Living in a Tent – 12 Powerful Tips to Really Help You

If you are considering living in a tent, this article will really help.

It reveals very powerful tips that can help you make the best of living in a tent, whether to save money or just for the fun of it.

 

Importance

Many people enjoy the outdoors. They enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, etc.

Those that love the outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, rugged lifestyle, quietness, and getting away from the stresses of modern-day life.

Another favorite pastime for individuals and families is to go camping.

Camping is defined not by traveling in an RV or pulling a trailer. Camping is setting up a tent and roughing it for a short period.

Campers talk about there being no distractions, being alone with yourself and nature. For families, it can be a quality time to reconnect.

 

Inspirational Thought

As Americans, we pride ourselves on our technical ability and always stay connected. On vacations, we take our smartphones with us to stay connected.

Following a hard day’s work, in the evening, we check company e-mails and messages to stay connected. In the morning hours, who of us doesn’t grab our smartphone to stay connected?

Remember, that even the best technology needs to be rebooted from time to time to re-establish connection or reset the device.

Perhaps, being outdoors and camping may provide that necessary reset. Anonymously someone wrote, “There’s no wi-fi in the mountains, but you’ll find no better connection.”

 

12 Tips for Living in a Tent and Preparing the Campsite

 

1. Survey the Land

Before one sets up camp, certain preliminary checks need to be made before establishing the camp.

Some of those considerations should include a flat surface with no ground cover.

The area should allow for good drainage and an area where the campsite will be sheltered from robust winds.

For an individual who is looking to living in a tent to save money, the same preparation should be followed before deciding to proceed.

Therefore, the individual needs to do a reality check on their budget to see what is being expended by living in a typical home.

When this has been identified, calculate the cost as it pertains to living in a tent.

If there is a significant difference between what is being expended in a home and what would be expended in a tent, then make the appropriate decision.

 

2. No Rent or Mortgage

One of the obvious cost-savings measures associated with living in a tent would be the elimination of paying rent or a mortgage.

This expense line item in a person’s budget is typically the largest expenditure.

It is estimated by personal financial advisors that, for budgeting purposes, an individual should spend no more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing.

By taking up residence in a tent, this may save the individual 30% of their income immediately.

Also See: How to Stop Worrying about Money.

 

3. Utilities

Another cost-saving measure realized by living in a tent would be the reduction in utilities. Utility services could include natural gas, oil, electricity, and water.

When preparing for a household budget, the suggestion of setting aside 8% to 10% of one’s total monthly income is suggested to cover the cost of utilities.

Holding to this suggested standard might be an added 10% of savings for an individual.

 

4. Friend’s Property

There are a variety of reasons why one may wish to consider making a tent their home. This move-in residence could be a temporary possibility or more long-term.

Discuss the potential move with friends. The reasons shared with them could be because of finances, wishing to do your part for the global environment, simplifying your life, etc.

Having done that perhaps a friend would be willing to allow you to tent on their property.

A small fee in appreciation of their support could be negotiated and it could be a winning situation for all involved.

It is important to remember that certain laws may be in a city or county code that may restrict this option or prevent it together.

It is advisable to check with the city and county governments.

 

5. Camping Gear

To reduce one’s living to the basics of camping or living in a tent would require certain necessary equipment.

Some of that basic equipment would be a sleeping bag, coolers, cooking stove, lanterns, an ax, portable shower, chemical toilet, etc.

When considering these items to purchase, it may prove beneficial, to save money, to search online for good equipment that may be used but is still usable.

Often, by attending garage sales, looking online, or talking amongst your friends, you may be able to find the equipment that you need to start your adventure and still be within your goal of saving money.

Also, for any anticipated power needs one may need solar panels or a portable generator or inverter.

 

6. P.O. Address

Another important suggestion or tip for an individual is the handling of mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.

It is important to maintain a mailing address presence so that you can receive any correspondence from any family, friends, or creditors.

The best solution for receiving mail would be the setting up of a post office box. Various sizes of boxes can be rented through one’s local post office.

There is a monthly fee associated with this service. Also, rental fees vary in accordance with which size mailbox is selected.

A possibility of working around the need for a P.O. Box would be to have all of your correspondence delivered to you via email.

 

7. Storage of Items

If wishing to simply one’s life by living in a tent, the question arises as to what to do with one’s belongings.

There may have been an accumulation of things which could include furniture, clothing, appliances, etc.

One possibility would be to liquidate everything. This would mean the selling of everything through a personal advertisement, garage sale, etc.

All personal items, except which may be stored in one’s vehicle, assuming you have one, would be sold or given away.

The other possibility would be to store these items. That would require a friend allowing you to store your personal belongings in their home or renting a commercial storage unit.

If a storage unit is decided upon there would be a rental cost and would be dependent upon the size of the unit.

Also See: Make Money and Get Paid to Hike and Make Money & Get Paid to Pick up Litter.

 

8. Transportation

Another important factor to consider as it relates to living in a tent would be the individual’s transportation needs.

Necessitating the need for travel could include getting to work, purchasing groceries, etc.

In addition to the possibility of owning a vehicle, the individual could consider a mountain bike, public transportation, or walking.

 

 

9. Weather

A major consideration when exploring living in a tent to save money is the uncontrollable factors. One of those factors is the weather.

Depending upon the geographical location of where one would be putting down “stakes” the four seasons may be a challenge.

If the area of consideration is in a temperate climate, weather will be less of an issue rather than having to contend with rain, storms, winds, excessive heat or cold, etc.

Therefore, the individual should endeavor to plan for all contingencies and have an emergency plan in place to fall back on.

 

10. Campground

A prime area to set up a tent to save money would be to use a campground. These areas are specifically designed with campers in mind.

There are fees associated with the use of a campground but are manageable.

The services offered generally include running water, toilet facilities, showers, and, perhaps, electricity and wi-fi.

Personal limited financial issues could be addressed as sometimes these sites offer discounts.

Possible discounts offered by campgrounds could include military, senior, or extended stays.

 

11. Communication

Although savings on the Internet and wi-fi are not necessarily associated with living in a tent, you can always discontinue the services through your current living arrangements, but the issue of communication is one to consider.

Specifically, if living in a tent, may mean that the individual is beyond the reception capabilities of certain providers.

Therefore, if wishing to maintain cell phone service it is an important consideration to research various providers and make sure that that where the individual plans on placing their tent will provide that reception capability.

Communication is important in the event of emergencies and also in keeping in touch with loved ones and friends.

 

12. Food

Food of course is a necessity.

Some of the possibilities of storing groceries that need cooling would be through the use of coolers and ice or small refrigerators running off a portable generator.

Of course, one can manage without the use of food that requires refrigeration.

The individuals living in a tent can cook their food over a campfire or on a portable camping stove.

Also, an individual can use MRE’s.

This acronym stands for meals ready to eat and can be obtained through a camping supply store, searching online, large warehouse retailers, military surplus stores, etc.

As the name implies these are packaged meals, with a long shelf life, and ready to eat.

 

Living in a Tent FAQs

 

Can You Live Permanently in a Tent?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to live in a tent permanently.

However, because of the ruggedness of this living experience, it would take a certain person and appreciation of the outdoors by this individual.

Although living in a tent can be a comfortable and life-enhancing experience, the obvious amenities of life will be sacrificed.

 

Is Living in a Tent on Someone’s Property Legal?

The answer to this question is that it depends upon the laws that govern one’s state in regards to camping in a tent legally on someone else’s property.

The concern of local safety officials would be the possibility, although as extreme as it may be, of a fire being started.

If this fire got out of hand it would not only endanger the actual tent dweller but the individual’s property and land that the tent may be residing on.

Worst case scenario is that any possible fires may escalate to a broader area.

 

What Type of Tent Should I Buy When Considering Living for a Long Time?

It is important to purchase a tent that is durable and will protect the individual through all types of inclement weather.

It cannot be just any regular tent that an individual would use for a weekend or week in the outdoors.

Recommendations of a tent that will be utilized to live in for a significant period would be one in which the material will resist water, ultraviolet rays from the sun, gusty winds, and snow if that is an issue.

Also, another important factor is whether it is flame retardant.

The tent should also allow for the individual to be able to stand upright and be able to walk around. A big entranceway is a plus along with mesh windows that will provide for air circulation.

Finally, make sure that the groundsheet will protect the tent and dweller from moisture and coldness from the ground.

 

You Can Do It

Due to your strong desire to save money by living in a tent, you will be faced with many challenges.

However, living a challenging life is what you thrive on and is part of your rugged nature in exploring this possibility.

Also, it is important to remember that challenges will come from your friends and family who think that perhaps you have a couple of tent stakes lose.

However, the bottom line is what is it that you want to do?

 

Conclusion

There are many advantages associated with the love of camping. It is a time to enjoy the outdoors, disconnect from the stresses of life, and reconnect with one’s self and family.

If looking to live in a tent to save money this has possibilities.

It can be done and would be a tribute to your rugged, determined outdoor attitude.