Good Evening Everyone: I am new to all this and have been researching Nomad life and watching Bob's videos. I am from Kentucky and my mother recently passed away and I am tired of paying high rents. I am a novice to Nomad life and will likely start in my compact car. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you all, Matthew
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bullfrog !
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Welcome! While you still have a permanent address get a passport and valid driver’s license. Making your car comfortable so you can get a good nights sleep is most important! The more you let us know about yourself the more we can help!
^^
Good advice here.
If you currently have a legal physical address try to get a Real-ID Compliant Drivers License. When presented, it proves you're not homeless, house less, nor are you residential camping.
Also, start with a few basics and do some nearby camping out of your car.
This will help you figure out what you, personally, need to have to live and travel comfortably in your car.
All the best to you on this new adventure.
This will help you figure out what you, personally, need to have to live and travel comfortably in your car.
All the best to you on this new adventure.
eDJ_
Well-known member
Welcome to the Van Living Forum 
Lots of good advice here already. And with spring right around the corner Kentucky has much to offer in outdoor recreation & travel. Much to see in KY.
It would give you a great "break in" to nomadic life and no doubt you'll meet some other nomads in the State Parks there to chat with and learn more about
what they have learned.
But before going on the road full time, it may be best to get acclimated to camping and just being out doors for a few days to get the feel of that. Seniors (usually 55 and up) may get week day discounts at State Parks (often these discounts start on Sunday evening thru Friday morning).
I've traveled Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia a lot as I live in southern Ohio.
Lots of good advice here already. And with spring right around the corner Kentucky has much to offer in outdoor recreation & travel. Much to see in KY.
It would give you a great "break in" to nomadic life and no doubt you'll meet some other nomads in the State Parks there to chat with and learn more about
what they have learned.
But before going on the road full time, it may be best to get acclimated to camping and just being out doors for a few days to get the feel of that. Seniors (usually 55 and up) may get week day discounts at State Parks (often these discounts start on Sunday evening thru Friday morning).
I've traveled Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia a lot as I live in southern Ohio.
What are the rents in KT these days?
Welcome to the Van Living Forum
Lots of good advice here already. And with spring right around the corner Kentucky has much to offer in outdoor recreation & travel. Much to see in KY.
It would give you a great "break in" to nomadic life and no doubt you'll meet some other nomads in the State Parks there to chat with and learn more about
what they have learned.
But before going on the road full time, it may be best to get acclimated to camping and just being out doors for a few days to get the feel of that. Seniors (usually 55 and up) may get week day discounts at State Parks (often these discounts start on Sunday evening thru Friday morning).
I've traveled Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia a lot as I live in south
They are expensive. Trailers are renting for 600-800 a month and capers too.
Hello. I'm in a sedan. I'll answer based on what has worked for me.
First off... make car maintenance your top priority. Mechanical maintenance (routines & repairs) and administrative maintenance (registrations, insurance, etc). This is general for any vehicle.
Second, determine what your nightly parking situation will be. I put together a list based on all of the reading that I did from numerous sources and videos. I rotate out and never park/sleep at the same place each evening. This is also general. If traveling, plan these ahead... and also have a backup plan if things don't work out.
Next, determine your sleeping/bedding situation... as this is the primary purpose of shelter, and the primary purpose that your car will serve. Some lucky ones can lower front passenger/rear seating and make a nice long bed from passenger seat to trunk. I am not so lucky, but I am quite short, so I was able to set up in the back seat comfortably.
Also determine what you will use as window covers. In my opinion these are an absolute necessity for both privacy and safety. I use Reflectix with a black flannel side glued on with LocTite. I find that the black flannel doesn't look obvious if shined on... and it prevents window fog.
And determine how you will handle your toilet needs. I utilize public restrooms, but I also have a backup system in-car in case of an emergency.
At this point, most people make a list of what they think they will need. If you do this, you will spend a year of misery adjusting and readjusting your in-car inventory. Instead... make a morning routine and nighttime routine... what you will do first thing upon waking and breaking down your car camp... and what you will do to park, set up, and wind yourself down. THIS will determine what you actually need in the car with you. You will still make adjustments along the way, but it will be far less miserable.
Everything else you own can either go in a storage unit, or you can get rid of (sell or toss)
The rest... some food, eating utensils, hygiene items, a few sets of clothing, cleaning products... can be sorted out as you go, both in what you will keep with you, and where these items will live. I keep only non-refrigerated foods, and those go in a crate on the rear passenger-side floor. A basket with plate, cup, and utensils goes on top of that. I have a zipable clothing pack on the rear driver-side floor. A plastic basin goes on top of that with a washcloth, dishcloth, handtowel, vinegar spray, water spray, bar of soap, and overnite bag. In my overnite bag I have toothbrush/paste, and etc.
In the front passenger floor is my battery bank, and on the front passenger seat is my office/work items, which amounts to my computers and a small file box.
I keep the entirety of the rest of my household possessions in a storage unit.
First off... make car maintenance your top priority. Mechanical maintenance (routines & repairs) and administrative maintenance (registrations, insurance, etc). This is general for any vehicle.
Second, determine what your nightly parking situation will be. I put together a list based on all of the reading that I did from numerous sources and videos. I rotate out and never park/sleep at the same place each evening. This is also general. If traveling, plan these ahead... and also have a backup plan if things don't work out.
Next, determine your sleeping/bedding situation... as this is the primary purpose of shelter, and the primary purpose that your car will serve. Some lucky ones can lower front passenger/rear seating and make a nice long bed from passenger seat to trunk. I am not so lucky, but I am quite short, so I was able to set up in the back seat comfortably.
Also determine what you will use as window covers. In my opinion these are an absolute necessity for both privacy and safety. I use Reflectix with a black flannel side glued on with LocTite. I find that the black flannel doesn't look obvious if shined on... and it prevents window fog.
And determine how you will handle your toilet needs. I utilize public restrooms, but I also have a backup system in-car in case of an emergency.
At this point, most people make a list of what they think they will need. If you do this, you will spend a year of misery adjusting and readjusting your in-car inventory. Instead... make a morning routine and nighttime routine... what you will do first thing upon waking and breaking down your car camp... and what you will do to park, set up, and wind yourself down. THIS will determine what you actually need in the car with you. You will still make adjustments along the way, but it will be far less miserable.
Everything else you own can either go in a storage unit, or you can get rid of (sell or toss)
The rest... some food, eating utensils, hygiene items, a few sets of clothing, cleaning products... can be sorted out as you go, both in what you will keep with you, and where these items will live. I keep only non-refrigerated foods, and those go in a crate on the rear passenger-side floor. A basket with plate, cup, and utensils goes on top of that. I have a zipable clothing pack on the rear driver-side floor. A plastic basin goes on top of that with a washcloth, dishcloth, handtowel, vinegar spray, water spray, bar of soap, and overnite bag. In my overnite bag I have toothbrush/paste, and etc.
In the front passenger floor is my battery bank, and on the front passenger seat is my office/work items, which amounts to my computers and a small file box.
I keep the entirety of the rest of my household possessions in a storage unit.
mpruet
Well-known member
^^^^ Good advice. For a while I was Prius Camping so do have an additional suggestion.
It’s incredibly easy to lose stuff when you’re living in a small space. Be fastidious that everything has it’s place and be careful to always put it back where it belongs.
It’s incredibly easy to lose stuff when you’re living in a small space. Be fastidious that everything has it’s place and be careful to always put it back where it belongs.
Thank you so much for your response. I keep the maintenance up on my car and change the oil every 3000 miles. I would try to remove my seats to help with making a bed. I don't need that much as far a living and mostly i eat simple things like sandwiches and things. Thank you again for all your feedback. Matt
I totally forgot the trunk... in there I keep an automotive tote with things like fluids and tools. Next to it I have a small gas can, jumper cables, air compressor, hydraulic jack, and cross wrench. That is all shoved to the back.
Towards the front, I have laundry Items and laundry bag, duffle bag of bathroom/hygiene/first aid items, backpack for the gym, a miscellaneous bag, 3 1-gallon bottles of water, and a small box of cleaning supplies and rags.
I am constantly moving things from inside the car to the trunk and back again... trying to determine where they should best live. I'm beginning to think that this is just a continual task.
I'm experimenting with a small container in the trunk with compost, and a compost tote in storage. I may use it to make a container garden in the storage, or contribute to one of my kid's gardens.
Focus on making your live more luxurious with cost effective investments. Many people here are too focused on saving every penny. While that is important belive me I'm nearly as cheap as the rest of them lol.. however always remember you want to make life COMFORTABLE!
If your in a car you will need a storage locker. Unless your able to pair down everything to fit in your car but even that is kinda a lot to do when just starting out. Plus having storage for seasonal clothing is important plus you don't know what you need and what you don't Plus you can still buy in bulk to save while storing extras in a storage locker as well as keeping important documents in storage for safe keeping.
Gyms... gyms you can shower and workout. I been working on my fitness so even though I currently am in an apartment rebuilding my minivan I almost live at the gym already! lol. Don't be shy have 2 gym memberships if locations provide you enough benefits ie more locations near by and more options. Two memberships can coust you 50-60 bucks still very cheap!
Create a map, maybe create a new gmail account and then start putting pins on places in your community. I do that myself STARS are for places to sleep HEARTS are for gyms and GREEN FLAGS are for parks that are comfortable for me to stay all day ie tons of parking and away from personal houses. Each metro has different levels of these nice big parks so your experience will differ.
Also play your day and make a schedule! what is it that you will be doing each day and at what times. Myself I work overnights Then I sleep around 9AM to 5PM which means I can "nap" in local parks. Yes, those nice big parks that are typically only used on the weekends and afternoons welp I get to nap in them in my minivan during the day. Oh so luxurious living indeed!
Then waking up I can head to the gym, workout & shower and get ready for work and cook a meal in my minivan. Like I said still in my apartment so I'm still planning everything out. Yes, it's much easier to plan given that I already lived the lifestyle but get out there NOW take a weekend in your car and see what it is like and how comfortable you are and where do you go and at what times.
Van life or car life can look so different for so many people. Being that you have a car you have cheaper mobility use that to your advantage travel to farther places in your area that are comfortable like the big parks, if you can stay overnight at rest stops or truck stops or big box stores try it. Make window coverings reflectics with fabric so people can't see inside. Take note of nice places to start parking your car for sleeping overnight and make sure you pin those locations so you can keep track of them.
Make a 2 week schedule try not to stay at the same place more than once every 2 weeks. Best not to be identified as being there every week but with a car your much less likely to be noticed long as you keep it stealthy.
Make sure you save most not all but MOST of that savings in rent. Put it in an emergency fund and start investing and saving for a new rig that you may want or need one day.
Also make it fun. I love to spend the day at a big park and just sit in the van and watch from my comphy chair. Yes, I do like walking too but usually I like to just sit and enjoy watching haha. Outlet malls are another great place to sit and have a meal while you work on a laptop or just chill in the food court during the day.
Find places you like and visit them when they are not busy. Van life is as great as you make it! Finding places to get out of the cold or heat is also important so keeping track of those places is key.
Enjoy your new adventure and happy savings!
If your in a car you will need a storage locker. Unless your able to pair down everything to fit in your car but even that is kinda a lot to do when just starting out. Plus having storage for seasonal clothing is important plus you don't know what you need and what you don't Plus you can still buy in bulk to save while storing extras in a storage locker as well as keeping important documents in storage for safe keeping.
Gyms... gyms you can shower and workout. I been working on my fitness so even though I currently am in an apartment rebuilding my minivan I almost live at the gym already! lol. Don't be shy have 2 gym memberships if locations provide you enough benefits ie more locations near by and more options. Two memberships can coust you 50-60 bucks still very cheap!
Create a map, maybe create a new gmail account and then start putting pins on places in your community. I do that myself STARS are for places to sleep HEARTS are for gyms and GREEN FLAGS are for parks that are comfortable for me to stay all day ie tons of parking and away from personal houses. Each metro has different levels of these nice big parks so your experience will differ.
Also play your day and make a schedule! what is it that you will be doing each day and at what times. Myself I work overnights Then I sleep around 9AM to 5PM which means I can "nap" in local parks. Yes, those nice big parks that are typically only used on the weekends and afternoons welp I get to nap in them in my minivan during the day. Oh so luxurious living indeed!
Then waking up I can head to the gym, workout & shower and get ready for work and cook a meal in my minivan. Like I said still in my apartment so I'm still planning everything out. Yes, it's much easier to plan given that I already lived the lifestyle but get out there NOW take a weekend in your car and see what it is like and how comfortable you are and where do you go and at what times.
Van life or car life can look so different for so many people. Being that you have a car you have cheaper mobility use that to your advantage travel to farther places in your area that are comfortable like the big parks, if you can stay overnight at rest stops or truck stops or big box stores try it. Make window coverings reflectics with fabric so people can't see inside. Take note of nice places to start parking your car for sleeping overnight and make sure you pin those locations so you can keep track of them.
Make a 2 week schedule try not to stay at the same place more than once every 2 weeks. Best not to be identified as being there every week but with a car your much less likely to be noticed long as you keep it stealthy.
Make sure you save most not all but MOST of that savings in rent. Put it in an emergency fund and start investing and saving for a new rig that you may want or need one day.
Also make it fun. I love to spend the day at a big park and just sit in the van and watch from my comphy chair. Yes, I do like walking too but usually I like to just sit and enjoy watching haha. Outlet malls are another great place to sit and have a meal while you work on a laptop or just chill in the food court during the day.
Find places you like and visit them when they are not busy. Van life is as great as you make it! Finding places to get out of the cold or heat is also important so keeping track of those places is key.
Enjoy your new adventure and happy savings!
In the LTVA areas that have vault toilets there are many persons camping in sedan cars. They just need to camp within 500 feet of a vault toilet. The official BLM website does offer maps of each LTVA and the vault toilet locations are shown on those maps. So that will make it easy for you to check out the area to find your favored spot by one.
On BLM dispersed lands the only issue with camping in a sedan car is having enough ground clearance. Some sedan vehicles have much better ground clearance than others. Ground clearance at the LTVAs near vault toilets is not an issue, they are easy access.
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I haven't taken advantage of it yet but, membership in my local seniors center (over 50) is $30. Some activities have additional fees, but the access to the facility and many activities don't.
^^^ the senior center at Quartzsite is only $10 per year 
The Quartzsite public library, part of the La Paz county system, gives free library privileges to nomads! There is some restriction on the number of physic books you can check out at one time. There is also a huge selection of DVDs that can be checked out.
But I strongly recommend that while you can sign up for a local library card be sure you do that. That will give you access to free ebooks, audio books, emagazines and often videos as well!
Many times new to nomad life people find themselves feeling bored. Those library cards can help with that issue.
The Quartzsite public library, part of the La Paz county system, gives free library privileges to nomads! There is some restriction on the number of physic books you can check out at one time. There is also a huge selection of DVDs that can be checked out.
But I strongly recommend that while you can sign up for a local library card be sure you do that. That will give you access to free ebooks, audio books, emagazines and often videos as well!
Many times new to nomad life people find themselves feeling bored. Those library cards can help with that issue.
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Happy Camper
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Hi Matt. What type of car do you have? Make, model? There might be some vehicle specific advantages or disadvantages for your particular car.
LargeMarge
Well-known member
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Sell the compact, swap the compact for something with standing headroom and a place to fix meals.
