No matter you are a student or just trying to save money, there are ways to live in your car without having to go into your house. You just have to be prepared and know how to use the car.
1 – Preparing a car
Getting your hands on the latest model is fun enough, but it’s not the only way to get a leg up on the competition. You have to be smart about it, but if you are prepared, the rewards can be plentiful. Purchasing a used car is no slam dunk. The price tag can run into the hundreds or thousands depending on the make and model. That said, the car business is a cash cow, and you need to know the ins and outs before you can ride off into the sunset in style. The best advice is to do your homework and shop around for the lowest price possible.
Preparing your car for sale is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a big decision, and it’s one that you’ll have to make again if you decide to part with the vehicle. The best way to go about this process is to do it on your terms.
2 – Keeping valuables out of the car
Keeping valuables out of your car is a good way to keep them safe and avoid having to spend money to replace them. When you’re leaving your car, you’ll want to leave the doors locked and the glove compartment closed. The same rules apply when you’re entering your vehicle.
If you can’t use the trunk to store your valuables, consider hiding them in the backseat or other pockets. The best hiding spots are under the seats and in other empty spaces. These can be tricky, though, because people may be able to see what’s inside your car.
Other great hiding spots include the center console in the back row and underneath floor mats. Some vehicles even have wells built into the rear pilot seat. The best way to find these hidden spots is to read your car’s owner’s manual.
If you’re leaving something in your car, it’s also a good idea to turn it off before you get out. Many devices have Bluetooth capabilities, and if left on, thieves can easily track your car and steal your electronics. A simple app will let you scan for nearby Bluetooth signals and prevent unguarded electronics.
Whenever you’re traveling, avoid leaving important documents and travel money in your purse or wallet. If possible, put them in a tethered safe or passport pouch. If you need to carry them with you, keep them in a small bag. This will help to prevent smash and grabs.
When you’re leaving your car, it’s always a good idea to park it in a safe spot. Parking near security cameras and lights can help prevent thefts. If you’re traveling in an area that’s prone to car theft, you might also want to wear a money belt.
3 – Airing out the car to avoid smells
Getting air out of your car can help you avoid unpleasant smells in the cabin. While there are a lot of ways to do this, the easiest option is to clean your car. If you have a small car, you may be able to get by with just a vacuum and a small bottle of detergent. You can even use baking soda to keep the odor at bay.
The plenum is a little-known location on your vehicle. It is where the air goes into the cooling system and heating system. It is a good idea to use a plenum cleaner to clean it and eliminate any musty odors. This can be done by spraying it with an interior fan running.
Another way to air out your car is to change your cabin filters. Dirty filters prevent the right amount of air from getting into the vehicle. You can save money by installing an inexpensive cabin filter that will allow optimal airflow. You can also run your climate control system to keep the cabin aired out. This will minimize the development of mold.
To really get the most out of your car, you should clean it on a regular basis. The first step is to remove any trash from the floor and seats. You should check for food debris as well. If the car has carpets, you can either vacuum or shampoo them. You can also install an all-weather mat to prevent water from seeping into the carpet. If you are in the market for a new car, you should know that brand new cars typically do not have unpleasant odors.
The newest vehicles also have a feature called the Odor-X pump. This device is great for occasional touch-ups.
4 – Using the air-conditioner
Using the air-conditioner when living in your car to save money may not be as obvious as you think. Depending on where you live, you may find that it is easier to save on your energy bill by making some simple adjustments to your home’s heating and cooling system.
The first thing you should do is make sure that your air conditioning system is running as efficiently as possible. This will save you money and will also keep your family comfortable.
For instance, you could use a programmable thermostat to change the temperature of your home in response to the weather outside. This could save you as much as 14 percent on your cooling bills.
You could also use ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home. These devices are not as effective at cooling as a dedicated air conditioning unit, but they can make your room feel more comfortable.
Another smart idea is to invest in a portable air conditioner. These units can replace your existing system and can help you lower your monthly utility bill. They usually come with remote controls, dehumidifiers, and other features to help you save money.
For the best results, you should consider installing a smart thermostat. These are programmable, and allow you to control the temperature of your home in response to your schedule. This can save you a lot of money on your utility bill, and they can be used all year round.
Another good way to save money on your electricity bill is to turn off your air conditioner during the day. This will cut down on the amount of work your air conditioning system needs to do to maintain your desired temperature.
5 – Sleeping in the car
Whether you are going on a road trip or are just looking for a cheaper way to stay overnight, sleeping in your car can be a great option. With the right equipment and a little practice, you can make it easy to get a good night’s rest.
You can purchase a backseat bed or use your truck’s tailgate to store your sleep gear. It is important to make sure that you have enough blankets and bedding for the whole family. The interior of the vehicle should be clean and you should be fully stretched out before you go to sleep.
When you are ready to sleep, be sure to bring a sleeping bag and pillows. These will help you feel at home on the road. If you are going to travel through the winter, be sure to bring warm clothing. You can also bring a hot water bottle to keep you comfortable.
You may want to consider getting an eye mask for when you are asleep. This will help you reduce the light that is coming into the vehicle. You can find one that can hang from the front headrest or bungee cords.
Another great thing to bring is a book light. You can even bring headphones. You can also use a heavy-duty flashlight to protect yourself in the event of an emergency.
Depending on your vehicle, you can use an inflatable backseat mattress as an inexpensive alternative to a motel. You can also buy an electric heated blanket. Be sure to plug the blanket into a portable power station instead of the battery in your car.
If you are traveling through the winter, you should try cracking a few windows to allow some fresh air into the interior. You can also use a sunroof to help you stay warm.