If you have sometimes taken a long road trip with a limited budget and thought that hotels were too expensive or you wanted to save on rent, you probably needed to use the car as a shelter for the night. Whether it's a long day or a whole year, knowing how to sleep comfortably in the car can be a valuable skill. Once you have found the perfect place, with a little creativity you can sleep peacefully all night.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting Ready for the Night
Step 1. If it's cold, buy a sleeping bag (or two)
What you need to sleep well depends on where you decide to stop, the climate and the temperature. If the temperature is below freezing, it may be useful to use two sleeping bags (one inside the other), a blanket and a cap for the head.
- A 50 euro sleeping bag is able to protect you down to outside temperatures of -30 ° C and for sleeping in the car it will be enough; in case it gets colder, you can always add an extra layer of clothing.
- Make sure you have a safety pin with you to keep the sleeping bag tightly closed in case it is not tightly wrapped around your head. If you were to move or turn during the night, you could let in cold air from outside and wake up frozen.
- A wool hat (a cap, a toque, a ski hat, etc.) will keep you warmer at night. You can also lower it to cover your eyes to protect yourself from the lights.
- An eye mask can help you sleep more soundly. For lack of alternatives, you can cover yourself with a bandana, tie a scarf around your eyes, use a hat, and so on. Otherwise you will find yourself on your feet as the sun rises, as it is virtually impossible to make a car completely dark.
- Don't have a sleeping bag? Two blankets joined by pins are the best alternative. You can also sleep under a pile of blankets.
Step 2. If the temperatures are warm, find a way to circulate the air without letting the insects in
You can do this by hanging a light cloth over the windows. Weather conditions are the most important thing to consider when sleeping in your car: the heat makes the situation worse than the cold, because you may wake up in the morning all sweaty, dirty and full of mosquito bites. Try opening the windows just a couple of centimeters to find the right compromise.
- You can buy a mesh material to put on the windows (or sunroof) to act as a mosquito net. You can retrieve mosquito nets from old doors or windows, or buy them from a hardware store.
- Beware of high temperatures when in the car, as the vehicle can heat up very quickly. If you are in an area with a very hostile climate, such as a desert, it could be a real risk. If you are overwhelmed by the heat, you may continue to sleep for a long time, only to find when you wake up that you are worryingly dehydrated or have heat stroke.
Step 3. Get everything you need for a comfortable night
Try to plan ahead, especially if you plan on spending more than a night or two in the car. It will most likely get dark before you go to sleep, so it will be hard to find what you need, which will likely be:
- Waterfall.
- Electric torch.
- Pillow (or pillow-shaped object), blanket or sleeping bag.
- A telephone (for emergencies, for the alarm clock or to play a bit).
- Book (a good read can liven up a boring night).
- Coffee jar with lid (for men). In case you need to pee, it will be easier to pee in the jar than to get up and go out in the cold.
- Antibacterial gel or disinfectant wipes. Clean your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and whenever you get dirty. Since running water will not always be available, these objects will help you to prevent diseases.
- If you are in the car with other people or carry bulky material, you will probably need to sleep seated. The seat isn't exactly the best place to rest, but if you have no other choice, at least get a travel pillow to support your head and neck. You will wake up much happier the next morning.
Step 4. Keep the car clean
In a tidy car it will be easier to find things, especially at night, so sleeping in it will be more pleasant; even a few centimeters often make a difference for your comfort. On the other hand, if the car was dirty and smelly, it would be much more difficult to fall asleep.
- Keep only essential items on hand: a flashlight, water, a backpack with a change of clothes (if you're not traveling), and a towel.
- A cleaner car, especially on the outside, attracts less attention. Few people will ask questions about a car that looks normal and presentable. A dirty and messy car, on the other hand, will arouse suspicion.
- Avoid confusion by putting things away during the day. It is not mandatory to close the sleeping bag and put it on the back seat or fold your towels, but the passenger compartment will look tidier and therefore less suspicious from the outside.
Step 5. Consider buying a tarp
It doesn't cost much and will keep prying eyes away; anyone is unlikely to see the tarpaulin and suspect someone is sleeping underneath, unless the windows are misted up. A tarp is also stiff enough to allow for ventilation.
It is advisable to use this technique for one night only in residential areas. If passers-by should notice a strange covered car, they could call the carabinieri to have it removed. If you choose this option, don't stop in one place but keep moving
Part 2 of 4: Choosing the Perfect Venue
Step 1. Find an area where you won't get a fine
Unfortunately, sleeping in a car is illegal in many places. Here are some ideas:
- Shopping malls or gyms open 24 hours a day. It is difficult to tell who is sleeping in the car and who has just parked for shopping or is working out. The downside is that these are very busy environments; however, this also makes the environment safer. In addition, these buildings often have their lights on all night.
- Churches and other religious centers. These places are usually very quiet. If someone finds you, you can hope that he is a kind person, who will happily continue on his way.
- Secondary roads and underpasses. They are very quiet areas where you will hardly be identified; just make sure it's really an uninhabited area. A quiet suburban street may be guarded by residents, who will quickly notice your unusual presence. In rural areas, the roads may be continually being driven by trucks and tractors.
- Residential areas that allow street parking. In those places, your car will be just one of many, parked on the side of the road. Avoid lingering for too many nights or your vehicle may look suspicious. Please note that in some residential areas a special permit is required to park legally.
Step 2. Take into account the differences between day and night and between holidays and weekdays in the chosen location
Many areas can be quiet and safe one day, but not be the next.
- Example: an empty parking lot next to a football field. On Friday night no one will be around, you will have bathrooms available and everything will seem perfect. The next morning, there will be dozens of 6-year-olds ready to play and their worried moms will head straight to your car.
- Example: During the day your city's industrial estate is a great place to park and get on with your day. At night, however, the streets will be empty, except for some suspicious characters.
Step 3. Park the car in the right direction
Consider two aspects:
- Put the car in the direction where it is most difficult to spy on you or look at you through the window. Take advantage of street corners as well.
- Point it in the direction you want it to be in the morning. Face it east if you want to wake up to the sun, or west if you are not in a hurry to get up.
Step 4. Choose a place that has bathrooms available
It's common sense - you'll need to pee sooner or later, so pick a place that has a bathroom nearby.
- Always pay attention to your safety. Unattended bathrooms are often the scene of violent episodes. A bathroom inside a shopping center open 24 hours a day or in a service area on the motorway are probably safer than a public toilet in an urban area … but not always.
- Portable toilets are often open at all hours and can be found at gas stations, construction sites or parks.
- Sometimes you may be able to use the toilets (such as a swimming pool, beach toilets and showers) of a campsite, hotel, or similar if security was lax and you were stealthy enough.
- You can always pee outdoors if necessary, but be careful that no one sees you, as you could be fined.
Step 5. You will not often have the opportunity to shower or bathe while living on the street
- In many areas, you will find showers on public beaches.
- Some truck service stations have paid showers. While they are not free, they can be very useful when traveling.
Step 6. Consider disguising your presence
If you are concerned about being spotted, consider taking steps to ensure that you are not seen. You can cover the car with a tarp, pile objects inside to obscure yourself from view or sleep under a pile of blankets.
Part 3 of 4: Finding the Ultimate Comfort
Step 1. Make sure you go to the bathroom before getting into the car
After going to the bathroom, park your car in the place you have identified for the night.
Step 2. Consider keeping the window ajar
Obviously this depends on the climate. If you feel suffocated, regardless of the temperature, consider opening the window a little. Even if you were under a pile of blankets in the cold, it could make you feel better.
For safety reasons, do not open it too much and if there are mosquitoes, open it even less, about an inch
Step 3. Take an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen
If you have trouble sleeping in poor conditions or have a tendency to wake up sore, get one before you go to bed. It will be easier to fall asleep and you will feel less sore in the morning.
Step 4. Adjust the seats as much as possible
If you are in the back seat, move the front seats forward to get as much space as possible. Insert the clips of the safety belts into the clip so that you don't have them against your back.
If the rear seats are reclining, lower them. You can also open the trunk, so that you can put your legs (or head) in the trunk area
Step 5. Dress in layers, but be sure to wear comfortable clothing
On the off chance that someone comes knocking on your window, you need to bring presentable clothes. So get comfortable, but stay dressed. Sportswear remains the best. This way you can also turn your bed into an escape route in case you get noticed.
Also consider the weather. If it's cold, be sure to cover your head to avoid heat loss. If necessary, put on several layers. If it's hot, a simple shirt and shorts are just fine. You can also wet them lightly first to stay cool
Part 4 of 4: Introduce yourself well
Step 1. Pay attention to your appearance and ways
Your behavior and your clothing determine the reaction of the people who see you. If you are considered suspicious, you may be annoyed or even arrested if you are not careful.
Step 2. Be sociable
People tend to be less concerned about strangers if they are friendly. Say hello to passersby, be polite, and remember that a chat can work wonders to reassure the locals.
- Stay on the sidelines. Attracting too much attention to yourself is not a great idea. Living in a car is often illegal, so avoid being in the spotlight.
- If you are charismatic and outgoing, you can use these qualities to your advantage. You can find out information, ask for favors, maybe even find a friend. Be careful, though, because sociable people aren't always trustworthy.
Step 3. Look respectable
If you are dirty, unkempt and dressed like a typical homeless person, you may attract people's attention. Always try to be clean, dressed appropriately, and look like a respectable person.
Step 4. Make a credible story, fake if necessary
If you need to explain to the authorities, for example to a police officer, a shop owner, a park attendant, or a concerned citizen, it is easier to have a credible and reassuring story explaining why you are in that situation. Eg:
- "I am traveling to Rome for a demonstration, because I am very worried about the protection of the environment. I have no money for a hotel, so I was thinking of sleeping here for a night. I'm sorry if I made you worry, I'm leaving immediately".
- "Excuse me sir, I pulled over because I felt tired at the wheel. I had been driving for 10 hours, I'm fine, I just wanted to be careful."
- "Excuse me agent, I'm running away from an abusive relationship, I'm going to my sister's house in Ancona. I don't have money for a hotel but I had to leave my house immediately."
- Police officers could be of help. Their job will also be to enforce anti-wandering laws, but they often choose to help people in need. Not all cops will be kind, but don't treat them all as enemies, as they can often help you out.
Advice
- Don't forget to close the door locks!
- Do not leave valuables in sight in the car. You could tempt thieves. Hide them.
- Do not rest your neck on the belt as it may cause irritation and red marks.
- If you are somewhere without a shower, some wet wipes can give you a decent feeling of fresh and clean. Look for them in supermarkets in the hygiene and cleaning sector; you can find resealable packs the size of an envelope for a few euros.
- Do not keep the car or bluetooth turned on.
- Keep a map with you so that you can find suitable places in whatever city you are and try to plan in advance where you want to go, in order to save time and gasoline.
- Can not you sleep? Wearing noise-reducing headphones will help you a lot and will allow you to sleep anywhere, even at the airport or station. If they work in those places, for sure they will work in your machine too.
- Bring a black towel and a spray bottle during the summer. When you wake up, moisten it and spread it on the dashboard. After about an hour of driving, it will get hot. This method also works in winter, if you put the towel over the heating vents.
- If you are a woman, be careful to park in remote areas or under bridges. Even public places such as supermarket parking lots will always be dangerous. Find safe shelter as soon as possible!
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Some possible places to sleep:
- Parking for shopping malls and department stores. There is always a lot of movement in these places, especially if they are open 24 hours a day, so there will always be other cars and they are relatively safe areas. Park near the back of the mall, but not in the middle of nowhere, so you can mix up with the employees' cars. The cloth will be sufficient to ensure privacy.
- Any 24-hour shopping mall is fine, as is any supermarket or center that involves inventory or night work. People on the third shift are generally quite quiet.
- Avoid standing in front of hotels; policemen or patrols tend to go to these places twice a night. They might get annoyed if they see fogged glass. Also, hotels sometimes take license plate numbers to check the guest list.
- Library parking is fine too; you can always say you were reading a book and dozing off; it is also an ideal place to spend a day. The important thing is that you think about some story or situation in order not to appear homeless.
- The yards where trucks stop are usually safe places to sleep: well lit, open all night and with toilets; put yourself in the car park to avoid finding yourself among heavy vehicles. Very often there are people in campers who do the same thing.
Warnings
- Safety must be the top priority, so the most important tip is to always lock the doors.
- A car cover guarantees protection against the cold and a little privacy. However if it's hot, don't use it if it doesn't provide much ventilation. Never start the engine with the car covered by the tarp, you could get intoxicated with carbon monoxide.
- Do not buy a cold air respirator. It is not easy to sleep with these types of tools and it is a waste of money. It's not easy to sleep in sub-zero temperatures, but a source of warm air could give you a sore throat. Find the right balance between hot and cold air and put a heavy blanket over your face leaving enough space to breathe. If you have a hat that is long enough you can also pull it down on your face.
