Sleeping in a car is ad adventure to some while it’s suffering for others. Either way, if you do want to/have to sleep inside a car, you need to make sure to do everything you can so for it to go as smooth, and as safe as possible. This means following these top 5 sleep-in-the-car tips and making sure you make the most of it.
First of all, you will have to decide how you are going to sleep. Is it going to be on the seat, or you are more into lowering down the second row of seats and making yourself a comfortable bed. Secondly, you will have to decide where to park the car as the locations need to be both safe and adequate in other regards.
You also need to be aware of your close environment such as the car’s systems to keep running, and those to turn off completely. Bring as much food and water as you can because you can never be short on food and drinks.
Also, be sure to prepare yourself in advance with every gadget and item necessary, especially a flashlight, enough fuel in the tank, and toilet paper. If you want to know more about each of these tips, make sure to read this article fully.
Tip No 1. – Making yourself a bed
Some people are more than okay with sleeping in a sitting position while others need to lay down. Therefore, you need to make room for yourself depending. If you are more than able to sleep in a sitting position, be sure to push the seat all the way back and find yourself in a comfortable position for the night.
If you are not someone who can easily sleep while sitting down, the best thing you can do is to push forwards the front seats, and try to lower the second row of seats completely flat if possible. Investing in a comfortable and warm sleeping bag is also a good idea.
Tip No 2. – Choosing where to park your car
When it comes to choosing where to sleep, you need to pick a location that is not too remote for people, yet is far enough for you not to be disturbed. Stay away from areas with a lot of traffic, and do not go deep into the woods if you are not familiar with them.
Some people prefer to go to shopping center parking lots, but this can often get you fined. The key thing to worry about is finding a place where you are safe from crime and intruders, but can also always reach the open roads if you need to. Finally, sleeping in a car in certain areas is illegal, so be sure to check that before attempting to.
Tip No 3. – How to settle in for the night properly
After you’ve successfully chosen your place of preference, now you need to adjust your immediate surroundings before you go to sleep. This means turning the car off and taking the key out of the ignition. It’s always best to lock the car but slightly roll down the windows for some fresh air. You should also cover the windows with some fabric so no one can see you sleeping.
Always engage the parking brake, no matter if you are on level ground or not. Face your car towards the direction you are supposed to take when you wake up, both because of safety and because it enables you to get up and go fast if something does happen.
Tip No 4. – Bring lots of food and water
There is no such thing as too much food and water, no matter what anyone else says. Therefore, be sure to buy everything you usually consume, but it’s better to double it just to be sure. This is especially important if you want to sleep somewhere away from people because you always need to be prepared a few days in advance.
You need to be aware that there is always a possibility of you getting stuck somewhere for longer than you originally thought. If this does happen, having an additional day’s worth of food is a blessing.
Tip No 5. – Bring all your essential gadgets and necessities
Flashlights, chargers, power banks, warm clothes, emergency clothes, first aid kits, water bottles, a warm hat, toiler paper… These are only an example of what most people would prefer having while sleeping inside a car.
Having the ability to contact emergency services at any time is a must, and so is being comfortable and warm enough. The key here is to be prepared, so no matter what happens, you always have a solution for it.
FAQ Section
Is it worth it to sleep in a car?
Sleeping inside a car is not as good, nor as safe as is it sleeping in a regular bed. Sure, some people prefer sleeping inside their cars because it enables them to save a bunch of money. However, if you are not the “sleep in the car type of guy”, you are not going to get a good night’s sleep anyway.
Therefore, if you are someone who can do it, then it could be worth it if you do everything right. If you can’t sleep inside the car, I suggest you skip it.
Is it better to sleep in the rear seats or the front seats of a car?
It is better to sleep in the front seats if you are unable to completely stretch out in the back. The best course of action would be to push the front seats all the way back and recline them until you reach your optimal seating position.
Sleeping in the front passenger’s space is a good idea if you don’t want to engage any of the car’s vital systems while sleeping.
How safe it is to sleep inside a car?
How safe it is to sleep inside a car depends on a few things such as how well you prepare, where you go, and if you do all the safety aspects right. This means that you should sleep in areas where that is legal, and where people tend to do it regularly.
If you are not careful enough, sleeping inside a car can be a dangerous thing to do. So be sure to do your homework and get the most out of it.
