One of the most exciting trends in the modern workforce is the rise of remote working and the increased flexibility it gives employees and entrepreneurs alike to travel the world. But to be productive on the road, you need a workspace that maximizes efficiency.

Try These Mobile Office Design Tips

A digital nomad is someone who financially supports themselves while traveling around the globe. They’re remote workers who are location-independent. They can work at home one day, in another state the next day, and in another country the next. All they need is a wireless internet connection, a device, and a few hours to work.

The digital nomad movement has grown dramatically in recent years. The number of nomads in the United States has doubled in just the past few years (from 4.8 million in 2018 to a whopping 10.9 million in 2020). And while the average digital nomad is 32 years old, we’re seeing an influx of both younger and older nomads as the movement grows.

If you’re a digital nomad – or aspire to be one – you may find the following mobile office design tips helpful for getting the most out of your productivity and focus.

• Decide On Your Office

The first step is to decide where you want your office to be. And while the scenery will obviously change on a regular basis, there are two primary options:

• Van. Many digital nomads find it cost-effective and comfortable to travel in a van. This allows them to set up a single office that remains the same regardless of whether they’re in Yellowstone National Park or New York City.
• Building. Other digital nomads prefer to work from a local building in whatever city they’re in. This includes coffee shops, public libraries, hotel rooms, and lobbies. With this approach, you have to set up a new “office” each time on the fly.

The option you choose is highly dependent on your travel style, location, traveling party, and long-term plans. If you’re planning to jump around from continent to continent, for example, a van is not practical. But if you’re looking to stay in North America and live on the cheap, a van is probably your most cost-effective choice. Regardless of what approach you choose, it’s imperative that you figure it out early on. The rest of your decisions will hinge on this.

• Prioritize Network Connection and Speed

Regardless of whether you’re working from a van or a building, network connection security and speed are two of the most important elements in this entire process. If you don’t have fast and safe internet, it’s impossible to do your job well – it’s as simple as that. For best results, look into mobile hotspots and VPNs.

• Think About Workspace Ergonomics

When you’re on the road and traveling from one location to the next, you have to take care of your body. In addition to eating well and exercising, you also have to pay attention to workspace ergonomics.

If you go the van route, purchasing an adjustable office chair that provides proper support for your back and neck is important. BTOD.com’s LinkedIn page has some good options. Scroll through their feed and check out the different videos to see if there’s an option that could work for your mobile workspace. 

• Minimize Distractions

The final suggestion is to get serious about minimizing distractions. Whether you’re working out of a van or hopping between coffee shops, you have to prioritize focus. This is where a good pair of noise-canceling headphones come into play.

In addition to blocking out noise, you also need a way to eliminate internet distractions (like social media and news sites). There are plenty of good website blockers available online. Find one that gives you a comfortable level of control.

Maximize Your Productivity!

Productivity can be elusive for the digital nomad. Between distractions, cramped workspaces, and a set of ever-changing circumstances, it’s not always clear where to spend your time or resources. But if you keep the aforementioned tips in mind, you’ll find yourself well ahead of your peers. It’s about being intentional with what you have. The more purposeful you are, the better your results will be.