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Make working on the road easier, efficient, and more fun by setting up an RV office. Read on for tips and tricks for RV office conversion.
If you're someone who loves to travel or work remotely, you may have considered the idea of living out of an RV. Not only does this lifestyle offer the freedom to explore new places, but it also allows you to work from wherever you want. Especially after COVID-19, there has been a rise in remote working opportunities. So, setting up an RV workspace and creating an environment that is conducive to work is essential for remote workers who need to stay productive on the road.
However, setting up a workspace in an RV can be a challenge, especially if you're not sure where to start. But don’t worry because we will provide some practical tips and strategies for creating an efficient and comfortable RV workspace, so you can easily work and travel. From choosing the right equipment to maximizing your space, we've got you covered. So, let's get started!
The Need for an RV Office Space
Thanks to the boom in remote and hybrid online work opportunities, more people are working from home than ever before. That is why if you are an RVer committed to traveling, creating a mobile RV office is essential for remote workers like you who live and work out of an RV.
Having a designated workspace can help you stay focused and productive, even when you're on the road. Your RV office can also keep your work-related items and paperwork organized and away from your traveling gear. This means when it is time to get to work, you can efficiently find your work items and paperwork without any stress. It is also a great way to try to separate your work life from your personal and travel life, leading to a better work-life balance. Therefore, a designated RV home office is vital to enjoying the best of both worlds.
Things to Consider Before Setting Up Your RV Home Office
With limited space and resources, it's essential to design an RV office space that is both functional and comfortable. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your mobile RV office.
Make it comfortable
Remote working can entail long hours of sitting in front of a screen. If your RV mobile office is not set up with your comfort in mind, it can result in muscle strains, back pain, body aches, and more. Not only your physical health but your mental well-being is also improved if you are in a space dedicated to your work. It will make it easier for you to focus, and increase motivation and creativity. Just make sure to figure out what comfort means to you, so you can tailor your workspace exactly that way!
Make it Compact
An RV with an office means an extra room. Due to the limited space available in an RV, your workspace might also have to be compact. That means you may have to miss out on elaborate interior design and flourish. A good way to manage your space well is to plan the utilization of your space. Think about what items are most essential for your workspace that you and your work stream require. Despite these limitations, with careful planning and organization, it's possible to create a functional and comfortable workspace in an RV, even with limited space.
Make it Professional
If you have a job that requires frequent video calls and meetings, a plain and professional backdrop is necessary to maintain appearances. Bright windows, a glimpse of your RV bedroom, or a busy kitchen space might not be the ideal background for a work meeting. That is why you should try to position your workplace in an area that is away from busier RV areas, doorways, and windows.
Make it Convenient
The configuration of an RV's layout can impact the flow of traffic and the usability of the workspace. A poorly configured layout can make it difficult to move around or access tools and equipment. The size and shape of an RV can determine the amount of space available for the workspace. A class A RV with an office may have more room for a larger, dedicated workspace, while a smaller RV may require creative solutions to maximize space. That’s why your RV’s layout is an important determinant for the functionality and usability of your RV workspace. If you're a new buyer, you can finalize your RV floor plans with office space in advance!
Make it Efficient
How your RV workplace looks like and what it consists of should depend entirely on what your work requires. Before you start gathering resources for your RV office, it's important to determine your workspace needs. Consider the type of work you will be doing, the equipment you will need, and the amount of space you will require. Do you need more than one monitor to run data? Or maybe a sunlit place to create content? Or a quiet corner of your motorhome to have some meetings? This will then determine how much space you chalk out for your RV office and what furniture and items you have.
Make it Sustainable
Limited space means that your living areas might have an RV office conversion when it is time to work. When setting up, a good place to start would be to take inventory of the items you already have and look for unused or underutilized items that can be repurposed for your workspace. For example, you may have a table or desk that can be used as a work surface or shelving that can be used for storage. Consider purchasing items from secondhand sources such as thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. This can be a great way to find affordable items that can be repurposed for your workspace.
How to Set Up Your Mobile RV Office from Scratch
Despite all adjustments, it is still most likely that your RV may not fulfill your ideal work-residence floor layout. In that situation, you can customize your RV design to have a space that meets all your needs. Let’s take a look at how you can customize your RV with office space!
Select the best workspace location
The last section highlighted how it is important to determine what your RV workspace should consist of. Once that is finalized, the next step is to select a location. A popular option is to convert the dining area or the bedroom into a workspace. If there is an empty dinette area or your family is not big on eating at the table, the dining area would be ideal to convert into your office space.
Choose the right furniture
The next step is to choose the furniture that will be used as a workspace. Choosing and buying RV furniture is an incredibly important task. You have to take into account the size of the furniture, the space available to you, and what your work requires. There are various options available, including RV office chairs, foldable desks, and wall-mounted tables. For RVers who need privacy while working, curtains or room dividers can be added to create a private workspace. Try to go for smart pieces that are functional and space-saving. Here is a list to help you out!
Install electrical outlets
RVers who use their vehicle as a workspace may need to install additional electrical outlets to ensure that they have access to sufficient power to run their equipment and devices. Overloading a single electrical outlet can be dangerous and can lead to fires or electrical damage. Installing additional outlets distributes the load and reduces the risk of such incidents from occurring. Additional outlets also mean you can charge multiple devices at the same time. This is particularly important for RVers who rely on their devices for work, such as laptops, tablets, and phones.
Add storage solutions
RVers who use their vehicle as a workspace often face the challenge of limited storage space. That is why it is essential to have a place to store documents, files, and other office supplies. RVers can incorporate storage solutions such as shelves, filing cabinets, or bookcases into their workspace. There are many ways to do this, and you can check out some design ideas below!
Get a solid internet connection
Perhaps the most important factor for remote workers is a stable internet connection. Finding and setting up a solid WiFi plan is key to a functional office on the road. There are several ways you can go about finalizing your WiFi plan. You can use campground WiFi, purchase mobile hotspots, buy data plans, and even look into getting a Starlink device. You can also consider getting a signal booster to strengthen your WiFi connection.
RV Office Ideas; Design Inspiration for your Mobile RV Office
Setting up your RV office can vary from work requirements to RV sizes. While there is no one best RV for a mobile office, there are several ways to play with your workspace. Let’s see what style, furniture, and solutions suit your taste with these RV office ideas!
Luxury RV office
A luxury RV office can be a comfortable and efficient workspace that is well-equipped with modern amenities. RVers in the mood for a luxury RV office have several options when it comes to furniture. A built-in desk is a great way to maximize space in a luxury RV office, especially if it is a good ole class-A RV. You can also invest in a high-end office chair that is comfortable and supportive. If you are in the mood for a unique solution, install a surround sound system in your luxury RV office for a high-quality audio experience. This is especially useful for video conferencing and watching videos or movies.
Fifth-wheel RV office
It might be tricky, but it is not impossible to have a fifth-wheel RV with office space. Designing an office in a fifth-wheel RV requires careful consideration of the limited space available. When it comes to furniture, a foldable desk is a great space-saving option for a fifth-wheel RV office. When not in use, the desk can be easily folded up and stored away. Wall-mounted shelves can be used to store books, files, and office supplies. This frees up valuable floor space and keeps everything organized and within reach. Look for compact storage solutions that can be easily stored away. This could include collapsible storage bins, under-desk storage, hanging organizers, or stackable containers.
Class C RV office
Similar to a fifth-wheel RV office, a class C RV office will also have limited space available. However, with the right solutions, you can make the most out of what you have. Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a chair that doubles as storage or a table that can be used for dining or working. Built-in bookshelves are a great way to maximize storage space in a Class C RV office. These shelves can be customized to fit your needs and can be used to store books, files, or office supplies. Keep your wires and cables organized and out of the way to prevent tripping hazards. This could include using ties or a cable management box.
RV Office Conversion
While you do have the option of buying an RV with built-in office space, more often than not you will need to convert a part of your RV into an office. Now this conversion can be as simple as converting the dinette area into a workstation, or if you need a more dedicated space, an entire floor plan change.
Here is how Crosby took apart a part of their trailer and converted it into a home office.
Don't want to demo that much of your RV? Here is how Legally Homeless converted their Class A dinette into a mobile RV office.
While on the topic let's also explore this Keystone Montana fifth-wheel RV with office space built-in. This fifth wheel unveiled a new RV floor plan with office at the Tampa RV show this year.
Get Working!
Setting up an RV workspace requires careful planning and consideration to create a functional and efficient work environment. Whether you're a full-time RV traveler or just looking to work on the road, there are many options and design ideas to help you make the most of the limited space available. Check out our tips in this blog to get started, and good luck setting up your own space!
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