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Whether you have to move into your car or you want to, there are some bases you need to cover.

Step 1: Furnish your car
Furnish your car with blankets (at least one made of wool, for warmth); a couple of pillows; a cooler; a camp stove; and a voltage converter so you can power appliances with your cigarette lighter.

Tip
Consider removing the passenger and rear seats for more room.

Step 2: Know where to park at night
Know where you can park at night. Trucker areas off the interstate are usually safe, as are hospital parking lots. WalMart allows RV’s and cars to park in their lots overnight.

Tip
Never park near a school. Someone is sure to call the authorities.

Step 3: Find restrooms
Shopping malls, supermarkets, and hospitals are good places to wash up. For a shower, go to a truck stop and ask around for a shower coupon; truckers usually have more than they need and are happy to give some away.

Tip
A gym membership will allow you to shower regularly.

Step 4: Gas up during off hours
Buy gas offhours at stations with convenience stores. When you go to pay, ask if you can use the microwave to nuke a meal, like a baked potato or a frozen entrée.

Step 5: Stock nonperishables
Stock up on foods that are nutritious and don’t require refrigeration, such as peanut butter, beans, and cereals.

Step 6: Stay cool or warm
Stay warm in winter with the help of a hot water bottle; stay cool in summer by parking in the shade and spending the hottest part of the day noon to two in someplace air conditioned, like the library or mall.

Did You Know?
Mad Money host Jim Cramer once lived in his car for five months.