In today's world of uncertain economic times many are learning the hard way of needing to cut back. Overall as Americans we are driving less, spending less, eating out less, and just plain doing less. But in my experience that is not always necessary and I believe that needing to do that may just be a result of the lifestyle many of us have been living throughout the last decade. Alternative lifestyles abound but the one that I found that works for me is to live in my van. It sounds crazy and I am sure it immediately brings up thoughts of hippies and vagabonds, travelling from place to place. People that use your front yard as a bathroom, and that beg for handouts on the corner. But not everybody that lives in a van is that way. Follow me over the flip as I discuss my experience of living my life in a van.
I grew up in Orange County, CA. A mecca of conspicuous consumption, car culture, designer labels, and an ever increasing desire to "keep up with the Jones'es." I was fortunate enough to grow up getting a private education in some of the best schools that OC has to offer all the way on up to college. Up until college my world view was one of conspicous consumption. The ideas that permeated my brain were that I needed to dress in the nicest clothes, had to drive a newer car, and had to have my dorm room decorated with the latest electronics. After all, that is what many of my friends cared about and it was what I thought I had to do. All of that changed when I spent a summer backpacking through Europe.
I sold everything that I had and after cashing out the 401K my job had given me I had enough to be able to travel to Europe and pretty much do whatever I wanted. I lived in hostels, traveled by train, and fed myself when I needed to at small shops. Everything I needed fit into the 3,000 cubic inches of my backpack. Let me tell you, that is a liberating experience. I didnt need a car, and by extension the $300 a month payment. I didnt need designer clothes, they just got dirty and ended up not lasting nearly as long as my Patagonia or REI stuff did. I didnt need expensive meals, the 50 cent baguette and 1 euro slices of cured meat worked just fine.
When I came back I swore to myself that I would never let myself get caught in that trap. Fast forward a few years and I found myself deep in debtand unable to do the things that really interested me, primarily because of the credit I had taken out prior to my trip. I had a good job but the money I made went to paying off old credit cards and other debt. I thought long and hard about what I could do about this and I kept coming back to thoughts about my European backpacking experience. How could I apply those lessons to how I live now. I had already cut out TV, internet, fast food, there wasnt much else I could cut without having to make other sacrifices. This is when it struck me. Live in a van.
I discussed this with my friends and interestingly enough the response was about 50/50. Some were very supportive, but others thought I was batshit insane. Many of the latter group changed their minds though when they realized that I have a plan. It turns out that I was paying about $1,000 a month to maintain the 1 bedroom apartment that I was renting. My plan was to take that $1000 a month and use it to to pay off debt. On top of that, particularly once I paid off my debt, money would be freed up to do the things I wanted to do.
I thought long and hard about what I was about to do. What I would be giving up and what I would be gaining. As with anything there are some downsides. It is true that I am opening myself up to some serious risks and expenses. Tickets, towing, crime, police encounters, are definitely some of the downsides of living in a van. Obviously, some communities are more supportive than others but these concerns can often be ameliorated through your choice of where you park. And while these downsides have the potential to be extremely negative, the upside can be extremely liberating.
Since I have been living in my van I have not slept in the same place twice. I have been to more music venues and seen more shows in the last few months then anytime in the 3 years since I moved here. Instead of sitting at home in front of the tv or computer, I am now seeking out entertainment. I find coffeshops that showcase local bands, bookstores that screen movies, and have even enjoyed lectures on various topics at the local universities.
Most of all though is the freedom that I have now to truly do the things that I like to do. I spend my weekends traveling to different parts of the state finding places to hike, camp, climb, hot springs to dip in, and events to go to. Before living in a van I could never do this stuff because I never had the money to do this.
While not everybody can live such a lifestyle, I have found that it has liberated me in ways I never thought possible. I spend more time actually doing stuff now because money has literally no longer become a concern for me. I have eliminated the number one household expense that almost every person has. I have taken that money and eliminated my debt which has left me with a surplus of funds that gives me the freedom to do what I want when I want as well as save for the future that I desire.
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If well received I hope to continue a discussion about alternative lifestyles here. I believe that in our circumstances alternative lifestyles can provide new ways of living that still allow you to lead fulfilling and joyful lives. Coming soon I am looking forward to discussing the planning that went into my change in lifestyle, the effects it has had on me and my personal relationships, as well as what pitfalls it can bring.
PS: I am actually counting and I have heard the phrase "down by the river" precisely 56 times now and counting. Get a new line.
Update: There has been several requests for practical information such as jobs and maintaining cleanliness. I will be doing some follow up diaries on this topic and will cover that information there. I wanted to post this diary as an introduction about it and see what interest there is. Since it does seem that there is some interest I will definitely follow up.