[rusty78]

Originally Posted by Repatriated

Or apply to a bunch of cruise ship companies. You'll be living in a closet of a cabin that's probably smaller than your car...with a roommate, but everything will be paid, and you'll just be saving money without any expenses.

I actually thought of that...but most cruise ship lines require you to speak 2 languages now a days....and unless you are in management...they do charge you rent......additionally, it is not uncommon for a cruise ship employee to be working 12 - 14 hours a day......not what I think our OP would consider...

[runswithscissors]

Originally Posted by Horiz

What if you parked the minivan in the visitor's parking space in apartment complexes? Would that be pretty safe?

There's another thread here (or many) about this, I think on the Self Sufficiency forum. But I don't have it handy. It was interesting.

There's even a subculture of it one term is Vandwelling:

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Plenty of people get a larger vehicle than a car and do so on purpose even an SUV. The pros and cons of each parking area are discussed.

Also how to equip it. Some people posted links to blogs detailing how they do it. Photos, locations etc.

Overall, they suggest parking at campgrounds, 24 hr Walmarts or truck stops. Or joining a 24 hr gym for 30.00 per month. I think they said Walmart will even let you (ignore you).

Some truck stops welcome RV camper people and there are showers etc.

It is TOO HOT in the south to SLEEP in that vehicle safely in summer. You cannot sleep with the windows down. I found that out driving from the Northeast to FL several times and thinking I'd pull over for a cat nap at the rest stops. Think about if you're in a deep sleep with windows down.

Even with my large teen in the SUV, some gypsies tried to open the passenger door in broad daylight while I was in the rest stop rest room and saw it when I was coming out. He scared the crap out of them. When they saw me approach my SUV they tried to distract me with a map and ask me where PA was. LOL

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by Red3311

OP and this thread is the epitome of South Florida, but I guess id rather be a bum in hot weather than cold...

I agree. This thread rivals the one asking for help finding a homeless shelter to move to.

[124c41]

Before my ex-wife and I got married, circumstances forced me to live out of my van in the parking lot of her fathers apartment complex for about 6 months, and it was anything but pleasant. It was in Houston, and it was hot at night. I was wary of leaving even a window cracked, and possibly getting broken into while I slept. I suppose if I had been younger I might would have been able to weather some of the hardships better, but being close to 30, it presented quiet a few obstacles for me. I did have the luxury of going up to her father's apartment to use his bathroom for my toiletries, but someone in an area where they knew no one might have that difficulty to overcome. I would recommend anyone enamored with visions of living out of a vehicle to try it before they burn their bridges. If you have permanent residence now, move into your car/van and try it for as long as you can endure, and I'm betting those wistful visions of automobile residency will fade quick in the light of day. I know they did for me.

[allenk893]

Originally Posted by 124c41

Before my ex-wife and I got married, circumstances forced me to live out of my van in the parking lot of her fathers apartment complex for about 6 months, and it was anything but pleasant. It was in Houston, and it was hot at night. I was wary of leaving even a window cracked, and possibly getting broken into while I slept. I suppose if I had been younger I might would have been able to weather some of the hardships better, but being close to 30, it presented quiet a few obstacles for me. I did have the luxury of going up to her father's apartment to use his bathroom for my toiletries, but someone in an area where they knew no one might have that difficulty to overcome. I would recommend anyone enamored with visions of living out of a vehicle to try it before they burn their bridges. If you have permanent residence now, move into your car/van and try it for as long as you can endure, and I'm betting those wistful visions of automobile residency will fade quick in the light of day. I know they did for me.

Seriously?? So your dad had an apartment and he didn't open his place to you??! I am at a loss. I've never understood how anybody can let one of their family members or close friends be out on the street! If I had an apartment, no matter how small it is, NOBODY in my family is going to be sleeping out of their damn cars or on the streets! If we have to move things around, have somebody sleep on the floor, then so damn be it. I don't understand this selfish attitude that Americans have! It really pisses me off because that isn't the first time I've heard stories like that!

[macrodome2]

It wasn't his dad it was his ex-wife's father.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by rusty78

it is not uncommon for a cruise ship employee to be working 12 - 14 hours a day......not what I think our OP would consider...

What's wrong with long hours and hard work?

[bigh110]

yes

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by Florida Vince

This will be how you end up:

[hulu=http://www.flickr.com/photos/4183]jT5PtOqWjmH9J-RxMLvkXw[/hulu]I Live In A Van Down By The River - Matt Foley[/url]

Let's Have A Live And Let Live Attitude Shall We


Tour of the Van I live in - Vandwelling at its best - YouTube

I take it that the original Poster is a caucasian who couild get a JOB
if he really wanted one , but thinking of the segment of society that
really need this expertise would be my( African-American Brother and
Sister that some how became Unemployable ) - Tattoo's - Gaps In Theirs
Employment History....and the old saying that is always right Blacks are
the Last Hired And The First Fired...I'm Just Saying.

http://voices.yahoo.com/installing-s...n-6485542.html

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Interesting someone should suggest a cruise ship job where the OP would have meals, lodging and a paycheck. Did you know the cruise ships hire the lowest of the low - ex cons, child molesters, etc. to work on their ships? And if something happens to you on an foreign ship most of the time the US can do nothing to help you. Did you also know that most ships do not even have a real dr. on board? If something serious happens to you they will delay getting help so everyone else can enjoy their cruise.

Here is an interesting link International Cruise Victims - Join Our Community