Working remotely from a van is the dream — but only if your setup actually works. Here's how to create a productive mobile office.
Internet: Your Most Critical Resource
Mobile Data
The foundation of van life internet:
- Three — Best rural coverage in the UK, unlimited data SIMs from ~£20/month
- EE — Strongest overall coverage, good for remote areas
- Vodafone — Good urban coverage, competitive pricing
- O2 — Decent coverage, priority data at events
Get two different network SIMs for backup. You can use a dual-SIM phone or a portable router.
4G/5G Routers
A dedicated router gives better performance than phone tethering:
- Huawei 4G Pro — Popular with van lifers (~£150)
- Nighthawk M6 — 5G capable (~£350)
- Starlink Mini — Satellite internet, works anywhere (~£300 + £50/month)
Signal Boosters
Boost weak signals in rural areas:
- Poynting XPOL-2 — External antenna (~£200)
- WeBoost — Indoor amplifier (~£250)
Setting Up Your Mobile Office
The Essentials
- Laptop: Lightweight with good battery life (MacBook Air M-series is popular)
- Power: Inverter connected to leisure battery, or portable power station
- Desk: Fold-down table, swivel seat, or lap desk
- Chair: Ergonomic camping chair or driver's seat swivel
- Lighting: LED strip lights for evening work
Ergonomics in a Van
Sitting hunched causes back and neck pain:
- Elevate your laptop to eye level with a stand
- Use an external keyboard and mouse
- Take breaks every 30 minutes
- Stretch your neck and shoulders regularly
- Alternate between desk and lying-down work positions
Coworking Spaces Across the UK
Nationwide Chains
- WeWork — Multiple UK cities, day passes available (~£30/day)
- Regus — Widespread, monthly memberships from ~£100
- The Office Group — Good urban locations
Van-Friendly Coworking
- Camp Katur (North Yorkshire) — Work from a glamping site
- The Hive (Bristol) — Community-focused, day passes
- The Guild (Bath) — Beautiful converted building
- Campingle (various) — Campsites with coworking facilities
Libraries
Free wifi and workspace:
- Every UK public library offers free internet
- Quiet environment, no time limits in most
- Good for focused work sessions
Cafes
- Pret A Manger — Unlimited coffee subscription, good wifi
- Costa — Reliable wifi, comfortable seating
- Wetherspoons — Cheap food, free wifi, often quiet during weekdays
Working Productively on the Road
Establish a Routine
- Set consistent working hours
- Find your parking spot the evening before
- Have a backup workspace (library, cafe) for bad signal days
- Communicate your schedule to colleagues
Time Management
- Use Pomodoro technique (25-minute focused blocks)
- Batch similar tasks together
- Do calls when you have strong signal
- Download files when on good wifi for offline work
Internet Backup Plan
- Carry a portable wifi hotspot
- Know where local libraries and cafes are
- Download important files before heading to remote areas
- Use offline mode in Google Docs and Notion
Legal Considerations
- You need appropriate insurance that covers working from your van
- Some campsites have rules about generator noise and parking duration
- Council regulations may apply in urban areas
- Your employer may have policies about remote working locations
Popular Van Life Work Routes
- Scotland NC500: Beautiful but patchy signal
- Cornwall coast: Good 4G coverage in most areas
- Lake District: Variable signal, some good coworking spots
- Wales: Check coverage maps before heading to remote areas
With the right setup, working from a van is genuinely productive. The key is having reliable internet and a comfortable workspace.
