Preparing for the future

[uncagingmyspirit]

Long story short - I have a landlord who is a scumlord and so I'm moving at the end of August if everything goes according to plan. The next three months will be spent extremely frugal and saving money for a cargo van to start converting. So far I've told four people who are friends / acquaintances&nbsp;(I think). The first one freaked and even though she doesn't completely get it she supports me. The second one was "ok" but really impassive and we haven't talked since I told her - disappointed. Third one... I don't know. I haven't heard back yet. So who knows. The fourth was totally supportive and even said she was impressed when I told her and showed her some basic cargo van conversion plans I have drew up and am considering. Having never done it she asked the normal questions and was really into listening to my old stories and places I want to go once it's long-travel ready. So at least I have two people who support me. <br><br>The other people I know? I know them...but that's really about it. Some are "near-acquaintances". Not friends and not quite acquaintances but more than just someone I know. I've stayed pretty quiet about it because I really need to concentrate, dedicate myself to making this happen, stay disciplined in not spending any extra money and dealing with my landlord for the next three months. I really don't want any negativity...and I am still building my self-confidence. I didn't realize until I started organizing, packing and sorting how much the car accident took away my self-confidence. <br><br><ul><li>I found a little over $4 in change (immediately into the change saving jar)</li><li>I have more craft supplies than I have ever had and more than I really need and know I won't even use.</li><li>For the last two years I've been collecting samples, trial bottles and travel size bottles of shampoos, conditioner, moisturizer, body wash, face wash, scrubs, face cleansing and hand sanitizers. It filled one of those big vanity desk drawers...WTH?! &nbsp;Before the accident I took a few here and there but not <strong>that</strong> many. At least I won't have to buy in for the next three months&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"></li></ul><br>I've come to the conclusion that I'm a novice pack rat and that&nbsp;<strong>was</strong> not like me.&nbsp;I use to pack away "I may want/need it later" junk before I took my first road trip out but vandwelling broke me of it. So in a way that really showed me something. I've already thrown out two garbage bags of junk just sitting here and there and in drawers and on shelves. I am so glad I have at a minimum two months to pack and sort. A&nbsp;person who owns nothing is a slave to no one... I don't know where I got that but in some ways it's very true. But funny enough one of the best quotes I've read came from a kinda dark and twisted novel - Fight Club<br><br><div><em>“The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything.”</em> &nbsp;- Chuck Palahniuk</div>

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I just organized my stuff the other day.&nbsp; I found a bunch of change too.&nbsp; I sorted 2 desk draws and a big plastic tub of stuff and ended up with 1 smaller tub of stuff <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="bbc_img">&nbsp; I don't know whether i should be happy that i can fit most of my life possessions in a small container or depressed...

 

[DollarJoe67]

I've been selling my possessions for months now.&nbsp; Every time something leaves my house I feel a little more stress free.&nbsp; Just a few more large items before I run an all out liquidation sale.&nbsp; It amazes me how much of my stuff has little more purpose than decorative.&nbsp; I told my family last Christmas "If I can't eat it, wear it, or spend it, I don't want it."&nbsp; Too much Junk.&nbsp; I promised myself never to accumulate this much stuff again.

 

[offroad]

De clutter your life.<BR><BR>You dont own your stuff, it owns you, because you have to care for it.&nbsp; <BR><BR>This is why I now only buy DVDs with a VUDU sticker on them, so I get a virtual perminant copy of the movie.&nbsp;

 

[uncagingmyspirit]

It's crazy isn't it? America really is a country obsessed with stuff, filling our home with stuff for a "lived in" look. Thankfully I bought a good mattress and I'm considering making the box spring into a platform for the van. I'm going to research if that is possible and or a good idea. My clothing racks will be perfect for a walk in closet storage unit - storage summer &amp; winter clothes and items I only need / want every now &amp; then. &nbsp;I have a lot of small metal organizer wall stuff that I believe I can use in converting the van by screwing them into a wood panel that I can attached to the side(s). Everything else such as furniture will be sold off or given away a week or two before I actually move. Each box I pack &nbsp;I feel a little better.&nbsp;

 

[offroad]

would love some kind of spring loaded frame that folds down during the night and retracts during the day.&nbsp; that is standard queen size.&nbsp; Will have to think on this.<BR>&nbsp;

 

[uncagingmyspirit]

I thought about that but I have a full size and while I could do something like that on the side it would take up an entire side of the van I think. Plus I believe it would put more pressure on one side of the van wheels and I would have to change that side more often or rotate them sooner. Where as if I have the bead concentrated on the back and middle it might be a bit more balanced for both sides and still leaves me with a small area in the middle to put in a tabletop hot burner &amp; wash sink with shelves above for cooking items.&nbsp;

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Unfortunately, I'm a packrat.. but also a 'handyman' and repair all my stuff and often that of others too. Tons of tools and 'stuff' that can be used to fix other stuff. Thing is, when doing a critical repair in the middle of nowhere, that fine thread metric bolt might be a lifesaver. Still, gotta bite the bullet sometimes and just turf a bunch $hit.. some of which I'll end up needing a week later.. ARRRRRRRRGH!! Shouldn't of dunnit! ..Willy

 

[uncagingmyspirit]

My storage under the platform will be my tools and extras for middle of nowhere repairs, extra batteries for phone, emergency kit ect...&nbsp;

 

[James AKA Lynx]

If you was going to go on a long backpacking trip, how much would you take?<br><br>Now add your bedding and Van tools and supplies. That is all you need. All else is extra and "Nice to have". Try to find a home base or a mail forwarder and make boxes. Call to have shipped to where you are at. <br><br>Best, James AKA Lynx

 

[uncagingmyspirit]

Thank you&nbsp;<a style="color: #000000; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;" href="/profile/2117124" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James AKA Lynx</a>,&nbsp;<br><br>I'm already looking for a good PO Box with an actual address that can be used for legal and personal items. As you said a home base. My home base will always be Los Angeles or at least it will for the next 10 years. I have a seasonal job here and don't want to give it up.&nbsp;

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Great, Get a good Mail forwarder if you can afford it. Mine cost $ 240 per year and a few $ extra per ship. However he is in the Fl keys. I just have to visit him sometimes. They are not all the same so ask what he will do and what will happen if you yell at him. Mine will even cash a check or act as power of attorney. <br><br>I suggest that you start power couponing, using more than one coupon per item and stocking up on rice and dried beans. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Terry]

I hear ya Willy. It seems that every time I clean out some junk, I need something I just got rid of and have to pay a hefty price to replace what I just gave away or threw away.