Living In a Car as a Woman [Best Practices 2023]

Living in a car can be an exciting and adventurous way to travel and explore the world, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, particularly for women.

In this article, we'll discuss the specific hurdles that women face when living in a car and provide tips and solutions for staying safe, comfortable, and hygienic.

Introduction

Living in a car can be an affordable and flexible way to travel, but it can also be intimidating and overwhelming, especially for women. The unique challenges that women face when living in a car include personal safety, maintaining personal hygiene, and finding safe and comfortable places to sleep. However, with the right preparations and mindset, living in a car can be a fulfilling and empowering experience.

Personal Safety

One of the biggest concerns for women living in a car is personal safety. To minimize the risks, it's important to take steps to stay safe and secure while on the road.

Tips for staying safe include:

*Park in well-lit and populated areas, preferably near other travelers, truckers and campers.

*Always lock your doors and windows when you're inside the car.

*Avoid parking in isolated or remote areas, especially at night.

*Be cautious of people who approach your car and never let strangers inside.

*Buy a personal keychain alarm and always have it on on hand, especially when you're sleeping in your vehicle.

*Make window covers (Reflectix is a great option) and use them at night so you'll have privacy.

*Consider carrying mace or pepper spray. It's inexpensive, portable, legal in almost all states, and can easily be deployed if you're in danger.

*Always keep your cell phone charged! Getting help is just a 911 call away, but you'll obviously need a powered up phone. It's your lifeline to friends, relatives and law enforcement. Make sure it's properly juiced at all times.

Maintaining Personal Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene can be a challenge when living in a car, but it's easily doable with the proper foresight and planning.

Tips for maintaining personal hygiene include:

*Invest in a gym membership. Many are open all night (or offer very long hours) and you can duck in for a refreshing shower anytime you'd like.

*Use wet wipes, hand sanitizers, and other personal hygiene products to stay clean on your non-shower days.

*Buy a portable women's urnial. These are inexpensive but are VERY helpful for going #2 while on the road.

*Use public restrooms whenever possible. These are great places to wash up, change clothes, do your hair & makeup, etc.

*Store trash securely to maintain a tidy and hygienic living space.

*Wash clothes frequently at laundromats to stay fresh and clean.

*Try preparing & eating your food outside of your car. Handling food within the small confines of a car is challenging, and WILL leads to spills & stains on you and your clothes regularly.

*In the summer months, try staying indoors during the warmer daytime hours (Starbucks, libraries, movie theaters, malls, etc.). Having to go to sleep at night while sticky and sweaty after a hot day outdoors isn't pleasant or cleanly.

*Use products like Febreeze to get odors out of your car's upholstery and clothing.

Finding Safe and Comfortable Places to Sleep

Finding safe and comfortable places to sleep can also be a challenge for women living in a car. To ensure a good night's rest, it's important to choose parking spots carefully so you can be secure and comfortable.

Tips for finding safe and comfortable places to sleep include:

Searching for places that are active and well-trafficked, even at night, such as:

*Highway rest areas

*Truck stops

*24 hour supermarket parking lots

*24 hour gym parking lots

*Motel & hotel parking lots

*Hospital parking lots

*Casino parking lots. Many even openly welcome overnight parking for car campers and nomads

*While most Walmart's are no longer open 24 hours, many are still great places to stay for a night or two.

Last Minute Important Details

*If possible, always research an area online before heading there. Look up photos of the spot on Google, check crime stats for that general location, see if it's well lit/trafficked, etc.

*Make a point of looking for any posted signs in an area before hunkering down for the night. Many businesses and other destinations don't allow overnight parking, and they will usually have signage posted up as a warning. You don't want to get ticketed or towed!

*Keep an eye out for truckers and nomads when you get to a new spot. Chances are, if you see others that are also sleeping overnight, you shouldn't have any worries about getting hassled by cops, security guards or store managers.

Recommended Safety and Hygiene Products

Reflectix - Great for making window covers - Home Depot

GoGirl Female Urination Device - Amazon

SABRE Red Pepper Spray - Amazon

KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm - Amazon

Conclusion

Living in a car can be a fulfilling and exciting way to travel, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, particularly for women.

By taking steps to protect yourself, maintaining personal hygiene, and finding safe and comfortable places to sleep, women can make the most of their car camping experience and enjoy all that this unique lifestyle has to offer.

With the right preparations and mindset, living in a car can be a liberating and empowering experience.

LIVE WISELY, LIVE WELL!