Many of us would love to see more of the world outside our front doors, but who can afford plane tickets, hotel booking fees or thousands of dollars worth of outdoor supplies every time we go away?Living out of your car for a few days may be the way to go if you become stranded in a snowstorm or are just trying to save a little money.It is convenient, cheap and doesn't require a lot of labor to camp in your car.It can be quite comfortable if you have the right gear.
Step 1: Use your vehicle's space to its fullest.
You want to maximize the storage potential of your car.If you don't need anything out of the seats and floorboards, fill them with important equipment.Use your trunk space.You are less likely to run into trouble if you bring along more people.It's a good idea to plan ahead before you load your car.There should be a specific purpose for every item.You will have more room inside the cabin if you use roof racks to hold as much gear as you can.
Step 2: Be prepared if there is an emergency.
Depending on your location, you may not be able to stop into a supermarket for a supply run.You can fill a backpack or duffel bag with items like a flashlight, batteries, road flares, duct tape, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.Take inventory before you set off for your next checkpoint and know where your emergency bag is at all times.A map of major interstate and highway routes and a flint for starting fires are some of the tools worth making room for.If you need to place an urgent call, keep your cell phone charged and protected.Basic hygiene necessities, like a toothbrush and toothpaste, shouldn't be forgotten.
Step 3: Bring some food and water.
It isn't necessary to prepare and eat every meal out of your car, but you can heat up something if you're far from civilization, get in a jam or not have time to stop.If you need a quick pick-me-up, it's a good idea to keep bottled water, canned drinks, and non-perishable food in your car.You should stock up on more food if you think you need to be on the safe side.You can spend what you save on a hot meal.
Step 4: Appropriately pack clothes and accessories.
You should know what the weather is like when you are on the road.Pack lots of layers and wear a warm jacket if you are camping or passing through a cold place.You should include a few pairs of shorts or tank tops if you are going to a place with a hotter climate.To replace garments that get wet, damaged or dirty, bring a few changes of clothes.You can match your accessories with your needs.In the winter, you should have a pair of waterproof boots, a hat, scarf and gloves, sunscreen and bug spray, and a slicker for rain.The temptation is to overpack.Most of them will not be worn on shorter trips.
Step 5: A campsite is available for rent.
If you want to go camping, you should pay to reserve a small campsite for a few days.Renting a campground is usually cheap, so you can still save time and money by taking your own car and packing minimally.Since you are using the site for its intended purpose, you can enjoy designated restrooms and bathing areas, and avoid being hassled by police and other passersby.You can get a campsite for as little as $10-20.You can find a comprehensive list of campgrounds on the internet.
Step 6: You can head to a national park.
If you happen to be nearby, national parks and forests are great places to stay.Most national parks have laws in place that make it legal to camp or spend the night in designated areas as long as you abide by other laws.It is a great way to get closer to nature and see the amazing landscapes that your destination has to offer.Do you know if camping is allowed in a particular park?
Step 7: Post up in the morning.
You will not be able to book a campsite or be close to a national park.Pull off into the parking lot of a department store or super center if you get too sleepy to continue driving, and rest until you are in good enough shape to hit the road again.These places are well-lit and are monitored by security.When cars are left there overnight, management doesn't mind.Make sure your presence is not intrusive.If you are asked, leave immediately.Freshen up and replenish your provisions before you leave a store to empty your bladder.
Step 8: At a rest stop, take refuge.
Go to the far corner of the rest stop.The welcoming establishments were designed to be a place of refuge.You will be able to take care of all your basic needs in one place if you need a bite to eat, a stimulating cup of coffee or a trip to the restroom.There are rest stops on highway markers.You can use rest stops to wash up, buy fresh supplies or charge your phone.
Step 9: Go off of the road.
If all else fails, you can always pull over for a few hours on a quiet country road, gravel lot or unpopulated turn-off.Put up window screens at a moment's notice and lock your doors.It is advisable not to hang around for too long at these places.Rest and be on your way.To avoid being clipped by another vehicle in the dark, make sure you are far enough off the main road.It is not a good idea to loiter in places where you are not wanted.If you have no other choice, stop in an out-of-the-way spot.You can discreetly do your business in the woods or behind the cover of a bush.
Step 10: Take a break.
Negotiating your space and laying down is the best way to get some shut-eye.If possible, fold down the rear row of seats so you have some leg room while you drift off.If you don't spend all night in a cramped, unnatural position, you will wake up feeling much more rested and refreshed.If you drive a small car, try laying across the back seat on your side with your knees tucked in.You may be able to stretch out in some trucks and SUVs.
Step 11: You should pack a sleeping bag.
No matter where you are, a good sleeping bag will keep you warm.If you don't have a thermal blanket, invest in a couple big ones to keep you warm.You can save space by folding your sleeping bag or blankets and putting them away.Storage space permitting, carry a pillow or bedroll with you to make sleeping in a confined space a little more pleasant.Cars can get very cold overnight, even during the warmer months, because they are poorly insulated.
Step 12: Make sure your windows are covered.
Privacy can be an issue when sleeping in your car, no one wants to wake up to a set of eyes looking at them through the window.If you want to hide from view when you turn in for the night, use towels, blankets, or some other improvised screen to create a barrier over the windows that will block out the glare of the early morning sunrise.You can use window screens to change clothes or perform personal hygiene.It is possible to keep your car cooler in hot climates by covering your windows.It's a good idea to open the windows while you sleep.When you wake up, you will not be greeted by the humid air of your own breath.
Step 13: There is an eye mask for sale.
When you wake up after a night of driving or sight-seeing, you dread being woken by the first light.Your quality of sleep will improve if you wear a cheap eye mask.It will be useful for quick naps when you are driving all night and sleeping through the afternoon.You can get this accessory for just a few dollars and it will give you more sleep.You may lose track of time of day if you sleep so well.