If you've ever been on a road trip and thought hotels were too expensive, or you wanted to save money on rent, you would probably want to call your car home.Sleeping comfortably in your car can be a valuable life skill, even if it's a long day.You can be snoozing the night away if you scoped out the perfect spot with a little creativity.
Step 1: You should buy a sleeping bag for cold temperatures.
What you need for a good night's sleep in the car depends on a number of factors.In sub-zero temperatures, you will probably benefit from a couple of sleeping bags, a blanket and a beanie for your head.A sleeping bag will keep you warm in the cold weather.You can get by with a sleeping bag in a car.Add an extra layer of clothing to your sleeping attire if it gets cold.If your sleeping bag doesn't draw tightly around your head, you should bring a safety pin.It could come undone if you toss and turn in the middle of the night.A knit hat will keep you warm at night.You can pull it over your eyes.A sleep mask can help you sleep soundly.In a pinch, you can blindfold yourself, tie a scarf around your eyes, use a hat, and so on.If you don't, you'll find yourself up at the crack of dawn, as it's hard to tint a car completely.Is there a sleeping bag?The next best thing is two blankets pinned together.Or sleeping in a pile of blankets.
Step 2: Don't let the heat get to you, keep out insects.
A thin cloth is hung in the windows to keep bugs out.The weather is the most important thing to consider.You could wake up in the morning covered in mosquito bites, as hot weather can be worse than cold.To find a happy medium, open the windows just an inch.You can put mesh in your windows.Screening can be purchased at a hardware store or from an old screen window.Don't drive in hot cars.If you are in a hot desert, cars can heat up very quickly, and this can be a real hazard.If you become overcome with heat, you may not wake up and realize you are in danger of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Step 3: It's a good idea to gather supplies for a comfortable night.
If you plan on spending more than one or two nights in your car, think ahead.It will be hard to find what you need when it gets dark.Water Flashlight Pillow, blanket or sleeping bag is most likely what this means.Cell phone for emergencies, wake-up alarm, or a game to play.A book can make a dull night more pleasant.If you have to pee in a coffee can, it may be easier than getting up in the cold or bug-filled outdoors.There are baby wipes.It's a good idea to wash your hands before eating or using the bathroom.Since you may not have regular access to running water, these items can help keep you healthy and presentable.If you are sitting in the car with others, you will most likely sleep.Sleeping in the car seat is not the best place to sleep, but if you have to, use a travel pillow that supports your head and neck.You will wake up happy.
Step 4: Your car should be clean.
It's easier to find things at night with a tidy car.A clean car is a pleasure to sleep in and even a few inches can make a difference.It will be hard to fall asleep if it is dirty and smelly.You should only keep the essentials out, like a flashlight, water, a backpack, and a towel.If the car is clean on the outside, it attracts less attention.Few people will ask about a car that is presentable.A filthy car filled with trash and bags looks suspicious.Things should be put away during the day.If you don't have to fold your towel or roll up your sleeping bag in the back seat, it will look less suspicious.It's important that you don't be obvious about sleeping in your car.
Step 5: Getting a tarp is a good idea.
Inexpensive and easy to find, tarps keep eyes away.A tarp can help cut down on the sun's rays.Tarps on cars can be suspicious.A person sleeping in a car can be seen if most people don't cover their car with a tarp.This can be a problem in some places.
Step 6: There is a place that you won't get a ticket.
Sleeping in your car is illegal in many places, and even if not technically illegal will be seen as suspicious by the locals.Walmart, movie theaters and 24 hour gyms are a few ideas.It's hard to tell who is sleeping in their cars or just sitting in a parked car while watching a movie or working out.Also, many of these 24 hour stores have bright lights on all night long.There are churches and other sanctuary-like establishments.The buildings are usually quiet most of the week.Hopefully someone will be kind enough to continue on their merry way if they find you.There are backroads and overpasses.Make sure the area is quiet and remote if you don't want to disturb it.An apparently nearly deserted back road may actually be well- traveled by residents who know who is supposed to be there and who isn't.Farm equipment may be moving through rural roads.Residential areas allow street parking.Your car will blend in on the side of the road in this situation.If you stay too long your vehicle may appear suspicious.Some urban residential areas may require special parking stickers to park legally.Street lights can become a problem for sleeping.Public parking.If it is an overhead parking garage, make sure you park on a high floor because noise from cars entering and exiting will not bother you.Check the signs to make sure the time limit is long enough to allow overnight parking.
Step 7: It's a good idea to take into account what your spot will look like during the day and night.
Many locations are relatively safe one day and not the next.An empty parking lot is next to a soccer field.During the middle of Friday night, no one is around, there are portable toilets, and it is seemingly perfect, but the next morning, a ton of screaming 7-year-olds are ready for Little League and their mothers and fathers are peering suspiciously in the direction of your car.A quiet corner, not a person in sight, and it's dark enough to sleep is an example.There are shady looking people who like the isolation of the area when you wake the next morning.
Step 8: Your car should be facing in the right direction.
It would be hard for people to spy on you if you looked in the windows of your car.The corners are good.If you want to get to work on time, face your car in the right direction.If you want to wake up with the sun and west, face it east.
Step 9: If it's possible, pick a place with a bathroom.
It's good that you're likely going to have to use the bathroom at some point.You will have a better experience if you have easy access to a bathroom.Be cautious of safety.Sometimes the unattended bathroom is a location for crime.A public bathroom in an urban park is not always safer than a bathroom that is in a store or rest stop.Sometimes portable toilets can be found at all hours.These can be found at rest stops, construction sites or parks.Sometimes you can get away with using the facilities of a campground, hotel, or the like if security is not as strict.Public restrooms are usually offered at gas stations.If you must urinate outside, you can be cited for public urination in populated areas.
Step 10: It's a good idea to take a bath once or twice a year.
It is possible to find showers and bathing on the road.Public beaches have showers.There are pay showers at some truck stops.They can be a comfort on the road.A solar shower can be found in most camping equipment stores.It is a bag that heats up water during the day and can be used to wash dishes at night.It can give a good shower when there is no running water, but it still needs a way to hoist the bag up high and get some privacy.
Step 11: Consider camouflaging.
It's a good idea to make it so your car can't be seen if you're worried about being found.You can either sleep under a pile of linens or put a tarp on your car to block the view.
Step 12: Before you turn in, make sure you visit the bathroom.
Before you leave your car for the night, make a visit to the bathroom.
Step 13: Cracking the windows is a good idea.
This is dependent on the climate you are in.It is going to get stuffy regardless of the temperature, so consider cracking the window slightly.It might feel good to be under a pile of blankets.For security reasons, don't crack it too much.Crack it even less if there are mosquitoes.A half an inch is plenty.
Step 14: Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory.
Pop one before hitting the sack if you have problems sleeping in less than perfect conditions or have a tendency to wake up.You will feel less sore in the morning because it will be easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Step 15: The seats must be adjusted.
As much as possible.The front seats should be moved forward if you are in the back seat.They don't want to jabbing you in the back if you put the seat belt clips in.The back seats should turn down.You could put your legs in the trunk area by opening the back.
Step 16: If you want to stay in comfortable clothes, get into the right amount of layers.
If someone knocks on your door, you want to be wearing clothes that are acceptable.Stay dressed and get comfortable.It's best to wear workout clothes.If you need to, you can turn your bed into a car at a moment's notice.Also account for the weather.If it is cold, make sure your head is covered.Put on several layers if necessary.If it is warm, a t-shirt and shorts are fine.You could wet them to keep them cool.
Step 17: Your appearance and behavior will help determine how others will react to you.
The community your car is parked in may react to your presence and how you act.If you aren't careful, you could be jailed or harassed if you are considered suspicious.
Step 18: Be friendly.
People are less concerned about strangers when they are friendly.Say hello to people, be polite, and have a good time.Keep to yourself.It's not a good idea to draw too much attention to yourself.You don't need to spotlight yourself because car camping is often illegal.You may be able to use your abilities to your advantage if you have a charismatic personality.It's possible to find out information, ask for favors, or even find a friend.Not every friendly stranger is safe.
Step 19: Look decent.
The locals may notice if you are dirty, scruffy, and dressed like a slob.Try to keep clean, dress casually, and look respectable.
Step 20: Even if the story isn't true, have a good one.
If confronted by authorities, such as a police officer, store manager, park ranger, or concerned citizen, it is a good idea to have a simple story about why you are there.Depending on your situation, it could be true or not."My deepest apologies, I'm on my way to a rally in Washington, D.C."I feel strongly about protecting the environment.I didn't have the money for a hotel so I was going to sleep here.I apologize if I worried you.I will move along.I lost my home and have no place to sleep until I get to my parents' home."Sorry, sir."I pulled off the road because I was sleepy.I have been driving for 10 hours.I just wanted to be safe.I'm getting away from an abusive relationship.I'm going to my sister's house.I don't have any money for a hotel but I had to leave as soon as possible.You should be nice to the police.Law enforcement officers are there to enforce laws, but they also want to help those in need.They will usually offer help, leave you in peace, or at least let you be on your way without further trouble.Police officers are often helpful, so don't treat them like enemies.Not everyone will be on your side, so don't depend on the local cop to be there for you.It's better to not get the attention of the police in the first place.