How to Work Remotely from a Van:
Essential Tips & Strategies

Embracing the Remote Work Vanlife

The dream life is possible: live in your van, work remotely, and open your door to new sights and adventures every day! More and more companies are hiring remote workers or offering remote positions, allowing people to work from the comfort of home. Or even better– from the comfort of a home on wheels! The appeal of vanlife lies in the freedom to live and work from beautiful locations, the flexibility to choose your workspace, and the opportunity to integrate work with a sense of adventure.

Working from a campervan offers countless opportunities as well as a few constraints, so keep reading to learn about different types of remote work careers, how to best set-up your van for work, tips for connectivity (as well as unplugging), and cultivating a work-life balance while on the road. Get ready to expand your horizons and live life to the fullest!

Career Opportunities for Van Lifers

There are numerous different career paths that offer flexibility and independence, allowing you to pursue your professional goals while enjoying life on the road. Here are the top 10 remote jobs to consider:

• Software Developer/Engineer
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Graphic Designer
• Virtual Assistant
• Customer Service Representative
• Online Teacher/Tutor
• Project Manager
• Content Writer/Copywriter
• Sales Representative
• Telemedicine Healthcare Professional

There are also other opportunities to live in your van and work such as travel nursing, teaching wilderness medicine or backcountry safety courses, or being a tour guide just to name a few! Today we are focusing on the jobs that require you to work directly from your van, so let’s start with the van itself.

Navigating Challenges of Van Workspaces

Solutions for Common Remote Work Obstacles

Van workspaces come with unique challenges, including limited space and potential connectivity issues. Many people only need their laptops for their remote work, which luckily does not take up much space. We have seen a few clients install a desktop in their vans for those who need the bigger screens for their projects. It’s all possible! If you need more space to spread out and don’t want to always take up the whole table, you can create a separate work nook or use fold-down or stowable tables.

Staying Connected: Internet and Power Solutions

As you know, having a reliable internet connection is essential for remote work. There are a number of internet solutions for vanlife, from mobile hotspots to satellite connections. For more info about Starlink and satellite internet for vanlife, read our full blog on Starlink, which explores a variety of features and connectivity options.

Additionally, make sure you have adequate power, and consider backup options such as solar panels and portable generators, to ensure your devices stay charged while on the road. Noovo offers up to 400W of solar, which is more than enough to power your laptop and charge your devices.

Setting Up Your Van for Remote Work

Selecting the Right Van for Your Workspace

Choosing the ideal van is a crucial first step in creating a successful remote work setup. Noovo vans offer ample workspace with a spacious table (and swivel table that extends to add more desk space) as well as a foldable outside table for those sunny days. When choosing a van, consider factors such as how much workspace you need, comfort of the seats or benches, internet or hotspot capabilities (more on this below!), outlets to power your devices, and storage space needed for any work items. The right van should provide the comfort and functionality needed for a productive and stress-free work environment.

Designing an Ergonomic and Productive Workspace

Maximize both comfort and productivity with an ergonomic and comfortable workspace. Yes, anyone can work from their dining table, but you don’t want to be hunched over or reaching for your keyboard for hours at a time. Make sure the seats are comfortable and supportive, that the distance to your computer doesn’t overextend your neck or arms, and that you can maintain a healthy posture while working. Some people prefer to stand up at their computers, so if that’s you, make sure your van has a suitable space for this (some people even use a fold-down shelf). You will also need good lighting. The big windows in Noovo vans bring the outside in, offering ample natural light. And when the curtains are closed for the night, the inset ceiling lights perfectly illuminate the space.

It’s also important to know what you need to be most productive. Do you need silence? Make sure to have a pair of noise-canceling headphones (which are also nice when working from loud coffeeshops). Do you need space from your sweet-but-distracting partner? Set designated work times for them to either head out for a hike or know that you are unavailable for chats.

Balancing Remote Work and Life on the Road

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Whether you are traveling solo or with others, it is important to create a routine in order to establish work times and non-work times. It is easy to get sucked into being perpetually “on” when living on the road. Notifications pop up and you are tempted to answer them, even though you are out on a hike or getting ready for dinner. By establishing healthy boundaries for yourself and others, you will not only be more productive but also maximize your experiences outside of work.

Here are our top 5 tips for maintaining a work-life balance in your campervan:

1. Designate work-only hours, and stick to them on non-travel days:

Turn off notifications outside of these hours so you are not tempted to check them. It can also be helpful to notify coworkers on your working hours, or have an auto-reply email telling them when they can expect a response. It may seem annoying to them at first, but people quickly adapt (and often appreciate boundaries!), and you will likely start to see less notifications outside of those times.

2. Create a morning routine:

Do you walk the dog first thing? Do yoga? Journal and coffee? Stick to your morning routine so that you are not tempted to just go straight to the computer. Prioritize some movement and fresh air within 30 minutes of waking up to jump start your brain and improve your attention span when you do sit down to work.

3. Prioritize tasks:

There is always more work to be done! Make a list of what absolutely needs to get done today, and start with that. Sometimes we get trapped in checking emails that are not urgent, and suddenly hours have disappeared. Stick to the must-do’s and the rest can happen after that.

4. Maintain self-care:

When your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and office are all within arms reach, it is easy to get lazy with self-care. We sucked into work mode, forget to brush our teeth, and suddenly we’re still in our sweatpants at 6pm. Make sure to prioritize your mental and physical health. You could do 10 minutes of quiet meditation before breakfast or go for an afternoon run to reenergize your brain and body.

5. Connect to your community:

Life on the road offers a unique kind of community. Although it is constantly changing, that doesn’t mean you can’t meet amazing people or cultivate lasting friendships along the way. Drop into a class at a local yoga studio or gym, participate in a volunteer trail work day, support local music or events, and chat with other vanlifers and travelers along the way. Making connections with other humans is necessary for mental health and a positive work-life balance.

Achieving work-life balance in vanlife is critical for maintaining mental and physical health, and also helps you be more efficient when you are working. Set reasonable boundaries, communicate them, and uphold them even when it’s hard to do so. Know that 10 minutes of fresh air can quickly change your attitude or ability to finish tasks. And when it’s time to unplug, really unplug!

Tools and Tech for Van Remote Workers

As you know, space inside the van is valuable. Depending on what you need for your job, it’s important to have a designated shelf (like the under-table shelves in Noovo vans) or a cabinet to keep all your work supplies in one place. Store accessories like chargers, video conferencing cameras, notebooks, and more in safe and secure drawers where they won’t move around or get other items piled on top of them. Consider compact, multi-charging accessories that have all the cords on one outlet to save space.

Tech, Apps, and Tools for Productivity

There are apps and tools for just about every purpose these days. From time management to social media limits to team collaboration, there are more than enough ways to organize and manage life as a remote worker.

Here are 5 tools and tips to help you stay focused and productive while working from your campervan:

1. Communication Tools:

Remote workers need efficient communication tools to stay connected with colleagues, clients, and collaborators. Popular options include email clients (e.g., Gmail, Outlook), messaging platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet).

2. Project Management Software:

Project management software helps remote teams collaborate, track progress, and manage tasks efficiently. Consider using tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to organize workflows, assign tasks, and monitor project timelines.

3. Cloud Storage Solutions:

Cloud storage solutions allow remote workers to access and share files seamlessly from anywhere with an internet connection. Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive provide secure storage and collaboration features for remote teams.

4. Virtual Private Network (VPN):

A VPN encrypts internet traffic and provides a secure connection to protect sensitive data while working remotely, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a reputable VPN service to safeguard your online privacy and security.

5. Time Tracking and Productivity Tools:

Time tracking and productivity tools help remote workers manage their time effectively and stay focused on tasks. Apps like Toggl, RescueTime, and Focus@Will can track time spent on different activities, analyze productivity patterns, and minimize distractions.

Real-Life Insights from Van Working Professionals

Interviews and Success Stories

It can be a bit intimidating and perhaps even scary to jump into a remote job if you’ve never tried it before. You have to be organized, responsible, and able to balance life and work. If you feel ready, but aren’t sure exactly how to manage all of it, hear from a few others who have embraced the remote work and vanlife! The Noovo community is host to a number of remote workers, including an architect and a remote nurse. There are so many others who have tips on how to organize your space, manage your time, and maximize life on the road.

Connect with a Noovo Ambassador to hear about their experience firsthand!

Preparing for Long-Term Success in Remote Work

Depending on your long-term career plans, it is important to implement planning strategies to ensure future success. Consider financial planning, skill development, and personal growth initiatives to ensure that your remote work lifestyle remains fulfilling and sustainable over the long haul. Even if it’s not forever, use your time on the road to gain experiences and build connections that you otherwise would not be able to make if you were at an office. Vanlife offers opportunities around every corner, and who knows, you might drive right into your next career!

No matter where you are on the remote work spectrum, being able to work and live in your van is an opportunity to fully embrace. With the right preparation, organization, and work-life balance, you can thrive in both your career and life while living on the road.

Here’s to all the remote vanlifers! Keep living the dream, and please share your story with us– we’d love to hear it!