Duty has a way of calling even when you don’t have access to your home or business workspace. Split the difference by setting up a workspace in your vehicle. With a few simple adjustments, you can turn your means of transportation into a new way to work and do business. Here are a few ways to turn your car into a mobile office to help you get started.
Maintain It
If you plan to work out of your car, remember that it’s an extension of your company, business, and yourself. Keep it in good condition with periodic inspections by a licensed mechanic or other car service provider. Ensure the tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated so the wear and tear is evenly distributed and they have a longer life. Have the oil and filter changed every 6,000 miles, and check, top off, and change all the other car fluids when they require it. Keep the car clean, inside and out, and treat it like an office, not a lounge area. Don’t eat or drink or litter the interior. A messy car won’t speak well of you.
Get Organized
Take advantage of every square inch of your car’s trunk and cabin. Buy an organizer for the trunk so you can store extra stationery, forms, and other necessary paperwork, as well as pens, pencils, erasers, paperclips, and other materials. Keeping a portable safe or lockable briefcase you can secure back there is a good idea for protecting valuable and proprietary materials. Backseat organizers can store even more materials, and you could even set up filing boxes on the backseat.
Envision Peripherals
Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the convenience of appliances and the Internet. Purchase a portable WIFI hotspot for the car, so you don’t have to rely on libraries and coffee shops for free internet access. Pick up a portable power inverter you can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter so you can keep your phone, laptop, and other tools charged. It would also be a good idea to keep an extra backup with a portable battery-operated charger to take some of the strain off your car’s battery.
A Desk Is Best
One of the last ways to turn your car into a mobile office is to get a mountable or adjustable desk. Multiple models are available. Some types can attach to your steering wheel, and others can connect to the dashboard without screws. Consider making the passenger seat your work area since you’ll have more space to stretch and spread out. Don’t forget attachments and containers that can hold down writing implements, papers, and more on windy days!
