Van Life

[SalixIncendium]

This whole thread makes me sad. I am sad that in America ordinary people can’t afford to live in an apartment or house and have to even consider this kind of stuff.

I'm sorry I made you sad. That wasn't my intent.

Yes, there are those who can't afford to live in an apartment or house, but this is not the reason I created this thread. In my case, as I adopt an increasingly ascetic lifestyle, renunciation is a personal choice.

 

[JustGeorge]

This whole thread makes me sad. I am sad that in America ordinary people can’t afford to live in an apartment or house and have to even consider this kind of stuff.

I am sad for that, too.

But, I think for some there's some personal choice. I might consider this lifestyle if not for the kids/pets. (Though, I think a commune would be my overall first choice, as I have a high social need.)

 

[ChristineM]

@SalixIncendium

Maybe something like this wouod come in handy. A mini, fold away, washing machine specially designed for paisley Speedos.

https://www.amazon.fr/Portable-Essoreuse-Chaussettes-Sous-vêtements-Camping-car/dp/B0CDH85215/ref=asc_df_B0CDH85215/?tag=googshopfr-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=651114600403&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1519420479612756852&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9108434&hvtargid=pla-2196546631618&psc=1

That's Amazon france, I'm think similar should be available on your local Amazon;-)

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

With the cost of owning a house so expensive right now (for various reasons), I can see the appeal of a van.

That's not to say I'm getting one myself. But hypothetically, if I were to ever get one, my biggest concern would be safety in terms of cooling & heat.

 

[SalixIncendium]

@SalixIncendium

Maybe something like this wouod come in handy. A mini, fold away, washing machine specially designed for paisley Speedos.

https://www.amazon.fr/Portable-Essoreuse-Chaussettes-Sous-vêtements-Camping-car/dp/B0CDH85215/ref=asc_df_B0CDH85215/?tag=googshopfr-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=651114600403&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1519420479612756852&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9108434&hvtargid=pla-2196546631618&psc=1

That's Amazon france, I'm think similar should be available on your local Amazon;-)

Wow! 500€? I can get one here for only $52!

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Capacity-Apartment-Underwear-Lightweight/dp/B0C4TQBM44/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=E31U4HM8JIN6&keywords=portable+washer+8l&qid=1696591678&sprefix=portable+8l+wa%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

But yes, that would come in handy. Probably cheaper than a coin-op laundry.

 

[ChristineM]

Wow! 500€? I can get one here for only $52!

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Capacity-Apartment-Underwear-Lightweight/dp/B0C4TQBM44/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=E31U4HM8JIN6&keywords=portable+washer+8l&qid=1696591678&sprefix=portable+8l+wa%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Maybe it's delivery to America, here delivery is free and they are less than €40.

Edit, just looked at the you may also like block on the link you provided, you cen get one for $33

 

[SalixIncendium]

Maybe it's delivery to America, here delivery is free and they are less than €40.

Edit, just looked at the you may also like block on the link you provided, you cen get one for $33

Oh, I see now. I was looking at the wrong price. My French is rusty, but I see now where the price usually is, it's out of stock.

 

[ChristineM]

Oh, I see now. I was looking at the wrong price. My French is rusty, but I see now where the price usually is, it's out of stock.

View attachment 83221

There are more, lots more.

 

[Onasander]

I'd recommend against the washing machine in the van. I've owned a variety of sized washing machines, and unless you plan on being hooked up to public utilities always it's a space waste.

Nothing bigger than this:

https://www.amazon.com/Scrubba-Wash-Bag-Portable-Backpacking/dp/B01N68XF0O/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?crid=2V965577XHPNU&keywords=laundry+bag+camping&qid=1696602131&sprefix=laundry+bag+camoing%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-16

It has the advantage of having suckers on the inside to grip when you wash. But it was a massive waste of money as a small Tupperware container could of done the same thing with me hand wringing. Basically you'll try to limit yourself to a gallon, two max of water use (carry to the van, dump out of van once finished, be witnessed dumping, wait for cops to show up thinking you have a mobile meth lab).

But you still have the trouble of drying. Hence why you should just take the easy route most homeless do and just use a laundrymat. Sorry.

Bit if you disregard me, or do plan on having electric and water, better models exist for about $100 on Amazon.

And don't buy this:

https://www.amazon.com/WAQIA-Portable-Ultrasonic-Business-39UGN5902BABK1ZLQDU5176A/dp/B08MWFMRK8/ref=mp_s_a_1_47?crid=1VAOFL8O19NHK&keywords=mini+washer+machine&qid=1696602487&sprefix=mini+washer+machine%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-47

It exists purely to antagonize people.

You also have the infantry option of a bucket and a plunger:

https://www.amazon.com/EasyGoProducts-Hand-Powered-Clothes-Washing/dp/B00YQCOCAM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=38MFYB843V06E&keywords=washer+plunger&qid=1696602572&sprefix=washer+plunger%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

It was a invention of a wife of a deployed soldier in Iraq. Use a large bucket in combo, can handle jeans, but that's a few gallons, and frankly laundrymat makes for sense.

Vedantic Renunciation isn't necessarily the same as Cynic reduction of goods to the bare essentials. You'll just antagonize yourself if not properly equipped (like my backpack for winter survival) or failing in choosing a location with good supports such as a laundrymat or excellent grocery store. One of the reasons I don't advertise myself as a Cynic Philosopher, I need certain things to keep my body alive and a few luxuries to keep my mind stable.

 

[Onasander]

Just got a new US Marine camo style 8×10 feet tarp for my rucksack. I mentioned that size is very important for any charitable gifting to a homeless person if building a kit for them. I also got a replacement Lixada Wood/Alcohol Stove- the kind I said folds up in a black bag and can fit into a back pocket. They are really useful when stealth camping as it can block light from the flames.... and it allows novel cooking spots like in tree roots by the trunk or behind wet logs. Best for 90% isopropyl, or twigs, dried grass, small branches. I've used it on picnic tables with the alcohol making tea many times.

So my ruck is nearing completion. Still gotta get some 550 cord so I can use the tarp with a hammock (have a hammock), and also a new water filter, for filtering water before it hits my UV sterilizer for particles.

After that.... I can technically go hobo (not homo) if suddenly fired and not live too badly. I'm a bit more relieved.