It can be quite scary becoming homeless not knowing what to do. First thing that goes through your mind is how do I get out of the situation. We grow accustomed to things such as a comfortable place to sleep and we desperately try to find ways to get back to that place of comfort and joy.
So on my journey of being homeless one of the first problems that I tried to solve was the problem of sleep. I wanted to be comfortable while sleeping.
You will find very quickly, once you become homeless. Energy is an extremely valuable resource.
If you can't regain your energy efficiently you will not make it. Spend a couple nights sleeping out in the cold and you'll realize you wake up more tired than when you went to sleep.
I spent much time effort and money trying to figure out a way to make the process of regenerating energy more efficient and comfortable. In that process I caused myself quite a lot of grief.
The name of the game here is just keep it simple.
I tried everything from tents, sleeping bags, rugs, dugouts, public 24 hour restrooms, Etc. Then one day I met a wise old homeless man.
I was carrying 40 lb rug on one shoulder and a brand new tent in the other hand. I had been homeless now a few months and I still haven't quite figured out how to solve the problem of sleep.
He quickly realized that I needed some guidance and right away he offered it to me. After a few minutes of talking and a hint, I realized that carrying a 40 lb rug and a tent to try and make sleep more comfortable was a terrible idea.
His advice was basically keep it simple. Keep it light try a blanket. I quickly walked back to the store where I had bought the rug and the tent and return them. I didn't realize it at the time but carrying all this made it very difficult for me to get anything done or get anywhere.
Here you have it, the best sleep solutions:
#1. A friends house.
Clean sheets, a bed, heating, breakfast, a toilet. This is the best by far. Oh and its usually free.
#2. A blanket
Find a patch of grass or some dirt. Avoid concrete if at all possible. Avoid sprinklers, sleeping next to fruit trees, wet spots or damp patches.
#3. A sleeping bag. The lighter the better. Thick heavy duty trash bags are ideal. Bear in mind you must carry what you own so sleeping bags can weigh you down. Also plastic trash bags keep you dry when it rains.
#4. A car
if you can afford it use it.
#5. Homeless shelter
I like to avoid shelters because they cause more problems than they are worth. I could write a whole guide on why they are bad. Use as a last resort to get out of ice, snow, or rain. Don't get comfortable.
