Sleeping in your car can be incredibly dangerous, know your options, know how to do it safely.

I slept in my car for a short period of time as a child, my son and I slept in a van after my ex kicked us out, I have been to the darkest point a person can go and contemplate suicide because of the situation.<br><br>I've been to the lowest of lows, and I have bounced back. If you are thinking about ending your life because you think this is the only option, PLEASE reach out to someone.<br><br>That being said, I remember the struggles of sleeping on a car seat, of the dangers of people seeing you're living in your own vehicle. Of the overall uncomfortableness of this situation.<br><br>**If you absolutely MUST sleep in your car--**<br><br>1. Find a safe place, this should be a well-lit area. This would be the ultimate priority, as it is SAFETY. Take care of yourself first and foremost. If you can't do this, you need to go to a shelter or someone that can take you in.<br><br>2. Don't park in one spot. If someone sees you in a car, and the next day you're in the same spot, they will most likely report you. They won't care you're homeless, they'll assume you're some creeps lurking on their street.<br><br>3. Never sit in your car longer than needed. If you can, go somewhere to either nap or sleep in a safer place. This is so that people won't get suspicious.<br><br>4. KEEP YOUR CAR SPOTLESS. If your car looks abandoned, with trash and random belongings, you'll draw attention. If there's a bunch of random bits and bobs that can be seen in your car through your window, people will get suspicious.<br><br>5. If someone asks, LIE. Tell them you're waiting for a friend, you're lost, you're trying to find a place to stay. People generally don't care, but some will.<br><br>6. If you absolutely MUST park in one spot for a while, DO NOT SLEEP IN THE DRIVERS SEAT! Sleep in the back. If you're sleeping in the drivers seat, you'reimmediately letting people know you're staying in your car. The back offers more concealment, and you can get a better rest this way, and you won't show people you're living in your car.<br><br>7. If you can, DO NOT SLEEP WITH YOUR PHONE! You need to hear your environment to make sure you're safe.<br><br>I hope this helps, and I wish anyone that reads this a better day.<br><br>EDIT: I want to reiterate that these are ONLY TIPS. If you absolutely MUST do this, follow these, but your main priority is to find a better place to sleep. Sleeping in your car is NOT GOOD FOR YOU, DEPRIVES YOU OF THE SLEEP YOU DESERVE, AND TAKES A TOLL ON YOUR BODY.<br><br>PLEASE do everything in your power to seek out a better location, reaching out to friends and family, local shelters, etc.