Van Dwelling

I can't believe that I'm finally pursuing my golden dream of living out of a van and traveling the country. The idea struck me about 18 months ago and I've spent my time avidly reading about the lifestyle while making preparation to make it a reality. Obviously I could have just jumped in my car and got on with it, but while I still had a little money and energy it seemed beneficial to plan my escape.

That involved downsizing my vast quantity of consumer stuff and rethinking how I'd manage the daily tasks of life. My dream starts with waking up when I feel like it and having tea and a long read before getting up and about. That meant having a comfortable place to sleep, a place to potty in private, and a way to heat water for tea. That was resolved with a 2000 Dodge Ram Van with an extended body and lots of room for a bed platform, storage, and room to move around. A trucker's 12 volt hot pot for water, and a small portable pot with a toilet seat and lid resolved the next two needs. Around that a fair amount of resources to ensure security and a well-maintained van, plus a collection of consumer items to enjoy life surrounded the idea. So I did it and have come to realize that I've traded one complicated life for another complicated life.

The complications are smaller, but they exist nonetheless. You still have to locate resources for showers, water, and food. You still have to plan for cooling and for heating your vehicle for comfort. You even have to look for a private and secure place to sleep. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you have traded one set of survival complications for another. But the total cost of living out of a van versus paying rent and utilities is far lower. You aren't going to be maintaining a large job and a large lifestyle.

For a while there I made jewelry and sold it on Ebay for living expenses and I know I can do that again, but now I just focus on writing and selling software components as well as working on remote software contracts. With a small laptop, and inverter, and a broadband connection card it is possible to continue making a living while not maintaining a permanent dwelling.

However, I did go ahead and buy a used trailer for a small sum of money in order to have an official address and a permanent place to leave my favorite cat sometimes. She is ok living out of the van but tended to limit my travel a bit.

I just finished a large software project to integrate a DVR and for now I'll just give my brain a break and contemplate this new lifestyle later.