Quick Read
I Live in a Car: Roman Zancarli’s Unconventional Home
Roman Zancarli, a former software engineer, decided to downsize his living situation in a most unconventional way: he moved into a car. This isn’t just any car, but a specially custom-made vehicle, designed to function as a mobile home.
Custom-Made Mattress
Zancarli’s car is equipped with a memory foam mattress
custom-made to fit the dimensions of his vehicle. He chose this type of bed due to its ability to conform to his body, ensuring a comfortable and restful sleep.
Rechargeable Shower
One might think that living in a car would be devoid of luxury, but Zancarli’s vehicle includes a rechargeable shower system
that uses solar power. This innovation provides him with the ability to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, making his unconventional living arrangement more sustainable.
Freedom of Being an Amazon Courier
Zancarli’s primary source of income is his work as an Amazon courier. This job allows him to cover the expenses associated with his car and living situation while also providing him with a sense of freedom. He can travel at his own pace, deciding which deliveries to accept and when to complete them.
I. Introduction
The rising cost of living and housing market have become a major concern for many individuals in modern society. With the constant increase in expenses, owning a house seems like an unattainable dream for most people. However, the conventional notion of homeownership is being challenged by an unexpected figure: Roman Zancarli, a resilient Amazon courier.
Zancarli’s Story
Born and raised in San Francisco, Roman was once a typical city dweller. He worked a 9-to-5 job, lived in a cramped apartment, and spent most of his income on rent and bills. But after being laid off during the pandemic, Roman found himself at a crossroads. Instead of succumbing to despair, he decided to embrace a nomadic lifestyle and live in his car.
A Defiant Homeowner
This unconventional decision has not only saved Roman thousands of dollars in living expenses but also given him the freedom to travel and explore new places. His story is a testament to the growing trend of nomadic lifestyles and minimalism, which prioritize experiences over possessions.
The Minimalist Movement
More and more people are adopting minimalist lifestyles as a way to reduce debt, simplify their lives, and focus on what truly matters. This movement is being fueled by the high cost of living and housing, as well as the desire for flexibility and adventure.
The Role of Technology
Technological advancements, such as remote work capabilities and mobile applications for essential services, have made it easier than ever to live a nomadic lifestyle. Roman’s job as an Amazon courier allows him to work from anywhere, while mobile apps help him manage his finances, find camping spots, and stay connected with friends and family.
A New Way of Living
As the cost of living continues to rise and traditional housing options become increasingly expensive, the nomadic lifestyle and minimalist movement are becoming more popular alternatives. Roman’s story is just one example of how people are finding creative ways to defy the conventional notion of homeownership and live life on their own terms.
Background on Roman Zancarli
Personal background:
Roman Zancarli, a native of
Career path and how he became an Amazon courier:
After completing his education, Roman worked odd jobs in various industries. However, he yearned for something more fulfilling and flexible. His love for adventure and travel led him to apply as an Amazon courier – a decision that proved to be life-changing.
Reasons for choosing this line of work:
Roman‘s reasons for becoming an Amazon courier were simple yet compelling. He was attracted to the company’s commitment to customer service and the opportunity to travel extensively while being his own boss. The flexibility of the job allowed him to balance work with his personal life, enabling him to visit family and friends across Europe.
The flexibility and benefits of being an Amazon courier:
As an Amazon courier, Roman enjoyed numerous advantages. The job provided him with the freedom to work whenever and wherever he pleased, allowing him to create his own schedule. Additionally, the base pay was competitive, and there were opportunities for bonuses based on delivery performance. The job also came with various perks like discounts on Amazon products, health insurance, and paid time off.
Roman’s experiences as an Amazon courier have not only allowed him to pursue his love for travel but also given him a sense of fulfillment and independence. His story is a testament to the fact that one can turn personal passions into a successful career.
I Roman’s Unconventional Living Arrangement
Roman’s living situation is unlike most people’s. He resides in a mobile home, specifically a converted 1972 Volkswagen Type 2, better known as a “hippie bus” or a “VW Camper.” This iconic vehicle has undergone extensive customizations, turning it into a cozy and functional dwelling.
Description of his mobile home – The car
The make and model of Roman’s ride is a Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus. He has customized it with wooden panels on the exterior, giving it an authentic and rustic look. The interior boasts a minimalist design, featuring reclaimed wood furniture, vintage textiles, and carefully curated decorations. Roman’s personal touch is evident in every detail of his mobile abode.
Make, model, and customizations
The make: Volkswagen; the model: Type 2 Microbus; and the customizations: countless. Roman’s passion for his unconventional lifestyle shines through every modification he has made to this classic vehicle.
Essential items in his mobile home
Some essential items that Roman cannot live without include:
Custom-made mattress – Size, materials, comfort level
His custom-made mattress
is a queen size, crafted from organic cotton and memory foam. It ensures optimal comfort and support, allowing Roman to enjoy a good night’s sleep despite his unconventional living arrangements.
Rechargeable shower system – Design, functionality, and benefits
His rechargeable shower system
is a game-changer. The design is compact yet effective, featuring a solar-powered water heater and an on-demand pump system. This setup allows Roman to enjoy hot showers, adding a touch of luxury to his minimalist lifestyle.
Explanation of his decision to live this way
Roman chose to live in a mobile home for several reasons:
Financial reasons
The cost of living in a traditional house was no longer sustainable for him. By opting for a mobile home, he eliminated the need for a mortgage and other expensive utilities.
Personal freedom and lifestyle choices
Moreover, Roman values the personal freedom that comes with an unconventional living arrangement. He can travel wherever he pleases and live his life at his own pace. His mobile home is more than just a means of transportation; it’s an expression of his unique personality and commitment to living authentically.
Daily Life as an Amazon Courier and Car Dweller
A typical day in the life of Roman Zancarli
- Morning routine:
- Work schedule and responsibilities:
Roman wakes up early, around 5 a.m., to prepare for another day as an Amazon courier and car dweller. He starts the day by making coffee in his portable camping stove, then checks his phone for any updates from Amazon regarding his delivery routes. While sipping his coffee, he reviews the day’s schedule and plans his route to minimize travel time between deliveries.
Roman spends most of his day on the road, making deliveries to customers’ homes and businesses. He drives an Amazon-branded van but lives out of a smaller car that he parks near his delivery location each day. His primary responsibility is ensuring timely and accurate delivery of packages, which often requires navigating heavy traffic and unfamiliar neighborhoods. He also communicates with Amazon’s customer service team to resolve any delivery-related issues that may arise.
Balancing work and personal life while living in a car
Strategies for managing time, errands, and chores
Roman has developed several strategies to manage his time effectively while balancing work and personal life. He uses a planner app to schedule deliveries, appointments, and errands, allowing him to maximize his time between stops. To address errands and chores, he makes use of mobile services such as grocery delivery or car washes that can be scheduled online and picked up at a convenient location.
Social connections and community involvement
Despite the challenges of living in a car, Roman values the sense of community that comes with being an Amazon courier. He enjoys interacting with customers and learning about their lives, creating meaningful connections through his deliveries. Roman also engages in local community events, such as volunteering or attending social gatherings, which help him maintain a sense of belonging and personal growth.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Challenges
Roman’s decision to live in his car presented him with unique challenges that tested his resilience and adaptability.
Safety concerns
were a constant worry as he navigated unfamiliar neighborhoods at night, concerned about potential break-ins or accidents.
Legal and regulatory issues
were also a source of stress as he tried to comply with various parking regulations and avoid drawing unwanted attention from law enforcement.
Health and wellbeing considerations
were another challenge, as he had to balance limited resources with the need for proper nutrition, hygiene, and sleep.
Insights Gained
Despite the challenges, Roman’s unconventional lifestyle choice brought him valuable personal growth and self-discovery. He learned to rely on his own resources and adapt to unexpected circumstances, fostering a sense of independence and resilience. Additionally, he acquired
valuable skills
, such as budgeting, problem-solving, and resourcefulness, that have served him well in other areas of his life. Through it all, Roman came to appreciate the importance of being adaptable and open-minded, embracing the unexpected twists and turns that life often presents.
VI. Conclusion
Roman Zancarli’s story is a testament to the power of embracing an unconventional lifestyle. Born in Italy, Roman gave up his corporate job in London to travel the world with just a backpack and a laptop. For over five years, he lived on the road, relying on minimal possessions, nomadic work arrangements, and a deep connection to nature.
Key Points Recap:
Roman’s journey began with a disillusionment with the rat race. He sought a life that would offer him more freedom, flexibility, and meaning. By selling his belongings, letting go of societal expectations, and embracing a nomadic lifestyle, he found what he had been looking for.
Implications for Contemporary Society:
Roman’s story challenges societal norms and expectations. His minimalist lifestyle encourages us to question the need for excessive consumption and material possessions. By living sustainably, Roman shows us that it is possible to live a fulfilling life with a small carbon footprint.
Challenging Societal Norms:
Roman’s story invites us to reconsider the conventional lifestyle. His journey shows that it is possible to live a life of freedom, adventure, and fulfillment without being tethered to a corporate job or a permanent address.
Encouraging Minimalism and Sustainability:
By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, Roman forces us to question the value we place on material possessions. His story also highlights the importance of sustainability and the impact our actions have on the environment.
Freedom and Flexibility:
Roman’s alternative living arrangement offers a level of freedom and flexibility that is not typically associated with conventional lifestyles. His story inspires us to consider the possibilities of living a life that prioritizes personal growth, adventure, and fulfillment over societal norms.
Call to Action:
Roman’s story serves as an inspiration for those seeking a more meaningful, fulfilling life. We encourage readers to explore their own unconventional lifestyle choices and consider the ways in which they can challenge societal norms, embrace minimalism and sustainability, and prioritize freedom and flexibility in their own lives.
