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Working from an RV sounds like a dream (until you try to figure out where to put your laptop.)
Suddenly, your “office” is competing for space with a bag of tortilla chips, the dog’s bed, and the pile of things you swore you’d put away two days ago.
The couch is killing your back, the bed isn’t an option, and if you leave your laptop on the counter, it might take a ride off the edge the next time you hit the brakes.
When we moved into our motorhome, we had a completely blank slate. The previous owner ripped out all the furniture, leaving us with zero built-ins and zero limitations. It was up to us to figure out how to make the space work.
After seven years of working remotely from a stationary RV, we’ve fine-tuned our setup and learned what actually works. Here’s how we made it happen.
The Challenge of Setting Up Two Office Spaces in an RV
Since we weren’t dealing with factory-installed furniture, we had complete control over our layout.
But the challenge wasn’t finding a workspace. It was creating two separate workstations that were functional, comfortable, and didn’t interfere with daily life.
- We needed real desks that stayed in place. No temporary setups, no clearing off counters or tables every time we needed to work.
- We needed good chairs because bad seating will destroy your back.
- We needed separate spaces so we weren’t constantly on top of each other.
The solution was one office in the main living area and another in the bedroom.
1. Creating a Dedicated Workspace in a Stationary RV
We started by defining where each office would go.
For workspace number one, we placed an IKEA Alex desk in the living area. It fit perfectly along one wall, provided built-in storage, and allowed one of us to work without interfering with the rest of the space.
For workspace number two, we repurposed a window seat area in the bedroom into a standing desk setup. This gave us a second office with a door that could be closed when needed.
Since we don’t travel, these desks stay in place permanently. No setup and teardown, no makeshift workstations.
2. Investing in Office Chairs That Don’t Ruin Your Back
RV furniture is notoriously uncomfortable, so we didn’t even bother trying to make it work.
We picked up a used Herman Miller Aeron chair, and it’s one of the best things we’ve done for our backs. A full-size office chair in an RV might seem like a luxury, but if you work full-time, it’s a necessity.
If you’re short on space, a kneeling chair, ergonomic stool, or compact office chair can also work.
3. Setting Up Internet That Actually Works
Since we aren’t moving around, we had the advantage of installing a stable internet system instead of relying on mobile options.
Our current setup includes:
- A wired broadband connection for fast, stable internet
- A Verizon hotspot as a backup
- A WeBoost cell booster in case we ever need it
Stationary RV life means we can avoid the frustration of weak RV park Wi-Fi, but redundancy is still necessary.
4. Managing Cords and Power in a Small Space
An RV office can go from organized to a tangled mess in seconds.
To keep cables under control, we use:
- Power strips with surge protectors to avoid frying our gear
- Velcro cable ties to stop cords from tangling
- A cord management box to keep everything contained
Even with a dedicated workspace, cord clutter can make a small space feel chaotic. Keeping it organized makes a huge difference.
5. Noise Control for Meetings and Focus Time
Even in a stationary RV, space is limited. When one of us is on a work call and the other is trying to focus, things get complicated.
We found a few solutions:
- Wireless noise-canceling headphones to block distractions
- A directional microphone that doesn’t pick up background noise
- Using separate workspaces to reduce interruptions
A little soundproofing goes a long way when one person is in work mode and the other is watching videos or making calls.
What We’d Do Differently If We Started Over
If we could go back and set up our RV office from scratch, here’s what we’d change:
- Invest in a good office chair sooner. Our backs still haven’t forgiven us for the years of bad seating.
- Plan for internet redundancy right away. Even with wired internet, having a backup is essential.
- Prioritize storage. Office clutter in a small space gets overwhelming fast.
- Test out desk sizes before committing. Some setups looked good on paper but didn’t work in practice.
How to Set Up an RV Office Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re working remotely from an RV, here’s what actually matters:
- Find a dedicated workspace. Even if it’s small, having a permanent spot makes all the difference.
- Invest in a real chair. Your back will thank you.
- Set up a reliable internet connection. Wired broadband is best if you’re stationary, but a backup is still necessary.
- Control the noise. Headphones, mics, and separate work areas help keep the peace.
- Tame the cords. A mess of cables makes any small space feel chaotic.
The Bottom Line on RV Office Setups
Working from an RV isn’t always as glamorous as it looks on Instagram. You’re dealing with limited space, bad seating, and the challenge of keeping everything functional without feeling cramped.
But with a solid setup, remote work from an RV can be comfortable, efficient, and even better than a traditional office.
We’ve fine-tuned our setup over seven years, and it works for us. If you’re setting up your own RV office, learn from our mistakes, find a system that fits your workflow, and don’t settle for a workspace that makes you miserable.
Got questions about working remotely from an RV? Let us know. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned.
Need Help Choosing the Right RV Office Gear?
We’ve spent years fine-tuning our RV office setup, testing different desks, chairs, and tech to figure out what actually works in a small space.
If you’re looking for recommendations, check out our resources page for the gear we rely on to make remote work easier in an RV.
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