Working From a Van: 25+ Tips, Tricks, Hacks and Essentials for Remote-Work On the Road
The van life movement has captivated the imaginations of countless individuals seeking freedom, adventure, and a break from the conventional 9-to-5 lifestyle. It certainly captured ours.
In recent years, this trend has intersected with the rise of remote work, offering a unique opportunity to blend the thrill of travel with the practicality of earning a living from anywhere. This lifestyle is not just about being on the road; it’s about creating a balance between work and play.
Living and working from a van allows one to explore new landscapes, cultures, and communities while maintaining a career and income. A proposition that combines the flexibility of remote work with the freedom of travel, providing a sense of autonomy and adventure that is hard to find in traditional work environments. However, to make this dream a reality, thorough preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected are crucial.
This article aims to guide you through the essentials of working remotely from a van, offering tips, tricks, hacks, and essentials that cover everything from choosing the right vehicle and setting up a mobile office to managing work-life balance and staying connected on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just starting to explore the possibility of van life, these insights will help you navigate the challenges and maximize the joys of your journey.
Finding Remote Jobs for Van Life
Identifying Suitable Remote Work
The first step in sustaining van life is finding work that can be done remotely. Look for jobs or projects that offer flexibility regarding location and hours. Fields like technology, marketing, writing, design, and consulting often have remote opportunities. Utilize job search platforms that specialize in remote work, such as Upwork, We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, Fiver, and Remote.co, to find positions or gigs that suit your skills and experience.
Check Out These 10 Great Remote Jobs for Van Life
Building a Remote-Friendly Resume
Highlight skills and experiences in your resume that demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage projects remotely. Skills in time management, communication, and self-discipline are highly valued by employers seeking remote workers. Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase your adaptability and how you’ve successfully managed work outside a traditional office setting.
Networking and Community Engagement
Leverage your network and engage with communities related to your field of work. Attend industry webinars, online networking events, and forums to connect with potential employers and learn about new opportunities. Being active in remote work and van life communities can also lead to job leads and collaborations that are conducive to the nomadic lifestyle.
Preparing for Remote Work Interviews
When interviewing for remote positions, be prepared to discuss how you manage tasks, communicate, and solve problems independently. Employers may be interested in your travel plans only to ensure they align with work responsibilities, so be ready to explain how you balance mobility with productivity and availability.
Continual Learning and Skill Development
The remote job market is competitive, and continuous learning can give you an edge. Invest in skill development through online courses and certifications that enhance your professional value and suitability for remote work. Staying current with industry trends and technologies will make you more attractive to employers who are looking for adaptable and proactive team members.
Connectivity and Power
Ensuring Reliable Internet Access
Reliable internet is non-negotiable for remote work. Invest in a high-quality mobile hotspot device and consider having plans with multiple carriers to maximize coverage. Satellite internet sucks, as Starlink can be a viable option for those with high bandwidth demands traveling to remote areas. Additionally, Wi-Fi extenders or boosters can enhance weak signals at campgrounds or public spaces.
Power Solutions
A consistent power supply is crucial for running your office equipment. Solar panels are a popular choice for sustainable and off-grid power, complemented by a robust battery system to store energy. Additionally, having a backup generator or portable power station can save the day during cloudy weather or technical issues. Regularly monitor your power usage to ensure you have enough supply to meet your work and daily living needs.
Data Management
Staying connected in remote locations often means dealing with limited data plans or unreliable internet. Use cloud services for backup and storage, but also have offline work options prepared. Regularly sync your data when you have a strong connection to avoid losing important work. Efficient data usage and management are key to avoiding overage charges and ensuring continuous productivity.
Workspace Setup
Check out our full article on creating a Van Life Office
Designing an Ergonomic Workspace
In the confined space of a van, creating a comfortable and efficient workspace is essential. Your desk and seating should support good posture to prevent strain and fatigue. Consider adjustable and multifunctional furniture to make the best use of limited space. Good lighting is crucial, so incorporate task lighting that reduces glare on screens and provides sufficient illumination for reading and writing.
Space Management
Efficient use of space is vital in a van. Utilize vertical storage solutions like hanging shelves or racks to keep essentials within reach but out of the way. Foldable or sliding elements can transform your living area into a workspace seamlessly. Organizing tools and supplies in clearly labeled containers can help maintain order and ease the transition between work and leisure activities.
Comfort and Climate Control
Maintaining a comfortable working environment is important for productivity. Invest in insulation and window covers to regulate the van’s temperature in various weather conditions. Extraction fans, such as the MaxxAir by MaxxFan, are another simple way to promote airflow and manage the temperature. A portable fan or heater can provide additional comfort as needed. Noise control is also a factor; good insulation should also provide soundproofing properties that can help minimize external noise, creating a quieter workspace conducive to concentration and client calls.
Productivity and Time Management
Establishing a Routine
Having a consistent daily routine is key to productivity when working from a van. Start your day at the same time, prioritize tasks, and allocate specific hours for work, just as you would in a traditional office setting. This helps to create a sense of normalcy and structure, which can be challenging to maintain on the road.
If your role requires interacting with colleagues or clients, allocate set times when you are available for remote meetings and calls. This will help provide stability and reliability.
Balancing Work and Exploration
While the flexibility of van life allows for exploration and travel, it’s important to balance these activities with work responsibilities. Set clear boundaries for work hours and leisure time to ensure you stay productive while also taking advantage of your changing surroundings. Use your location to your advantage by scheduling work during less desirable weather or less exciting locales and clocking off and exploring when you’re in a particularly beautiful spot.
We generally set up our weeks such that we are in work mode, staying close to a town or settlement with reliable network service for three or four days, focusing on work, and then setting aside work and going “off-grid” from Thursday or Friday until Monday morning.
Tools and Apps for Efficiency
Check out these 25+ Essential Apps for Van Life
Leverage technology to stay organized and efficient. Use project management tools to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Communication apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams can help you stay in touch with colleagues or clients. Time-tracking apps, such as Clockify, can also be helpful in managing your work hours and ensuring you’re meeting your productivity goals.
Health, Wellbeing and Safety
It’s hard to do your best work when you aren’t feeling your best or if you’re stressed or anxious. Staying on top of health, well-being, and safety can help you stay focused and productive.
Staying Physically Healthy
Living in a van doesn’t mean neglecting physical health. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, whether it’s yoga inside the van, jogging or hiking in nature, or visiting local gyms (also great for grabbing a shower). Prepare healthy meals with fresh ingredients and maintain a balanced diet.
It’s also important to be prepared for emergencies by having a first aid kit on hand and being aware of the nearest healthcare facilities in case of emergencies.
Mental Health and Social Connections
The isolation of road life can impact mental health. Stay connected with friends and family through regular calls, messages, or social media. Join online communities of remote workers or van lifers to share experiences and tips. Take time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax and de-stress, such as reading, photography, or journaling.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Safety is paramount when living on the road. Ensure your van is secure, and invest in good locks and security systems. Be aware of your surroundings and park in safe, legal locations. Have a plan for emergencies, including a fire extinguisher, emergency contacts, and knowledge of evacuation routes. Regularly check your van for maintenance needs to prevent breakdowns and ensure a safe journey.
Financial Management
Banking
Make sure your bank is appropriately suited for your unique lifestyle. Using a bank with functional net banking services is often critical when you don’t have a fixed address or the possibility of going to the branch. If you travel internationally, online banks like Revolut can reduce international transaction fees.
Budgeting for Van Life
Financial planning is essential for a sustainable van life and remote work experience. Track your van life expenses to understand where your money goes and identify areas where you can save. Fuel, food, maintenance, and camping fees are significant recurring costs. Budgeting apps and spreadsheets can help manage finances and ensure you live within your means while on the road.
Income Streams for Remote Workers
Diversifying your income sources can provide financial stability. Beyond your primary job, consider freelance projects, consulting, or online businesses that align with your skills and interests. Passive income streams, like affiliate marketing or selling digital products, can also supplement your earnings without requiring constant attention.
Insurance For Working from the Van
Travel and Health Insurance
Investing in the proper travel and health insurance is critical for remote workers on the road. Look for policies that cover theft or damage to personal and professional equipment, health emergencies, and trip interruptions. Understand the terms and coverage details to ensure they meet your specific needs as a mobile worker. Regularly review and adjust your insurance coverage to reflect changes in your lifestyle, itinerary, and assets.
Importance of Travel Insurance
Read More About Travel and Health Insurance for Van Life
Travel insurance is a critical component for anyone working remotely from a van, as it provides a safety net in various scenarios. It can cover unexpected medical expenses, theft or damage to equipment, and trip cancellations or interruptions. Given the unpredictable nature of life on the road, having comprehensive insurance ensures peace of mind and financial protection.
Comparing Insurance Options
When selecting travel insurance, compare different policies to find one that suits your specific needs. Look for coverage that includes appropriate medical expense limits, emergency evacuation, loss of personal belongings, and equipment. Consider policies that offer flexibility in terms of duration and geographical coverage, especially if your travel plans are fluid.
Many traditional travel insurance policies don’t suit van life or remote work because they require a fixed address, start and end dates for travel, or a pre-defined list of destinations. They also often don’t provide the flexibility to extend or pause policies on the go.
We use SafteyWing. Their Nomad Insurance is designed for long-term travel and offers affordable, comprehensive travel and medical coverage and flexibility for van lifers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
Handling Claims and Emergencies
Understanding the process of filing claims and what to do in an emergency is vital. Keep all relevant documentation accessible, such as insurance policies, contact numbers for emergency assistance, and receipts for valuable items. In the event of an incident, report it to the insurance company as soon as possible and follow their procedures to ensure a smooth claims process.
Van Insurance
Just as you need travel and health insurance tailored to your unique situation, taking out insurance for your vehicle/home/mobile office is not as simple as just taking out standard vehicle insurance. You need to make sure your policy covers your specific vehicle classification and offers coverage for the specific ways you intend to use the vehicle.
Professional Insurance
Many roles for remote work are filled by contractors rather than salaried employees. If you are acting as a contractor, make sure you have professional indemnity insurance.
Legal and Administrative Considerations
Complying with Local Laws and Regulations
When traveling and working from a van, it’s important to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations. This includes parking regulations, camping laws, and any restrictions on overnight stays in certain areas. Research the legal requirements of each location you visit to avoid fines or legal issues.
Managing Remote Administrative Tasks
Staying on top of administrative tasks is crucial when living on the road. This includes managing mail, handling bills, and keeping important documents organized and accessible. Consider using a virtual mailbox service to receive and manage your mail remotely. Online banking and digital document storage can also streamline financial and administrative tasks.
Navigating Taxes and Legalities for Remote Work
Working from different locations can complicate tax obligations. Understand the tax laws applicable to your situation, especially if you’re earning income from multiple states or countries. Consulting with a tax professional who understands the nuances of remote work and nomadic lifestyles can help ensure you comply with tax requirements and take advantage of any possible deductions or benefits.
Community and Networking
Connecting with Other Remote Workers and Van Lifers
Building a network of like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your van life experience. Engage with the van life and remote work communities through online forums, social media groups, and blogs. These platforms offer a wealth of information, support, and opportunities to connect with others who share similar lifestyles and challenges.
Utilizing Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with others and sharing your experiences. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can help you document your journey, connect with fellow van lifers, and network with remote work professionals. Participating in online webinars, virtual meetups, and conferences related to your field can also help maintain and grow your professional network.
Attending Meetups, Events, and Conferences on the Road
Look for local meetups, events, or conferences that align with your interests and work. Attending these events can provide valuable networking opportunities, enhance your skills, and break the monotony of working from a van. It also allows you to explore new places and meet people in person, enriching your travel experience.
Final Thoughts on Working from a Van
Embracing the van life while working remotely offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, but it also requires careful planning, discipline, and adaptability. Each aspect plays a vital role in ensuring a successful and sustainable journey, from selecting the right van and setting up a functional workspace to managing your health, finances, and legal responsibilities.
The key to thriving in this lifestyle is to stay organized, maintain a balance between work and exploration, and remain connected with the community. With the right approach and preparation, combining remote work with van life can be incredibly rewarding, offering a unique way to experience the world while achieving professional goals.
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with living and working on the road, and enjoy the freedom and experiences that the van life provides.
Further Reading
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