February 11, 2025

Thrive Insider

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Riding the Remote Work Wave in Your RV

If you have the ability to work from anywhere, it’s entirely possible for you to live full-time in an RV. However, there are specific factors to consider before you move onto the road, especially if you need to clock in and clock out by a certain time each day. Your RV life may limit your travel options and force you into some early morning shifts.

Set up a mobile workspace: Optimize connectivity and ergonomics

There are many ways to maintain an internet connection and work online on a daily basis. However, since your RV is also your office, you’re going to have to take some extra steps to make sure you can be a reliable employees. For example, you’ll want to get the electricity on your RV fully inspected before you head far into the wilderness. A mechanically sound RV with bad house batteries isn’t an effective office.

Take the time to set up a workspace away from your dining room table. You want to be sure your mobile office doesn’t have to be broken down daily. If your RV has slides, do your best to create your workspace in such a way that you can work while the slide is in.

Master time management: Balance work and exploration effectively

Do your best to get up at the same time each day. One of the challenges of RV life is that many activities take more time than they do in a sticks and bricks. If you’re boondocking to save cash, you may need to set your antenna each morning before you can start work.

Once you’ve walked the dog and made some coffee, you’ll need to tackle your job. A beautiful sunrise or morning can make it hard to pay attention; add window coverings and use a timer to help you focus your efforts to get the most out of your work time.

Review time zone changes to make sure you don’t miss appointments. Create a background or hang a curtain to make sure your workspace looks consistent. Pay attention to grooming; if you show up on camera with a messy bun, baseball cap or scraggly beard, you may be seen as too casual to be taken seriously.

Navigate legal considerations: Address domicile and tax implications

No matter where you live, you have to pay taxes. Review the rules around setting your domicile, especially if you no longer own a piece of ground that can be considered your residence.

Be aware that the residence/domicile issue can impact many factors. If you’ve had estate planning done, you may need to get documents updated to make sure your wishes are followed. If you’re working with an attorney or financial planner, reach out before you assume that your change of domicile will not impact your completed planning.

The RV life can be incredibly freeing. Extreme weather can be avoided; each time you move your RV, you can enjoy new scenery and new opportunities to explore your area, even if it’s just over your lunch hike!