Van Dwelling Advantages

Today is the fourth day in a row I have had to endure hammering, shouting, drilling, sawing, tobacco smoke, and toxic fumes (volatile organic compounds) for 8-9 hours a day, from management's employees on the other side of my wall. So I wrote this list of advantages of living in a van over living in an apartment.

1. If there is tobacco smoke or toxic fumes that makes me ill, I can turn my key in the ignition and drive away.

2. If there is shouting, hammering, or construction noise that disrupts my ability to think, write, and earn a living, I can drive away.

3. My rent will be reduced from $810 a month to $180 a month (for self-storage).

4. I can eliminate a monthly cable bill of $132 (digital phone, Internet and TV) by using MagicJack, prepaid cell phone, free Wifi, and a small TV with a converter box and antenna.

5. I can eliminate my $50 a month electric bill by paying friends per kilowatt hour for using their power at night to keep warm and recharging my power box, laptop, and cell phone at my storage unit. And I will have a solar panel to recharge my power box, a solar-powered radio and 2 solar lights.

6. I can eliminate a $200 a month heating bill in the winter by driving south where it's warmer.

7. I'll be living below my means - under $500 a month - and will save $900 a month or more in rent and utilities. And hopefully, I'll be able to pay off debts faster and start saving for retirement.

8. There will be no more pet fees - $500 a year - to pay a landlord (for what?): $200 non-refundable deposit and $25 a month additional rent for one cat.

9. There will be no more maintenance crew standing outside my window shouting, dropping cigarette butts on the ground and leaving garbage on porches... which tenants are fined for if they do it. (Double-standard.)

10. I will be living in a small space - 9 feet x 5 feet - which means consolidating and compacting what I own to live efficiently. This means eliminating the unnecessary, preventing impulsive purchases, hoarding and excessive consumer consumption.

11. I won't have to feel like I'm living in a fishbowl - 17 windows in this apartment. I'll be able to feel invisible, because most people don't realize I'm inside the van and I can write without being disturbed.

12. When I am invited to speak somewhere, I can interchange a few things in the van with things in storage (stool, podium, white board) and I'm on my way, lickety-split.

Not bad, eh? Can you think of any more?