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I think if the person living in a van/mini van/SUV ect, can take care of basics of life such as eating, grooming, and health and sanitation needs, then living in a vehicle is no big deal.
It's true that we have an affordable housing crises in this country. Not everyone can afford a McMansion or luxury condo. Start building affordable housing instead of making it a crime to be homeless.
Exactly! Affordable housing is a definite need where I live but too many people in my area equate affordable with low income projects.
The thought had crossed my mind before. Not that I can't amply afford my bills, but the thought of getting away from it all sounds appealing. I also think about the money I would save, even if for just 6 months or so. Unfortunately I couldn't pull the trigger now for several reasons. I have a dog and she'll be, god willing, with me for a few more years; I could never coop her up somewhere for 9+ hours a day while I'm at work. I also drive a Nissan Altima, so even without my little one I couldn't swing it in a car that size. Any money I'd save by not having rent would be severely hampered by the money I'd need to buy a used van or truck with camper. Now when I retire I'm hoping to buy a decent 10-year old RV and travel the country for however long I want. That idea sounds beyond appealing, nothing beats travel.
You know, I sometimes thinking of traveling around the nation doing contract jobs... and I'd live in my minivan... But I'm also either towing my Honda or a cargo trailer [to carry extra stuff].
But there are cities off my list to visit, or to be very careful off. They STUPIDLY imprison or fine you for living in your vehicle.
I'd say they are intelligent and will be successful throughout their life.
I was actually very close to doing this myself but what held me back was I would have to buy a vehicle large enough to live out of and that sort of defeated the purpose, that purpose being saving money.
It's very liberating to not pay rent, if I had a paid off van or SUV about six months ago, i'd be doing it now. In the army, I slept in worse, and I'd be pocketing 2k a month extra not counting utilities.
To be honest, I'd think s/he was a little nuts -- or weird, if nuts is too judgmental. Just being honest.
That's because my initial reaction would be 'who the hell WANTS or prefers to live in a van.' And like the OP says…NOT a tricked out RV -- a van.
I'd have to also see the van, to really know exactly what "live in a van" means. If you're talking a minivan…where does the person wash up or use the bathroom. And, no I don't think it's "normal" to be willing to go to McDonald every time you need to go to the bathroom. A box shaped or delivery van would had more room, but you still can't even stand up straight in it.
Now if you're talking just living a minimalist lifestyle -- that's one thing. You only have 3 outfits, one pair of shoes, no TV? Fine. Live in a van? Uh, no.
IF the person has been homeless and had no choice that also changes my opinion of the situation. Ultimately, it's not my business…but I'm just answering the OP's question: what would I think about it.
OMG! Well, that did it for me; no vans, RVs or such if they cannot accommodate my shoe collection.
And yes, some people do ask if I am Imelda's Anglo cousin many times removed...
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It's a hard knock life. Heaven only knows the circumstances that caused this person to be living in a car.
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If I knew a co-worker was living out of a vehicle
