Do you want to live a simple, minimalist lifestyle? If so, living in a van could be your dream. You may be wondering how you can make money while living in a van. You don’t need to work for someone else and commute to an office anymore! This article will provide you with the best ways that you can make money while living in a van.
The millennial generation is living in a time where more and more people are turning their backs on material goods and choosing to live simpler lives. A van life takes this trend to the extreme, as you’re now not only foregoing a home but many of your possessions as well. You can make money and still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle by living in a van even with the downsides of not having any space for storage. Below is a list of our top side hustles and van life jobs to make as much money or little money that you need.
Below you will see our top 47 ways on how to make money while living in a van
1. Sell your services on Fiverr
If you own a campervan or RV and you’re on the hunt for ways to make money on the road, Fiverr is an awesome place to start. Fiverr lets you sell your services in almost any way possible, whether it’s teaching yoga classes or fixing broken electronics. You can get more than just cash payments, too: 83% of all payments made on Fiverr are done so through PayPal.
2. Start a profitable blog
Starting a profitable blog is easier than ever, so why not take the plunge? Your campervan or RV can be your office. You can write about anything you want to bring in an income. You can always build upon your blog and work your way up to bigger and better things.
3. Become a freelance writer
Freelance writing can offer great flexibility and good income while working from your van. You can’t go wrong with freelance writing, because there are so many ways to make money with this job. In addition to writing, you can be an editor, create content, or even offer your own courses. Here is a bonus tip, you can also offer social media services to businesses to make money. You can also do remote work like affiliate marketing in your cargo van. You can publish blog posts and have affiliate links in them to earn extra cash in your side hustle.
4. Work from your campervan as a virtual assistant
Do you have a dream to work from the road in your campervan or RV but don’t know how? This article is for you! There are plenty of jobs that can be done from your RV, and earning money from these gigs is a great way to help with your travel expenses. Becoming a virtual assistant to make money remotely is an amazing way to live the van life.
5. Proofread right from your van
The article will show you how to proofread right from your van. A lot of people in the RV community like to make money by giving proofreading services, and it’s a simple way to make some extra cash with no equipment needed.
Mention research shows that there is a demand for online proofreading services, and many freelancers travel around the U.S. in their RVs just looking for jobs.
6. Become a transcriptionist
There are many ways to make money while living in your campervan or RV. Many people think that because they’re not working at an office, they don’t have any income. However, there are plenty of jobs that allow you to work while travelling or on the go. You can become a transcriptionist while living in your van. One of the easiest jobs to find is transcription. Companies are always looking for people who can take audio or video, record what people are saying, then turn that into written form.
7. Sign up for Rakuten to make money shopping online
There are many ways to make money with a campervan or RV. One of the most lucrative is to be a sign-shilling for Rakuten. Sign up takes only minutes, and with no purchase required, you can start earning money immediately. You can also get referral fees for recommending new customers to Rakuten.
8. Sell handmade products through online stores
The online world has opened up endless opportunities for making money that did not exist before, and it just takes a little creativity to get started. You can sell handmade products through online stores like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay. For example, if you’re skilled at knitting or sewing, you can create beautiful hats or shirts and sell them on Etsy.
9. Create Printables and sell them on Etsy
There are many ways to make money from your campervan or RV, but the most popular way is to create a printable and sell it on Etsy!
If you’re looking for a creative project that can start earning you money with minimal investment, try making a few cute prints and putting them up for sale. You can sell different printables on Etsy like printable planners, journals, worksheets, handouts, cheat sheets, wall art, and so much more. People are making thousands of dollars per month selling simple printables on Etsy.
10. Sell essential oils
Selling essential oils is a great way to make money while living in a van. If you have a budget and skill in DIY, you can do your own essential oil blends and sell them online. If you don’t have the time or skills to make your own blends, there are plenty of companies that will do that for you.
11. Teach English online as a van life job
If you are looking for ideas to make money with your van or RV, you might want to consider teaching English online. It can be an excellent source of income while traveling in your vehicle. It’s also a great skill to have for your future.
You can start your own website or blog and start teaching online. You can easily make up to $1000 a month online teaching English.
12. Become an Online Education Tutor
As a means to make a few bucks on the side, a lot of people turn into online tutors. From teaching others how to speak a new language to teaching them how to cook, there are plenty of online tutorials available. Online tutoring can help you keep up with your blog schedule and generate some extra income. If you’re interested in teaching another person about an educational topic, here are some websites where you can sign up as an online tutor: Tutor. com, TutorVista, Tutor.ca, Tutor.co, Tutor.com, Tutor.in, Tutor.us, Tutor.is, Tutor.gd.
13. Start an Amazon FBA business from your van or RV
If you’re in need of an unconventional or even unique job, consider starting an Amazon FBA business from your campervan or RV. This is a profitable and flexible way for anyone to make money and enjoy the awesome life on the open road. There are many different jobs that can be done while living in a van and many resources and guides to use to get started. This one will require startup funding so if you do not have a budget to invest this one is not the best choice on this list.
Another bonus way that you can make money is via Soundcloud.
14. Learn Graphic Design – Become a Graphic Designer
Since becoming a digital nomad, I’ve been following a lot of inspiration for how to make money from your van. One common theme that kept coming up was graphic design work from the road. In addition to being a freelance designer, there are a number of other jobs you can do from the comfort of your campervan or RV. These range from photography to film production, and even web development!
15. Get into online marketing
Van life is a popular and ever-growing trend. Campervan or RV owners can work from their vehicle and take advantage of the flexibility that comes with it. The list below will show you some of the best online marketing jobs for people who work remotely. All of these positions are available to anyone who has a computer and internet connection, regardless of location!
16. Design Websites from your campervan
One of the most underrated jobs out there is to design websites. Even if you don’t have a degree in Computer Science or Web Design, you can still make money from it. All you need is the right equipment and the skillset to do it. You can use your campervan or RV and park it anywhere to get started.
17. Create your own online courses
Have you ever dreamed of living in a van or RV and traveling the world? Well, there are several ways to fund your travels depending on which country you’re in. And, even if you’re not headed anywhere just yet, there are multiple jobs that can be done from your campervan or RV! Creating online courses that you can sell to people that want to learn the skill that you teach, is a great way to start making money from your van. All this can be managed from a laptop.
You can use Udemy to create and publish your first course online.
18. Become a certified bookkeeper
Become a certified bookkeeper is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. This way, you can work from anywhere you want and in the comfort of your RV or campervan. You can use your laptop to do it, or even a smartphone. To become a bookkeeper Check out the below link to find a bookkeeper certification that can be done online!
19. Join the Steady Jobs App
Joining the Steady Jobs App is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. The Steady Jobs App connects people to people who are looking for work in their area. You can get paid to do activities like drop off packages, walk dogs or clean yards. You can also make money by taking on odd-jobs like mowing lawns, shoveling snow and more. Another app like this is TaskRabbit (See Taskrabbit further down our list!). Check that one out too!
20. Invest in Real Estate from your Smartphone
Investing in Real Estate from your smartphone can be down while living in a van. you are on the road traveling the world. You can invest in places that you see by looking at real estate from your smartphone. All you need to do is look for signs of things that catch your eye.
21. Become a Tax Preparer
Becoming a tax preparer is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. You can prepare your taxes while on the road. All you need to do is keep track of your income and expenses. If you prepare taxes for others you can get paid per client.
22. Get a workamping job
Getting a workamping job is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. Workamping jobs are part-time or seasonal positions that are available for temporary workers. The best thing about this job is that you can work when it’s convenient for you.
23. Scour Craiglist
Scour Craigslist daily for little tasks that people need done. Or you can also run into people hiring for all sorts of remote jobs on Craigslist. Many will be local and many will be remote nationally. The sky is the limit. for odd jobs
Scouring Craigslist for odd jobs is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. You can post jobs that you are looking for. The best thing about this job is that you can work when it’s convenient for you.
24. Rent out your campervan or RV for a few days
Camping has become an increasingly popular pastime, with campgrounds popping up all over the country. Campers are always on the lookout for new places to explore. Whether they are looking for activities or want to spend some time in nature, campervans are the best way to get there. Renting out your campervan or RV is a great way to earn some extra cash while also allowing others to enjoy your vehicle!
25. Offer petsitting or dog walking
The popularity of campervans and RVs has grown in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that many people are living with less space and need a cheaper option for housing. It also makes it easier to get out of town for vacation, with minimal planning. But if you don’t want to travel alone, there’s still an opportunity: pet sitting or dog walking! Pet sitting involves taking care of a pet, usually when the owners are at work or out of town. You can expect to earn about $10 to $75 per hour, per pet.
Dog walking is similar to pet sitting, except the dog is in your care. And you basically are there to get the dog out and get them daily exercise. You can make good money per hour as a dog walker as well.
26. Find seasonal retail work
You may not have to work a 9-5 job for the rest of your life. There are work options that are perfect for people who want to take their plates off at 5 PM everyday or who don’t want to worry about looking appropriate for work. Find seasonal retail work usually requires little training and pays on average $10-$12 per hour. Retail jobs will usually open up around November through January, so start planning now! Also since you are living in a van, your expenses are almost nothing, so you can save all the money you earn at your seasonal job to get you by when you are not working.
27. Manage properties for people with Airbnb
Many people are turning to Airbnb to make money. But what does one do when someone wants to turn their home into a rental property? At Airbnb, users share their homes with other people, but it can be difficult for landlords to manage their properties. They have to deal with finding guests, screening them, and making sure they don’t damage the house while renting it out. With all this work takes up time that landlords may not have.
28. Sell plasma to make money while living in a van
You can sell your plasma to make money while living in your van or vehicle.
Selling your plasma to make money while living in a van is an option for those who are trying to get out of the rat race of the 9-to-5. It may sound extreme, but there are many people that do this and more importantly more people that actually need your plasma in order to survive. Doing a good cause and earning money, a great match.
29. Work at a dude ranch
Working at a dude ranch is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. You will be helping work with the horses and learn about how to take care of them while you get paid. Many dude ranches need someone to take care of the horses.
30. Work at a national park
Working in the National Parks System has many benefits. For one, you’ll be able to work in an area that you love and learn more about the natural environment. Another perk is that you’ll be employed for life due to the federal protection of these national wonders. Many people also enjoy the fact that there are many jobs available in this sector, including positions in conservation law enforcement, education, resource management, engineering, science, and much more.
31. Run errands with Task Rabbit
Typical errands are often time-consuming and difficult to keep up with. The solution? Task Rabbit! This website has plenty of people willing to help you run your errands for you, at an affordable price. All you need to do is post the task, the price, how long it will take them to complete the task, and any other details. You can be the “tasker” and earn great money for completing other peoples errands and tasks!
32. Make deliveries with Postmates
Postmates is an online service that allows people to make deliveries or take-out orders for restaurants in their area. It’s the perfect job for those with a car, bike, scooter, or motorcycle who are looking to make some money on their own time. Postmates delivers food, grocery items, house cleaning services, and much more. To get started as a Postmates delivery driver all that’s needed is to download the app and complete your profile.
33. Offer tutoring services
Offering tutoring services is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. The beauty of tutoring is that you can work from where you choose. Tutors typically work one-on-one with students and provide instruction on a wide range of subjects. Tutoring services can be provided for a wide age range.
34. Work as a bartender
A great way to live out your life is by campervan or RV. You can cruise around and explore different cities, states, and countries while still having a place to crash at night. And when you’re in need of some extra money, there are dozens of jobs you can do from your campervan or RV for cash! If you are settled in a town for some time then bartending can be a great way to make a living while living in your van. These jobs are high in demand so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding work as a bartender.
35. Become a flea market flipper
Becoming a flea market flipper is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. If you like to go to flea markets and buy collectables, vintage items, or old furniture, you can become a flipper and flip items for a profit. For more information on flea market flipping, check out You can also apply the same technique to yard sale flipping. Buy items for cheap at yard sales and sell them at flea markets.
36. Become a campground host
Being a campground host is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. If you enjoy meeting new people and having guests, then this job can definitely be for you. You’ll be able to work as much or as little as you want and you can even set your own schedule.
37. Do harvesting and farm work
Harvesting and farm work is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. If you love being outside, then this job can definitely be for you. You’ll be doing physical work outdoors, which is something that you cannot really do in a camper van. But you can use your van to report to the farm where you will perform the work. If you like staying in great physical shape and being outside, this one may be for you.
38. Become a marijuana trimmer in northern California
Few people would think that there is a profitable “career” in trimming cannabis, but the cannabis industry is booming and the need for skilled trimmers is at an all-time high. A cannabis trimmer earns an average wage of $14/hour and can make up to $20/hour depending on how they perform their job. Trimmers also enjoy healthcare benefits and retirement plans.
39. Become a mobile mechanic
Mobile mechanic is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. If you love working on things and it doesn’t matter where you are, then this is a career that can be for you. You’ll have to buy your own tools and keep them in your van, so you’ll need to make sure that you drive somewhere with a mechanic shop nearby.
40. Offer your trade to other fellow travelers
If you have a trade of any kind, you can offer this as a service to people that are traveling and in your town. Could be a jewelry fixer, shoe shiner, computer repair, etc.
41. Offer help with van conversions
Offering your expertise on turning your van into a full time living space could prove handy for others “newbies” trying to achieve the same thing. With van conversions can be a great way that you can make money from living in your van. Van conversions can take a long time, so you’ll be helping a van owner out for an extended period of time.
42. Work at a restaurant
Working at a restaurant is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. Restaurants are always looking for dishwashers and cooks, so if you are interested in working in the food industry, you should put yourself out there to employers. Most restaurants do not benefit from the extra hands that they hire.
43. Join the Amazon Camperforce
Joining the Amazon Camperforce is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. The Camperforce is a group of people that are working on a project called “Amazon Camper”. They basically are working to provide a better life for people that are living in their vans while driving around the Amazon.
44. Grocery shop with Instacart
Becoming an Instacart shopper is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. Instacart is a shopping service that enables customers to have groceries dropped off at their doorstep and then they are able to shop around for deals.
45. Try busking on the side of the road
Busking on the side of the road can be a way to earn extra income while living in your van. Busking is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. You’ll be able to put on a show and make some money. Busking is the activity of playing music in the street or another public place for voluntary donations.
46. Sell roadside assistance
Selling roadside assistance is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. If you are interested in selling roadside assistance, you’ll be able to start your own business. It’s a simple services that people can use when they find themselves in need of assistance while driving.
47. Work as a day laborer
Working as a laborer is a great way that you can start making money from living in your van. You can get paid to help build a house, dig a ditch or basically do most labour-intensive things. Offering your physical talents and abilities like wheelbarrowing gravel to a backyard for an elderly person can yield a great income for you while living in your van.
Bonus Income Methods for Everyone, Especially if you live in a van!
Create a travel blog
You can blog about traveling anywhere you have been in the past. Also if you are actually traveling in your van then you could blog about all the different places and cities you are visiting.
Youtube Channel
Start a YouTube channel. It can be in any niche but make sure you are passionate about it. This will keep you motivated to keep making more videos so you can earn enough money. The best part is, you can earn from the YouTube Partner program and from Sponsorships. Many digital nomads make their living on YouTube.
Uber Eats
You can simply deliver food to people that order it and get paid well. This will only work if you have a reliable vehicle and one that gets good gas mileage.
Conclusion
More and more people are choosing to live in their vans or vehicles in the 2020’s. With inflation, rising costs of housing, and all the basic things we need to survive, many people are realizing that going against the “norm” and just living in a van can make for a more simple, less stressful life.
One that doesn’t require a lot of money to live on because you don’t have a huge house to pay for. Some say this is the easy way out, but there are different ways of looking at this. No kidding, you can make a full-time income living in your van.
Many are doing it right now. Many do it with online business in their spare time. This is a viable option and many or most of the jobs we listed in this post are in high demand and have stood the test of time. You don’t need a college degree for any of these jobs. So what are you waiting for? Move out, move into your van and enjoy life!!
