25 Best Places to Sleep When Living in Your Car

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  • Опубліковано 18 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 408

  • @fuzzybwill75
    @fuzzybwill75 Рік тому +160

    I lived in my vehicle from 2016-2022. My job has showers so that's a blessing for me. I used to rotate 5 different places ...1. job 2. UPS parking lot 3. FedEx parking lot 4. 24 hr gym. 5. Police station. I saved a lot of money over the 6 years. I miss car life since I'm a loner anyway

    • @k-mac5511
      @k-mac5511 Рік тому +14

      Great ideas! Why did you give it up if you love it?

    • @BakedNConfused
      @BakedNConfused Рік тому

      ​@@k-mac5511
      "I saved a lot of money"

    • @bageltv3489
      @bageltv3489 10 місяців тому +1

      Did you work at Fedex and UPS or just use their lots?

    • @Pshootz
      @Pshootz 8 місяців тому +4

      Us strays get no love except from ourselves. :/

    • @destroystreets1023
      @destroystreets1023 7 місяців тому

      @@bageltv3489 i worked at a ups and you could live in their lot know one would know

  • @HeyokaCat_8
    @HeyokaCat_8 Рік тому +42

    Four Guidelines/Rules
    1- Safety
    2- Respectful
    3- Stealthy
    4- Bathroom/Restroom
    -------------------------
    25 Overnight Camping Spots
    1- Hotel Parking Lots
    2- Hospital Parking Lots
    3- Campgrounds
    4- Reststops
    5- Walmart Parking Lots
    6- Cracker Barrel Parking Lots
    7- Industrial Park/ Commercial Lots
    8- Welcome Centers
    9- Car Dealerships
    10- Parking Garages
    11- Casino Parking Lots
    12- BLM Land
    13- Grocery Stores / Malls / Shopping Centers
    14- Church Parking Lots
    15- City Street Parking (after hours)
    16- Residential Areas
    17- Rent-A-Space (ads & apps)
    18- Apartment Complexes (non-gated; visitor areas)
    19- Truck Stops
    20- 24-Hr Business Parking Lots
    21- Safe Parking Programs
    22- Friend's & Family Driveway & Parking Spaces
    23- Park-N-Rides
    24- Police Stations
    25- 24-Hr Fitness Gyms

  • @nicole-uo9cd
    @nicole-uo9cd 5 місяців тому +16

    My town has a 24 hour laundromat so you can park your car, do your laundry AND catch a few z's!
    Also, if you work at night it seems to me that it's much easier to stealth park DURING THE DAY. So if you can sleep during the day, your best option for work is the NIGHT SHIFT!

  • @horrorthroughhereyespod
    @horrorthroughhereyespod Рік тому +72

    Marmalade...I just wanted to say how happy I am I found your channel. At the end of March of this year, I said F it and literally walked away from my life with what I could fit in my car. My rent was raised and I was barely making it before that, so I left BEFORE it became a problem. I have a college degree and work 2 jobs, but still struggle. Its just how it is nowadays. My kids are grown and its just me. One of the things Im really struggling with is the stigma. Like, one side of me says, good for you you've always been a nomad at heart, the other says, "You are 54 and living out of your car so OBVIOUSLY you are a complete loser?! How can you let yourself get to this point?" But then I ask myself, if you could go back, would you? And the answer is always no, but I have told about 2 people Im doing this...and well now all of UA-cam lol. I dont want to tell my kids because I dont want them to worry for me. And I just dont want anyone else's judgement. But...despite the hardships that come with it, and really, its just trading one set of hardships for another, non-domiciled vs. domiciled, I am kind of having the time of my life. I work 2 jobs, both remote and there are a lot of "workshare" spaces opening up around and Ive been using those for work. Its a pretty cool idea and I believe you will see more of them as remote working becomes the norm. I am on a podcast too that records once a week and both of the workshare spaces I have used have podcasting booths so that's been great. Also, I'm doing all this in a Ford Fiesta, luckily I am only 5'1". I see so many people doing this with vans and SUVs and if people are reading this and seeing these posts and thinking, I can never do that with my car...chances are, you probably can. I have stayed at Walmarts, Pilot Truck Stops, Loves Truck Stops. Im in the Midwest. Walmarts have been the best, I find...just try to park away from the lights that I think are meant to land planes. And I've🚗 gotten a hotel room here or there, and AIRBNB to visit my kids last week. I also got the Planet Fitness Black Card...if you are going to do this, that is the BEST $27/month you can possibly spend.
    Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for making me feel like what I am doing is okay, or that others are also doing it. Also, I saw what you said about your luck on dating sites and those women are dumb, you are adorable. I think we are on the cusp and being renegades for those who will follow behind us. This stigma with change to some degree, but it will definitely take some time and probably never fully go away. I KNOW I am choosing this, but I have to get over feeling like a failure. Also, in case this helps anyone else...I am off all my anxiety medicine for the first time since 2005. At first i thought I was opening up a giant mental can of worms by leaping off this ledge...but it has had the exact opposite affect on me. "Letting go" is AMAZING. And there is something so soothing about that little cocoon of my back seat.
    Ok, if I keep going I will have to get my own UA-cam channel. Best of luck to you, and thank you for being so vulnerable for the benefit of the rest of us. Just wanted to let you know you really helped someone feel better. I know from my podcasting that feedback, especially positive, reminds us why we put ourselves out there in the first place.

    • @juliadawnyel3648
      @juliadawnyel3648 Рік тому +3

      Planet fitness membership storage that's what I did great

    • @Todd41R
      @Todd41R 7 місяців тому +2

      I'm 54 and moved into a converted ambulance 4 yrs ago.
      I WISH I'd have done it sooner! SOO much cheaper!
      I'm in the process of building out an old 86 Ford van/truck cause ambo engine is shit but to me, vehicle living is the least stressful life!

    • @Lifepashion
      @Lifepashion 7 місяців тому +2

      Yep. Me too. Letting go has been so freeing. Living on the road 6 months now has been ultra healing

    • @1Seriouslyserious
      @1Seriouslyserious 6 місяців тому

      I hope you are doing ok. 💚 I think what you are doing is amazing. And, you do too. You KNOW it has changed your life, for the better. So, don't be ashamed. Anyone who tries to shame you should be ashamed. Most people are jealous of you!!! They know the rat race is miserable, and look at you--your just said "nope". You are BRAVE!!! I hope you have been able to tell your family and that they were supportive! 💚

    • @originalsixx
      @originalsixx 5 місяців тому +1

      We are the same age. I turned 55 this year. I bought my van about a month ago. I plan to hit the road in just a few months, getting the van ready now. I hope you are doing well.

  • @pamelavalente3731
    @pamelavalente3731 2 роки тому +105

    Most major, and even some smaller, airports have Cell Phone Parking Lots where you can park while waiting for an incoming plane to land (instead of constantly circling the pick-up area). Taxis, limousines and just regular everyday people make use of these lots. No one keeps track of how long you've been there, and, they're usually free and open 24 hrs.. Love your list, thanks! 💗

    • @donttrip4912
      @donttrip4912 Рік тому +5

      U can always park and sleep at the airport. If u dont want to pay at all. Just get behind a car right before they pay. Once they pay and the stick pulls up follow right behind em. U will go right through!

    • @lucianachriz
      @lucianachriz Рік тому +11

      @@donttrip4912 isso é desonesto

    • @karinhart489
      @karinhart489 Рік тому +5

      Not a good idea at airports in SF Bay Area because the lots are small, not enough parking spots, & security does constantly patrol.

    • @faithrada
      @faithrada Рік тому +12

      ​@Don’t trip That's just asking for trouble. Imho... poor advice.

    • @briantodd4887
      @briantodd4887 7 місяців тому

      National Forests

  • @joannejohnson6393
    @joannejohnson6393 Рік тому +50

    I did think of police stations. I had not thought of hospital parking lots! Thanks for a great list of ideas for upping my parking game when I am urban.🖤

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +1

      Hey thanks so much I hope it helps!

    • @lorrie5881
      @lorrie5881 Рік тому +6

      I slept in a hospital parking lot. I had no data on my phone, but was able to sleep and use thier WiFi..I was actually waiting for the ER line to go down.. and fell asleep..

  • @thehouseofgraellc5111
    @thehouseofgraellc5111 2 роки тому +58

    As a female that loves to do car life I thank you soooooo much for this list.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому +6

      Hey there, thank you and I’m so glad it gave you some good ideas!

  • @bobm2878
    @bobm2878 Місяць тому +3

    Casinos are awesome too.
    Tons of parking. Just don’t let the guards see you setting up your car for the night.

  • @FranfromFL
    @FranfromFL 2 роки тому +36

    I read a suggestion to park at a tire dealer or mechanic's place. Pull in after they have closed and leave early. All kinds of vehicles parked there waiting for service the next day so you will blend in.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому +7

      That’s a great suggestions thanks so much!

    • @kimberlywood7783
      @kimberlywood7783 Рік тому +17

      I'd be concerned about a video CCTV alerting the owner of an unauthorized vehicle. I don't want police lol

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +8

      @@kimberlywood7783 true, I guess you’d have to scout it out a little to see if they have cameras

    • @offbeatscratcher
      @offbeatscratcher 6 місяців тому

      @@kimberlywood7783 just say your car is having trouble and you need to see them when they open.

    • @noname7782
      @noname7782 5 місяців тому

      I parked overnight at a mechanic shop in amarillo

  • @daviddeborde2542
    @daviddeborde2542 Рік тому +18

    I used to park at a student driver school only because my car looked similar to theirs.

  • @johnfake2739
    @johnfake2739 Рік тому +10

    One tip I've learned in my own travels. If you sleep at a rest stop on a toll road that uses tickets, you might get asked when exiting the road/paying the toll where you where and why it took so long. This, for instance, can happen on the New York State thruway. It has to do with monitoring for drug traffickers, who sometimes do meet ups at rest stops. This has happened to me twice and in neither case was it a problem. But just be aware that you might get asked and if - like many people - a suspecting inquiry can make you feel guilty, it makes sense to be prepared for the question, lest they hold you up for further questioning.

  • @suzannepharr7869
    @suzannepharr7869 Рік тому +55

    Someone mentioned airport cell phone lots but even better is the airport Uber/Lyft lot. I live in the Atlanta area, and drive for Uber for a while. There were always some drivers sleeping there overnight, and no one ever checked. I met an Uber driver who lived in his car, had a small storage space for his stuff, and used Planet Fitness for showers. He slept at the Uber lot every night.

    • @kym1988
      @kym1988 Рік тому +7

      Im an Uber driver and this is a great idea

    • @margaretpulsipher2581
      @margaretpulsipher2581 Рік тому +8

      Shhhh, don't let that out !

    • @JesusGarcia-WP1-4786
      @JesusGarcia-WP1-4786 Рік тому

      Hospitals usually have a license plate/ticket reader guard.

    • @WaterFor3st
      @WaterFor3st 2 місяці тому +1

      That‘s really smart especially for an Uber driver that lives in their vehicle. Lucky.

  • @mmccreedy
    @mmccreedy Рік тому +17

    I've had many times to park just on side streets here in Hawaii... The only 2 times the police knocked on my window I explained that I had been out drinking with friends, and I couldn't drive safely yet... They always (actually they pretty much have to) then just tell me to be careful and they take off....

    • @arweninnj
      @arweninnj Рік тому +5

      I have read about people who have been arrested for DUI when they have been drinking and were sleeping it off in the car. The theory is even if you are not actually driving, you *could* potentially drive at anytime. Ridiculous I know! If you do try this just make it very obvious that you are not in a position to be driving,l ike you are in the back and your keys are in the glove box, etc.

  • @yellowbird5411
    @yellowbird5411 Рік тому +132

    I cannot tell you how much it bothers me that we pay taxes all our life, for city, county, state and federal taxes, in addition to "fees," and other mysterious add-ons, that ostensibly go for roads and infrastructure, along with many other things. We buy a car, we pay insurance, we pay taxes on that, we continue to pay taxes on the gasoline, and taxes on car repairs. Yet, in spite of all this, we are not allowed to stay in our car, on a public street or public space. If we are "caught" living in our car, we are told we are not allowed to do that. On what planet, and under what conditions WOULD we be able to? If we have paid for all of it ourselves, how does the government come along and say we are now not allowed to use it?? They are our streets. Our parks. Our recreational areas. We paid for them, and are STILL paying for them. The government has no money of it's own, yet it tells us we are not welcome on that for which we have paid dearly. Something is deeply wrong here.
    If you are in your car, bothering no one, parked on a public street, what is the harm? I could see it if you built a patio off your car and put out a grill, furniture, etc. as that is not what streets are for, or sidewalks, either. But simply being in a vehicle for as long as you want anywhere you want as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else, should be allowed. To me, it is outrageous that people have to sneak around like criminals in order to "be" somewhere legally. Unbelievable.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +29

      Hey Lynn, I was deeply humbled by what you said and literally couldn’t agree more. The amount of taxes we are REQUIRED to pay yet it is deemed illegal to use them is truly crazy. As you said we pay for these streets and even pay for the cops salaries yet they forget they are our employees and in turn many times keep us from using the vary things we have paid for. It’s alarming how fast and high everything is going up including actual food at my grocery store. It feels as if almost every single time I go into the store to buy the things I always buy, the price has gone up and not just a little. Is very disheartening… this is why I want a small cabin in the woods… to disconnect from all the crap. Our country is going downhill fast…

    • @ripvanrevs
      @ripvanrevs Рік тому +14

      The government doesn't like things that make controlling people more difficult. They don't like people being self-employed either. They are okay if you are homeless living in the streets in a big city because they know where you are and can make money from "helping" you.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +8

      Definitely true

    • @lamonthamilton667
      @lamonthamilton667 Рік тому +11

      ALL so VERY True. But that's the REAL Issue They can not collect TAXES from you IF you do that and Worst Constantly being in Control of your life and Mindset. Big Brother wants your Compliance.

    • @cchoi108
      @cchoi108 Рік тому

      It's not really the government. It's the neighbors and the business owners and etc. They're the ones that call the police. They're the ones that pass ordinances not allowing us to sleep on the street in our cars. My condo association has signs inside our condo and they send out a newsletter telling us to call the police if we see people parking and living on the street. I never do that but other people do. They hate people living on our street. Some of the people litter and break into the building to use the water.

  • @chaz4471
    @chaz4471 Місяць тому +2

    Car dealerships tend to have locking gates now. If my friend was living in the car, they could live with me

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Місяць тому

      @@chaz4471 thank you and very true, I meant more parking on the streets out front of dealership where there tends to be cars from the dealership lined along the roads or at least where I live they are. You’re a good friend…

  • @patriciaanndemello4652
    @patriciaanndemello4652 2 роки тому +20

    I never considered a hospital for parking. Very intriguing.

  • @kenpresley3346
    @kenpresley3346 Рік тому +11

    Storage rental facilities, especially if you rent a space large enough to park your car inside.

  • @terryanderson4779
    @terryanderson4779 Рік тому +7

    If #2 comes up you need what wr called the pontoon toilet.5 gal bucket, line with a 13 gallon trash bag then split a pool noodle around rim, ( holds bag in place and acts like a consigned seat. When finished remove bag, tie it u and throw it inside dumpster.

    • @m.sandradhee998
      @m.sandradhee998 8 місяців тому +1

      Walmart/Amazon sell a toilet seat made for 5 gallon buckets.
      Also, consider using pine nuggets for liquid waste

  • @LEVS5100
    @LEVS5100 7 місяців тому +4

    Yeah I stay in an industrial park myself. And it's right by a small airport so there's a lot of security on the other side of the gate and they never bother me.. I've had cops drive through there and flash me but I have black out windows so they can't see inside and I've never had anybody knock on the window ever and I've been doing it for about 3 years. I'm like the only one in that parking lot after 6:00 in the afternoon. And weekends it's totally empty.

  • @marthahackett8967
    @marthahackett8967 2 роки тому +22

    Hi I recently was in a large city in a community with row houses. I first drove past around 7pm but thought this main street would fill up late at night. To my surprise 10:30 pm there were a lot of empty parks I pulled in and had a good nights sleep the passing cars didnt bother me at all. I also love to stay in hospital level parking and park where the workers park. I do shift parking and Ive always remained stealth. I park around 45 min before a shift starts and leave within 45min after a shift ends. In bad weather or when I dont feel like moving I park as if Im doing a double. Inside Im completely blacked out and have never been discovered. I have everything I need in my minivan. During a big snow workers were out cleaning off snow from the cars and plowing the driveways. Only thing is that you cant turn your engine on. So I have enough power to last. i often heat water for hot water bottles. The daylight if sun is strong it heats up a vehicle just be prepared with warm clothing and bedding.
    I love my life

  • @gapeach51170
    @gapeach51170 Рік тому +21

    I'm in the South and I have often thought that car repair places would be a great place to sleep. There are typically lots of different vehicles parked around and they don't open super early :)

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +6

      Right I think that would be a gray place. The main thing with those kind of places is don’t be there a super long time. Park after they close and leave early

    • @sundriesmarket4341
      @sundriesmarket4341 Рік тому +5

      Just keep in mind that quite a few repair places use security cameras.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +2

      Very true, I feel if you pulled after they close, crawled in the back, slept then left early even the cameras wouldn’t know you stayed there. Also as long as you’re not bothering them or there during business hours I would think you make it work?

    • @tranceeffects4490
      @tranceeffects4490 Рік тому +2

      Great idea. Just don't use the dumpster, there r cameras on almost every dumpster.

  • @lawrencefox563
    @lawrencefox563 Рік тому +15

    Walmarts been great but I understand why some locations closed it down,I've seen the behavior.

  • @gailnewcomb8256
    @gailnewcomb8256 6 днів тому

    Thanks for the great information. I’ve stayed at rest stops and gas stations. There were several others staying there too and always trucks. I felt perfectly safe and my dogs did too! 😅

  • @onewomanandherdog5219
    @onewomanandherdog5219 Рік тому +12

    I don't live in my car, though I have overnighted in it, but one place near me I would definitely choose would be the local cemetery, they don't lock the gates, it's quiet(!) and they have really clean toilet facilities on site. The other thing I've often wondered about is multi storey car parks. In the UK the top level often has no roof so your solar could still be charging but in bad weather you could choose a lower floor with some shelter from the elements.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +1

      Thank you those are great ideas.

    • @Puddycat00
      @Puddycat00 Рік тому +3

      We don’t have that in the US. They lock cemeteries here coz of vandals who destroy the place. Every cemetery I’ve seen is locked and patrolled . As always bad ppl ruin it for decent ppl

  • @betsyross2.065
    @betsyross2.065 Рік тому +9

    Hotels, they're getting hip to this,so enjoy this while it lasts...

    • @ripvanrevs
      @ripvanrevs Рік тому +2

      Hotels have always been a bad place to park. Lot of theft and security checking the lot often as all cars of guests are registered.

  • @nataliepierce-shult1052
    @nataliepierce-shult1052 6 місяців тому +16

    Suggestion as a truck driver if you wanna park your car at a truckstop, do not take up any of the truck parking spots. We as truckers have legal hours that we can run and if we violate those hours it can cause us to lose our license so we have to be able to have parking spots, y’all people that are homeless and just you know on road trips and stuff have a little respect because you can park anywhere and we can’t for every truck that’s on the road there’s 11 trucks to one parking spot so it’s very difficult for us to find safe parking

  • @karynreed8936
    @karynreed8936 9 місяців тому +2

    Going on my maiden voyage during my spring break! Colorado to Arizona. This was very informative information! TY.

  • @jaymcdowell214
    @jaymcdowell214 Рік тому +7

    I drove Uber for few years and used many of these. City streets, apartments, parking garages, Walmart, and shopping centers. Also restaurants like IHOP-Dennys-etc, I live in Dallas and drove in fort worth texas many weekends and was too tired to drive that 45 minutes to go home and back out to Fort worth so I've done this. I crawl in back with blanket and pillow from my storage cubby and dozed off. Safety is number 1 concern with respectful of the area you're a guest in

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому

      Thank you and you’re completely right. You have to feel safe or move on to another spot until you do

  • @shelleyclarke9325
    @shelleyclarke9325 Рік тому +4

    I used to work across the street from our local police department and there were always campers parked overnight at the station.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +1

      Wow wonder why they let them camp out there? Very kind of them

  • @johnfake2739
    @johnfake2739 Рік тому +6

    In my experience, truck stops welcome car travelers sleeping overnight. I traveled for four months all around the country sleeping almost exclusively at truck stops. I preferred Loves, particularly for the $11 (in 2015) clean shower rooms for rent. Truck stops are great because you have proximity to food, drink, supplies and bathroom facilities. There is no hassle whatsoever. I found that Loves tended to have almost no shady activity going on, although sometimes you will see an escort show up and jump into the cab of a truck. But I never had any problem or any hassle sleeping at truck stops during my 22k mile road trip around the U.S.

    • @dhmoss75
      @dhmoss75 Рік тому +3

      I just did a 3 week trip from DC to Seattle and I mostly slept at truck stops. Never had a single problem.

    • @johnfake2739
      @johnfake2739 11 місяців тому +2

      @@dhmoss75 Interesting. My 22k trip was the reverse: Seattle, eventually ending in DC. I'm curious where some of your favorite spots were. I spent a lot of time in Idaho, northern Utah and western Montana. The other thing I liked about sleeping at truck stops was how quickly I could get on the road after waking up.

    • @dhmoss75
      @dhmoss75 11 місяців тому +1

      @@johnfake2739 I started in DC with just plans of making it to Yellowstone with my 15 year old son. We ended up north of Seattle but stopped all over on the way, then we drove home. We slept in my car every single night. We started every single day with “what should we do today…?” I was surprised with Illinois. It was a lot quieter than I expected. I have a lot of family in CO, ID, and Utah so we did quite a lot of that. We DID make it to Yellowstone too! I took him when he was very young but he didn’t remember any of it. I’m taking my older son this summer and we are going to travel mostly in Canada. Same thing, in the back of my Outback… I LOVE to people watch, I love to watch the bustling of an evening in a truck stop. Real life. It’s humbling sometimes.

    • @Dong-j2c
      @Dong-j2c 2 місяці тому

      We did the same thing in the mini van for 3 weeks from D C to Santa Monica 6,800 miles. Best road trip ever .

  • @215father
    @215father Рік тому +3

    Where I live not much nomading. So Walmart here is a good spot. Thanks good advice.

  • @johnfake2739
    @johnfake2739 Рік тому +4

    Some travel/welcome centers have guards. I slept at one of these in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I actually asked the guard if I could stay there and he was perfectly fine with it. On the flip side, rest stops in that area of Mississippi have posted warnings about crime at night. When you sleep at a rest stop, you really have to be aware of the probability of crime and how alone you might wind up being in the middle of the night.

    • @Comedy-Goat
      @Comedy-Goat 11 місяців тому

      Modern day battle at Vicksburg

  • @kevinquinn1993
    @kevinquinn1993 Рік тому +3

    Be aware some apartment complexes are now requiring visitors to register online or be towed at owner's expense. Cool video.

  • @jackjr1
    @jackjr1 2 роки тому +11

    Good ideas. I have stopped at a hospital to take a nap for a few hours on long road trips.

  • @karenanderson9221
    @karenanderson9221 Рік тому +9

    I really like this video. I do not live in my suv but plan to do so in the summer when I travel for a month at a time. Thank you so much for giving me ideals!!!

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +1

      Hey Karen thank you and I’m glad it will help you possibly save some money when you’re traveling during the summer

  • @itorIamop
    @itorIamop Рік тому +2

    👍👍 but at 8:29 and the car dealership my car wouldn't blend at all!! Kind of an old rusted chevy malibu from the east coast! No chance!

  • @jojosjoyfuljourney
    @jojosjoyfuljourney Рік тому +9

    I parked in a Toyota dealership as I have a Toyota sienna and they locked the gate at night and when I went to leave in the morning I couldn’t get out was there till 11 AM and I’m pretty sure they knew that I wasn’t one of the their vehicles

    • @intsagiggig-ue5gd
      @intsagiggig-ue5gd 10 місяців тому +1

      😂 glad they bother you !

    • @WaterFor3st
      @WaterFor3st 2 місяці тому

      Yeah. I thought the car dealership suggestion was really interesting because all dealerships Ive seen have gates

  • @lahayahkreations
    @lahayahkreations Рік тому +9

    This was a great video because some people just don't know

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +4

      Thank you and yeah it’s just to help people that might be new to it and not sure what their options are… thanks for watching

  • @tamarabrackett5768
    @tamarabrackett5768 Рік тому +4

    I have stayed in my car long ago..i parked ina casino parking lot..i live in Oklahoma..plentyof casinos 😊

  • @fredcollari4400
    @fredcollari4400 Рік тому +1

    I love your attitude towards the way you live, I am just starting to live in my Honda CRV so I have some space, I am 56 and 6ft tall, when I find the right place I get some of the best nights sleep, I am currently living in NH and believe me when I say it gets cold lol, its way to expensive because people are greedy and are blowing up the rents, some have gone up 2 to 300 per month, I worry about safety, because if anyone comes up to my car I set up booby traps lol, I just started watching some of your videos and plan on watching more, learn something new every day, maybe I will keep a little journal, be safe and happy trails!

  • @donnafletcher5386
    @donnafletcher5386 Рік тому +3

    Like he said check it out because I have ran into some places have ordinances against overnight parking cause you could get a cop knocking on your window.

  • @sharonrose1226
    @sharonrose1226 2 місяці тому

    I’ve thought about a number of these, but I never thought of some of them. Thank you so much for your great suggestions! 2nd video of yours that 23:38 I’ve watched. You have some really great ideas! I’m subscribing.

  • @AtypicalPaul
    @AtypicalPaul 4 місяці тому +1

    Hospital. Wonderful idea

  • @UnapologeticAhole
    @UnapologeticAhole Рік тому +14

    I realize the advantages of living in a vehicle no mortgage, utilities,homeowners insurance, home maintenance etc. But in my opinion living in a vehicle is a lot of work, mostly planning and constantly moving. Then you have weather conditions to contend with. It can get mighty hot and cold. This is just a small part of the inconveniences. More power to you for pulling it off.

    • @KingsterLovey
      @KingsterLovey Рік тому +6

      People who live in cars aren't lazy.. all the changes everyday is the beauty of it.. Couch pototoes live in Sticks and Bricks..

    • @UnapologeticAhole
      @UnapologeticAhole Рік тому +5

      @Wonderful Life people that live in vehicles are one tenth of one percent of the population, maybe not even that much.

    • @seanoleary1979
      @seanoleary1979 Рік тому +5

      It's about 10 times easier when you're in a small RV or a van that's outfitted with power, heat & ac.

    • @k-mac5511
      @k-mac5511 Рік тому +1

      That’s part of the great adventure!

  • @VinceGarcia-z6v
    @VinceGarcia-z6v Рік тому +1

    Great video... There are definitely cracker barrels in southern California. Tbe one in Victorville California is closest to me

  • @andradeb2695
    @andradeb2695 2 роки тому +4

    Hotel Parking Lots are great

  • @Soldier9478
    @Soldier9478 Рік тому +2

    Good video, my rotation wasn't too diverse, but I'm a natural follower of these guidelines.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +1

      Hey Jose, yeah I think I’m general most people follow similar places… would love to find somebodies driveway or curb outside their house so I would have to worry about anything. Someday perhaps. Thanks for watching

  • @AmboyChamblis
    @AmboyChamblis Рік тому +4

    Found all the best spots in the whole Palm Springs & surrounding cities plus all the blm land close by. Great place to live in your car vehicle for 9 months out if the year then back to Orange County for the hot three months, I do a rotation in my 27 favorite spots and have never had one issue!. Just blend in...I wear my old work uniforms and it works out so well!

  • @johnspooner4128
    @johnspooner4128 Рік тому +5

    I'm driving out there in may for a week to ride the bike trails on the beach and I want to just crash in my car hopefully in an area where I'm less likely to get robbed and you have given me the best advice! I like the hospital idea best Thanks!

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +1

      Oh that’s great, also in the parking lots of 24 hour gyms because there’s people going in and out all night. Good luck!

  • @Darknscary13
    @Darknscary13 8 місяців тому +2

    I appreciate the video. Watched it last year before I did a long, slow 3 month wander across the country living out of my vehicle. Rewatching it now as I prepare to do something similar again. 😅
    If you don't have a remote job delivery apps like doordash can do a lot to help pay your way. I've slept a lot of places but cracker barrels and truck stops have been my go-to.
    Make sure to check the state laws on sleeping in rest areas before you bunker down. Most states let you but some don't.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks so much and glad it helped! That’s a great tip for everyone thanks!

  • @chrisaustin6255
    @chrisaustin6255 8 місяців тому +4

    I park in a cemetery overnight, very quiet very haunted

  • @maryloudelossantos1624
    @maryloudelossantos1624 10 днів тому

    Thank you for sharing your video. Tips are valuable & helpful. I appreciate your time greatly. May I ask you just where can I buy window covers or screens. Aren't they obvious to use that one is sleeping in the car? Thank you.

  • @JW-dj7nf
    @JW-dj7nf Рік тому +14

    I have found large apt complexes to be decent. Lots of cars, usually not patrolled like some hotel lots

  • @RLFriedberg
    @RLFriedberg Рік тому +1

    Thanks!

  • @Webshari
    @Webshari 7 місяців тому +1

    Great list! Not sure about the dealerships. A lot are patrolled at night for thrives and some are gated. At least near here they are. You’d have to be super stealthy to park and stay without them noticing.
    Maybe I missed it but what about school and/or community college parking lots? After hours I don’t think a lot of places would require a pass. I would totally go with the churches. Especially if you go in on Sunday, you’d probably get a week or two out of it.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  7 місяців тому

      Thanks a lot and yeah it’s definitely depends on where people live and whether it’s a safer or sketchier area…

  • @cherannretiredgran68
    @cherannretiredgran68 2 роки тому +6

    Great information if I should ever need it. And I am sure there will be a few times when I will. I'm a newbie. I haven't got my van together yet. It has some of my sister's belongings in it right now that need to go in storage. But, I am writing supply and gadget lists. And graphing/sketching/ sizing up the floor plan for furnishings/belongings. In case I lose/ have to sell my home quickly.

  • @JonnieShipbaugh-dc9wk
    @JonnieShipbaugh-dc9wk Рік тому +3

    To use a gym you have to have an annual membership which is very expensive if you are going to just use it for occasional trips. A better idea is to use truck stop showers for an occasional shower.
    Walmart only has one L. Car dealership is a bad idea. Truck stops are excellent with 24 hours open with bathrooms.

  • @diamonddaveadventures4377
    @diamonddaveadventures4377 Рік тому +1

    Hey brother! Some great ideas! I have been road tripping since the beginning of August and have boondocked a number of places with out problems.
    You have a few places that I haven’t thought of.
    Thanks for the suggestions!
    DD

  • @DGK284
    @DGK284 Рік тому +1

    I would avoid overnighting at highway rest stops; you make yourself a convenient target, especially if you're the only vehicle there at 3am.

  • @lg5510
    @lg5510 Рік тому +8

    College campuses have lots of green space, bathrooms, and most have visitor parking, I live near Purdue and their permit parking is only from 7 to 5 I think, so outside those hours anybody can park there. They also typically have lots of indoor places to just hang out on a crappy weather day.

  • @dazedanconfused34
    @dazedanconfused34 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for all the information you share, very helpful!

  • @susierosenquist3920
    @susierosenquist3920 Рік тому

    Truck Stops ~~ I don’t live in my car but I have family all over the western states ~~ I feel safest in those travel plazas (the nice ones) ~~

  • @Madlou
    @Madlou Рік тому +19

    Good ideas. I've never lived in a car or van but I think the subject is fascinating and who knows, I might find myself in such a situation that I need to do just that.
    In looking at these videos about living in vehicles I never hear anyone talk about trying to make your sleeping body stealthy instead of the vehicle. Wouldn't this be less obvious? In other words, instead of putting up window panels and/or a blanket (which where I live and shop would definitely attract nosy neighbors or cops in a second) maybe somehow attaching lots of trash, old boxes or whatnot to a black blanket or bed spread and covering yourself completely with it in the back seat when you sleep? That way when someone looks inside your car at night they just see what appears to be a pile of junk in the back seat and not someone sleeping.
    Just a thought.

    • @allthingsnu4673
      @allthingsnu4673 Рік тому +5

      I'm fascinated by this subject too. I own my sticks & bricks house but for some reason I am drawn to these kind of videos. Who knows, maybe one day our society will get to a point where more and more people are living this way, then everything I've learned will come in handy either for myself or people I care about.

    • @sylviavega-ortiz3006
      @sylviavega-ortiz3006 Рік тому +4

      Looking like you have stuff in your car is unfortunately an invitation for a break in especially in a city environment.

    • @thecoldglassofwatershow
      @thecoldglassofwatershow Рік тому

      @@allthingsnu4673oh it’s happening

    • @krisandbrandyblomquist3364
      @krisandbrandyblomquist3364 Рік тому +2

      Here's a thought: Build a false floor a couple feet off the real floor in the back of your car and use a bunch of 'obvious garbage' (maybe you can get a few unused wrappers from various fast food joints that you can kinda wad up along with their bags, maybe rinse out some potato chip bags, maybe use some slightly crumpled old sale flyers from grocery stores, etc and glue them to the top of your false floor... so it looks like the back is just full of trash. You can make a section that you can lift on a hinge even so you can enter from inside without going outside. Under your false floor is your 'bedroom.' You could make it as nice as you want in there make it raised in the center a bit for more space if you want.... even install a couple USB rechargeable lights and 2 little USB fans for airflow (one blowing in to your 'bedroom' and one blowing out at the other end, and hide the holes with a couple large plastic soda cups on their sides with a hole cut in the bottom that's glued down with the open ends about an inch away from the interior walls so no one could possibly see in). Use black caulk or weather stripping to seal around the edges to be sure no light escapes at night. Small enough to keep warm easily on cold nights. Anything valuable or living-related is hidden and it just looks like a really messy car so no sense in breaking in to steal a bunch of wrappers and old newspaper and junk. 🤷‍♀️ Then as long as you climb into your bedroom when no one is watching, no one would have a clue if the walk past and look in.

  • @okmmauh
    @okmmauh 2 роки тому +16

    16. Residential (units)
    17. Rent a spot (ad)
    18. Apartments (not gated)(visitor)
    19. Truck stops
    20. 24 hour business (employee)
    21. Safe zones (living)
    22. Driveway (care)
    23. Park and rides (commutes)
    24. Police station (tired)
    25. 24 hour gym (shower)
    26. Airport
    27. Train station
    27. Cemetery
    27. Rent a car space in the city
    28. Outside University grounds
    28. Laundromat
    29.

  • @kathleenbradley6383
    @kathleenbradley6383 2 роки тому +7

    So helpful, clear, and concise. Thank you.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому

      You’re welcome and thank you
      For watching

    • @kathleenbradley6383
      @kathleenbradley6383 2 роки тому

      Is there a chance you could discuss what you do to create a PNW travel route while being mindful of fires breaking out along the way. I want to book ahead, but then fear that while on the drive up..I’ll be rerouted to avoid a fire or other hazard and then the booking becomes problematic.

  • @AtypicalPaul
    @AtypicalPaul 4 місяці тому +1

    Camp grounds here are 27$ a night! Crazy high

  • @BrandonD
    @BrandonD Рік тому +4

    Hospitals and hotel parking lots

  • @destinysisco3142
    @destinysisco3142 Рік тому +2

    Great comprehensive list, best I have heard and I have been checking out stealth video's for months. So, thank you for sharing! I'm a new subscriber.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому

      Hey thanks Destiny that’s really nice to hear and I’m glad it will help you. Good luck out there!

  • @originalsixx
    @originalsixx 5 місяців тому +1

    Car dealership is a good one!

  • @birdsofprey3312
    @birdsofprey3312 10 місяців тому +1

    City parks can be a option, but a lot of them technical have hours so you might get a knock of windows by the police. The ones that I encountered didn’t care and left me alone but you never know

  • @CamperVan-K
    @CamperVan-K 4 місяці тому

    It's a bit different in the UK. The vast majority of your list has car parking fees - hospitals and hotels included. But I think I might try the industrial estates/business parks.
    Most of our supermarkets only allow 3 hour stay, and then most lock them at night.
    Car dealerships are behind the wire in this country. Or they have a barrier across the open drive so you can't get in.

  • @elliemay3147
    @elliemay3147 Рік тому +6

    New to this. Question…when using an apartment complex, 24 hour place do you put up all you window shades? Or just the rear rear windows and pull a curtain across the back? Is it better for people to think you’re in the 24 hour place? I have blacked out window shadows but sometimes feel it’s still obvious to people since all the windows are blacked out.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +7

      I’m the same way, I feel having every window blacked out is too obvious so I block out my back window and the four back side windows as well as my windshield but I leave my to front side windows normal so it doesn’t stand out and just try and find a super dark spot to park

  • @plutoplatters
    @plutoplatters Рік тому +9

    I always tripped on this one .... If someone worked "graveyards" ( yuck done em done with them) and had their rig "sound proofed" ..black out windows too... one could sleep
    anywhere ! NO one would think someone was sleepin in the daytime ...

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  Рік тому +3

      Very good point, funny how cars with people sleeping in them tend to stick out more at night than in the day. I agree, graveyard shifts suck haha

  • @coristendel7601
    @coristendel7601 7 місяців тому +1

    One thing to add about truck stops and rest areas. Please be considerate of the Semi driver who has been on the road for 11 hours and needs to sleep but can't just pull in any where. I have often seen four wheelers parked in Semi parking spots.

  • @mickbator6979
    @mickbator6979 2 роки тому +10

    Could you please share with us your typical nightly routine? I am so intrigued! 🙏👍❤

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому +5

      Thanks Mick, yeah I can make a short video on a normal afternoon/evening what I do. I work two jobs so it’s usually what after I do when I’m off

  • @Lott0Jay
    @Lott0Jay Рік тому +1

    Rest stops and gas stations are cool

  • @GeorgeG-kr8zw
    @GeorgeG-kr8zw 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks much for the info!!!

  • @manie9689
    @manie9689 Рік тому +1

    Thank You. Light & Love 💕

  • @johnknox4293
    @johnknox4293 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the tips

  • @verasilva
    @verasilva 2 роки тому +5

    Great info! Thanks so much. Definitely some options I would have never thought of. As a woman, I like the police station idea.

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks Vera and yes I would of never thought of a police station but it probably can’t be any safer than that!

  • @williampisano7573
    @williampisano7573 Рік тому +9

    You forgot one BARs yup if your to drunk to drive home sleep in your car over night. I have never done it but they tell you Uber or sleep in vehicle over night

  • @melanielee222
    @melanielee222 2 роки тому +11

    One thing I see happening because of the rise of people turning to living out of there vehicles, and sadly the ones that are not respectful and leaving garbage around, is crack downs on laws and enforcement on no overnight sleeping/parking. I can see finding a place to park for the night becoming more and more difficult with the popularity of this alternative style of living growing.
    .

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому +10

      I agree Melanie, most of our laws and rules are for that 1% who are disrespectful and inconsiderate. Great example I’d Wallmart starting to not let people stay in their parking lots anymore. It was for people on the road who needed to sleep for the night not people to set up residency and live in their parking lots. It’s a shame that the other 99% have to pay for the few idiots who ruined for the rest

    • @markbajek2541
      @markbajek2541 2 роки тому +2

      @@MarmaladeOutdoors Our tourist town has gone as far as outlawing any on street habitation for fear that someone might plow into the car/rv while someone is sleeping or inside it. Our snow plows have been known to cut corners a bit too closely or sweep too widely and hit cars on the street. And the city also have voted against anyone sleeping in driveways and even sleeping in an RV parked in a side lot or backyard.

    • @marie7734
      @marie7734 Рік тому

      ​​@@markbajek2541 Are you saying if someone owns an RV they can't park it on their side lot of their own home or even the back of their house if they have land?? Where is this??! Wow.

    • @marie7734
      @marie7734 Рік тому

      ​@@MarmaladeOutdoors Yep, that 1% that ruins it for everybody else. Just too sad.

    • @markbajek2541
      @markbajek2541 Рік тому +2

      @@marie7734 you can't park it on a public street, for more than a day (loading unloading) , you can't string an extension cord to it. IF it's off the street on your own property assuming the lot is large enough to park it then yes you can park it there BUT you can not occupy it. Zero habitation of any kind. So you can't have cousin eddy park his RV in your driveway or back lot and sleep overnight in it.

  • @mamawlife7852
    @mamawlife7852 8 місяців тому

    You can park at some parking lots for, I can't think of the name of it but you meet there so one person drives all to work.

    • @snshnwht
      @snshnwht 8 місяців тому

      Carpooling/Commuter lot?

  • @Miclantechupi
    @Miclantechupi Рік тому +1

    Truck stops and casinos.
    Yeah. I've seen 'From Dusk To Dawn' thanks. 😂

  • @yolandakirtley8546
    @yolandakirtley8546 Рік тому

    Just found your channel. Thank you for sharing. Your give the best information. Then most others do😊

  • @bazerkly907
    @bazerkly907 2 роки тому +16

    #1. Don't leave your garbage!!!!

  • @jiffijoff9780
    @jiffijoff9780 2 роки тому +22

    What also works quite well are cementary parking lots. Great video, thanks for sharing 👍

    • @MarmaladeOutdoors
      @MarmaladeOutdoors  2 роки тому +5

      Wow never thought of that one thank you! Glad you Enjoyed it!

    • @michaelssali9353
      @michaelssali9353 2 роки тому +8

      I would be too scared to sleep at a cemetery.

    • @bazerkly907
      @bazerkly907 2 роки тому +22

      Cemetery's are "GREAT"..... the people who live there Never Complain and they don't drink your beer!

    • @indycharlie
      @indycharlie 2 роки тому +3

      @@bazerkly907 :D

    • @caroleanne8529
      @caroleanne8529 2 роки тому +15

      @@michaelssali9353 My grandmother once told me that it is not the dead you need to worry about. It is the living.

  • @reneeglickman9524
    @reneeglickman9524 Рік тому

    There is a Cracker Barrel in Camarillo which is part of Southern California

  • @jmathco
    @jmathco 2 роки тому +5

    Great ideas! This was very, very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

  • @thomassvec3771
    @thomassvec3771 9 місяців тому

    Good advice.....😊

  • @theresaangelo3879
    @theresaangelo3879 Рік тому

    There is a Cracker Barrel in Rialto, CA.

  • @TheINFP_Diary
    @TheINFP_Diary 10 місяців тому

    i loved this video, it's comforting too

  • @justinedwards1671
    @justinedwards1671 Рік тому

    Great advice , thank you 😊

  • @kevmodee1866
    @kevmodee1866 Рік тому +2

    I wouldn't recommend staying in a residential area uf you wanna save in gas and maintainance costs for your vehicle, be ause that's constant moving around daily!

  • @dechinta
    @dechinta Рік тому +4

    #20 is a good idea! I used to live in Tampa and I worked at a medical lab and there was a huge parking lot and I don't think I would have paid attention to any car in the lot. I was always trying to find the closest parking spot to the door and was always in a rush to hit that time clock.
    The only thing I could think of in that situation is if there was a security guard who walked around. But if you find, out of the 25 places, one place to park every night, then you'd only be in that one spot once a month. In my area, there are 3 hospitals, about 4 Wal-Marts, and tons of churches. I might start checking out places I might want to park if I ever end up living in my car again. Right now, my car is in the shop and I'm having to walk, which is killing me, but thankfully I have a house even though it has its own issues....plumbing, roofing, etc. I'm always hanging by the edge of my seat.
    The biggest issue I can think of in my situation NOW is that I have a 65 lb dog and he wouldn't take to my asking him to not bark. And he can bark LOUDLY.

  • @hayleyfinley1652
    @hayleyfinley1652 2 роки тому +3

    Such a great video, Thankyou so much for this. Hitting that subscribe button forsure!

  • @matthewross1756
    @matthewross1756 2 роки тому +2

    Safe parking programs are tough….Most require you to have a permit…..In LA they meet with you first to offer services…

  • @gthomas4real499
    @gthomas4real499 Рік тому

    Great information!

  • @cstgfyhf1296
    @cstgfyhf1296 Рік тому +2

    If u not in and out of town and just staying in ur car to save buck make sure ur registered and insured and a license would be good also u would not believe how many people drive and have no licence

  • @OriginalviralGospelMusic
    @OriginalviralGospelMusic 2 роки тому +4

    love this content I sub to your channel be safe