How to live in a tent long term – 6 important tips for 2023

When most people think of camping, they think of spending a few days or a week in the great outdoors, sleeping in a tent, and enjoying the fresh air.

However, for some people, camping can be a way of life.

If you’re interested in learning how to live in a tent long-term, read on for tips and advice.

How to live in a tent long term

Picking the right tent

The first thing you’ll need to do is find the right tent for your needs.

Not all tents are created equal, and some are better suited for long-term living than others.

Make sure to choose a model that is big enough for you to spread out in, has plenty of headroom, and is made from durable materials.

If possible, pick up a free-standing tent that can withstand high winds.

You’ll also want to look for screens on any windows the tent might have and make sure there are no gaps in the door or window zippers.

The last thing you need is bugs getting into your home away from home.

The best kind of tent for long-term living is a canvas tent.

They are heavy-duty, durable, and made to withstand strong winds, storms, and snow, as well as keep heat out during summer.

The downside to canvas tents is they can be expensive and heavy. If you’re not strong or plan to live alone, it might be difficult to set up a large one by yourself.

But tents such as the Kodiak Canvas Flex Bow and Teton Sports Mesa are very manageable-sized canvas tents.

Or if you don’t want a canvas tent and want something a little smaller and lighter, you can’t beat the MSR Hubba Hubba.

For more detailed help on finding the right tent, check out our guide on the best tents for long-term camping.

Getting ready to live in a tent long-term

Once you have your new home away from home picked out, the next thing you’ll need to do is get yourself packed up and ready to move in.

The biggest piece of advice we can give here, similar to picking your tent, is to not go cheap on items that you will rely on daily.

Here are some of the most important things that should go into your camping gear kit:

Where to set up camp

Now that you have all the necessary supplies, the next step is deciding where you’re going to camp.

Some places will be better suited for long-term living than others.

Ideally, you want to find an area that is relatively flat, has good drainage, and is sheltered from the wind.

If you can find an area with a tree or two nearby, that’s a bonus, as they can provide much-needed shade in the summer months.

Setting up your tent for long-term living

Once you’ve picked out a spot, it’s time to set up your tent.

This might take a little practice, but with a little effort, you’ll be able to do it in no time.

We would always recommend that you lay down a footprint for your tent, whether it’s specific for your tent or just a heavy-duty tarp.

Once you’ve laid your footprint, start by laying out the tent on level ground and pegging it down with proper stakes (not the ones that come supplied with your tent).

Make sure the seams are all facing downwards and that the door is facing the direction you want it to.

If there are windows, pop them out and put them in place.

Once everything is in place, go inside and make sure the tent is sturdy.

If it’s not, adjust the pegs or stakes as needed.

This is very important and can affect the durability of your tent.

So many times we’ve witnessed tents taking off in high storms that would have remained firmly in place if they’d been staked and guy lined correctly.

Make it feel like home

One way to make your tent feel more comfortable is by personalizing it.

One way to do this is by adding some curtains or hangings around the door and windows.

This will not only help to keep out the bugs but will also add to your overall comfort.

If you purchase a canvas tent with a stove jack you can also add a tent stove to the mix; not only will this help keep you warm in cold weather, but it can be used to cook meals and even heat water for bathing.

Keeping your tent clean

Since you’ll be living in the same place all year round, it’s important to keep it clean and tidy.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by removing your shoes when you enter the tent, so as not to track dirt onto your flooring.

You should also sweep or vacuum on a regular basis, which will help remove any dust or sand that might invade the space.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to live in a tent long term with no problems. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next camping trip today!