New and excited member!

[Jack]

Hi folks, I'm Jack.  

I'm 52, single, no kids, no family at all, and have been a hermit from this strange world (that I no longer relate to) for the last 12 years. I've had enough of that mentality, feeling like I had no choice but to retreat from the world and live like wallpaper no one knew existed.  I live so simply, and own so little, that people ask me if I'm Amish.  (I got rid of my TV in the 90's.  When Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck died, so did Hollywood.  I'm shocked by the utter horror on people's faces when they learn that I don't have a TV!)

I live in a 445 sq ft efficiency apartment and, if I weren't the caretaker of my building (rent paid), I could never afford the $915/month they're now asking!  (I moved in 11 years ago for $624/month and became the caretaker only 4.5 years ago when my rent was still only $650!  Then the owners died, the kids took over, got greedy and changed everything.)  When I thought about the rising (outrageous) rents, I realized the insanity and knew I had to make a change.  I've always been intrigued by tiny houses so I began researching them.  That's how I found the CheapRVliving channel on YouTube and my eyes were opened! After watching only a few videos, the nomadic life resonated deep within me. As a result, I made the decision to live the nomadic life a whole 20 hrs 15 min ago! If I had Facebook, I could change my status from Hermit to Nomad!

Now begins the learning process as I figure out, and save for, the vehicle I want to get. (Comfort vs. Freedom)  Also, I need to figure out how to support this life of freedom without being tied to a j.... A jo.... The "J" word!   The good news is that I'm debt free!  The bad news is that I have no savings of any kind, so I'm starting from scratch.  Hey, better than starting from debt, right?

I can't WAIT to learn from everyone's experience and expertise!

Warm Regards,
Jack

 

[highdesertranger]

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

 

[Jack]

Thanks, highdesertranger. I did read the Tips, Tricks and Rules, actually. Just like van living, it's not good to make waves when you show up, right?

I've been doing a lot of research to figure out what kind of vehicle I want to live in. I'm looking at doing this full time, so I want to make sure I make the right choice. Initially I was considering either a small RV or a tiny house. Honestly, I love the idea of a tiny house, which is what got me started down this road. But, after finding Bob's YouTube channel, he really has me seriously considering van life. When you don't own land, and plan to travel a lot, a tiny house can be pretty cumbersome, difficult to park, and attract too much attention. All things I definitely don't want.

 

[wasanah2]

Thanks, highdesertranger.  I did read the Tips, Tricks and Rules, actually.  Just like van living, it's not good to make waves when you show up, right?  

He says the same thing to every newcomer.  Let me give you a real welcome.  WELCOME!

So glad you made it here.  Most of us understand totally the AHA moment you had.  Research is a lot of fun, but let me encourage you that as long as you have a car, van or pickup truck, you can go out NEXT WEEKEND.  No need to wait till you have it all together.  5 or 6 days is all you need to put enough gear together (that you probably already own) to spend a night or two out on your own.   You don't have to over think it or over research it before you dip your toe in the water.  Just get out there in whatever you have and start experiencing the freedom you just discovered!

There are people doing this that started with almost nothing.  Some live on very small amounts of money and bank the rest of what they have.  Some are minimalists.  We're here for different reasons, but the initial AHA moment is something almost all of us share.

 

[Jack]

Research is a lot of fun, but let me encourage you that as long as you have a car, van or pickup truck, you can go out NEXT WEEKEND. 

Thanks very much, wasanah2! Yeah, that "Aha!" moment was liberating. I told a friend of mine yesterday that when I realized this nomad life was possible, it resonated in me big time. I love road trips! So huge relief hit me like an inflatable mattress with the air rushing out.

Unfortunately, I don't have a vehicle of any kind at the moment. I was living overseas for a time and sold my car (and belongings) before I left with just a suitcase of clothes. (So, I'm also used to, and enjoy, owning very little!) I got so used to being without a vehicle, and city transportation here in Minneapolis is pretty good, so I never did get another one.

I truly am starting from scratch. As hard as that is on the excitement side of just wanting to get going on the road, I need to start saving to buy everything. As I said, the good news is - I have absolutely no debt.

 

[wasanah2]

Unfortunately, I don't have a vehicle of any kind at the moment.  I was living overseas for a time and sold my car (and belongings) before I left with just a suitcase of clothes.  (So, I'm also used to, and enjoy, owning very little!)  I got so used to being without a vehicle, and city transportation here in Minneapolis is pretty good, so I never did get another one.

I truly am starting from scratch.  As hard as that is on the excitement side of just wanting to get going on the road, I need to start saving to buy everything.  As I said, the good news is - I have absolutely no debt.

Yes, you're on the right track without debt.  Don't let folks talk you into going into it.  You'll be able to get a vehicle in no time just by saving for it.  Some of us (me included) have older vehicles.   In time you can always trade up if what you have isn't suitable.  I sold a 1999 Saturn SC-1:  working, A/C worked great, good tires,  for $500.  The parts not so good were the paint was not great on it because of FL sun and it had a boatload of miles on it.  Interior was pristine.  

Didn't advertise but someone saw the sign in the window and called.  I had bought it for one of my daughters to use, and she moved on.  So for $500, someone got a working car, great on mileage, and while it was a small car, I more than once stretched out in it as the back seats folded down as well as the passenger front seat.  I even hauled 10' lumber in that little car by taking down the back seats and running the boards through the trunk to the dash.

Anyway, I STILL see that Saturn in town here.  I sold it like 3 or 4 years ago, and it's still running.  An amazing bargain for the guy who got it.  I just couldn't ask more than 500 due to the paint issues and the odometer.

 

[becida]

Hi folks, I'm Jack.  

 I made the decision to live the nomadic life a whole 20 hrs 15 min ago! If I had Facebook, I could change my status from Hermit to Nomad!

Now begins the learning process as I figure out, and save for, the vehicle I want to get. (Comfort vs. Freedom)  Also, I need to figure out how to support this life of freedom without being tied to a j.... A jo.... The "J" word!  

Workcamping works for many people as a way to earn a living. From my limited experience it's easier to get the jobs if you have some kind of self contained RV looking house but there have been people at places I workcamped doing it as vandwellers.

As to actually getting out & going.... I could get by with an empty van, a Walmart blowup mattress, sleeping bag/blankets, a lawn chair, a TV tray for a table. A can cooker & pan for cooking/coffee and an LED head lamp for after dark. 
I include the mattress, chair, table and stove cause I think I'm too old to live on the floor now

I didn't mention a smart phone with a good data plan but I should have. I use straighttalk ($45) and the verizon network.

Lot's of answers here on the forum & at cheaprvliving.com .

Best of luck to you & see you around!

 

[Dingfelder]

So glad you made it here.  Most of us understand totally the AHA moment you had.  Research is a lot of fun, but let me encourage you that as long as you have a car, van or pickup truck, you can go out NEXT WEEKEND.  No need to wait till you have it all together.  5 or 6 days is all you need to put enough gear together (that you probably already own) to spend a night or two out on your own.   You don't have to over think it or over research it before you dip your toe in the water.  Just get out there in whatever you have and start experiencing the freedom you just discovered!

Hi Jack!

I really like this response. 

A lot of the whole process of changing lifestyles strikes me like the plans and careful parsing of every possible option I used to constantly see in fitness forums.  What I mean is, people would spend a gigantic amount of effort, huge hours on reading, sometimes expense with vitamins and crazy diets and bizarre equipment and such, and ... I would say, how about just doing some knee bends?  Or get 3 bucks worth of rope from the hardware store and start jumping rope?  Do a few push-ups every hour or so?  Frankly I think some of them were just lazy.

There are all kinds of mental gymnastics and weeks and months and years and self-doubt and second-guessing that can go into changing your life ... but instead of so much of that nonsense, there's a lot to be said for not getting so fancy and just doing something. Almost anything is better than wasting time endlessly on trying to craft the perfect plan and meanwhile doing nothing.  There's often little or nothing to be lost by working on a less than perfect plan now.  At least you'll be moving forward.  Just crank out a few push-ups while the scientists are postulating.  

For people making a life change that demands simplicity?  Eat your fridge down to the bare bones, but skip the occasional dessert.  Learn how to take a sponge bath or sleep without the heat or A/C cranked up.  Clean out your closets, cancel your cable, narrow your bookshelf down to the stuff you know you are going to enjoy re-reading for the rest of your life(or just get an e-reader).  See if you can squeeze your life and expectations into a room even before you have to.  Think about the positive things you'll have to say when someone says negative things about you and your lifestyle?  It couldn't hurt and is more disarming than flipping the bird. Get yourself psychologically in place by pre-gaming.

I think lots of us remember the term? That's when a bunch of your buddies get out of the car and immediately guzzle booze in the parking lot so they don't have to spend a fortune to get a buzz in the bar, or go through a whole baseball game sober. Get the issue decided up-front.

Make as many changes as you can on your own terms, when it's not so shocking or disruptive.  Your mental health, emotional energy, and happiness, too, are a resource.  Don't use them up.

 

[Jack]

Yes, you're on the right track without debt.  Don't let folks talk you into going into it.  .....   I sold a 1999 Saturn SC-1:  working, A/C worked great, good tires,  for $500.

I stopped letting folks talk me into anything almost 20 years ago.  When you get rid of your TV, there comes a time when the influence from the propaganda from advertisements, big businesses, the media and Hollywood wears off, too.  It's like waking up and thinking clearly.  You even start hearing/seeing how other people are being influenced by the propaganda by the way they talk.  (Priorities, desires, morality, etc.)  It's been a mighty interesting education!

The last vehicle I owned was a 1993 Saturn SL2.  I bought it brand new, kept it for seven years until I moved overseas.  When I sold it, I got more than Blue Book for it because it was still in excellent condition.  I intend to take just as good of care of whatever vehicle I end up with.  So far, my dream vehicle is the smaller (17 ft)  Class B with some personal modifications.  I just need to learn more about ground clearance and how good they are to drive slightly off the beaten path.  (Into the woods or up to the lake, etc.,)

 

[wasanah2]

Jack, I stopped watching TV except for a couple shows.  I like Gold Rush and any treasure finding show.  I know it's stupid but I like stuff like that.  I noticed in progression a change in my buying habits.  When I started camping in the travel trailer, I watched whatever tv was gettable and when I did that, I noticed I wasn't buying stuff.  I found out I don't even like to buy stuff.

Then when I got into the campground I'm in now, they have free cable, but it's off 99% of the time.  Quality has gone downhill and the shows I like aren't playing now.  No point. 

But it does help to live a minimalist life before you go out, and it looks like you're doing that.  Yeah I liked those little Saturns.  It's amazing that that car is still on the road.  I had sooo many miles on it when I sold it too.  I kinda wish I had it but between my daughter and me, we had to downsize our vehicles.  I am down to 2, and I really need to downsize from that, but I'll let my daughter drive the other one.

I hope you can find a rig you like!

 

[Jack]

Hi Jack!

Almost anything is better than wasting time endlessly on trying to craft the perfect plan and meanwhile doing nothing...  There's often little or nothing to be lost by working on a less than perfect plan now.  At least you'll be moving forward...

Funny you should mention this because I struggle with perfectionism and waiting for the right circumstances and timing to do things so I can do them perfectly.      I've been working on that by remembering that there is no perfection on this side of heaven.  That said, the planning and research portion of any undertaking is terrific fun for me!  Since I don't yet have a vehicle to take off in, I'll be taking advantage of the time by saving, studying, learning, planning, designing and inventing.  The minute my vehicle is purchased and ready for leaving in, I'm gone! 

For people making a life change that demands simplicity?  Eat your fridge down to the bare bones, but skip the occasional dessert.  Learn how to take a sponge bath or sleep without the heat or A/C cranked up.  Clean out your closets, cancel your cable, narrow your bookshelf down to the stuff you know you are going to enjoy re-reading for the rest of your life(or just get an e-reader).  See if you can squeeze your life and expectations into a room even before you have to.  Think about the positive things you'll have to say when someone says negative things about you and your lifestyle?  It couldn't hurt and is more disarming than flipping the bird.  Get yourself psychologically in place by pre-gaming.  

I can honestly say that I'm already 90 - 95% there already.  I've been living the van life without the van or being on the road.  I'm down-sized and simplified to a point that I've already opened myself up to ridicule and persecution from those who are jealous, too deeply in debt, or too addicted to their 'stuff.'  Nothing people say gets to me anymore.  Especially when I realized that people who are hurting, hurt other people.  I've found that simply and sincerely listening to others and responding by calmly asking them questions that 1) make them think, and 2) show you care, works well to calm them down and even get them to apologize and be on your side.  

Make as many changes as you can on your own terms, when it's not so shocking or disruptive.  Your mental health, emotional energy, and happiness, too, are a resource.  Don't use them up. 

Too late.  Unfortunately, I've allowed myself to be completely used up by other people and their needs/expectations.  The good news is that being used up is what got me thinking about how to live differently, which led me to van living.  Things come along at the right time for each of us, so I can't really have too many regrets.   I thoroughly enjoyed your comment, so thanks!!!

 

[max+sophia]

Hi there fellow planner.  You wrote ".. the planning and research portion of any undertaking is terrific fun for me!"

Absolutely, and that's what I'm doing right now.  I have my van picked out, but don't have quite enough saved to pick him up.  I've actually lost weight during this stage, either from the experimental travel-efficient food, late-night perusing the internet, and just overall excitement. 

Have a look at my thread <a href="https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=32239">Methuselah Remodel</a>  Happy Trails
BTW Let me know when you start your own thread.

 

[Jack]

Workcamping works for many people as a way to earn a living.

I'll never rule out workcamping.  In fact, I think it's the ideal situation for when I do feel like just setting up camp for an extended period of time.  One way I'll be using my year before hitting the road is by developing as many streams of income (passive and/or product) as I can so that I can make money while I'm driving and sleeping!

As to actually getting out & going.... I could get by with an empty van, a Walmart blowup mattress, sleeping bag/blankets, a lawn chair, a TV tray for a table. A can cooker & pan for cooking/coffee and an LED head lamp for after dark. 
I include the mattress, chair, table and stove cause I think I'm too old to live on the floor now

The younger me would do exactly the same.  But, at 52, I don't apologize for wanting a good night's sleep and a decent toilet!

I didn't mention a smart phone with a good data plan but I should have. I use straighttalk ($45) and the verizon network.  Best of luck to you & see you around!

I have the 3GB/mo plan with Boost Mobile for $35mo.  I started out with the unlimited data plan for $50/mo but never came close to 3GB, so I down-graded just to save the $15.  But, when I'm ready to hit the road, I'll go back to unlimited.  I really like Boost Mobile for two reasons:  1)  I hate contracts.  And 2) I prefer to pay BEFORE I use.  Using the service before paying for it is debt in my eyes.

I hope to see you around, too!  And Wasanah2, and others who have been replying.  In fact, one of the things I want to do when I hit the road is find out where some of the folks on the forum are (that I'm getting to know here) and driving to where they are just to finally meet them!

 

[Jack]

Jack...
I hope you can find a rig you like!

We'll have to stay in touch, wasanah2.  Especially if your "East of the Rockies" location is in the Montana or Wyoming areas, which are where I plan to spend considerable time!

 

[Jack]

Hi there fellow planner.  You wrote ".. the planning and research portion of any undertaking is terrific fun for me!"

Absolutely, and that's what I'm doing right now.  I have my van picked out, but don't have quite enough saved to pick him up.  I've actually lost weight during this stage, either from the experimental travel-efficient food, late-night perusing the internet, and just overall excitement. 

Have a look at my thread <a href="https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=32239">Methuselah Remodel</a>  Happy Trails
BTW Let me know when you start your own thread.

Hey Max and Sophia!  Thanks for the response!  I didn't know you could "start your own thread."  Is that like having your own thread to blog your experiences?  (I refuse to use the word 'journey!'  Ugh.  It's so Oprah.)  I've been so busy reading the archives that I haven't explored the full use of the site yet.  I'll be sure to check out your thread and see what you've been up to!  Part of the way I'm spending my time before I'm reading to head out is taking care of my health.  I'm not sick, on medication, or anything (a big blessing at 52 years old!) but I do want to build my stamina, strength and lose a few pounds myself.  

 

[wasanah2]

We'll have to stay in touch, wasanah2.  Especially if your "East of the Rockies" location is in the Montana or Wyoming areas, which are where I plan to spend considerable time!

LOL, I probably should say East of the Mississippi to be more precise.  I'm Florida and eastern seaboard, but the rez is West of the Mississippi but still on the east side of the Rockies, and I gotta go there once in awhile.

Montana and Wyoming are both great states to boondock in.  Gets a bit chilly in winter, but there are temperate places in the American south to winter in.   I've camped in western Montana and Fort Washakie area in Wyoming.

 

[max+sophia]

Well Jack,  I'm probably using the site wrong.  The "powers that be" like people to put posts under "appropriate" existing threads.  I find that cumbersome, and have posted almost exclusively within my "conversion" thread.

 

[wasanah2]

It's the new way to welcome. 

 

[Jack]

LOL, I probably should say East of the Mississippi to be more precise.  I'm Florida and eastern seaboard...
Montana and Wyoming are both great states to boondock in.  

Ok, that is a little different.  You're east of everything!  The only thing you're west of is.. Europe!  As much as I plan to travel, I'd still enjoy meeting up sometime!

Yeah, Montana and Wyoming are where my heart is and I'll spend plenty of time there.  I don't mind the cold but it's not reasonable to live in such snowy places in a van.  And I hate the heat!  Anything over 73°F and I melt.  Who knows, I may just chase 70°F around the country!

 

[becida]

Boost Mobile... Sprint...

After a 2 week stint up by the Grand Canyon with no service I got rid of Sprint  (Virgin mobile). That had been the first major loss of service I'd had in years of use but it was enough.