Tips For Working Remotely From Your RV

In this brave new world of the 21st century, many jobs that once required commuting to an office to clock in and clock out five days a week can now be performed remotely from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection. Jobs that are suitable for work-from-home practices include writing, editing, proofreading, quality assurance, tech support, graphic design, data entry, publication, filmmaking, app development, coding, computer programming, crafting, art, music, web design, accounting, tutoring and photography, and the list is always growing as new ways to connect remotely are developed.

Remote work has become especially attractive as an option during the COVID-19 pandemic and it will continue to remain popular once the pandemic ends due to the convenience and cost-savings for both workers and their employers. Your RV, whether you travel in it, park it in the backyard or live in it full-time, can be the perfect mobile office for all kinds of remote jobs, provided you take the time to make it a suitable working space.

Allan Dale Trailers & RVs is your Alberta RV dealer, with locations in Red Deer and Edmonton. Below, you’ll find some tips for working remotely from your RV so that you can earn much-needed income and maintain your professional life.

1. Make Internet Connectivity a Priority

Because of the inherent need for internet connectivity when working remotely, it’s imperative that you do everything you can to ensure you’ll always have access to a stable, reliable internet connection, no matter where you go.

Bear in mind that free WiFi at a campground may be spotty or slow due to high traffic, and you may need to locate spaces to work that offer WiFi if your campground’s WiFi doesn’t suffice, such as a local coffee shop. To avoid this, try to verify that the campground you’ve chosen has a solid internet connection before you book it. Check online reviews or contact the campground directly to learn about their internet.

You can invest in signal-boosting devices like WeBoost or WiFi Ranger to improve an existing WiFi connection on the road. Consider having a backup in the form of a hotspot on your cell-phone data plan. Some dedicated work-from-home RVers even have multiple cell-phone plans to give them the best chance of finding a signal.

2. Create an Ergonomic Workspace

It might be tempting to lounge in bed on your laptop, but this can erode the boundaries of work/home life and also cause you some serious chronic pain issues. Working from bed can give you neck, back and hip problems that will leave you feeling sore and tired all the time.

Do what you can to create a comfortable and ergonomic workspace, whether you’re working at your RV’s dinette, a fold-out table by your recliner, a small laptop cart or desk or even the passenger seat in a motorhome. You’ll feel much better and be more productive and focused if you have a dedicated place to work with a seat that is comfortable and supportive.

3. Keep a Consistent Schedule

What your schedule looks like may be dictated by your employer, especially if you clock in and clock out each day. However, if you are salaried or an independent contractor, it can be extremely beneficial to maintain a schedule for the days you choose to work so that you have a regular routine, even if your location changes frequently. Get up at the same time each day and start work at the same time, with a dedicated lunch break slotted in between meetings and your workload. Avoid working to excess or being on-call after you’re done with your work for the day so that you can maintain a healthy work/life balance.

4. Get Dressed Each Day

When you don’t have to be presentable for an office environment or outside of work meetings on video, it can be tempting to laze about in your pajamas or sweats. However, getting bathed and dressed for work each day can help you to feel more productive and be more organized. For video calls, make an effort to perform the tasks you would normally perform to maintain a professional appearance, like keeping your beard groomed or applying makeup if you’re accustomed to wearing it.

5. Minimize Distractions

When working from a cozy home environment (your RV qualifies!), it’s easy to become distracted by pretty much anything. Here are some ways to minimize distractions to boost your productivity: 

• Mute your phone notifications while you’re working and only check social media and the web during your scheduled breaks. 
• Reduce noise as much as you can and invest in earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out campground sounds. 
• Shut your blinds or curtains if there’s a lot of movement outside that might distract you. 
• Request that those who live in the RV with you give you the quiet time and space you need to work and that they avoid distracting you during your workday.

If you’re seeking RVs for sale in Edmonton, visit one of our dealerships or check out our website to take a look at our full inventory of new and used RVs. Allan Dale Trailers & RVs proudly serves the city of Red Deer and all our Alberta customers.