What to Do If You Get Evicted How to Make the Transition to Living in a Vehicle 

Thank you Bob ! I ran into a woman who had just moved into her car the other day and was feeling really down . In our conversation I referred her to your videos and truly had a positive attitude about her choices to move into her van . After our talk and your videos she really had started to change her view about her life . You've never met me or her but you're changing people's lives that you don't even know . Thank you to you and you team for being a light in the fog for so many people .

Been there , lost my house , bought a RV , got a storage locker , p.o. box , found parking at a business that wanted someone to watch the place at night . Lived like that for 8 years + learned to love it

I wasn't evicted but had given notice at my apartment. Because the pandemic just started, I was unable to sell anything and ended up giving all my furniture and a lot of my household goods to an organization that helps the homeless. I actually felt good about that.

I chose the lifestyle because I was tired of feeling like a slave to my landlord handing my money over, tired of paying utilities, tired of not knowing how much my rent was going to increase. When I first started camping in my car I would get excited at the end of my shift because I knew it was time to camp out again. I wake up early, sleep good, save lots of money and even realized I could work part-time if I want. You will have more choices and more freedom.

In 94 i was in a accident changed my life lost everything , lived in a old van left for the desert an life got better learned how to relive again. Soc sec kicked in 3 yrs later an still rving . Single lady mode here

After my divorce, I sold everything, the car, the furniture, clothing, and the house. I have been a global nomad since (16 years). It was the absolute best decision of my life and if/when I return to the motherland, I will continue to be a nomad, which is why I have been watching Bob's channel for a couple years now. I never want another bank loan in my life and I don't want to pay rent to anyone. Being weighed down by stuff and debt is not freedom, it is financial slavery that ties so many of us to horrible, unfulfilling jobs, and probably why depression, addiction and suicide have increased in America. What wonderful work Bob is doing to help so many overcome their fears and find light and freedom in this lifestyle. I'll be seeing you guys in a few years.

I lived on my 24 foot sailboat for 8 months after losing my job when in my 30's. Lived on the hook in Deltaville, VA. Ate free crabs and fish i caught when available. Was a stressful time when living jt but man it gave me a respite from getting back into miserable job and the confinement of the work/spend/bills cycle. Was the most free time of my life.......best of luck to all who are displaced and thank you Bob for being there for them.

If you are asking to stay in someone's driveway and don't have much money find out what chores you can do for them.

It's overwhelming BUT can be done. I'm eliminating a 2000 sq ft home possessions into a car. Thank you for your kindness and support!

Years ago, pre Bob, I lived in an old uhaul with my then 5 year old child. No one knew, our only income was a temp min wage receptionist two weeks job. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I am so appreciative we survived this. I’m sure that was the toughest thing I’ve ever done, mainly because of my kid. She went to school every day and I worked hard to get a regular job, transportation, an apartment and medical coverage. We cooked a lot of hamburger helper and got clothes for her from Goodwill, and camped for fun on the weekends. We both remember what it’s like to have nothing but the clothes on our backs, and appreciate all life offers today. I don’t recommend this,but you will make it through and be stronger for it.

Changing you attitude into making it an adventure is the most important step. If its one thing your channel has done its to take the stigma away from this lifestyle. Very important.

"Everyone wants to be helpful. No one wants to be taken advantage of." Bob, you are so right about this!

@3:05 STEP 1 - Switch from "Survival Mode" thinking to treating this time as an adventure @7:05 STEP 2 - Stop spending money, start conserving it and selling what you can @8:17 STEP 3 - Buy a national gym/fitness center membership - to keep fit and for shower access (!) @10:00 STEP 4 - Find safety nets for any assistance/help you need @13:50 STEP 5 - Start dealing with your stuff, get rid of what cannot go with you About STEP 5 ... I don't agree that storage is ALWAYS a bad idea. When I lost my home, I purchased storage at $60/month to give myself more time to sell my belongings so that I didn't take as great a loss. The storage more than paid for itself, giving me more time to go through my belongings and prepare eBay and Craigslist listings, allowing me to hold onto things until I got a "decent price". Just one item selling for $500 instead of having to let if go in a hurry for $100 will pay for 6 months of storage fees. In my case, one year of storage ($600) probably kept me from losing about $5000 overall. This assumes you HAVE things worth selling over time and are willing to do the work to sell things on-line. The key is, don't expect to continue to store things indefinitely. Constantly re-assess how much you are paying versus how much you are recovering. Recognize when it is becoming a drain instead of a surplus and be ready to "let it all go". Finally, that storage unit also comes in handy as temporary shelter for a few hours at a time, not unlike your gym membership. During harsh winter days, I certainly spent more than one afternoon hanging around inside my storage unit (it was indoor and climate controlled.) It's nice to have as many options like this as possible. As an added bonus, my storage facility allowed their customers to reserve cargo trailers for free, which came in handy when I finally got back on my feet and could move into an apartment. Not only to move my remaining stuff out of storage into my new apartment, but I also used it when picking up used furniture for the new place.

I got sick 4 years ago and lost my job it was a really god job and then I was evicted so I went full time nomad living and I love it Thanks Bob it's all your fault, you made it bearable by sharing your knowledge 🇺🇸it's a country we live🇺🇸 in

Bob, you provide a way for those who are desperate. Your advice is practical and do-able. You provide hope, as well as a way to turn a negative into a positive. I hope to someday meet you and shake your hand. You are truly the patron saint of the lost. Thank you for your service.👍

You've probably saved more lives than a suicide watch line humming for days with calls, and certainly more than any Biden or Trump would ever in a million years. You, sir, are one heck of a good person! Wow, it's so rare I come across someone who hits grand slams for "team humanity" like you do.

Thank you so much Bob. This video turned my fears and tears to smiles and confidence. GOD BLESS YOU!

All I can say is thank you. I am sleeping on a blowup mattress after my eviction. I just recently secured a full time job and I supplement with social security. What I want to do and what I'm planning is to take my stimulus check for a down payment on a van and go thru my auto loan company on my Hyundai santefe to turn my car payments to a lady who lost her car because her $ was delayed. I have help to insulate and build my van out. Im so excited, I can't stand it. Thank you Bob for giving my life challenge a positive. direction

This happened to me. Initially, I was in a car in the Minnesota cold for months. Eventually, it became the most important thing to happen in my life

I was "evicted" 1.5 yr ago in a domestic violence situation. Been living out of my 20yr old compact sedan ever since, staying in the same city mostly. Focusing on recovery from the past with therapy and substance use rehab. Been sober 14 months now! . I'd love to be interviewed

As hard as life on the road is, I can't imagine being under all this stress in the middle of a cement and asphalt city. At least I'm in nature (sometimes too much nature, LOL). Stay well, everyone. Follow Bob's advice.

These type of videos are what set you apart. Always good info.

Bob, you are one of God's Angel's. Thanks for helping.

It's important to remember that receiving help is only for a season not necessarily a lifetime and once you get stable you maybe able to help others (pass it on)! Thanks Bob for all the great videos that have helped hundreds! Blessings ~Sidney

I bought me a 22’ rv. Iam free at last. It is liberating

Eviction is actually how I got started living full time in my little 19foot RV. After 2 , going on 3 years now. I have never been happier!! I keep it simple and easy. The stress of the crazy high rent in southern California is gone! I can get up and go wherever I please. I have learned so much valuable information on Bob's channel here. I'm now pretty good at installing my own solar system. Cheers!!!

My situation is a little more complicated, but I might be out on the street any day. Thanks for the advice.

Bob: "I think this is really going to help you, NOMADer your situation". *nice.* 👊

There are a lot of organizations right now helping with mortgage payments and rental assistance payments. Try and research this and take advantage of these programs before you get to an eviction stage.

Sadly many are going to be jn this situation. We just don’t know what is to come. Thanks for the help Bob. You’re so lucky to have such a Lovely backyard . I bought my van 3 days ago. I can’t believe I FINALLY did it. Again thanks to you and your channel ❤️

As an urban minivan dweller I appreciate the subject matter of this video, BUT BUT BUT... on the gym memberships... Make sure that the showers are opened BEFORE you sign anything! A lot of them aren't right now because of Covid 19. That's why I canceled my planet fitness membership, and got a different gym membership that did have their showers opened. Also... If sponge baths are good enough to keep hospital patients clean, they're good enough for everyone. :-) The first night is super rough for everyone. It DOES get a LOT easier, and can even be super fun if you're open to the adventure. I've also got a couple more tips in part 2. Bottom line, you're stronger than you think you are! You're gonna get through this! This will be a time of showing yourself just how much moxie you've got! Find the reasons to smile as much as possible. When you look back in the coming weeks/months/years, you'll be utterly amazed at how far youve come. Keep your chin up!

Bob. You have a servant ❤. Kind and compassionate. I have 4 kids ..3 teens at home. But. I am preparing for what I might ever have to do in my Honda pilot. It's my only asset. However. I slowly putting together a plan. This community is great. Thank you..thinking positive and changing thinking is so critical. You are so right.!

If you need things - start at Goodwill or another donation store. There was a fad a few years ago for Wonderbags. They might be being donated now. The idea is you boil a pot in the morning, with your outdoor stove or a fire. Then put the pot (and lid) in the bag and close it up. The insulation makes the pot into a slow cooker by trapping the heat for hours. Dry beans are cheap and nutritious, but you won't be able to cook them on a stove for hours. A well insulated, heat safe pot-bag is a solution.

This video is going to help so many people thanks for posting it :) ❤️✨

Ladies I disagree, KEEP your makeup to keep your spirits up and some dress clothes for job interviews. These things do not take up much room when you just keep your favorites. 😊

I have been Living the Van/rv life since 1976,i would never go back to the Rat Race and being a Slave.

I think the mental transition is truly difficult. BUT, once out there, finding you can do this is amazingly empowering! You can feel good about your accomplishments in making living small work, and as time goes on, you can change up little things to make living small smooth and fun!!!

Bob. Wish you were online in 2009. Thankful you are here now. Always have a blessed day.

These times makes me think of when you would watch movies of the old times, and someone had to get out, and they had to part with most of their belongings, they could only take what would fit on their wagon, and along the way they would have to lighten their load, so yes many things are personal, Important papers, and you will want it, do what you can now to make copies that can be back up on a disk, and let it go....that is all you can do..God bless all.

I know so many parents who hang onto crap saying: My kids will want this. NO, they don't WANT your house full of JUNK!! Ask them before you go what they may want and GET RID OF EVERYTHING, so you do NOT burden your children. I don't know why parents do this to their kids.

Thank you! The smallest bit of help keeps me going 1 more day

Make the decision to be voluntarily “homeless” before its forced on you. Also seriously think about where to go. I would suggest staying away from the NE (too cold), Deep South (too hot), and mid west (too cold and too hot). Any place west of the rocky mtns is better, and be ready to move a little with the weather.

'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all' - Helen Keller

This situation is why I always tell people to BUY A VAN!! Hiding and sleeping in a Van beats sleeping in the streets,or being under somebody's thumb.

I sent this to a friend who is getting divorced. Great advice!

One of the best things you can do before a time of dire circumstances is eliminate all debt and while doing that create an emergency fund.

"My barn...having burned to the ground...I can now enjoy...the moon." Japanese Haiku.

May God Bless You....he who has compassion on the broken hearted, orphans and widows finds favor with the LORD.

This is a great intro to an alternate lifestyle. Two of my best finds were a small 2 cup coffee maker and 5 inch fan that plug into the cig lighter. Dress in layers. Start with a tank top, add a t shirt, sweatshirt, jacket. Add knit caps, even sleeping in one helps at night. Layer tights, leggings, under jeans or corduroy pants. I layer ladies knee socks under a larger size men's work socks. Maybe go a half size larger boot or shoe to accommodate the xtra sock bulk. Knit gloves under leather gloves, and have more than one pair, so you have backups. Same for socks. Think in threes, one to wear, one in the wash, one in the drawer. Get 2 plastic tubs, one for toilet, stack them, and you have a laundry tub also without taking more space. Lots of clothespins, and a clothesline. The 8 gallon med size trash bags are good liners for the potty, and you can pad the rim with pool noodles cut to fit. You will find all kinds of ways to make things easier. Bless everyone who finds this life necessary. Godspeed.

I got less than 2yrs before I get my Chevy g3500 12foot box van as this will be my retirement home.Thank you Bob not only for the people but also our planet

Backpackers are really good at packing just the right clothing to layer for all weather situations. I suggest learning about which clothing they choose to pack.

I never feel helpless or hopeless while listening to you Bob. You are an inspiration to many!

This is an extremely valuable video. It covers mindset/mental health, finances (can even turn into a side hustle), hygiene/health and fitness, economic and practical resources, moving and packing plan and so much more!!! You can do this!!!

In step five, try to give things to a charity to help others . Also use totes to organize you belongings . label them . one for hygiene stuff one for kitchen and so on . Thanks you Bob, and thank heavens I am retired and not in this situation

Bob Wells you are a born teacher, its your calling I am not a vehicle dweller but live out of one room and have taken so many ideas that work for my lifestyle from you...i have learned so much from van life communities ... i have my room set up like a tiny home...because of gentrification i reluctantly moved in with a dear friend i am so glad i did things like get a gym membership and a mini fridge....and i turned my room into "zones" because I live with a dear friend i now dont have to fear eviction where as if i had stayed in my 2 br rental i would have been surely evicted during this pandemic it is such a relief to know that I downsized my life there by making it simple and because i can afford it I also bought a new computer and have expanded my employnent options for at home work van life videos got me thinking of changes as options to be explored thank you thank you thank you for empowering others

Have my van, working at selling everything, have to live out lease till march, then the adventure starts!

I will be out of my apt Oct 18th. Thank you so much Bob. I'm so grateful to watch this. It is so scary for this 59 year old woman and being alone, but I'm feeling better about it.

Yes! Step 1 is always to switch thinking. You're a genius, Bob!

Here is what is happening to me; I have been paying my rent on time every month...it is time to resign my lease but my landlord is dragging her feet..it is now the last month and still not updated lease. I come to find out there are multiple units who are not paying rent where I live. My friend told me she would make more money if I left by charging first, last, security to a new person ...and make up for lost income these last few months ...it's terrible...even when you do good, sometimes it doesn't matter. I have been watching you for years, so whatever happens will be fine.

A sign of the times. You and willful wonderer were the first vidios i watched. Gym membership hmmm not shure right now. Short term. Otherwise car payments and insurance become an issue. Save money is always good if you can. This is why i watched in the first place years ago.

All very good advice from my experience. I would suggest that, if you're staying put, in summer heat can kill. It's easy to stay warm, but staying cool is near impossible if you can't leave the city for the high country. Being from AZ and working and living in my vehicle for over 3 years now you must either leave the valley or find a way to get AC in your vehicle such as a window AC and a 110v power supply. Turning your engine on and off, at night especially, is a waste, expensive not to mention will kill your engine and battery as well as leave you exhausted in the morning. When I 1st started I got a storage unit for a couple months and sold my stuff out of it. The 2 months was $90 dollars but I sold $1,000 worth of my things. The rest I gave away to friends, Goodwill and the landfill. I would also suggest that people my try this and be absolutely miserable and decide they want to be plugged back into the Matrix. Keep at least one outfit with dress shoes for interviews and a copy of your resume. Just a suggestion if that is the case.

1st step so important Bob bravo,set up for success, perfect 👌 2 save and sell ,wow,,,! 3 Set up for Necessities bathing staying healthy,4 ask for help from friends and or churches or such. 5 save your money 💰 live cheap, Bob wells you sir I’m honored to call friend even though we had not spent enough time together to honestly be close I’m truly happy 😃 proud to call you friend! We have many likeness but very different and touching people like you do is something I will continue doing and better because of you!

Thanks for reminding us to get rid of excess.

I lost my job in June at 50 years old, with everything going on it would be cool to become nomads but wife just gave me a shaking her head lol

I’m a full timer for past few years. I love my butane burner, but it’s getting harder to find canisters if you’re further away from civilization, and some places won’t allow them to be shipped. I’ve kept mine, and have added a tiny wood/twig gas stove/alcohol combo as emergency backup. It’s so tiny, I can keep it in an emergency bag tucked away.

Bob you are ready for a lot of the unknown. I respect the effort and kindness you are showing the rest of us .

Wow! You are one of the most thoughtful person I know. You just help so many folks. Bless you Bob. Love adventure mode. Life is an adventure.

Planning on this, I don't have to move and we can afford our rent. We retire in a few months with good pensions. We wanted to convert a van but we already had a truck so we bought a new camper instead. It is small, fits a short box, but has about the same room as a larger van. We figure, better gas mileage than an RV (class C) and can go more places off grid because we have a 4x4 (camper is a super lite). Lots of back country and lakes in Canada. We have 6 months to get rid of our household, working on it. We will get a small storage unit for a few keepsakes. Presently, we are buying things we will need for our camper,l (solar, xbattery, generator, etc) incase of a supply shortage or inflation. Our only problem is we haven't ironed out is the winter months, since we live in Canada and won't cross the border south for the warmer weather due to the virus. Where I live it has mild winters, but it rains alot, the camper is small. I'm excited for the coming adventure and this channel gives us lots of advice. Ty! knowledge We want to travel around Canada/US fish...not sit home in our retirement.

I absolutely love your beginning pep talk about facing the daunting prospect of such a huge life change. Once you get past the initial terror of losing your house, and start doing research to prepare for alternate living, you can embrace the adventure - and life suddenly presents amazing discoveries that you would never otherwise explore. Thanks, Bob, for your beautiful heart, your positive perspectives and for all the helpful videos on this channel & your website. May you be richly blessed for all the help you have given - and continue to give to others!

Bob the only thing I can say is God bless you somebody had to say this you're the first one I've heard

I had to deal with a house full of stuff when my mom died and the family decided to sell the house. We started with an estate sale. That took three days, and was very successful but we still had a lot of stuff to deal with. I next did a garage sale. That got rid of some stuff. Still too much to handle. Then I advertised what I called a "truly free market." Everything was free. The neighbors cleared me out in an hour. Stuff that no one would buy for $1 the day before flew out of the house once I said it was free. I did not have to rent a truck and haul it to the dump and the stuff ended up in the hands of people who wanted it. Keep in mind the "opportunity cost" of owning things. It's worth something not to own it!

I am furloughed got vacation time and used it to pay rent ahead and bills ahead. Working temp jobs to have financial security.

Excellent video Bob! People need this now.

Best thing I did... Switch to 5 volt appliances... USB powered items...rechargeable with battery banks that you can recharge via a portable folding solar panel during the day. I have fans...Nose hair clippers...Hair clippers...LED lights...all USB rechargeable...and a backup 110 volt inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter for days when your not able to solar recharge.

This turned into quite an inspirational talk with a bit of buddhism mixed in there as well. Love the video!

Oct 2018 I went to live in my tiny camper car with my two dogs.. 8 months later became debt free.. I now still have a little camper car but rent a room in a shared house.. Bob you really are a life saver.. your advice and can do attitude saved me at a scary time....

Great video idea. It will be very helpful for a worrying number of people going forward. Having someone so experienced laying out some options for them will hopefully make them feel less alone & scared in these uncertain times.

So Timely Bob, you are right when you say we are about to see a lot of evictions unfortunately, also more supply chain issues upcoming which i know of personally which will effect everyone and their spending on food which will further effect housing. I think Step 1 will be the hardest for most, step 4 may be second hardest not easy to ask for help for a lot of people. its not always the situation its the reaction to it. You are a very good man Bob, Thank you for all of you videos and caring spirit.

Excellent advice. Don't mope around. Take steps to improve your situation.

Hi Bob! I'm going to be retired full time in four years from now and I plan on moving in a camper van (and travelling), and I can't wait. But, for those evicted and who have lost everything it must be terrifying to go from living in an apartment or a house to living in a car because that essentially means that they are now homeless. And, unfortunately, being homeless in the USA is essentially being non existent.Thanks for trying your best to help!

I am very grateful that I still have a job even though we have a pandemic. But my income changes, and I have been thinking of living in my van to save money. I converted my van to try to live there part-time. I fear sleeping in my van because I have experienced having a break-in, but if there is nowhere to go, this is my only option.

Bob, you are truly a Godsend.

Thank you Bob! You have been a mentor to me. You have always helped me!

Thanks for sharing. This is the best video I have seen you make. It fits into messages I have been sharing with people recently as a healer about how to transition during these times. It reminds me of a Chinese word for "crisis" which means both "danger" and "opportunity". That "mental switch" that you mention is really key for this.

Bob.... you are a remarkable human being. I sincerely hope to meet you one day

Good video. Whenever we got moved to a new area while in the AF, I always considered it a new adventure. Never could figure out why so many of the AF wives complained.

Thanks for doing this video, it will help a lot of people. The whole channel is helpful, for all walks of life and situations.

This is a very important video . I am so fortunate that I am retired and have low house payments . My children are grown. I love the way you are helping people and although I can’t afford much, it’s time I start to send wHat I can to help. I trust you .

Great advice Bob, thanks for sharing.👍🇬🇧

Time to declutter, just to be on the safe(r) side. Thanks so much for this series Bob.

BOB, WOW!! another great video that could be used to describe me. all morning these videos have been showing up for me, i have most everything in need to move into a van,

I use a garden sprayer for showers, lather up spray off, works great.

Great Video, Bob...... I have a Planet Fitness membership, most locations have great WiFi..!!

*Saving Lives* I always knew that you are a special person, but in this crisis, you have reached even higher to help those in need. Thank you from me, and all of the other people that will survive because of you. Also, thank you to the people that work with you to help others. It is obvious that a lot of care has been put into this series. God bless you all. 🏵

Thank you. This is a real service to the community

Bless you for the advice and sharing your knowledge. I know it will make a change in many lives. Positively is key.

All Great steps and easy , just getting ones brain around leaving the” Norm “ I’m 63 and heading into my new Van Normal 😉👣. Thank You for All you & HOWA do for us 🍀🎁😃🥂🌟🍀😍

Very timely, great guidelines to help people get started

What a definite need for our times. I am blessed not to be in a situation at this time of facing eviction or not having money coming in. But my heart goes out to those who are. I watch your videos in case I ever do face that scenario. You have a big heart. Thanks for doing what you are doing! I'm sure it will be vital information for many in their time of crisis. God bless you!

Silver Sneakers programs for seniors and those who retire early on disability sometimes come with free gym membership. My insurance pays the yearly fee which includes the senior exercise classes, pool, use of equipment and hot tub and showers. It is covered by quite a few health insurance companies that manage Medicare.