Nomad Life: Essentials for Living on the Road

Whether it’s temporary or long-term, living on the open road is a liberating experience that allows for a ton of freedom, both physically and mentally. Side effects include becoming a minimalist and learning to rely on yourself first - two excellent skillsets to carry with you no matter where life takes you. And to make it work, you’re also going to need some serious planning. But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a quick list of the essentials for living on the road so you can focus on everything else.

Have Multiple Power Sources

First things first, because this is the 21st century, after all. You’re going to need power—whether it’s to plug in your phone, use heat or AC, turn the lights on, etc. etc. Prepare for life on the road by packing a power bank, cigarette lighter charger, and power cords, to start. If you’re going a little more long-term, installing solar panels on the roof of your vehicle, if you have something large such as an RV or camper, might be a great idea as it will provide you with consistent power. A small generator is another great option and will keep you going no matter the weather, location, or time of day.

Install (or Pack) the Essentials

If you’re living out of a smaller car, purchase a small portable oven so you can cook your meals—and don’t forget kitchen utensils and cookware! Additionally, you may need a portable shower, heat source, and cooler. Having compact versions of each of these isn’t a bad idea for RV owners, either—if the oven in your RV quits working for any reason, a travel-sized one can serve as a backup. Remember, even though you’re on the road, you may not always have the ability to run to the store, especially if you’re in a remote area.

Don’t Forget Your Social Needs

If you plan to live on the go, reliable access to your phone ensures safety. Equipping your vehicle with a cellular signal booster can also increase your safety and make sure you can stay social, even when you’re far away from loved ones and friends. A cellular booster is also ideal for digital nomads who want to continue working on the road. From social media to email to Zoom, your cell phone may easily become your ‘Wilson’ of the road so giving it all the power you can will definitely be an asset.

Have Plenty of Storage

It goes without saying that opting for compact gear so everything actually fits inside your vehicle is a must. For the bigger items, roof racks on the top of your car might be a great idea. Other ideas for extra storage include trunk racks, under the seat solutions, and bins for between seats for those items you want to access quickly while on the road.

Other Gadgets To Include

While some things take precedence over others during packing, many items increase your comfort and allow you to enjoy your time on the road. When you start loading up the car, a phone mount, Bluetooth speaker, insulated thermos, and a folding table and chairs should definitely make the short list. These are essentials for living on the road—because while your physical needs matter, so does your mental well-being. After all, isn’t that half the point of hitting the open road? And don’t forget a speaker - there’s nothing quite like blasting your favorite song in a new location to lift the spirits! Just don’t piss off the locals….