Nomads do not have ready access to certain resources that house-dwellers take for granted. We have to notice resources and take advantage of them appropriately. As nomads gain experience, they can develop an awareness of available resources in the area; paying attention goes a long way, as does the discipline to follow through and leverage resources as we find them.
Places
Knowing where to look is half the battle!
Work and school
Having an indoor job or attending school can be valuable for vehicle-dwellers. Learn what resources are available and maximize their benefit.
- Climate controlled space
- Power outlets to recharge devices
- Water fountains, sinks, rest rooms, etc.
- Wifi
These may be available:
- Microwaves
- Refrigerator/freezers (useful for refreezing freezer packs)
- Ice machines
- Workout rooms
- Showers
- Water spigots
Public buildings
Libraries and other municipal buildings often have:
- Climate controlled space
- Power outlets to recharge devices
- Water fountains, sinks, rest rooms, etc.
- Wifi
These may be available:
- Area information
- Trash receptacles outside
- Libraries often have PCs with printers
Recreation centers may have showers, especially those with athletic courts or swimming pools, which can be used for the price of a day pass.
Public spaces
Public parks often have picnic tables for outdoor eating, water fountains, rest rooms, and a place to walk your dog. Take note of opening and closing hours to stay on the right side of the law. Some may have bbq grills where you can set up your camp stove. They are also used for recreation and so may make good places to relax or exercise outdoors.
Rest areas have restrooms, water fountains, and trash receptacles. Some have water spigots and wifi. Many will allow overnight sleeping in the vehicle.
Commercial buildings
Cafes, restaurants, and bars will have restrooms and often wifi and power outlets. Ask to sit near a power outlet and charge your devices while you visit.
Gas stations have rest rooms, trash receptacles, etc. Some may have water spigots or water kiosks. Truck stops may offer (often-pricey) showers and free or paid wifi.
Resources
Places to recharge devices
If you don't have an onboard electrical system in your vehicle, and your power needs are too high to recharge everything while driving, you will need to find places to recharge devices. This way you can charge up your phone, power banks, small electronics and similar. Look for electrical outlets at public libraries, coffee shops, some pavilions or picnic shelters at public parks, transportation hubs where people need to wait, and bathrooms or other shelters at campgrounds.Continue reading …Places to find water
Sourcing water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene is a regular task. Fresh water can be obtained from spigots available in various places, from commercial water vendors, and by collection of water from natural sources.Learn morePlaces to shower
If you don't have a shower in your vehicle due to space or cost constraints, there are more places to shower than you might think! This includes campgrounds, truck stops, gyms, and more, usually for a fee. Learn moreTrash
Trash builds up quickly and can be hard to get rid of. Be ruthless!
- keep plastic grocery bags to use for trash. Small bags like that are less obvious when thrown out than big white kitchen trash bags.
- before exiting the vehicle, take note of any trash receptacles that exist and take your trash bag with you.
Ice and cooling
If you work at an office, you might be able to store perishables in the breakroom fridge and freeze water bottles or ice packs in the freezer. Remember to rotate. You can harvest ice from an icemaker (leave some for others) or from ice cube trays in the freezer (remember to refill). See the section on coolers for more tips.
Leverage time spent in climate control (work, school, other buildings). Working overtime will keep you in climate control, out of the vehicle, and also build your emergency fund.
Internet
While you have access to the Internet:
- update devices and software
- update offline maps
- upload videos and pictures
- download media for offline consumption (Amazon Prime, etc)
See Internet access.