Yes, and it's a great way to dip your toe in the water. Weekend getaways become a lot cheaper if you opt for car camping instead of motels or bed and breakfasts.
As I assume you're aware of the dangers especially for a female living in a car. Your putting your life at risk for exactly what? Nothing is worth whatever reward you're looking for. Be safe and God Bless!
I watch your channel because it's intriguing you choose to do this voluntarily, not because you have to. In my life I have benefited from doing things that work for me, instead of trying to do things the way they "should" be done. Safety is my main concern, but it's an assumption that a house or apartment is safer than a car, with no evidence to back that assumption up. Comfort is my second concern, but six months ago I started sleeping on a futon instead of a regular mattress, and it's been great! I haven't told my family yet 😄they won't approve.
I also find it weird to tell people that I live in my van (I see car and van as the same, up to a point, my van is pretty small for a 6 foot 220lb roady, it’s not one of those huge instagram ones) I find that most people here in England react really positively and a good percentage even envy me for my simple debt free, pretty much carefree lifestyle. I work freelance in entertainment so I travel and live where the work is and the freedom of that has transformed my life. It’s so good to see you doing so well 😃👍
That’s great to hear that people are supportive of your lifestyle! I agree that it’s awesome and very practical, but sometimes people have stereotypes. Hopefully the people I tell will react positively as well!
@@AvaCarl99 thank you for replying! I feel privileged! Perhaps I'm lucky that people here (or more specifically 'my kind of people') are more open than in the states. I also realise that I'm a big smelly male and there are no guns and maybe less nutters here. I think that most people will be concerned for you because of their perception of how unsafe it is absolutely everywhere until they hear your reasoning, precautions and methods to go unnoticed and protect yourself. I know that you move if you feel unsafe, I do too. Stand proud, no need to proclaim it to anyone that doesn't need to know (like vegans do) and do what you need for you. Anyone that can't accept you for you doesn't belong in your life. It's your happiness, sanity, money, no one has any right to impose their lifestyle onto you
I admire your story. My brother car dwelled for a full year because he felt that he was poor. He didn’t have to worry about paying $1,000 for his share of the rent at the time. He also described it as peaceful.
🫶 wish you would do more day in the life vlogs. Even if its your tuesday daily routine living in a car. You would be surprised how many people would be interested in the life you live. Take the cam with you! You are a beautiful person and I'm sure you live a beautiful life. But anyhow, I still love listening to your thoughts on living in a car.
I'm really glad you're slowly opening up to your close friends and loved ones about your chosen circumstances. Those who stick with you and support you are definitely the ones that know you're doing well and are healthy.
I lived in my car for a while in 2019-2020. Though there were some benefits, for me it totally sucked!! I’m in my 60’s and it was an adventure that I don’t want to repeat. It has convinced me that I can’t live in anything with wheels. Blessings, glad it’s working for you! 🙏☯️🙏
You are living... adventure... stepping into the unknown... every day is a fresh experience only few will ever know. Great work!! The challenges are the reward... comfort and security is not healthy.
Check out the Prius V. They've been discontinued, but offer the best conditions including AC/Heat without running the engine. It just turns on every so often to recharge the battery. Lots of room. Tint the back windows the darkest and front side windows legal. Throw up a window block and you're all set.
I sleep in my pickup in a decent spot for the past few months for work. I don’t tell anyone. I don’t think people at work will figure me out. I try to clean my pickup once a week. Since I eat and sleep in it. Because of inflation everything looks expensive to me these days.
I just really don't see what the big deal is, as it's only in first world countries that people would think living in a vehicle that locks up and you have the ability to stay in safe areas with access to showers, a gym, food, AC/heat, clothing/shoes, warm bedding, etc. and putting lots of money in the bank every month for emergencies such as a future health issue or old age is a problem??? People thinking this is a problem just don't know what REAL problems are in the world, IMO.
I just drove halfway across the country for a job interview and it cost me less than a plane ticket not to mention not needing any hotels or to pay for food beyond normal groceries. Also saw tons of beautiful places along the way. My friends and cousins get it even if they aren’t all willing to do it themselves. Outside of my cousins though my entire family thinks I’m crazy.
Several years ago my son chose to live in his car. He had a full time job and could afford a place to live but chose not to. He didn’t tell me. I found out in a round about way. This was before car living was as socially accepted as it is today. I was afraid for him.
Hello from Scotland🏴 I’ve just recently watched your videos and I really admire you for making the choice to live in your car,, brave decision to make and end of the day as long as your happy and content then that’s the main thing,, I think it’s amazing that you’ve chose to live your life on your own terms 👍
Your situation is just like mine with my walker. I had brain tumor surgery 5 years ago which recently took a turn for the worse so now I need a walker, I'm hoping is temporarily. But I had a walking stick before and my sister and brother in law were embarrassed that I came to their daughter's wedding with it. They don't know I have to use a walker now or they would probably disown me. But I feel so much like I'm just an embarrassment to everyone. I can't go and do what I could before because I feel like such an outcast. Just every day living is so hard. It's interesting how much that's like wondering what people think about any kind of unusual living situation and how hard it is wondering what people think. I never used to worry what people think before this happened, I'm 54.
Julie Jackson, your story is nothing like the above, please don't compare your health to this situation. I am so sorry you have been treated that way, let's hope the family link never need a walking stick. People need to be humble and show respect to others when health suffers. I am sure it was nothing you wanted for yourself. I can see similarities in your story but yours is about health. Look after yourself, try to join a befriending service or do art, painting, any distraction that is positive. You are not a lonely lovely it just feels like CRAP. Hang on in there and have faith that you will get better. Stay blessed.
Wow, that's sad. Sad that your family isn't capable of being supportive of you during what has obviously been a serious health problem. I guess you really can't choose your family, but I'd be looking for friends who are capable of understanding that having a brain tumour could happen to anyone and isn't a lifestyle choice.
Millions of people, young and old have walking/standing problems. There is absolutely nothing to feel bad about. The fact that you are still mobile with the difficulties you have undergone is admirable. Anyone who loves you enough to ask you to attend family ceremonies should not bat an eye whether you come with a cane or not. I don't know why you feel they were embarrassed. Did they say something to you? I hope you don't misunderstand others about the cane issue. Are you sure you are not projecting your own feelings about yourself onto them? I know several who use canes, and they wouldn't even think of feeling bad about it, except for the inconvenience to their lifestyle. You are still young, and I hope you maximize your activities as time goes on. Bless you!
Currently there are approximately 1.2 Million people living in some type of vehicle. By circumstances I have almost a year in this lifestyle, very happy and don't see bricks and sticks in my immediate future. I'm 70 🙂
It's only strange to people when they haven't experienced it. Personally, things that are "out of the ordinary" aren't negative to me and fascinate or are very interesting to me instead. People's circumstances always have a reason or purpose, and their life experience can always be a valuable source of information or inspiration.
If you're doing it voluntarily to save and make money, they'll just think you're real cheap. If it's involuntary, they'll feel sorry for you. Your car is way too small to do this though. Get van or mini van please!
There are times where I think about living in my car. But I’m to afraid to and to stuck in my comfort zone of living at my parents. But I am 33 years old and do wanna live on my own and can’t afford rent. But to scared to move into my car cuz of what my family would think and my friends. I know my parents it’s a stupid idea and they wouldn’t support me if I did move into my car.
@@AvaCarl99 I think if you point your friend(s) to this channel, most, if not all of them will understand or even think it's pretty cool. You do a good job of explaining your situation and how it's not a negative thing. It's actually this weird, smart, brave and kinda awesome thing.
@@AvaCarl99 All my friends and family will know...I'm in beginning stages, but have already told my best friends, my family, etc. They aren't surprised, because they know I hate owning houses and spend all my free time outdoors as it is. So, my apartment just sits there with all the amenities I pay for going unused because I'm always off sleeping in my car on my off time. Ha ha ha.
I wish I could of done this when I was younger,I would of saved all rent and bills money over many years and maybe bought a house out right,how many years would it take you to do this?
I probably should take advantage of this and travel to other states more! I just need to develop more income online, that way I don’t have to have a stand alone job.
Living in my car was fine until random people started taking pictures of my car at putting me on blast on the neighborhood apps. Then the whole city knew my car and I got constantly harassed.
I feel like a camper/RV is less safe as a single woman anyway, as then you have to stay in one place longer and people can see that you are living alone. You also have to deal with a lot more maintenance and issues with an RV. I prefer to use campground restrooms or gym restrooms and showers and someone else deals with the cleaning and maintenance and I don't have to deal with potential water damage in my rig, sewage issues, etc. Just a no for me. Not worth it to me personally, and doesn't save much over a studio apartment...because wow, they charge $900/mo now just for a space to park your RV and for hookups around where I live! So, not worth it at all to me. Have to pay for the RV, it depreciates, you have to pay a ton for the space and hookups, pay for a big gas-guzzling rig to haul it, pay for and deal with maintenance, on and on...whereas I just hop in my SUV and go and stay the night anywhere safe at not cost and nobody suspects anything.
You are among thousands of car dwellers who are either there out of necessity or because they just don't want the expense of an apt. As time goes on and evictions increase along with rents, we will see car dwellers as more normal than the exception. Whether it's a van, a car, a camper van, a truck or converted bus, people who do this and work are seeing their bank accounts go up in leaps and bounds. Considering it a job for which you "get paid" by not paying rent, makes it a bit easier to see it as an ongoing option. Rents are expensive and if you are out of the home a lot, why pay a couple of thousand for rent and utilities if you are only there to sleep and eat? I see a future where "mobile housing" is going to redefine the way we live and will open up opportunities only glimpsed with new work from home options.
I fully support what you're doing however as you get older this lifestyle will be tougher. For example, what happens if you break your leg or foot at the gym? You can't live in your car. I'm guessing you will always have a friend or family member's place you could go to in emergency. Or godforbid, you got into a car accident and wrecked your car? Life happens. But hey, do this while you are young and save money.
I see lots of single women on TH-cam that live in your car I would carry Jesus in your heart for your protection spiritually but if you really do this for a king time I would try and get you a companion a furry friend and maybe a firearm or tazer or best spray with you God bless and take care and look at larger vehicles a van or truck more room in the future
I think if you want to live in your car in a place that allows overnight sleeping and parking that is fine, but you say after a few days they run you off. When you sneak around and sleep on other peoples property without permission that is squatting, aka stealing from others. If something happens to you on their property their liability insurance is responsible. If you don’t pay the property taxes there you shouldn’t do it.
@@ClairenParkerontheRoad how are cops allowed to issue parking tickets then? If I were her and truly wanted this lifestyle, I’d buy a little piece of property. I’m just coming from a loving motherly perspective since she was talking about her parents.
I mean, I don't know much about Ava, but it seems like corporate tax fraud/ evasion are a bigger problem for the US than one woman living in her car...
I wanna try living in my truck on the weekends just to try it out. Great Video!
Yes, and it's a great way to dip your toe in the water. Weekend getaways become a lot cheaper if you opt for car camping instead of motels or bed and breakfasts.
I think it’s incredibly brave and original. You’re thinking for yourself and not accepting the expectations that people put on others.
Like showering?
I think it's awesome that you are open to alternatives... car, house, apt... whatever fits for you. Real friends won't ditch you.
Thanks Kellie :) and I hope so about my friends :)
As I assume you're aware of the dangers especially for a female living in a car. Your putting your life at risk for exactly what? Nothing is worth whatever reward you're looking for. Be safe and God Bless!
I watch your channel because it's intriguing you choose to do this voluntarily, not because you have to. In my life I have benefited from doing things that work for me, instead of trying to do things the way they "should" be done. Safety is my main concern, but it's an assumption that a house or apartment is safer than a car, with no evidence to back that assumption up. Comfort is my second concern, but six months ago I started sleeping on a futon instead of a regular mattress, and it's been great! I haven't told my family yet 😄they won't approve.
I also find it weird to tell people that I live in my van (I see car and van as the same, up to a point, my van is pretty small for a 6 foot 220lb roady, it’s not one of those huge instagram ones) I find that most people here in England react really positively and a good percentage even envy me for my simple debt free, pretty much carefree lifestyle. I work freelance in entertainment so I travel and live where the work is and the freedom of that has transformed my life.
It’s so good to see you doing so well 😃👍
That’s great to hear that people are supportive of your lifestyle! I agree that it’s awesome and very practical, but sometimes people have stereotypes. Hopefully the people I tell will react positively as well!
@@AvaCarl99 thank you for replying! I feel privileged! Perhaps I'm lucky that people here (or more specifically 'my kind of people') are more open than in the states. I also realise that I'm a big smelly male and there are no guns and maybe less nutters here.
I think that most people will be concerned for you because of their perception of how unsafe it is absolutely everywhere until they hear your reasoning, precautions and methods to go unnoticed and protect yourself. I know that you move if you feel unsafe, I do too.
Stand proud, no need to proclaim it to anyone that doesn't need to know (like vegans do) and do what you need for you. Anyone that can't accept you for you doesn't belong in your life. It's your happiness, sanity, money, no one has any right to impose their lifestyle onto you
I admire your story. My brother car dwelled for a full year because he felt that he was poor. He didn’t have to worry about paying $1,000 for his share of the rent at the time. He also described it as peaceful.
🫶 wish you would do more day in the life vlogs. Even if its your tuesday daily routine living in a car. You would be surprised how many people would be interested in the life you live. Take the cam with you! You are a beautiful person and I'm sure you live a beautiful life. But anyhow, I still love listening to your thoughts on living in a car.
I'm really glad you're slowly opening up to your close friends and loved ones about your chosen circumstances. Those who stick with you and support you are definitely the ones that know you're doing well and are healthy.
You do you Ava, do not let your Family and Friends get to, because your lifestyle, is very very very Cool 😎 for real 😎👍
I think you have a lot of common sense and there are many good reasons to choose the lifestyle you have. Bravo Ava. Just keep doing you and stay safe.
Wonderful topic!!! Hope you share more on this issue 🙂
I lived in my car for a while in 2019-2020.
Though there were some benefits, for me it totally sucked!!
I’m in my 60’s and it was an adventure that I don’t want to repeat.
It has convinced me that I can’t live in anything with wheels.
Blessings, glad it’s working for you!
🙏☯️🙏
Cool that you gave it a try! I totally get that it’s not for everyone :)
You are living... adventure... stepping into the unknown... every day is a fresh experience only few will ever know. Great work!! The challenges are the reward... comfort and security is not healthy.
I Love You Ava 😊 Your mind is on point!
Living in your car makes you happy keep doing it cause personal happiness is the most important thing to a person
I totally feel that discouragement from friends and family... but I'm gonna try to do it anyway in 2023. You have my support! (Spritually)
Check out the Prius V.
They've been discontinued, but offer the best conditions including AC/Heat without running the engine.
It just turns on every so often to recharge the battery.
Lots of room.
Tint the back windows the darkest and front side windows legal.
Throw up a window block and you're all set.
Good points. A Camry hybrid might be even better, more space and quite a few second hand ones available at reasonable prices.
I sleep in my pickup in a decent spot for the past few months for work. I don’t tell anyone. I don’t think people at work will figure me out. I try to clean my pickup once a week. Since I eat and sleep in it. Because of inflation everything looks expensive to me these days.
I like van dwelling. In many ways I find it to be more simple than living in my house.
I just really don't see what the big deal is, as it's only in first world countries that people would think living in a vehicle that locks up and you have the ability to stay in safe areas with access to showers, a gym, food, AC/heat, clothing/shoes, warm bedding, etc. and putting lots of money in the bank every month for emergencies such as a future health issue or old age is a problem??? People thinking this is a problem just don't know what REAL problems are in the world, IMO.
Definitely important to do what's right for you.
I just drove halfway across the country for a job interview and it cost me less than a plane ticket not to mention not needing any hotels or to pay for food beyond normal groceries. Also saw tons of beautiful places along the way. My friends and cousins get it even if they aren’t all willing to do it themselves. Outside of my cousins though my entire family thinks I’m crazy.
Several years ago my son chose to live in his car. He had a full time job and could afford a place to live but chose not to. He didn’t tell me. I found out in a round about way. This was before car living was as socially accepted as it is today. I was afraid for him.
I sleep in my pickup. Feels nice to have some extra money rather being ripped off paying rent.
@@petahe01That and a Planet Fitness membership are all you need.
Do not care others - look for yourself! Best wishes!
Very well said !
You do you! And be safe 👍🏼
Hello from Scotland🏴 I’ve just recently watched your videos and I really admire you for making the choice to live in your car,, brave decision to make and end of the day as long as your happy and content then that’s the main thing,, I think it’s amazing that you’ve chose to live your life on your own terms 👍
Thanks John! Appreciate your support and cool that you’re from Scotland too!
I did always wonder about the family dynamic
Your awesome Ava!!
must be cold in the nights inside the car and depending where you park it, may be dangerous. Why not live in the office you're in now?
Your situation is just like mine with my walker. I had brain tumor surgery 5 years ago which recently took a turn for the worse so now I need a walker, I'm hoping is temporarily. But I had a walking stick before and my sister and brother in law were embarrassed that I came to their daughter's wedding with it. They don't know I have to use a walker now or they would probably disown me. But I feel so much like I'm just an embarrassment to everyone. I can't go and do what I could before because I feel like such an outcast. Just every day living is so hard. It's interesting how much that's like wondering what people think about any kind of unusual living situation and how hard it is wondering what people think. I never used to worry what people think before this happened, I'm 54.
Julie Jackson, your story is nothing like the above, please don't compare your health to this situation. I am so sorry you have been treated that way, let's hope the family link never need a walking stick. People need to be humble and show respect to others when health suffers. I am sure it was nothing you wanted for yourself. I can see similarities in your story but yours is about health. Look after yourself, try to join a befriending service or do art, painting, any distraction that is positive. You are not a lonely lovely it just feels like CRAP. Hang on in there and have faith that you will get better. Stay blessed.
Wow, that's sad. Sad that your family isn't capable of being supportive of you during what has obviously been a serious health problem.
I guess you really can't choose your family, but I'd be looking for friends who are capable of understanding that having a brain tumour could happen to anyone and isn't a lifestyle choice.
Millions of people, young and old have walking/standing problems. There is absolutely nothing to feel bad about. The fact that you are still mobile with the difficulties you have undergone is admirable. Anyone who loves you enough to ask you to attend family ceremonies should not bat an eye whether you come with a cane or not. I don't know why you feel they were embarrassed. Did they say something to you? I hope you don't misunderstand others about the cane issue. Are you sure you are not projecting your own feelings about yourself onto them? I know several who use canes, and they wouldn't even think of feeling bad about it, except for the inconvenience to their lifestyle. You are still young, and I hope you maximize your activities as time goes on. Bless you!
After your video is a doordash ad and it says this is how I pay my rent. 😆
Lol
Currently there are approximately 1.2 Million people living in some type of vehicle. By circumstances I have almost a year in this lifestyle, very happy and don't see bricks and sticks in my immediate future. I'm 70 🙂
I say do it for as long as you like it and save up tons of money so you will always have options!
Understood
It's only strange to people when they haven't experienced it. Personally, things that are "out of the ordinary" aren't negative to me and fascinate or are very interesting to me instead. People's circumstances always have a reason or purpose, and their life experience can always be a valuable source of information or inspiration.
If you're doing it voluntarily to save and make money, they'll just think you're real cheap. If it's involuntary, they'll feel sorry for you. Your car is way too small to do this though. Get van or mini van please!
Keep on playing guitar! You rock🤣
There are times where I think about living in my car. But I’m to afraid to and to stuck in my comfort zone of living at my parents. But I am 33 years old and do wanna live on my own and can’t afford rent. But to scared to move into my car cuz of what my family would think and my friends. I know my parents it’s a stupid idea and they wouldn’t support me if I did move into my car.
All okay everyone once in a life were there makes a person humble
I think a lot of us would love to see the conversation where you tell a friend you live in your car. Would you consider making that video?
I have thought about that! Haha I’m still just not sure who to tell 🙈
@@AvaCarl99 I think if you point your friend(s) to this channel, most, if not all of them will understand or even think it's pretty cool. You do a good job of explaining your situation and how it's not a negative thing. It's actually this weird, smart, brave and kinda awesome thing.
@@ken.a. thank you, I appreciate that :). That is the hope - I’m glad it comes across to you/others on YT at least :)
@@AvaCarl99 All my friends and family will know...I'm in beginning stages, but have already told my best friends, my family, etc. They aren't surprised, because they know I hate owning houses and spend all my free time outdoors as it is. So, my apartment just sits there with all the amenities I pay for going unused because I'm always off sleeping in my car on my off time. Ha ha ha.
Wow we’re in the same situation
Criticism, from family means they love you.😊
I wish I could of done this when I was younger,I would of saved all rent and bills money over many years and maybe bought a house out right,how many years would it take you to do this?
I probably should take advantage of this and travel to other states more! I just need to develop more income online, that way I don’t have to have a stand alone job.
I lived out of a vehicle for close to 5 years. This was not by choice. I grew to fucking hate it. RV. Now that's where it's at.
Living in my car was fine until random people started taking pictures of my car at putting me on blast on the neighborhood apps. Then the whole city knew my car and I got constantly harassed.
That's so frustrating! I wish people would mind their own business! Glad it worked for you for a while though.
My family said instantly it's not safe, lot of weird people about. They'd feel differently if it was a camper van or RV type thing.
I feel like a camper/RV is less safe as a single woman anyway, as then you have to stay in one place longer and people can see that you are living alone. You also have to deal with a lot more maintenance and issues with an RV. I prefer to use campground restrooms or gym restrooms and showers and someone else deals with the cleaning and maintenance and I don't have to deal with potential water damage in my rig, sewage issues, etc. Just a no for me. Not worth it to me personally, and doesn't save much over a studio apartment...because wow, they charge $900/mo now just for a space to park your RV and for hookups around where I live! So, not worth it at all to me. Have to pay for the RV, it depreciates, you have to pay a ton for the space and hookups, pay for a big gas-guzzling rig to haul it, pay for and deal with maintenance, on and on...whereas I just hop in my SUV and go and stay the night anywhere safe at not cost and nobody suspects anything.
you are a great woman
You have to do what works for you.
Obvious question: what's the bathroom arrangement? I mean do you have to park next to a public facility or what?
What type of fan is shown hanging in your back seat window during the video? Thanks.
My only advice would be to get a BIGGER car
Some people are just not open minded enough
You are among thousands of car dwellers who are either there out of necessity or because they just don't want the expense of an apt. As time goes on and evictions increase along with rents, we will see car dwellers as more normal than the exception. Whether it's a van, a car, a camper van, a truck or converted bus, people who do this and work are seeing their bank accounts go up in leaps and bounds. Considering it a job for which you "get paid" by not paying rent, makes it a bit easier to see it as an ongoing option. Rents are expensive and if you are out of the home a lot, why pay a couple of thousand for rent and utilities if you are only there to sleep and eat? I see a future where "mobile housing" is going to redefine the way we live and will open up opportunities only glimpsed with new work from home options.
I fully support what you're doing however as you get older this lifestyle will be tougher. For example, what happens if you break your leg or foot at the gym? You can't live in your car. I'm guessing you will always have a friend or family member's place you could go to in emergency. Or godforbid, you got into a car accident and wrecked your car? Life happens. But hey, do this while you are young and save money.
Really appreciate people who go against he grain...... I think we all like you more for it.
Keep it private
get a van
I see lots of single women on TH-cam that live in your car I would carry Jesus in your heart for your protection spiritually but if you really do this for a king time I would try and get you a companion a furry friend and maybe a firearm or tazer or best spray with you God bless and take care and look at larger vehicles a van or truck more room in the future
Or you could live with a roommate if you got tired of car camping.
Women are SOOOO MUCH BETTER OFF without a man, or a family. That Career path is really working out for them.😂
I think if you want to live in your car in a place that allows overnight sleeping and parking that is fine, but you say after a few days they run you off. When you sneak around and sleep on other peoples property without permission that is squatting, aka stealing from others. If something happens to you on their property their liability insurance is responsible. If you don’t pay the property taxes there you shouldn’t do it.
I don't think she's ever mentioned sleeping on private property without permission. A street for example is not private property.
You don't own the street or the sidewalk
ppl sleep anywhere. Even in front of gas stations.
@@ClairenParkerontheRoad how are cops allowed to issue parking tickets then? If I were her and truly wanted this lifestyle, I’d buy a little piece of property. I’m just coming from a loving motherly perspective since she was talking about her parents.
I mean, I don't know much about Ava, but it seems like corporate tax fraud/ evasion are a bigger problem for the US than one woman living in her car...