Moving on to better things.

Apple Traveler · Oct 28, 2014

Well hello travelers! I'm a 21 year old female currently living with my parents in a home that is not at all healthy in the Tucson, AZ area. Several years ago I had an series of abusive events that happen to me for two years while attending a charter school. From there I developed PTSD and basically shut down. My parents had no idea what was wrong and refused to believe me when I attempted to tell them so years of frustration over the fact that I was wasting away before their eyes just made things worse and created an extremely toxic environment. I still have yet to complete my high school education due to the fear of returning but things are finally looking up for me as I've just got my first job after years of applying and searching so now I'm earning minimum wage of $8.50 an hour doing a job I'm finding so far very enjoyable!

Like I said I'm in a very bad place right now and I'm looking for an escape, a way to leave my current situation to move on to better things. When my brother began telling me about people he was watching on Youtube who live in vans I thought he was crazy but the more I thought about it and the more I researched I became more confident in the prospect. I'll be earning my first check today and hope to save up for a good van. My plan is to have a van and if it doesn't have one already I'll buy and install a 26" high top, then after that... well I'm not sure but I'm sure I'll figure it out with the help of Youtube and this forum!

I'm looking forward to meeting you lovely people as my journey begins.

cyndi · Oct 28, 2014

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Apple Traveler! I'm sorry you've had to go through such tough times.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

I hope you'll find support to help guide you through some of the really big decisions you'll have to make. It can be totally overwhelming. It's great that your brother is interested!

SoulRaven · Oct 28, 2014

I am probably telling you something you already know , but if you have PTSD it is not to be taken lightly. I hope you are seeking or getting some professional help with it. And avoiding the 'Stressors' that caused it.

This is the right place to learn about living in a van or RV cheaply. Lots of friendly helpful folks to talk to.

I deal with PTSD and its issues on a daily basis, you can do it with a bit of help.

I wish you well.

Bob J.

akrvbob · Oct 28, 2014

Apple Traveler, we're very glad you're here!!!

I've known numerous people who found vandwelling to be extremely therapeutic and healing for the trauma and hardships they have gone through. I think the two big reasons are:

1) It gives you a sense of control over your world and ownership that is nearly impossible to have any other way. You are much less dependent on others when you live in a van.
2) It gives you a connection to nature that is healing. When the wind blows the van shakes. When it gets cold you get cold, when it's hot you get hot. It forces you out of your little cocoon into connection with the world.

You aren't far from Quartzsite, so I strongly encourage you to come out and visit with some of your fellow tribe-members who winter there. Especially try to make the RTR when there will be many of us gathered in one spot. While you are there you can get a job as a campground host for next summer and the get a job at Amazon the for next holidays. That way you can work from May to December and then take the rest of the year off!

We're here to help you in any way we can!
Bob

Iggy · Oct 28, 2014

Glad you're here, you can never get too much info or support. You have a chance to do a lot of planning before you start vandwelling. That's a good thing. Think about the pros and cons of each vehicle type ie mini vans, full size, hightops, stepvans, etc. Whether to go stealth or let it all hang out. Size and type of bed (very important to me! I have a California single pillow top.) How detailed the interior will be, like insulation, paneling, cabinets, lighting, shower, toilet, etc. It's way better to make any mistakes on paper rather than regretting decisions after you went to the work and spent the money on the upgrades.
I was forced into vandwelling this year because of finances and did a fairly bare bones design on a cargo van I already had. But with a few tweaks, it works for me. I'm happy with it as is.
There is a ton of good tips here, if you are willing to read. Ask us anything, if you don't find the answer. Keep dreaming, it'll happen in time. Good luck!

sephson · Oct 28, 2014

I have a good friend, who I've known for more than twenty years, who suffers from PTSD due to events in her childhood. She has a hard time trusting people and holding down a job has not been easy for her. She finds comfort in small, confined spaces. She spent the first three months of this year living in my living room, but the combination of shared living space and not having her own private area to retreat to frequently triggered her PTSD, so for her own mental well being, she had to move out. Her work situation is improving and she's seeking help for her PTSD. She knows she's always welcome at my place and appreciates that between me and several other friends she has people she can turn to if she needs help. I've told her on a number of occasions that I can see her living quite happily in a van or small RV, but she cannot get her mindset out of the traditional thought that a house or apartment equals home. Unfortunately, I can't live her life for her, and I would never presume to make her decisions for her.

I'm glad you see a way out of your current situation in the van dwelling lifestyle. Far too many people get caught up in what society expects of them and blind themselves to paths that may not fit society's definition of normal.

Best of luck to you in building your future.

offroad · Oct 30, 2014

Really really? My spider sense is tingling about OP. Best bet is to never mention you are 21 year old female. Just ask questions. There are trolls on these internets. Good luck with finding good information, as this is a great start.