Believe it or not, many RVers are able to ditch the office and travel full time while still earning a living. Some run their own business. Others connect remotely or work seasonally at a campground or nature park. While it takes careful planning and forethought, it’s an opportunity open to those with an itch for adventure and a heart full of wanderlust. So if you are interested in working from your RV, then these are some of the must-haves that you will need to ensure a productive environment.
First things first- there are all kinds of different ways to work from your RV. You can either work a traditional 9-5 job, temporary campground jobs, freelance work or even own your own business. No matter your job type of working style, this guide will help you create a perfect working space in your RV.
Set Up Your RV Working Space
First, dedicate a specific area to work remotely from an RV. You want a space where you can lay out your computer, cell phone, charger, papers, and work materials in one place that won’t have to be picked up at the end of each day.
It could be the dinette, a sofa, or even the picnic table outside. The key is to dedicate that workspace only for your work, a place other family members won’t disturb. Grated, in an RV, you probably will have to set it up and take it down each day, especially if you’re driving from place to place between working hours. But the idea is one place should be your main work area. It makes things more efficient because you get more comfortable and used to where you have placed the things you need for work.
Set Up Your RV Internet
When working from your RV, you are going to need good internet connectivity. There are two ways that you can get internet when working from an RV- either using someone else’s WiFi signal or using a cellular-enabled mobile hotspot to make your own WiFi network.
Some campgrounds have access to free WiFi. While this is a good, free, option, it is likely not going to be the best option. These connections are not secure and they can become overloaded with other guests using them at the same time.
Your best bet will be to get a strong hotspot. You can contact your cellphone provider to get set up. With this option, you may have to pay more but you will have a secure and more stable internet connection to work from.
Set Your Working Hours
When working remotely from your RV, we recommend setting specific working hours. Try and establish a similar routine to work remotely. If you are working a traditional job, then your employer will likely set your hours. But if you are a flex employee, freelancer, or business owner, you will set your own hours. When the end of the day comes, shut down the laptop, organize your workspace, and make a to-do list for the next morning. Then walk away from that work area and, best as you can, put work thoughts away till the next day.
Dress for Work, Even When Remote
The desire to work in pajamas is great when working remotely. But getting up and getting dressed can really help you feel ready for the workday. You don’t have to be office chic’, but you should be at least presentable, showered, with combed hair, and dressed neatly. Like a clean car and a washed RV seem to drive better, so we work better when we’ve cleaned ourselves up.
That’s all the main tips you’ll need for working on the road from your RV! Do you have any tips from your own experience? Any other burning questions you have about working from your RV? Let me know in the comments below!
