10 Essentials for living in your car

I have been living in my Honda Accord for 10 months now, and I am sharing the 10 Essentials for Living in Your Car to help beginner car dwellers learn from my experience. Of course, this video is just my opinion and you may have different priorities, but I tried to compile a list of 10 thing I think will apply to MOST people. If you prefer to watch things instead of read, you probably haven’t even made it this far, but if you have check out the youtube video version of this blog post!

1. A Comfortable Bed

This is my number one essential because if you are not getting a good nights rest, you will be tired, cranky and you won’t enjoy your time living in your car. The first week in my car I tried sleeping side to side in the back seat of my sedan. Spoiler, it did not work. Next I slept in my passenger seat for a few months and this worked better, but I still was not able to lay down flat. When I finally removed the passenger seat completely and built my bed it was a total game changer. Obviously do whatever version of a conversion best suits your vehicle and storage needs, but make having a comfortable place to sleep at night a PRIORITY, don’t “just make do.”

2. Window Coverings

Trust me, having a way to block out your windows and get privacy inside your vehicle is a MUST. Otherwise you will lay there at night anxiously wondering if people are watching you through the window. I made my own window coverings, but you can also buy them from brands like weather tech. (not sponsored, I just really want to invest in their product one day haha)

3. Solar Powered Battery Pack

Honestly there are two ways you can go with this recommendation depending on your budget. The route that I have chosen is just a smaller solar powered battery pack which has worked just fine for recharging my phone, headphones, and speaker while I am car camping. However I am unable to charge my laptop with this type of device. With a higher budget you can get one of the solar powered generators that can charge using both USB plugs and your standard wall plug. I am still researching which type of solar powered generator I want so I will update this blog in the future when I have come to a decision.

4. Battery Pack Jump Starter

This is more of a precautionary measure than anything, but if you are traveling to remote places by yourself you should have a way to jumpstart your vehicle by yourself. These battery pack jump starters are handy to have, just make sure they stay charge for when you need them most!

5. Protection

Self explanatory one. Carry whatever form of protection you feel comfortable and confident in using.

6. Phone Dash Mount

Having a phone dash mount helps you keep your phone in sight for directions when driving in unfamiliar places, but still keep both hands on the wheel. There are tons and tons of different variations of a dash mount, I specifically got one for the center of my windshield so it can double as a tripod during beautiful drives.

7. DOWNLOADED Google Maps & Paper Map

Having a map you can access without cell phone signal should be a no brainer when living this type of lifestyle. There have been many times where I am up in the mountains with no service and my offline maps saved my butt.

8. Way to Cool/Reheat Food

I personally try to avoid fast food as much as possible so having a way to keep food fresh and a way to have a warm meal are an essential for me. I personally use an Igloo Ice Chest, but if you have a solar powered generator you can also have a low voltage fridge! As for reheating food, I have a Coleman Camp Stove and a JetBoil, but you can also invest in things like an electric travel kettle, electric lunch box, or simply cook over the open fire.

9. Way to Cool/Heat Yourself

Just like with your food, you want to stay cool and warm, depending on the temperature outside at night. To stay cool in the summer, I travel north but I would like to get beg nets, window rain guards and a battery operated fan. To stay warm in the winter, I have a backpacking sleeping bag along with a few house blankets. You could also use something like a battery operated electric blanket or hand warmers.

10. Memberships

Now these might not be essential to everybody, but these three memberships have improved car living for me significantly!

Planet Fitness

This is where I workout, stretch my body and shower. You can find showers in truck stops and camp grounds as well, but I personally think Planet Fitness is worth it because they have locations in most major cities.

Trusted House Sitters

This is how I take breaks from living in my car from time to time. I stay in a strangers home for free in exchange for taking care of their pets while they are away! If you are interested in joining Trusted House Sitters you can get 25% off their membership using this link!

Panera Bread

This one might seem odd at first, but once you realize you can get unlimited coffee and drinks at Panera for only $12/month you will understand. Unlimited drinks, free WiFi, outlets, and actually healthy food if you do get hungry.