Mobile Workspace – Creating an Office in Your RV
One of the greatest advantages of the modern technological world is the location independence that it can often bring. Technology has allowed many people to leave the traditional office space behind and transition into a lifestyle where they can work from anywhere. Some of these digital nomads have chosen various types of RVs as their preferred method of travel.
While these homes on wheels offer many conveniences, providing travelers with a consistent place to sleep, eat, shower, and live, many are left wondering where exactly to work in their tiny home. After all, working from the road is what makes this lifestyle possible, so a mobile office of sorts should be a top priority when planning out your future RV home.
A smaller living space means that a private office is most likely out of the question. Because of this, many full-time RVers have had to get creative to carve out a dedicated workspace in their tiny home. Last month we asked full-timers to send us photos of their mobile workspaces, and these submissions were laden with creative ideas. If you are looking for inspiration for you RV work space, look no further!
1. Work from the dinette.
This is a very popular option for those who require only a laptop to work. Most RVs come equipped with a place for eating, called a dinette. This space can also double as a workplace. Many dinettes are set up with booth seating, which makes for a comfortable place to work. When it is time to eat, the laptop(s) can simply be stowed away for future use.
2. Work from the couch.
Some digital nomads prefer to work from their couch instead of their dinette. This option may not work as well for those who require a flat surface to work from, but if you can do without a desk or table, the couch can be a much more comfortable workspace. Some couches even have recliners for ultimate comfort. This also allows for furry coworkers to join you at your desk!
3. Work outside!
If the weather is nice and you want a change of scenery, outside is always a lovely place to work. Many campgrounds and RV park sites have picnic tables that make a great desk. If no picnic table is available, you could always work from a camp chair or your own portable table. Besides, who wouldn’t want to work with a beautiful view?
4. Convert one of the cockpit chairs into a workspace.
In a motorhome, the cockpit area often goes unused while not traveling. However, some nomads have found clever ways to incorporate the cockpit into their space by changing it into a work area. Many opt to work from a pullout tray or from the dashboard in the passenger chair. Some have even found a way to incorporate the drivers chair by building a desk over the steering wheel. Each of these methods offers a comfy work chair and ample desk space, while also leaving both the table and the couch free for other activities.
5. Replace the dinette or the couch with a desk or workspace.
Many nomads choose to customize their RV prior to traveling or moving in. One of these such customizations is often a workspace. Instead of working from the dinette or from the couch, some may choose to remove one or both of those features and install a desk instead. If having a designated workspace is important, this may be the best option.
6. Work from bed.
Some smaller RVs or vans may be equipped with essentials only. Because of this, there may not be room for a separate dinette, desk or couch. In this case, the traveler may choose to work from bed, propped up with pillows. Some may even choose to create a sort of desk over their bed, which is an incredible use of space.
7. Create a custom desk space.
If you are already planning to remodel or renovate, why not set aside a specific space dedicated to your work? This could be a workbench for those with more creative jobs, or even a nice custom desk with room for a large monitor. Customizing your own work area leaves you with the ability to decide exactly what kind of space you would like. This may even lead to further productivity. The following photos are all custom spaces in RVs and could provide lots of inspiration for your own future work space.
Work from Anywhere
As technology continues to allow many to ditch the traditional office and live a life of nomadic wanderings, mobile office spaces will continue to increase in importance. Between using spaces already present in RVs (dinettes, couches, beds), and building custom spaces, the workspace options are endless. With a little creativity and planning, you too can create the perfect mobile office that will travel with you wherever you go.
Learn More About Harvest Hosts
We promise not to spam you!
Idea: Has anyone ever used a flatscreen TV in the bedroom or dinette as a Monitor (connected to a laptop, docking station, wireless keyboard and mouse)?
Hey Garrett! I have seen this done before. Opposite of this situation, I actually use my huge computer monitor as a TV at times, as well. Having dual-use items in an RV is often a necessity to save space!
Thanks Sam for a great post, If you don’t mind me asking, what do you use for internet service? In these current times I am looking to support remote Zoom calling. Thanks-Ben
Glad you enjoyed the post! I have an unlimited cell phone plan with AT&T and an unlimited hotspot device with Verizon. This ensures that I have plenty of service to work, while also expanding my list of potential campsites.
These are great ideas and the pictures really help to imagine them. I’m sure RV owners will appreciate the suggestions!
Hey Mike, so glad to hear you found these suggestions and pictures helpful! 🙂