Living and working in a motorhome

House prices and living expenses are extortionate these days and finding a well-paying job that keeps your mortgage paid and your quality of life high can be a bit of a minefield. Many people these days look to alternative housing and living environments to keep costs down and add a bit of excitement to their days.

From houseboats to tree-houses, there are all sorts of ways people can minimise living expenses and get back to basics. One such method is living and working from a motorhome.

Motorhomes are an attractive choice for many people for several reasons. They are far cheaper than a house or apartment and the largest cost you will likely pay is for your motorhome insurance, and even this can be brought down with proper research. However, the main reason people can find contentment living and working in a motorhome is being able to pick up and move to somewhere else at the drop of a hat. So, how does it work and what jobs can you take on whilst living in a motorhome?

Is it legal to live in a motorhome full-time?

There are no laws prohibiting you from living in your motorhome full-time. Cheaper than a house and a lot easier to clean, your motorhome can be your castle no matter where you are. As long as it has passed its MOT, has full and comprehensive motorhome insurance, and is parked in the right place, the world is your oyster.

There are some places you will be unable to park your motorhome, so you will need to do your research in order to be compliant with local and countrywide laws. For example, certain streets and laybys may be illegal to spend the night in and could also be unsafe for you.

What kind of work can you do from your motorhome?

One of the many wonders of modern life is the ease and breadth of connectivity. This means that many computer-based jobs can be done from anywhere in the world; all you need is a healthy Wi-Fi connection, a laptop, and an electrical outlet.

Some jobs that can be successfully done remotely include:

• Freelance journalist/writer/content creator:
  Being free to explore the world around you can be of huge inspiration to writers or content creators of any kind. One of the biggest draws for writers is the ability to work to their own schedule in order to maximise the times when they feel most creative.
• Salesperson:
  If you already work in sales then you probably spend a large part of your working day in your car out on the road anyway. Being able to travel at the top of a hat is always a bonus as a salesperson, not to mention you have all your creature comforts on hand whenever you need them.
• Photographer/camera operator:
  Photographers can find inspiration in all sorts of places. Capturing images across the length and breadth of the country can diversify your portfolio and allow you to network with clients and customers with ease. Provided you can safely store your camera equipment, and you have the relevant editing software on your laptop, you can earn revenue from wherever you are.
• Construction/landscapers:
  Being able to travel from job to job easily without having to worry about paying for accommodation can be a real plus point for both employers and workers. As long as you can store any personally owned materials and equipment safely and securely, you will be able to live in your motorhome for the duration of the contract, then move on to the next place. This way, you are following the work rather than searching for jobs close to home.

What are the pros and cons of living and working in a motorhome?

The largest benefit for people living in a motorhome is that is it far cheaper than owning or renting a house or flat. You do not pay a mortgage and living costs are minimal due to the size and various limitations of your motorhome.

As previously mentioned, the main cost you will face is your motorhome insurance premium, however, this can vary considerably and there are many methods you can employ to keep your costs down. There are many specialist insurance brokers out there that can provide you with competitive prices for detailed comprehensive cover, so it is best to do your research.

The cons of living and working in a motorhome are mostly related to space. The fact is, you will not have a great deal of space to live and work in and might have to get creative with storage and keep your personal possessions to a minimum. This can be attractive to some people who want to let go of some of the trappings of modern life and live more simply, and as we said, as long as you can connect to the internet, there are always options for earning.

Of course, this can be a big upheaval for people and this type of living arrangement will not suit every person or every job, but if you are struggling to keep costs down and don’t mind downsizing your life a bit, motorhome living and working could be the ideal solution for a hectic life.

If you’re tempted to take the nomad route of living, you can find yourself a good deal on a motorhome from sites like Gumtree, Ebay and CaravansForSale.