When you decide to give a living on the road you will want to ensure that you have all of the necessary items to get you through your adventures. This will include items such as a vehicle, clothing, medical supplies, and more. The following checklist will help you to make sure that you have everything you need. You might have considered living your dream of traveling or van life—but what about when you return home? How will you support yourself once the road is over? That’s why we created this handy Living on the Road checklist so that you can be fully prepared before leaving and after you’ve come back. Getting a job and a steady income is key for any young person planning on becoming independent, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Keeping an updated CV, showing examples of skills and experience (and references if necessary), saving money for a while, getting organized, and staying grounded are all crucial factors in establishing financial independence sooner rather than later. Luckily, we’re here to help!
Save money
The first step to living a life on the road is saving up for it and putting aside the money you can always access even if something happens. Having savings keeps your anxiety in check and helps you avoid any unexpected events that might occur. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you will be able to keep moving forward no matter what comes along. Next, start cutting costs! If possible, find a cheaper place to live with roommates or friends, switch from your car rental to public transportation and take advantage of services like Uber and Lyft Continue asking yourself these questions: What am I spending money on? What do I really need?
Be organized
Being organized isn’t just important when you’re on the road—it’s also necessary for finding a job! You need to be able to provide the prospective employer with an up-to-date résumé and cover letter. Make sure you include relevant skills and experience that are relevant to the company. That way, your qualifications will be top of mind for them.
Network, network, network
Networking is key to establishing your future. You might find that you get a job on the road or in a different city. Jobs are often seasonal, so it’s important to have contacts before you leave and stay in touch with them once you return. It’s also helpful to keep an online resume updated and be able to show potential employers examples of your work while you’re out on the road.
Get a job
The first step to living your dream is finding a job. You can apply to many different jobs, but it’s better to start by looking at the major cities where you have friends and family. Look for jobs in areas you wish to live in so that you can connect with people who can help you find work. You might want to check out the National Careers Service website which offers a variety of advice on how to get a job and what skills are needed.
Stay grounded and connected
Make sure to take time for yourself and have deep conversations with friends, family, and mentors. A life of travel or living on the road can get lonely at times, so staying connected at home will make the transition easier. Don’t worry about missing out on the things that you enjoy by staying connected–you can do it all!
If you’re planning on becoming a digital nomad, it’s important to prepare for your transition.
Here’s a checklist of important steps to take.
- Save money
- Become organized
- Arrange for business insurance
- Have an emergency fund of at least 3-6 months
- Stay grounded and connected
- Develop a plan of action to stay productive when on the road
- Know your rights as a digital nomad
- Do your research to find out if your destination is a good idea for you