10 Expert Tips For Sleeping In Your Car

Sleeping in your car can be very enjoyable if you follow these 10 tips. Some minor tweaks or simple products are all it takes to achieve next-level comfort. If you’re just getting started then read our post Car-Camping 101: A Guide to Sleeping in Your Car.

It took Emily and I many nights to finally figure out our perfect setup.  And over that time we learned and experimented with all kinds of things.

Whether you are just sleeping in your car for a couple of nights, or have switched to a full-time car-camper, here are our top 10 expert tips for sleeping in your car.  

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1. Tinted Windows, Curtains, And Sleep Masks

These are all the most common solutions to deal with light!  It’s very important to manage light, unless you want to get up at the crack of dawn every day.

Tinted windows and curtains are great because they help deal with light, and also improve privacy and stealthiness.

There are lots of way to make your own DIY curtains for blocking light and improving privacy. The most common methods involve running string around the top of the windows, or using velcro or magnets.  Then use blackout curtains horizontally to keep light out.

And even though there are DIY window tinting kits, I recommend getting it done professionally.  Have you ever tried to put on a sticker without making it crooked?  Well, applying window tinting is like that times a thousand.  The professional job will cost you a few hundred bucks, but it will look good and won’t fail over time.

And lastly, the ultimate light blocker is a sleeping mask.  It’s truly the easiest fool-proof way to block out all the light.  Getting a full night of rest is always important, so help yourself achieve that goal.

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2. Crack The Windows

It’s important to have airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Your breath is full of moisture, and if there’s no way for it to escape, then it can create big mold and mildew problems in your car. Or if it’s really cold it can freeze on the windows making it impossible to drive until it melts.

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3. Moisture Absorber

A moisture absorber can help collect excess moisture in the air.  Sometimes leaving the windows cracked just isn’t enough to control moisture.  This Damp-Rid Moisture Absorber is an effective and effortless way to manage moisture levels.  RVers have been using these for years to win the war against moisture.

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4. Window Visors

If you are worried about rain getting in through your cracked windows, then Window Visors are a perfect solution.  They will allow air flow while shedding rain and deterring intruders.  And they are easier to install than you might think.  There’s a “Garage” Tool on Amazon to help you find visors that fit your make and model vehicle.

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5. Bug Screens

This is one of our absolute favorite tips for sleeping in your car.  If you are in a buggy area, then these bug screens are a must to keep out insects.  Or if you’re crafty, consider making your own DIY screens held in place with magnets or velcro.

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6. Hang Lights

Make use of the hooks and handles to hang lights.  It can be as simple as just looping your headlamp band around a handle.  Or you can spruce it up with some solar-powered fairy lights.

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7. Don’t Forget Some Entertainment

Our favorite types of entertainment for cozy nights in the car are books, tv shows/movies, and card games.  Did you know that popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have options to download shows and movies for offline watching.  That way you don’t have to use wifi or data to watch TV.

{Related post: Best Games For Vanlife}

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8. Elevate Your Head

You can’t always find a level surface to park on.  If you have to be slanted, then try to park the car so that your head is elevated.  Or you can look for nearby rocks or wood to “level” your vehicle.  Keeping your head above the rest of your body has been linked to better sleep quality and health.

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9. Seat Back Organizer

Storage is always a challenge when sleeping in a car.  And a seat back organizer is the perfect product to keep track of all your smaller items.  The numerous pockets give you a place to store your phone, wallet, keys, water bottle, and other small items that you use everyday.

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10. Stay Charged

To keep your phone and other devices charged up, you should have a Cigarette-lighter USB adapter with USB-A, USB-C, or both (depending on your needs).  Or most modern cars come with them built-in.  Whenever you are driving, be sure you keep your devices topped off with power.

But if need more power throughout the night, this top-rated Anker 20000mAh Portable Powerbank can carry you through until morning.  Just focus on getting the powerbank charged during the day.  And then can use the powerbank to charge any phones, camera batteries, and other devices at night.

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Takeaway:

These are hard-won insights on what it takes to elevate your car-camping game to the next level.  Employing these 10 expert tips for sleeping in your car will greatly improve your comfort and enjoyment.