What I Learned from Sleeping in my Car for a Week - It's Not as Bad as You Might Think!

Whatever you choose to do with your life, make sure you’re passionate about it. Find that thing you’d eat nothing but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for months to do, something you’d live in your car so that you could achieve. Something you’d work at time and time again because you want to.

I searched high and wide to find that thing, that motivational, inspirational dream that would lead me to feeling such a passion. And as I fetch lunch orders, go on runs, and stand at lock ups, I admire those before me who have reached success.

While I do have a permanent residence, I was called away for a week long job. During that time, it sounded really good to save a couple hundred bucks to sleep in my car rather than follow my usual AirBnb course of action. Since I never know when I’ll get my next gig, I wanted to bank as much as possible.

I know some people are against sleeping in one’s car, and I can understand that, for safety reasons. That’s why it’s safer to have darker tinted windows. Unfortunately I do not. I did read a few helpful articles online offering advice on the best way to go about living out of a car. They mentioned that you could also drape clothes over the windows while you’re sleeping. However, that could also alert passersby that you’re there, so I decided against that. Luckily for me, when I did wake up, the windows usually had fog/dew/frost on them anyway.

I wanted to share with you my experience in hopes that if you ever find yourself facing this challenge, you might feel more comfortable about it.

1. Bathroom/Shower: The first challenge I faced when planning my week was where I could shower and use the bathroom at any hour of the night. I read that 24-hour gyms were the best option for access to a shower, so I looked into nearby gyms and wah-la! I found a gym that offered a free 7-day pass. They also offered private bathrooms with showers. Just what I needed! I stopped in and picked up a key for the upcoming week. I felt much better after that.

2. Power: This also took care of my second challenge: charging my phone. While I used a car charger whenever I drove, sometimes that wasn’t enough. In the gym I could fully charge my phone at the sink outlet, as I showered, with no more problems!

3. Location: Next I had to decide where I’d park my car for the night. Finding the perfect spot depends a lot on the city or town where you plan to stay. For example, a Best Western parking lot further out of town might have a better layout and positioning to amenities than one in the city, or vice versa. The first night I tried a hotel parking lot because I’d napped in them before when pulling off the highway after working long hours. I usually choose a secluded spot away from the door. This time however, I kept hearing car doors closing around me, and I felt like someone might see me.
   The second night I joyously found the perfect spot in a Walmart parking lot. I parked in the last row up against the woods, with a tree curb on one side, and a shopping cart on the other, so it was nice and quiet. Most of the nightly shoppers were parking about eight or ten spaces closer to the store. Sometimes a green car with a sun reflector in the front windshield would be occupying that spot when I arrived, so I’d have to park further out and position my car seats to block the lamp posts from shining in my face. A few other camping vehicles and the occasional semi-truck were parked further out than I was.
   The Walmart also happened to be right next to a 24-hour gas station whose side door opened right next to the women’s bathroom, so I didn’t even have to walk in the front door! Lucky find! Every morning I’d drive over to the gas station, park on the side, and walk right into the bathroom (which I surprisingly had to myself every morning except once or twice). I had plenty of room to change my clothes in the biggest stall and room at the sink to brush my teeth, wash my face, and brush my hair.

4. Heat: Another thing I’d prepared for was dealing with the lack of heat. It was November, and the first few nights got a bit frosty. Even while wearing sweat pants, a sweat shirt, thick fuzzy socks, a hat, and covering myself with a folded-over comforter, I would still wake up cold. I hate the cold, so it was hard for me to step out of the car in the morning, feeling stiff, to gather my clothes and bathroom items from my trunk, and race into the gas station. Luckily, only the first three nights were cold. It actually warmed up as the week ended and I didn’t feel the need to race inside anymore.

5. Space: I kept everything in my trunk, and while I tried to keep everything organized, it ended up in sort of a mess. I was glad when the week was over so I could clean out my car! I also had bought some air fresheners to hang on my rearview mirror just in case sleeping in my car led to some bad odors, even though I did shower every night! I decided to lay out my bed across the back seat, but since my car is small, I couldn’t stretch out all the way. This would ultimately lead to me having to contort my body in some position that, after a while, became unbearably uncomfortable. A few nights in I switched to reclining the front seat and stretching out there, which felt more comfortable.

I began to develop a routine. After work I would treat myself to a leisurely dinner out where I’d enjoy their heat before my cold night. I loved going to Ihop where I could order warm pancakes and hot chocolate. I love breakfast food! Sometimes I’d go to a nearby library and read or use the internet on my phone until they closed. If I felt like being alone, I’d lounge in my car watching YouTube videos.

Other times I’d go to the gym early and walk on the treadmill or ride the stationary bikes while listening to music. When it got late enough for me to feel tired, I’d load up my arms with shower supplies out of my trunk (it was hard to remember everything! clothes, towel, sandals, phone charger, hair brush, shampoo, key, bathroom things). Only two or three other people would be in the gym when I arrived so I’d happily take my pick of the private bathrooms and take advantage of the outlet to charge my phone while I enjoyed a nice long hot shower. That was my favorite part of the day. I could relax.

Afterwards I’d drive to the Walmart, pick a spot, and leave a movie playing on my phone until I fell asleep. In the morning I’d stop in the gas station to get ready for the day, and off I’d go again!

From the whole experience, I would say it wasn’t the worst thing, even if I did become a bit lonely sometimes. I’d do it again, but not for a while. If I had a bigger vehicle where I could stretch out in the back, and it wasn’t so cold outside, I’d say it wouldn’t be such a bad lifestyle for saving loads of money!

When I returned to my apartment I really really really appreciated having a nice bed with plenty of space that was feet from a bathroom I didn’t have to walk through the cold to use, with an adoring cat, convenient kitchen, and friendly roommates. A temporary stay in your car might not be so bad if you’re safe and smart about it!!