My "Plan B" just became my new "Plan A"(SHTF....ongoing)

[Doomsteader]

Ideas to make money. . . in a pinch.

Go to a private car lot (not a dealership) and ask if they will pay you cash to wash cars.  It's easy work as the cars are clean and they are usually hurting for someone to do this.  It won't be a lot, but will probably be enough to get you a few meals while you look for a job. 

You might also tell everyone around where you are living that you're looking for any "honest" work.  You might even consider putting an ad on CL now advertising that you'll do handyman or lawn care work.  You can also look on CL for work in restaurants where you're moving to, and perhaps line up an interview before you even get there.  I think jobs are tough, but not impossible.

I've posted on CL looking for work in my field(and will probably have to expand way outside of my field), but I'm hesitent to actually apply or set up interviews at this time, due to
not knowing what the MH situation is, or when exactly I'll be settled down enough there and at least situated with a place to sleep/wash so I can commit to interviews and know Ill be
able to keep the appointments.  Ironically, a much newer MH just became available for free on CL, and it's close by, but he needs it removed by 12/30, I'd have to get my old MH somehow
removed and the site cleared prior to that, and unfortunately, it would probably cost about $3000 for the transporting, removal of old MH and setup of the newer replacement, which in my case would mean going $3k deeper into debt, which, without solid employment prospects, is not something I really want to do.   The timing for this freebie MH is just too tight.

[lady-t]

call a mobile home seller in the area...get the name of the company that moves their mobile homes...call them and ask them if they would take an old mobile home as part payment to move another one in and what it would cost to move the other one.  maybe kill two birds with one stone.  doesn't cost anything but a phone call at this point.  you might be surprised.  tell them that the "new" mobile home would need to be leveled and blocked and that you will do the skirting and hookups. 

there is a guy here that does that and doesn't charge thousands of dollars to move a mobile home.  he re sells the old mobile homes for pretty cheap and gets the fee to move it to their property.  so he makes on both...but you might get a discount on the one you want to move it.  sometimes this guy will move and level one for as little as 500.00.  so at least check on it.  you might just be surprised...people are hurting for money and the mobile home mover might be hurting for money as well.  take advantage of that.

[Doomsteader]

If that garage structure is sturdy, that's where I'd start.  Scrounge up some insulation, scrap wood, a front door, etc. and make it weather-tight.  Build yourself a loft-bed and rocket-stove.  Put in a little washbasin and dorm-fridge.  That would give you a clean, flea-free place to start from (or camp out of) while you get a job and fix up the MH.  I would think getting the garage turned into a liveable space should just take a few days of cleaning and nailing up boards.  After you're moved into the MH then the garage goes back to being a work-space and/or guest space and you shouldn't be out much money.

You may even consider just scrapping or selling the MH if you can get any takers and building something like this guy did:

http://coyotecottage.com/

If you don't need a bunch of space, you may save yourself money and head-ache in the long run by sticking to a 400sqft little cabin rather than sinking money into a MH that may continually fail down the road.

And if you can "camp out" while you build it, either in that garage or the cheapest "RV" or pop-up you can find, all the better.

Cute cottage, but this is suburbia-type subdivision, within city limits, so there's probably all kinds of codes and ordinances it would have to adhere to.  This might be a long term solution for another time, perhaps another place, and most definately an entirely different set of personal circumstances.  I`m unemployed, not collecting unemployment, close to broke, and losing my place to live, probably no later than this weekend.  That cottage might be ok for my other property(I have a waterview lot in WV w/all utilities already onsite), but in any event, building anything is simply not a solution for me at this time.

Through it all, stay positive.  I may have a job, but you have land.  And I envy that.

Right about now, you're way ahead.  As long as you have a job, you can always buy land.  

[Doomsteader]

call a mobile home seller in the area...get the name of the company that moves their mobile homes...call them and ask them if they would take an old mobile home as part payment to move another one in and what it would cost to move the other one.  maybe kill two birds with one stone.  doesn't cost anything but a phone call at this point.  you might be surprised.  tell them that the "new" mobile home would need to be leveled and blocked and that you will do the skirting and hookups. 

there is a guy here that does that and doesn't charge thousands of dollars to move a mobile home.  he re sells the old mobile homes for pretty cheap and gets the fee to move it to their property.  so he makes on both...but you might get a discount on the one you want to move it.  sometimes this guy will move and level one for as little as 500.00.  so at least check on it.  you might just be surprised...people are hurting for money and the mobile home mover might be hurting for money as well.  take advantage of that.

The problem is not only $ but the timeframe.  The guy with the free MH wants it gone in 5 days, and my MH has a couple of built-on additions, the newer MH is 2 feet wider, and I
think on of the big trees in front of the existing MH will need to be removed in order to get it in there.  The site will probably need some preparation as well, due to the newer MH different dimensions.  Even if I managed to find a mover who will do the whole thing for $1500(VERY doubtful, because the old MH has no value and is a liability to be gotten rid of, rather than an asset to be sold), it is all just too much to try and coordinate on such short notice, without me being onsite with a tape-measure.  To move a MH, you must first obtain a permit from the county,
which narrows the window even further.  I have to pass on this.

[livinlite]

If that garage structure is sturdy, that's where I'd start.  Scrounge up some insulation, scrap wood, a front door, etc. and make it weather-tight.  Build yourself a loft-bed and rocket-stove.  Put in a little washbasin and dorm-fridge.  That would give you a clean, flea-free place to start from (or camp out of) while you get a job and fix up the MH.  I would think getting the garage turned into a liveable space should just take a few days of cleaning and nailing up boards.  After you're moved into the MH then the garage goes back to being a work-space and/or guest space and you shouldn't be out much money.

You may even consider just scrapping or selling the MH if you can get any takers and building something like this guy did:

http://coyotecottage.com/

If you don't need a bunch of space, you may save yourself money and head-ache in the long run by sticking to a 400sqft little cabin rather than sinking money into a MH that may continually fail down the road.

And if you can "camp out" while you build it, either in that garage or the cheapest "RV" or pop-up you can find, all the better.

Cute cottage, but this is suburbia-type subdivision, within city limits, so there's probably all kinds of codes and ordinances it would have to adhere to.  This might be a long term solution for another time, perhaps another place, and most definately an entirely different set of personal circumstances.  I`m unemployed, not collecting unemployment, close to broke, and losing my place to live, probably no later than this weekend.  That cottage might be ok for my other property(I have a waterview lot in WV w/all utilities already onsite), but in any event, building anything is simply not a solution for me at this time.

Through it all, stay positive.  I may have a job, but you have land.  And I envy that.

Right about now, you're way ahead.  As long as you have a job, you can always buy land.  

Well, good luck none-the-less.  I've got no idea if I can actually buy any land at this point.  Just saying it's a good thing to have a deed in your hand.  Wish you the best with your decisions.  Let us know how it works out!

[Doomsteader]

Well, good luck none-the-less.  I've got no idea if I can actually buy any land at this point.  Just saying it's a good thing to have a deed in your hand.  Wish you the best with your decisions.  Let us know how it works out!

Thanks, I will. 

[McDoom]

///

[Sabotage]

this just happened to me too plan b turned plan a...

my doom plan is now my every day plan...

i am gonna read this post and come back with more insight.

just didn't want you to feel alone.

[booklvr777]

Here's a link to the Freecycle organization--it's a group that's dedicated to recycling (but everything offered is free, hence the name) all types of household stuff--you can also list "wanted" items--not sure how big or how active the SC groups are, but the one I belong to in MD is huge and we've gotten great free items for our home--all kinds of things, you name it really, big and small.

http://www.freecycle.org/group/US/South%20Carolina

[Doomsteader]

Before you take on a new mobile home, go online to your community's website and check out the zoning ordinances.  There may be restrictions as to the age of a MH in your area (the old one may be grandfathered in), and they may have all kinds of b.s. requirements for new ones, like backflow protection, CO2 detectors, etc.  The zoning may not even allow for MH in there, which means once you remove the existing one, you can't put a new one in.

It is VERY common for municipalities to put a limit on the age of a MH.

If you want help, send me the address via PM, I'll look up the restrictions for you.

Subdivision definately zoned for MH(no problem there), and anything `76 or newer is ok to be brought into the county.  The newer freebie MH on offer is an `86.

[Doomsteader]

this just happened to me too plan b turned plan a...

my doom plan is now my every day plan...

i am gonna read this post and come back with more insight.

just didn't want you to feel alone.

Misery loves company, Sabotage.  Please DO tell and share.  As it stands right now, I've got about 4-5 days before I'm *living* in a Hyundai Accent in NY, in winter.

[Bruce]

O.K. Didn't I read that you have a CDL? If your driving record is fair then you CAN find a job driving especially if your willing to work as cheap as you stated earlier. Employers are always looking to find cheaper way out just like you are. Get an OTR job and you can live in the truck for now. Hundreds do that, but you already know that. That will give you time to save some money and make the MH more livable. Push comes to shove you can live in that mobile home. Shut off all bedrooms and make the living room your temp bedroom. That way you'll still be heating the kitchen area. You can use a kerosene heater or even a small electric heater for now. Remodel the living room first. That is used the most, and it's your bedroom for now. Fix the weak floor soon as they have a way of spreading and getting worse. Nothing is insurmountable as long as you don't get too rushed. As long as the shell is good on the old MH all else is repairable. The bug problem is easy to remedy. Sheets of black plastic can be used as curtains. Be resourceful, now is the time to pull up your boot straps and do what you have to do. Good luck......................Bruce

[brokenhallelujah]

Doomsteader -

While I am sorry to hear of your unexpected upheaval, I do highly recommend the upstate area of S.C. to you, as I have been attempting to relocate my parents there for quite some time.  The weather is bearable year round, the land arable with long growing season(s), and the people are far more laid back and receptive, live and let live, if you will, than in many other parts of the country.  I think you have a good bit going for you, albeit at a rather less than desirable point in time.

How much land did you say the MH is on, and what kind of land is it?  The weather, even in winter, is highly camp-able (esp. around the Spartanburg area), and if you can get out of sight of the neighbors and out of the wind, you may be better off using the existing structure as a warehouse of sorts while you plan your next acquisition.  Also, the economy in and around Greenville is much better than it currently is in other parts of the country (like Florida), so while you may not find something that pays what you would like it to, you should be able to find decent work full or part time doing something.

Keep your wits about you and stay positive.  I think this may be an unasked for jumpstart into the lifestyle that you want to be leading anyway..  Get your ass southward!

[Doomsteader]

O.K. Didn't I read that you have a CDL? If your driving record is fair then you CAN find a job driving especially if your willing to work as cheap as you stated earlier. Employers are always looking to find cheaper way out just like you are. Get an OTR job and you can live in the truck for now. Hundreds do that, but you already know that. That will give you time to save some money and make the MH more livable. Push comes to shove you can live in that mobile home. Shut off all bedrooms and make the living room your temp bedroom. That way you'll still be heating the kitchen area. You can use a kerosene heater or even a small electric heater for now. Remodel the living room first. That is used the most, and it's your bedroom for now. Fix the weak floor soon as they have a way of spreading and getting worse. Nothing is insurmountable as long as you don't get too rushed. As long as the shell is good on the old MH all else is repairable. The bug problem is easy to remedy. Sheets of black plastic can be used as curtains. Be resourceful, now is the time to pull up your boot straps and do what you have to do. Good luck......................Bruce

I have a clean CDL, and a current DOT medical card, but my CDL is only a class C - not good enough to drive anything bigger than 18,000 Lbs,
and nothing with air brakes.  Upgrading to the next level (class B), would cost close to $3000, and then I'd just be an "inexperienced" driver.
While that might be ok at another time, under different circumstances, it's not really an option for me at this time.  In fact, trucking is not really a viable long term job option for me - between my bad lower back, and lack of some cartilage in my left knee(removed in the 70s), it would have to be pretty much all no-touch freight and either a truck with a light clutch pedal, or an automatic.  So, *realistically* my options for making a living driving are limited.  Somebody that's younger, "all there" physically, with a class A or B CDL is well positioned to survive an economic downturn, but I have to be realistic about my prospects, even more so when relocating to a State where I know no one, have no connections and  no support network I can lean on for anything if need be.  This is also why I'm not keen to invest $3k(that I don't have) and about 3 weeks to upgrade to a class B.

[Doomsteader]

Some of y'all may remember this thread from a half a year ago - it was my first post here, things were very much "up in the air" for me, and I had dropped off the face of the earth, post-wise, since that time.  Some of you may wonder what became of me and my situation, so I thought I'd post an update.

In a nutshell, here it is:

I had chickened out about relocating to SC with a horrible economy and not knowing anyone there - SC now has the 3rd highest unemployment rate in the nation, so in retrospect, I think staying put here on Long Island was a good move.

I managed to track down an old landlord of mine from 6 years ago - he was my landlord for a short period before I bought my camper and moved out of his place.
All I had to go on, was a very common first name, and a phone numnber that "No further iformation was available about" - it took me all of about a half-hour(thanks to the internet), to locate and call a relative of his, who gave me his cell phone number

I called him, he remembered me   I told him my situation, and he said he'd call me back. 2 days later, he called me to let me know he had a couple of acres out on eastern LI where I could park my RV and plug-in to electric - for $300 a month.  I relocated my camper there, and after several months of self-funded unemloyment, found me a full-time job with health insurance and a free company take-home vehicle (my commuting costs are zero), at which I've been working since late May, so for now, I'm gonna ride out the recession, pay down my debt, and get better situated for relocating to SC when the time, conditions and my personal finances are right.