How to work from an office on wheels — Tips and tricks for remote work from a vehicle.

Long gone are the days when you had to be physically present in a physical office space to work and complete paperwork. Technological advancements and connectivity have allowed people of many professions to work seamlessly from a variety of types of remote offices located almost anywhere — including vehicles.

There are many advantages to remote work from a vehicle. Being able to do so can save you and your business a lot of valuable time and resources. You can also embrace a personal sense of freedom and exhilaration and make it a lifestyle choice. Fasten your seatbelt. We’ve got some tips for working remotely from vehicles to follow.

What you’ll learn

• Jobs and professions that often work remotely
• Factors to consider for working from a vehicle
• Digital access to work remotely in a vehicle
• Productivity tips for remote work from a vehicle

Jobs and professions that often work remotely.

Many professions have adapted to working remotely from vehicles. They’ve learned from experience there are advantages to the flexibility and mobility offered by this type of setup.

Some professions that can, and often do, work from vehicles include —

• Consultants.
  Consultants in various fields such as business, marketing, finance, or health can offer their services remotely from vehicles through video calls, emails, and online presentations from their vehicles.

• Sales Representatives.
  Many types of sales representative roles and tasks can be performed remotely. Sales reps can easily manage client relationships, place orders, conduct meetings via video calls, and handle administrative tasks from their vehicles in between appointments.

• Tradespeople.
  Tradies of all types often perform the physical tasks of their daily work away from their office or business site. Electricians, plumbers, builders, mobile mechanics, and the like, no longer need to return to the office to file job sheets, timecards, and invoices. Everything can be done on the spot in their vehicles while the work for the job that has just been done is top of mind.

• Freelance Writers, Journalists, and Copywriters.
  Writing work often requires only a laptop or tablet, a reliable internet connection, and a way with words. Writers often successfully work remotely from all corners of the world.

• Graphic Designers and Digital Artists.
  Graphic design work often relies on powerful laptops and design software, and an environment that’s conducive to creativity — what better than the comfort of a vehicle parked in a beautiful place?

• Software Developers and Programmers.
  Many software developers and programmers can perform their tasks remotely so long as they have secure and reliable access to the necessary development environments, code repositories, and collaboration tools.

• Project Managers.
  With the aid of project management tools and communication platforms, project managers can coordinate team activities, track progress, and lead projects while on the road.

• Virtual Assistants.
  With access to cloud-based tools and communication platforms, virtual assistants can manage administrative tasks, manage emails, and assist clients while on the go.

• Digital Marketers and Social Media Managers.
  These professionals can oversee social media campaigns, content creation, and marketing strategies remotely, using online analytics tools and content scheduling platforms.

• Digital Nomads.
  Professionals who combine travel with remote work, such as bloggers, vloggers, influencers, or content creators, can easily operate from a vehicle while exploring different locations.

Factors to consider for working from a vehicle.

Before you head out and hit the road, there are a few factors to consider whether you’re planning to work from your car, van, truck, or motorhome. Yes, for most professions, you’ll need your digital devices and an internet connection. But to be efficient, productive, and safe, a bit of planning and preparation will make all the difference.

The feasibility of a remote office being a vehicle often depends on access to a stable internet connection, suitable workspace setup, and the nature of the tasks involved. Adaptability and proper planning are key.

Elements to consider before you start working from a vehicle include —

• The suitability of your vehicle.
  Assess the suitability of your vehicle as a workspace. Take into consideration the nature of your work and how long you spend on tasks. Think about ergonomics, comfort, and available space. Optimise your set-up so you can work in your vehicle safely and effectively.

• Car office accessories and essentials.
  Equip yourself with a few car office essentials and accessories to keep productive and work safely. These may include —
  • A portable desk or lap desk for a comfortable and stable work surface
  • Seat cushions or back pads for physical comfort and good posture
  • A phone mount or stand for easy access and hands-free communication
  • Chargers and power banks to keep your devices powered throughout the day
  • Storage containers/folders/compartments for basic office supplies
  • Tethering capability, a hotspot device, or Wi-Fi for reliable internet connectivity.

• Safety and security while working from your vehicle.
  Be sure to prioritize your safety and security while you’re working in a vehicle. Things to think about include —
  
  Parking — always park in safe locations and follow local laws and regulations on places you can park up and work. If you pull off to the side of a road to do some work, make sure you are visible to other drivers and traffic. If you’re parked in a public place to work, such as a car park, be mindful of your safety. Park where you have a good view of other people. Lock your doors, even when you’re in the vehicle. Backing into a parking space can make it easier to see others approaching and exit quickly and safely if you need to.
  
  Multitasking — Remember, working from your vehicle is not one of those times to boast about being a multi-tasker while you’re driving! In both Australia and New Zealand, it’s illegal to use your hands to operate any devices while your vehicle is in motion. So, don’t text and type as you drive. And only use your phone using hands-free features while you’re mobile.
  
  Emergencies — Have contingency plans for potential emergencies related to your work, your vehicle, and the location you are in. For example, think about backup internet solutions or know how to find nearby places such as libraries and cafes with internet access and facilities. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and have emergency supplies with you in case of breakdowns or unforeseen situations. You are also more exposed to the elements when working from a vehicle. So, keep an eye on adverse weather events and safe driving/parking places.

Productivity tips for working from a vehicle.

There can be productivity challenges when you’ve got a remote office set up in your vehicle. A few tips to stay productive include —

• Plan your route and stops.
  Identify places with good reception and network coverage where you can work from your vehicle. Also, look for spots where you can stop that have shade or alternatives such as libraries and cafes.

• Use secure connectivity.
  Protect yourself with the latest security updates on your devices, and avoid using free Wi-Fi, if possible. Free Wi-Fi is usually more vulnerable to hackers, putting your information at risk.

• Optimise your time.
  Schedule the tasks that you will be doing in the vehicle. For example, where and when you will make calls or send emails before or after meetings.

• Take breaks.
  Stay hydrated and eat healthily. When you need a break, take the time to stretch and do some gentle exercises to move your body.

• Stay flexible.
  Embrace the flexibility of remote work from a vehicle but be adaptable to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges.

Digital access to work remotely in a vehicle.

Using secure and trusted apps and services when you’re remote working from anywhere is essential, especially when you’re working from a vehicle. Make sure you can create, save, share, and access your digital documents safely and securely.

It makes sense to go completely paperless and use cloud services. There’s less chance of losing important documents, and if something does happen to your device, your files are safe and protected.

Just some of the Adobe applications and services to explore and try out for your remote work include —

• Adobe Acrobat Online.
  Adobe Acrobat Online is all web-based. You can store files online, convert files to and from PDF, compress files, edit PDF contents, add and remove pages to PDFs, and more.

• Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  Check out what you can do with the free trial of Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat Pro. You’ve got the option to integrate with cloud storage services such as Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Adobe Express.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to your phone and laptop to view, share, sign, comment and collaborate on PDF files from anywhere.

• Adobe Scan Mobile App.
  Scan and digitize your files and documents to PDF files as you go. Use the Adobe Scan Mobile app for your receipts, paper documents, and more.

• Creative Cloud.
  Choose from several plans to create PDFs and more with Adobe Acrobat Pro — Creative Cloud. You’ll be able to access the apps you choose and cloud storage from work on your phone or laptop.

Related Content.

Check out some of our other articles that can help you with working remotely from your vehicle.

• Cloud PDF Storage and File Sharing — Access Documents Anywhere, Anytime
• PDF Tools for Freelancers: How to Make PDFs Work for You and Your Clients
• PDF Security: Protect Your Sensitive Content and Information