A No-Frills Guide To...

How is this for some great advice...I was going through this magazine, YES!, that Doug picked up at Whole Foods the other day and written down the third right side of a page was a guide...”A No-frills Guide to Squatting” - yep you read that right. Squatting. Are they serious? There were 10 suggestions listed and it sounded pretty simple to me. Of course in this area it might be difficult but when you’re living in a pretty rural backwoods kind of community, this list might just come in handy. Believe it or not I wanted to try squatting and see if I could do it just for the hell of it. I mean it just might be added to my list of “things to do before I die.” I just may some day...and why not? but of course if I failed and got kicked out I would have the security of knowing that there is always...HOME.

Just for laughs I wanted to list the guide. You never know who may be reading this thinking...”Hmm...I have no where to live. This could really help me out in my living situation right now.” Hey, it’s worth a shot. If nothing else maybe it will get the homeless, (you know...all of those homeless, computer-carrying, bloggers out there.) off of the cold streets and into a place they can really call HOME. So here it is:

Talk to some successful squatters. (Okay I don’t know any so this could be a problem - Readers can you introduce me to any squatters? Maybe you are one yourself. Blog me with names - thanks.)

Find a suitable abandoned building. (I think there is one close to our house - that would be convenient just in case this experiment of mine doesn’t work out - or if I get scared and need to run home to Doug.)

Learn about current ownership. (Okay that could be pretty easy - ask the neighbors, get on-line or take a visit to the City of Oakland - I can do all of these.)

Move in silently or squat publicly to call attention to homelessness and speculation. (Hmm.. I think my neighbors would get a bit freaked out....”Ugh Doug, I see your wife is a... squattin’ over there...are you ugh having problems?” I think I’ll go the silent route.)

Change all locks and never leave the place empty during the first 7 days. (“Honey...sweetie, could you change ALL of the locks for me and cook me three meals a day...oh and deliver them to me?”...Kiss...kiss.)

Get essential services connected and have mail sent to you at the new address. (Piece a cake.)

Embellish, repair, and maintain the space: put up curtains, remove trash, paint. (I can embellish....I can do curtains...”Honey...sweetie, can you do the rest?” ...Kiss...kiss)

If the owner appears, negotiate a stay in exchange for maintenance. Have a transport plan ready in case of eviction. (“Oh my husband can do EVERYTHING! Really - He lives just right down the street.” And if that doesn’t convince the owner: “Oh Honey...sweetie...can I borrow your truck, just in case you need to move me out?” ...Kiss...kiss.)

If the police come, it’s helpful to appear settled by showing utility bills, mail and a tidy furnished feel. ( Ohh this is right up my alley. I am good at putting together a tidy furnished feel.)

Research adverse possession or other state laws that could eventually give you title to the property. (“Oh honey...sweetie, I am doing ALL of the dirty work! All you have to do it acquire the title - This is so what you do - I know you can do it, please!” ...Kiss...kiss)

See how simple this could be? And believe it or not if you need more information there is a website for more wonderful advice on how to be successful squatter. Thank you YES! magazine for this essential guide! Just in time for the new year too.

To Azza:
Looks like our girls group is growing! Daphne thanks for your interest! Any others out there wishing to participate in this? - Come on ladies...this has got to be on the top of your list of “things to do before you die.” Blog me.

Got to run now... As Zen Lill says, “I have the need for the feed.” Have a beautiful Sunday!

If you are interested in automatically receiving notices of my blog post,
please go to ” A day in the life of...” and click on the RSS Subscribe.

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2007

Sunday, December 23, 2007