New Guy Starting At Point Zero...

[GypsyJoe]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking around for a few months and finally decided to join. Basically I'm over 40 and starting my life over from zero. I had a great job, nice apartment, and was going to night school for a new profession.

Then the bottom fell out. In less than year I'd been fired, unable to find a new job, and lost my home. With my bank account empty I was forced to leave California and move home to Michigan - with my mom.

Don't get me wrong. I love my mom.. we're only 17 years apart in age (she was a young bride ). We've always been able to talk and get along well. But I'm aching to be on my own again. But I want to do it different this time.

I'm seriously thinking of buying a van, upgrading it for to live in and head back to California. I do have a way to make a living on the road. I just need a mobile connection and power for a laptop. I also have a little dog, I want to keep with me.

I'm going to read some more - and check out the advice areas. Sorry if my story was so long.. but I've been holding it all in. Nobody around me knows I'm planning something like this.

 

[LughTheBard]

Welcome Gypsy Joe,

As you know from lurking, this is a great place to get info on how to do van-dwelling. I've also found the people to be generally very friendly. I hope you find it so as well! They're also pretty supportive.

A fair amount of building dwellers I know tend to try to convince me that this is a bad idea. I don't agree. I've been wanting to do this since my time living in a converted Greyhound bus. So I'm getting ready to live one of my dreams. Try to look at it as an adventure. Don't let others' looking at it as being "homeless" bring you down! You know you'll have more freedom.

Have fun! It's gonna be great!

Lugh

 

[SoulRaven]

I spend about half my time living in my window van converted into a camper van, and the other half living in my off grid cabin.

Converting a window van into a living space can be relatively cheap and easy, as long as you don't get caught up with people trying to sell you stuff you don't need. You can furnish your van from thrift stores, craigslist, and walmart pretty cheaply and have everything you need to get started.

I have read that if you're new at this, to start out with just a bed and a toilet, then add to that as the need arises. That's probably good advice, because actually living the life is probably the best way to learn what you're going to want or need.

My camper van is fully self contained, with a shower and everything. I built it for my needs. Your needs might be different, and experience is going to be your best teacher.

There are lots of directions here, on youtube, and elsewhere on the net to build most anything you'll need. For many things there are many choices available too.

Most van dwellers will tell you that the simpler you keep everything, the better off you'll be, and I totally agree with that.

We are not homeless, we are full timers.

Good Luck!

 

[GypsyJoe]

Thanks for the all the advice guys!

I agree when I say I'm starting at Zero.. I really mean it. I got zero, zilch, nothing. I have a way to earn some money, but it's $500 bucks a month max right now.

So the easiest thing for me to do is to find a cheap van, get some plastic shelves/storage boxes, and something to sleep on. I can figure the rest out as I go.

 

[Lucky mike]

if you can get the van 500 a month is a doable number if you budget it correctly.....I do it on 800 and Im in a class A RV. Set the goal and run with it!!......I was in your shoes 4 years ago when I became disabled and ended up living under the bridge for a while.....so a little mindset goes along way going one step at a time!!!..........Welcome to the forum

 

[Patrick46]

Hiya Joe, and Welcome to the forum!!

from your story, you should fit right in with a good many of the folks on here. ALOT of them have been or are going through the same thing.


Patrick from the Oregon Coast.

 

[GrinningPanther]

Hey Gypsy Joe,

Welcome!

Your written story is not at all too long, and, as Patrick said, many on this forum can relate to your experience of very uncomfortable events (often including the loss of job and income) leading to a serious consideration of whether an unconventional lifestyle like van-dwelling might be a better way to live.

Keep up the can-do, "solution-focused" attitude, and I'm confident you'll do well whatever you decide.

GP

 

[caseyc]

Welcome to the tribe! I too am over 40 and have had to start my life over again from nearly zero on at least 3 occasions arising from divorces...long story! Lay-offs too, to boot. You'll fit right in with your background, haha!

 

[PastTense]

How far $500/month goes depends on a couple major issues:
1. How far are you going to travel in a month?
2. What will you have to pay for parking?

 

[Lucky mike]

How far $500/month goes depends on a couple major issues:
1. How far are you going to travel in a month?
2. What will you have to pay for parking?

You can only travel as far as the budgeted fuel allows....
unfortunately some on here are in metro areas so paid parking is a must...but again it how you carry your budget

I can travel 400 miles per month..(1 tank of fuel) I never pay to park , I never use a toll road. and I budget my income....

if you need more income you'll find a niche to make it !!!

 

[Lucky mike]

here you go from youtube...
Eric is pretty cool and he has pretty much grown from his van to an RV but he can give you an idea of costs!!

 

[One Awesome Inch]

$500 is do-able for sure. I made a budget of $590 city dwelling. If you skimp a bit on food and drive as little as possible you can do it. Park the van and walk or get a cheap pedal bike. Use the library for free entertainment.

 

[GypsyJoe]

here you go from youtube...
Eric is pretty cool and he has pretty much grown from his van to an RV but he can give you an idea of costs!!

Wow thanks guys.. this is a lot of great advice. It won't be easy but I think it's doable.

 

[Lucky mike]

The hardest part is getting the vehicle under your butt.....after that it becomes its own life

the vehicle is kinda like the starter package and gives you something to build from!

 

[blkjak]

welcome .... blkjak

 

[Tippy Tipi]

I'm 68 years old and live full-time in an old Winnebago on $535 a month plus food stamps. If an old lady can do it, so can you, Gypsy Joe! I just wish I could drive and travel but I don't drive anymore out of consideration of the fact that I can't feel my feet. That's not a very good idea when you can't feel what your feet are doing accurately if coming to a stop or a quick slow-down goes. I live in a long term campground and I'm very, very happy.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

GypsyJoe....Its quite do-able, especially since you're young, and I presume still able to work some along the way if needed.
If you currently have a car, consider barter to trade for a van.
We traded our RV for a van for more MPG/travel. Since travel is our main objective, the van suits us better and in keeping with our objective, we're doing the interior build "on the fly" and loving it.

I'm 67 next month and the 2 of us and Bindi live on $740/mo plus Margie's $189 food stamps. We've always made out ok, but now, we'll be able to afford a few (small) extras once in a while.

Go for it and enjoy life