Nomadic Nurse Diaries

Dear Homeless but Not Hopeless Club,

So here I am, sitting at one of my favorite laundromats, writing this diary entry while my clothes tumble away in the dryer. And I have to say, van life? It’s pretty damn good these days.

Let me back up for a second. When I first started living in my van, the logistics of it all felt like trying to solve a never-ending puzzle. Where do I park legally? How do I find water? And don’t even get me started on dumping grey water—ethically, of course, because I’m not trying to be that person.

But now? I’ve got it all down to a science.

Where to Stay Without the Cops Knocking

First things first: parking. It used to be a constant source of anxiety for me. I mean, nothing ruins your night faster than a knock on the van door at 2 AM by someone in a uniform. But now I’ve figured out the perfect balance of stealth and legality. I know exactly which rest stops welcome van dwellers, which trailheads are cool for overnight stays, and where the Walmart parking lots are that won’t send a security guard my way. And let me tell you, there’s a sense of security in knowing where you can lay your head without worrying about the flashing blue lights of doom.

The Mundane Van Life Hacks I’ve Mastered

I’ve also conquered the mundane aspects of van life—the stuff no one tells you about when you see those dreamy Instagram van shots. For starters, I’ve got my water routine down. Walmart. Yes, my go-to spot for filling up my water tanks is none other than Walmart. Say what you will, but it’s reliable, and I’ve yet to have a single awkward interaction about it.

Showers? That’s been another fun part of the adventure. Luckily, being in Western Washington, there’s no shortage of gyms and yoga studios where I can pop in for a good rinse. I’ve scoped out the best places where no one gives me a second glance when I walk in with my scruffy, post-camping look. And on the days when I’m feeling especially fancy, I treat myself to a nice long hot shower at my favorite gym spot—it’s a small luxury, but I cherish it.

Oh, and here’s a little van life secret: want your van to smell fresh? Clean the sink and plumbing pipes! I’m not saying I had to learn that the hard way (okay, I definitely did), but once I started keeping those babies clean, it made a world of difference. Now, my van smells more like fresh pine and less like last week’s questionable leftovers.

Laundromats Are My New Zen Zone

Which brings me back to this laundromat I’m sitting in right now. It’s one of my favorites. There’s something oddly comforting about laundromats when you’re living on the road. They’re like little hubs of normalcy amidst the constant change. Plus, the people-watching is top-notch. I’ve found a couple of laundromats I love—ones with Wi-Fi, cozy chairs, and zero judgment for the mountain of dog fur that comes off my clothes during the drying cycle.

And while we’re on the topic of laundromats, let me tell you—there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly laundered clothes in a tiny van. It’s like an instant mood boost. I may not have a walk-in closet or marble countertops, but by God, I’ve got freshly washed socks, and that’s something.

Feeling at Home, Even Without a House

Here’s the thing: despite not having a “house,” I’ve never felt more at home. There’s something incredibly liberating about knowing I can pack up and go wherever I want, whenever I want. I’ve got my routine, I know how to handle the day-to-day, and the freedom? Unmatched.

Sure, there are challenges. I’m not going to pretend I don’t occasionally dream of endless hot showers or a kitchen where I don’t have to stack everything like a Jenga tower. But those small inconveniences are nothing compared to the joy I get from waking up in a new place, with the world at my doorstep.

Plus, let’s be real: if I had a house, would I have these kinds of stories to tell? Would I have learned the specific joy of finding a laundromat that doubles as a café? I think not.

Conclusion: Life is Good

So, here I am, living this wild, sometimes smelly, but always interesting van life. And I’ve gotta say, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve figured out how to make this lifestyle work for me, and honestly? I feel more secure and content than I ever did in a traditional “home.” It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always an adventure.

Until next time,
Your Freshly Laundered and Content Nomadic Nurse