Once Keith and I decided that full-time travel was going to be our life, I knew that comfort would be key to making it successful. Full-time travel comes with its pros and cons, and I knew to offset the cons, I would need to feel like my RV was a true home. So, when we started the process of remodeling the RV, we took a lot of time deciding on what items were necessities for us, and what decor would give us that sense of home we were looking for.
I knew I wanted a country theme, and not many RV’s come with that look. In fact most come with a very basic “RV” look. You know it if you have one, and it wasn’t the look I was going for in my new home. I wanted white and black for the basics, and then an accent color. I don’t like clutter, so I knew I needed decor that was simple, warm and cozy.
After all the time and discussion, we finally came up with a plan, and we absolutely LOVE it. Both Keith and I would tell you it is nothing short of the one place where we both feel peace and comfort. Here are few things we would suggest to start making your tiny living space your home.
Personalize Your Space
- Paint: Most RV’s come with a basic wood look. You may really like that, but most I talk to say they don’t find it very personal, or it doesn’t have a homey feel. They don’t have wood walls at home, so paint that cabinetry!
- Flooring: Vinyl flooring is not my favorite, but we seemed to find it in every RV we looked at. Change the flooring for something that feels more like home. We found a wood look, vinyl flooring that looks great. It’s lightweight and moisture resistant.
- Add a touch of home: Bring familiar items from your home to create a sense of comfort and familiarity. This could include photos, artwork, or favorite blankets and pillows. Not too many pillows, you only have so much space. We created a magnetic chalkboard wall for notes, cards or pictures of loved ones.
- Add plants: Bring a touch of nature indoors with houseplants. They can also help improve air quality. Small succulents are great for tiny spaces. i love fresh flowers, so you will find them often in my space.
Maximize Storage
- Utilize vertical space: Install shelves, hooks, and cabinets to maximize storage space in your RV. We have so many gadgets to increase our space that I actually ended up with unused space in my RV. No doubt I’ll look for a way to fill it much to Keith’s dismay. lol
- Use storage containers: Organize your belongings using storage containers and baskets to keep your RV tidy and organized. Organization is a key piece of making travel life a success. Otherwise, you will get highly frustrated that you can’t find things when you need them.
- Declutter regularly: Avoid accumulating unnecessary items that can make your RV feel cramped. Try to use the theory that nothing else comes in unless something goes out.
See our post here for simple ways to organize and declutter in tiny spaces.
Create a Sense of Comfort
- Invest in comfortable mattress/bedding: RV mattresses are a nightmare! A good night’s sleep is essential for enjoying your RV travels. Invest in quality bedding that is comfortable and supportive. People think I’m crazy that we went with a white comforter, but remember white can be bleached! It makes it easier to clean if dirty dog feet, or something gets spilled on it.
- Add soft lighting: Soft lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your RV. Consider using string lights, lanterns, or table lamps. We love our small clip-on bedside lamps. They don’t take up much space, but gives us the small amount of light we need if we want to read.
- Use cozy textiles: Add warmth and texture to your RV with cozy textiles like rugs, throw pillows, and blankets. I love a cozy blanket, in fact we keep one at the end of the bed. Make sure that you don’t gather too many, then your space gets too cluttered.
Make the Most of Outdoor Space
- Set up a comfortable outdoor seating area: Being outdoors is why so many of us live this lifestyle. Whether we are on the road, or stationary for a while, we have comfortable outdoor seating. A couple of chairs, a folding camping table, and a hammock make for a comfortable space outdoors. Throw in a portable firepit and I’ve found total relaxation.
- Add outdoor decorations: I love our string lights! Keith added these to give our outdoor space a cozy, romantic feel. It does not disappoint. Decorate your outdoor space with plants, string lights, or other decorative elements.
- Cook outdoors: Any time we can, Keith and I cook outdoors. We love cooking over a fire. Just the taste, and the smell is amazing. Recently, we were gifted a Blackstone, so that will be next on our list for our newest recipes. If you have any good ones, send them my way.
I have no doubt we missed some great ideas on how others create a home in their RV. These tips are some that we used, and it makes a huge difference. By using some of these tips, you can transform your RV into a cozy and inviting home away from home. Remember, the most important thing is to make your RV feel like a space that you can truly enjoy.
