Balancing Work & Van Life: A Day in the Life of a Full-Time Van Life Family with Remote Jobs

Introduction

Balancing remote work while living full-time in a van is both rewarding and challenging. Many people assume that van life means constant travel and relaxation, but in reality, it requires careful planning, routine, and adaptability. We are both full-time remote workers, and we’ve developed a system that helps us stay productive while enjoying the freedom of the road. Here’s a look into our typical day and how we make it work.

Morning Routine

Our mornings start with coffee (Ethan) and tea (Rebeca), while our two cats demand breakfast first thing. They usually come up for cuddles before persistently reminding us it’s time for food. We love enjoying our mornings outside when the weather allows, using this time to mentally prepare for the workday.

We split meal responsibilities to make our days easier—Ethan is the morning person and handles breakfast, while Rebeca takes care of lunch. Having meals prepped in advance over the weekend also makes workdays smoother and allows us to focus on our jobs.

Work & Productivity on the Road

We maintain somewhat of a structured work schedule, similar to traditional office jobs. Ethan, as a programmer, has a hefty tech setup, while Rebeca, a social media manager, primarily works with her laptop. We aim to have our workstations set up throughout the week for efficiency. If you have any great workspace gadget recommendations, let us know—we’re always looking to improve!

Since we enjoy boondocking and staying in remote locations, reliable internet is crucial. We use satellite internet, as it’s currently the best option for staying connected while remaining mobile. This setup allows us to work from national forests, remote campsites, and other off-grid locations without worrying about connectivity.

Afternoon & Evening Life

Lunchtime is a much-needed break where we enjoy a meal together and unwind. Lately, we’ve been watching Mythic Quest on Apple TV—lighthearted and funny, just what we need to reset during the day. After lunch, it’s back to work for a few more hours before wrapping up in the evening.

Once work is done, one of us prepares dinner—we take turns cooking. Rebeca is currently obsessed with Ethan’s curry, which has become a staple in our rotation. After dinner and cleanup, we usually relax by playing a board game, watching a show, or catching up with friends online.

Managing Daily Responsibilities & Travel

Since we prefer staying in one spot during the workweek, we make sure to stock up on groceries and essentials for at least five days. Most of our cleaning and other heavy-duty tasks happen on the weekends. We also use weekends for travel and exploration, never staying in one place for longer than a week.

One of our recent adventures was visiting Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. The historic site was breathtaking, and having a National Park “America the Beautiful” pass meant we could enter for free along with three guests—definitely worth it!

Challenges & Solutions

Van life isn’t without its challenges, but we’ve been fortunate that most have been manageable. Having an emergency fund has been a lifesaver—we recommend setting aside at least a few hundred dollars for unexpected expenses. Some key gadgets we rely on include an automatic tire inflator and traction tracks for getting unstuck. If you’re just starting van life, planning for emergencies is essential; you don’t want to be caught off guard with an issue that insurance doesn’t cover.

Final Thoughts

Balancing remote work and van life is a learning process, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. Having a structured routine, planning meals, and staying organized makes the workweek more manageable.

Our advice to anyone considering this lifestyle? Figure out what aligns with your goals. For us, the priority is experiencing new places while keeping costs low. That means choosing dispersed camping over paid sites and planning around work commitments. If you’re looking to work remotely while living on the road, know that it’s possible—with the right setup and mindset.

Have any questions or tips for remote work on the road? Drop them in the comments!