- How Do You Avoid Crazy People When You’re Living in a Van Down by the River?
- Can We Borrow 2,000,000 Pennies?
- Paying for a Mobile Lifestyle: Ways to Make Money Online
- Why Don’t We Have Electric Powered Vans Yet?
- Boing boing, Grease, and Why a Car Won’t Work
- Little Miss Sunshine vs The Soccer Mom
- The Little Can That Could: Checking out the VW Minibus
- First Order of Business: What Kind of Van?
- We’re Gonna be Living in a Van Down by the River!
We’re Gonna be Living in a Van Down by the River!
September 5th, 2007
Here’s the deal…We want to live in a van down by the river.
Literally.
Who’s we? Markus and Angela. Hi.
We’re a young couple currently living in Sarasota, Florida and after taking a spontaneous road trip across the state a few weeks ago we decided that it would be cool to get rid of our belongings and travel the country for a few months – aka – live in a van down by the river. (You cool kids should get the reference).
This was inspired (in part) by the 4 Hour Workweek, where Tim Ferris talks about living a totally mobile lifestyle. Well, we love America and before setting out abroad we want to have a base and find the best city to live in that we could make our permanent home.
We’re sort of tired of Sarasota and want to find a city that a couple of twenty-somethings would love. And what better way to do it than drive all around this country and take photos & video – and meet some cool Americans along the way?
Will we find the urban utopia and meet awesome people? Or will we end up stranded in the middle of country, broke, starving, and juggling broken beer bottles on street corners for 5 cents a piece to finance 7-11 hot dogs for sustenance? 
This plan is sort of getting hashed as we speak, so we’d love to get your input on every aspect on this trip. The rough plan as of now is:
- Sell most of our crap. Store the rest.
- Find, buy, steal, or otherwise get a van.
- Pimp out said van with a custom bed, office, LCD tv, etc.
- Get a high speed internet connection
- Get laptops, photo, and video gear to document this crazy thing.
- Figure out what to take along for survival
- Go!
We plan to make money “on the internets” as we go along to help pay for gas and food and maybe even the occasional hotel or hostel stay.
So why not follow us along for the ride?
We’ll give you more background info about ourselves (and videos), detail our plans, try to amuse you (sometimes), and chat with you about this crazy trip in the coming weeks and months.
So please subscribe to our feed, let us know what you think in the comments – and join us in our quest to live “in a van down by the river.”
P.S. Hopefully it will be a bit nicer than the one you see at the top of this page.
September 5th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Should it be mechanically sound, nothing wrong with the van in the pic. First, I’ve seen both your work and would encourage you to get a publisher for the photos/film. Second, a massage therapist and web designer should not have to juggle empties while in the wind. Chair messages at the local market, along with portrait work will more than fill the gas tank and stomach. No stranger to road trips and the experiences they afford those willing to take a chance, I encourage you both to set out on this adventure. The romance of that yet explored provides life experiences never to be forgotten. Remember, artistic genius has never been realized through the status quo, and the most important person in the world is the one beside you on the quest.
Dad
September 5th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
I am also all for your cross-country hoboathon. In fact… I dare you. I’ve also thought of your money-making idea: roadside amateur surgery… for tips. It’s compelling because you’re tackling the healthcare crisis head on. And, if you get into trouble mid-surgery, you can phone a friend… Adam. He’s not a real doctor, but neither are yous, so you can’t be picky. Also, its not illegal if you refer to it as “sturgery”, rather than surgery.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
That freakin’ rocks. You can park in my driveway anytime when you get around this way.
September 11th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
[...] more » [...]
September 11th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Ho ho ho. Well, if you get as far as Mendocino, CA, give me a buzz at 937 5000.
Just remember those who have abandoned their dreams will criticize yours.
L Bullock
September 11th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Crazy. It seems a few folks are exploring this sort of adventure… my wife and I included.
Best of luck to you both. We’ll be reading.
September 11th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
this is a great idea. Here is a link to some pals of mine who are somewhat doing the same, but they are a bit older, and got a bit bigger van
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/
and have been at it for 3 years now?
I cannot recommend enough, get the BIGGEST van you can. BIG. Size. Make sure it is very mechanically reliable. BIG.
Get really excited, and put a Teardrop trailer behind it? for more sleepin room.
http://www.teardrops.net/whatis01.html
good luck
September 11th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Hello Marcus and Angela,
My wife and i did something similar last year. We took nine months off to travel round Asia, Australasia and the South Pacific then got remarried in India. Although this is not quite the same journey as the one you are about to embark on- the initial preparations will be quite similar I imagine, feel free to get in touch if you feel I could be of help in any way.
You can see some photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7137707@N04/sets/72157594580608881/
good luck! This will be amazing.
September 11th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
This is an absolutely fantastic idea.
If you find yourself heading for the Pacific Northwest, and have a reason to come through southern Idaho, email me at the address I listed. There isn’t much here, but there’s free parking and cold beer, and that ain’t bad.
September 11th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
My girlfriend and I feel exactly the same way about life here in Panama City, FL – and we’ve talked about doing the same thing many times!
If you ever make it up here on your journey, email me at the address listed and we’ll take you guys out for some good Mexican food and conversation.
Best of luck!
September 11th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
What a great idea! If you’re ever in Tucson, AZ, hit me up. Best time to visit is in the fall, winter or spring. The other 6 months are pretty warm here. I hope you’ll consider an interview for my upcoming podcast, Eyewitness Nation. Nothing but true stories by the people for the people. I’ll be a regular reader!
Drive safe and take care!
http://www.EyewitnessNation.com
September 11th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Thanks for your support, everyone! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. I hope you’ll come back and follow along and give us some tips along the way. Cheerio!
September 11th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Awesome! Can’t wait to read all about it! Wave when you come through KY, k?
September 11th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
YOU KIDS TODAY AND THAT DAMN COLOR TV! IF YOU WANT TO BE REALLY COOL LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. GO TO AUSTIN TEXAS MAN WHERE ALL THE COOL KIDS GO. MY ADIVCE LIVE IN THE MOUNTIANS OUT WEST, LIVE OF THE FRUITS OF THE LAND AND WILD GAME AND PREPARE FOR WINTER, BUT IN YOUR CASE YOU MUST BE SOME WHAT FIANICALY DEPENDENT. I SHOULD BE IN A SPELLING BEE. YEAH!TO DO THIS WONDERFUL THING. EXPRESS YO SELF. HIPPIES
September 11th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Great idea. Check out the car living yahoogroup for more who have done this before. I have done a couple of trips across the USA sleeping in my vehicle and recommend it highly. But be wary of spending too much on fixing up the vehicle… most of what you spend on customization will be lost when you sell, so don’t go too fancy until you’re sure you like the lifestyle.
In fact, i recommend doing the least amount of customization to the vehicle… the more your vehicle forces you out into the world to meet your basic needs the more engaged you will feel. Instead of equipping your van with high speed internet, stop in libraries for your internet needs. Instead of getting a shower system, stop in truck stops or campgrounds for showers. Instead of getting a DVD player, find local entertainment. The best thing about living in your vehicle is the way it forces you to live life out in the world. Besides you’ll get plenty of time in the vehicle while you are driving.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Congrats! We’re in the planning stages of the same sort of thing – with a twist. We have 2 kids and I’ve managed to live with them in a 24ft travel trailer (an ancient Airstream) for a few weeks at the time on the road. Add in a husband and a couple of dogs and we have to take turns to change our minds. But when the “house is clean” there’s just not much else to do.
I started the travel trailer thing as a way to visit my grandmother. She has 176 acres in middle Tennessee. Critter & varmit farm really. So our next iteration – living in a van down by the creek. Summer before last – power put in by the Amish. This last summer dealing with the well that runs dry and simply keeping the green from invading. Next summer – internet access for me and a couple of goats.
My word of advice – keep either comet or ant killer around. We had this invasion in a matter of hours once ….. And then there was the night the mouse ran across my face ( I was by myself and no one could hear me make a fool of myself screaming ).
When you find yourself passing through TN I can offer a place to stay down by the creek ( or as close to the trees will allow). Ms Yoder sells fresh milk ( that day ).
And plan your tool bag. You will use every tool in the bag. If it can go wrong it will – just makes the trip more fun.
Enjoy!
September 11th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
I can’t quite decide if this is awesome or stupid.
No, it’s pretty awesome. I’ve daydreamed about similar things… only without the van. Good luck. I’ll be checking in.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Speaking of checking in…. Hey, this is a blog, where’s the RSS feed??
September 11th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Before you go, check out all the advice on “Vagabonding” from Rolf Potts, who has been writing about this sort of thing for years and has a wonderful book called, in fact, Vagabonding (my youngest daughter is actually featured therein). http://www.rolfpotts.com/
September 11th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
I wish you luck on your adventure, it sounds like something fun I would like to try sometime.
The Boing Boing post on you caught my eye because I took the photo of the UAZ van you use at the top of your blog. I am glad you like the picture, but I request that you please honor my creative commons attribution license and give me credit, and the Flickr Community Guidelines (http://www.flickr.com/guidelines.gne) and link back to the original photo on flickr.
Thanks!
September 11th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Hi Ted – thanks for the heads up – and sorry about that. Since the image is served by CSS, I’ll put the link sitewide in the footer – please let me know if that’s ok. Great photo.
September 11th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Fantastic plan. I’ve long wanted to do something similar but cannot due to my health.
I’ve got a parking spot for you for a few days in Santa Barbara CA. if you make it out this way.
Oh, and I belong to a Yahoo group for Class B (van type) RVs if you think we could be of any help:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Classic_B_Vans/
September 11th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Madison, WI, has a little neighborhood of people living in
vans, on E. Wilson St. between Few and Baldwin Streets.
September 12th, 2007 at 5:27 am
I’ve lived in a van for 7 years. Got a van in Seattle. The money I save on rent is used to support my disabled brother, and to save toward escape from the U.S.
Suggestions:
(1.) VW Minibuses seem cool, have cultural cache and look fun. Do not fall victim. Take the advice of the person here who commented: “Get a big van. As big as possible.” I have a 1977 Dodge Explorer Van with extended cab. I got it for $500 on Craigslist and it runs fine, because I don’t drive it except to keep moving it every 72 hours for city code. Think BIG. You will be better off if you can afford a small RV or as big a van as possible. VW Minibuses are difficult for one person to live in, let alone two.
(2.) Know the laws. Many cities (such as Portland, Ore.) prohibit living in vehicles, sleeping in cars, parking for longer than 72 hours on a given street, etc. Be prepared for overzealous and maladjusted meter-maids who don’t like your lifestyle or politics (if you have a bumper sticker) ticketing you with huge fines for preposterous reasons.
(3.) A dog, if you can get along in a big enough vehicle, is the ideal theft-prevention/deterrant asset. Better than an alarm. Your vehicle WILL be broken into, especially if it looks lived-in or remotely upgraded. Mine has been broken into three times, while I was inside. Try the dog.
(4.) Garbage disposal is an issue to consider. It requires discretion. Dumping even a single garbage bag into someone else’s dumpster is illegal.
(5.) Climate is a major issue. Seattle is ideal. Summer months are most difficult, because vehicles heat to ridiculous temperatures and make sleep impossible, as well as damaging property. Plan ahead, including the color of the vehicle: white to reflect sunlight for the difficult summer months. (Black or dark colors absorb the sunlight and the heat). I don’t see how you could live in a van inexpensively in a harsh winter climate.
(6.) Discretion, discretion, discretion. Try to make the van look as “un-lived-in” as possible. Do not be seen entering or leaving the vehicle. Don’t take this lightly. Don’t tell anybody or advertise your location or working hours.
(7.) I’m writing and posting these comments sitting in the van at 2:30am PST, using a laptop with WiFi snatched out of the city air. WiFi signals are everywhere and easy to use for free. But be cautious about which signal you connect to. Businesses are best, such as coffee shops. Anonymous WiFi sources are often phishing expeditions. Do not transmit vital personal information (or even look at your bank account), let alone use a credit card, on WiFi. Somebody got my information somehow, even so, last Autumn and tried to purchase a plane ticket to Czech Republic on my credit card. The information stolen from me could only have been obtained via the Internet, probably via WiFi, and I’m scrupulous about using personal information on Wireless.
(8.) Valuable commodities for van life: Plastic bags, ziploc bags, duct tape, solar panels, tool kit, AAA membership, drapes for privacy. Be aware of using lights at night inside the van. If you don’t have thick drapes/windows covered, someone will see you’re living there.
All this aside, living in a van is a great way to save money, and even improve your standard of living. I never could’ve afforded a laptop (or solar panels or my iPod or fantastic DVD collection) if I was paying obscene urban rent or a mortgage. Some social opportunities are limited by such a living arrangement, but for some people it’s an ideal sacrifice. If you upkeep the maintenance on the vehicle, there’s even a sense of security: you own your home and owe nobody. Driving long distances with your house, however, is precarious and insecure, so choose location wisely. Also, if the U.S. attacks Iran, expect gas prices to hit $15/gallon overnight, so it could be a riskier proposition within a year for van living.
September 12th, 2007 at 5:34 am
P.S. Suggestion #9: Get a postal mail box (PMB) at a small business in an ethnic district. They will be happy for the extra income, they don’t ask questions, and if their first language is Chinese or Spanish or Arabic, you get a natural barrier for any issues about why your bank statement (etc.) is being sent to a mailbox.
September 12th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Check out http://vagabonders-supreme.blogspot.com/
He’s in an RV, but hardly ever stays in campgrounds or RV parks. Check his budget page, especially.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:38 am
i’m sure that many of us 2-kid, 2-car, 2-pets, mortgage, etc. people will follow your exploits with longing. something i would love to do, and wish i had done in a former, less encumbered lifetime. maybe in a future less encumbered life (kids gone, pets dead, mortgage paid, etc.) i’ll see you on the road. thanks for doing this for the rest of us!
September 12th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
I lived in a van for 2 year while going to college. I agree with Future U.S. Expert Says, that its a great way to save money. Every thing he says is really good advice, especially about knowing local laws.
More suggestions:
(1) Get a gym membership. It’s the easiest way to get free showers, stay clean, and stay in shape. Friends become annoyed when you always use there stuff and other places end up costing too much.
(2) Food is always a problem. At first all the money I was saving on rent got eaten by restraints. Cooking is difficult so stick with non-perishable foods. Peanut butter and jelly, canned meats and crackers. Food in bar form, power bars or met-rx bars. Avoid ice chests, it’s a huge pain draining them and keeping ice in them. It takes some creativity, but it is possible.
(3) Toilet. Your body waste is difficult to manage. Avoid eating foods that will upset your intestines and make you have to shit at night. Do your shitting during the day or when you go to the gym to shower. If you have a small bladder like me, have empty sealable container like a milk jug so you can piss in that without exiting the van at night. You don’t want to get out and be pissing in the bushes. First, it’s illegal and rude, second it increases your visibility to nosey people or over-zealous pigs who have nothing better to do then harass you and root through your van.
(3) Which leads to the third point. Never ever ever have any contraband in your van. Drugs, knives, paraphernalia, stuff like that. And if you can help it, don’t be black. Cops will harass you. It’s not a matter of if but when. Be prepared. Usually they will just ask you to move your van or ticket you, but they would like nothing more then to find a reason to arrest you. Don’t be a stupid hippy, stay clean, stay clean cut and professional, they will judge you by how you look.
(4) Consider your visual impact in the world. Be discrete. Keep the van clean with no fancy paint job, no logos or bumper stickers. But you don’t want people looking inside you van and seeing evidence of you living there. Cops and bums are your worst nightmare. Most people will just walk by, but bums and cops are nosey. I tinted my windows and then installed curtains that I Velcroed to the inside on the van so there was no visibility gap for the nosey.
(5) Communication. If you plan on living in society you’ll need to have the normal means of communication. Have a PO box, cell phone and laptop. Hopefully you can find a friend to receive mail for the very rarely required physical address. Carry your chargers with you and charge items at work or at coffee shop while you read a book or something.
(6) Have an end game. While it’s a fun adventure to live in a van, it should really be a means to an end. Whether you want to save money to put yourself through college or get inspiration to write a book or save money to leave the country, whatever, have an end game and always keep your future in mind.
September 12th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Yo! howz it be? Hey when are yall going to be traveling? It appears that yall are just sitting and not exploring. Travel to some SEC football games to talgate and met people. Tailgaters love people like yall and would invite you into their 300,000 motor home for some chicken fingers. keep it real. Stay Drug free and be with me. Thanks to be to god.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
If you make it to Pittsburgh, PA, look me up. I’d be glad to have you for dinner!
September 17th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Go Amie: that’d be cool, as long as we’re not having fava beans and chianti
September 18th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Certainly not! You are probably too young to have nice, tender livers!
If you do make it up here, email me and I can provide you with assurances that I am not a psychopath or criminal.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:29 am
[...] to sell their worldly possessions, buy a used van, live in it, and blog about it. Check it out at http://www.inavandownbytheriver.com Have you ever thought about what it might be like to live out of your [...]
September 19th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Woah – I’m getting a *major* case of deja vu here. My husband and I did something very simlar last year when we bought a VW Vanagon Bus, called the “Magic Bus” and took a road trip around the country for two months before leaving the country. We visited 24 states and Canada to boot. However, the engine blew up twice. I recommend against an air-cooled engine…
Have a great great trip!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
My husband Alex from Venice Honda was telling me all about your plan to travel! That is such a freakin awesome idea! I hope you have a great time!!! (you should contact the head of Honda and see if they would give you a demo van in return for you advertising their product.) You have a great concept and you are doing what millions dream to do. Just a thought!!! Best wishes!!! But if you dont get a Demo…def buy one from my hubby (he already helped you and likes you guys alot!) Take Care
June 4th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I don’t see how you’re going to afford to do this with gas prices at nearly 4 bucks a gallon and going up. 10 years ago the average wage was about the same as it is today but gas was less than $1 a gallon and groceries were about half the price that they are today. It’s just not feasible in this day and age. America isn’t as prosperous of a nation that it once was.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Go for it, BUT be aware you might be nice people but those in charge of the RULES are not.
We were chased at 3 in the morning from parking next to the waterway just south of you, Venice, 30 yrs ago.
You will need money, permanent address(at least a street address, licenses to do business anywhere you go civilized unless it is internet or so short no one can check you out. Really seeing this country shouldn’t be limited by the new gas prices as you will just travel shorter distances and stay longer;) Have fun, if you get published, you won’t have any problems.