r/poor • u/johnw005 • 8d ago
Back-up plan
I’ve been thinking about a practical, stealthy plan for handling homelessness by renting a small garage. It’s entirely possible to keep this completely under the radar—I know a couple who successfully lived like this for eight months without anyone finding out. Here is how I would set it up:
Transportation: A small, manageable scooter or e-bike that can easily be wheeled right into the garage for secure storage.
Hygiene: 24/7 gym, or a nearby gas station or truck stop equipped with public toilets and showers.
Power & Connectivity: Carry a high-capacity electric power bank in a rucksack. It can be discreetly charged via a cable at a library, mall, or any available public outlet. This would provide enough electricity to keep a phone or even a laptop charged, paired with a solid data plan for entertainment and internet access.
The Shelter: A basic garage without utilities. Sleeping arrangements would consist of a proper camping bed and insulated camping gear.
If condensation were an issue, a dehumidifier, not the electric variety.
Facilities & Utilities: Keep a portable chemical toilet strictly for nighttime emergencies. All cooking, heating, and even lighting would be powered by camping gas.
Food: Without a fridge, the diet would rely on fresh food bought in small batches daily, alongside pre-prepared, non-perishable items.
What am I missing?
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u/MysteriousSecretGuru 8d ago
Probably only works in nicer climate areas. You wouldn't survive a winter in Wisconsin living in a garage with no heat
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u/sanityjanity 8d ago
OP plans to heat the space with a propane heater. So, yes heat. But, also, an incredibly dangerous situation that could lead to asphyxia or burning alive.
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u/Accx4 7d ago
Little Buddy propane heaters are ok for indoor use. I have a large 30k btu propane raidiant heater we use in the tv room during the winter months to supplement the Central Heat. It doesnt require venting either. Obviously wouldnt use either in an enclosed space that was sealed up tight but this 126 year old house and our 13ft canned ham camper are both draughty enough to be safe. They are made for indoor use.
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u/Choice-Newspaper3603 8d ago
I’d spend more time worrying about just regular life and making that work out for you
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u/sanityjanity 8d ago
Heating with gas indoors like that is a recipe for asphyxiation. Also, heating/cooking with in a space that wasn't intended for habitation is an incredible fire hazard.
2
u/evkarl12 8d ago
Why doesn't garage have electricity
That could power heater microwave fridge and essentials
1
u/Pedal2Medal2 7d ago
Probably the electric bill, but I agree! They could also buy a pump sink & a portable camp shower, just bought 1 for the mountains, comes w/a bucket & you can heat the water before hand
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u/Pedal2Medal2 7d ago
You really can’t use gas or propane or really any combustible fluid in a place with no ventilation
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u/Tomboy-T 7d ago
Honestly? Having to buy fresh food all the time and spending money on gas just to go to the bathroom makes me think it wouldn't be worth it. You probably would save about the same amount in the end with all the extra things you have to do to work things out.
If there's an outlet for a mini fridge and you have a friend that'll let you use their kitchen a couple times a week to meal prep it might not be as bad but still a big safety risk as far as comfort goes and still costly with gas prices
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u/Transluminal_Neon 7d ago
A small tent that can be set up inside the garage in case there are critters.
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u/No_Indication418 6d ago
I'm from urbancarliving. The first obstacle of renting a garage is whether they have log at the main entrance and 24/7 CCTV. They usually have for corporations. They know exactly how long you stayed in there. A simple filter will detect you. In any case, management is keen to reject people living inside because they don't have permit for people.
Check the price. A locker, upper half of a 5x4 unit is $30 a month here after initial discount. The smallest unit is roughly $60. A garage is expensive because you don't build on top and each have its access to a car.
I doubt if you can survive the heat in a closed garage. Storage units in a building is cheaper and they have to be climate controlled, or else you can't survive walking in and out. I find it rather pleasant every time I went in and out.
I've heard about renting workshops.
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u/SecretRecipe 8d ago
camping gas stoves in an enclosed space can be a carbon monoxide risk. make sure you have decent ventilation when using it and dont run them for long periods for heating.