a stellar reference if I ever need one.

So that's covered on my end. However, I doubt I will go back to needing either an apt ref or any kind of mortgage. My alt residence is coming together as a tiny (8x12), off-grid house/shack on ex-no.1's land. And if I ever have to settle in some area outside of town and outside of van-dwelling, I will be looking for the same kind of thing -- friendly situation or small plot of cash-bought land where I can construct a small residence.

Never say never, and certainly potential future relationships could put the kibosh on such plans, but now that I'm out of a traditional situation, I have a real hard time imagining purposely trapping myself back into the usual grind...

 

[mockturtle]

When my younger daughter was facing having to rent after her marriage breakup and with a rather poor credit rating, I suggested she offer to pay a year's rent in advance, which I didn't think they would turn down and they didn't.