RV travel appeals to many for its unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. As long time RVers, we love traveling to new destinations and exploring our country’s natural beauty. One of the great benefits of RV travel is being able to take these amazing trips in our “home away from home.” We’ve discovered that creating a relaxing and comfortable space can really enhance the joy of the journey.
While a new RV comes equipped with essential kitchen, bedroom, and living areas, it may not immediately feel like your personal sanctuary the moment you drive it off the sales lot. Achieving that cozy, welcoming vibe takes a bit of effort. From clever storage solutions to decorative accents that reflect your style, you can tailor your RV to suit your needs and preferences. Here are 6 easy ways to give your RV a comfortable, inviting atmosphere that feels like home to you.
Personalize Your Living Areas
We usually spend most of our time in our living areas, so we want it to feel homey. As the first thing you see when you come into the RV, a personalized entry area can really make people feel welcome. You can use any small space near your entry door for decorations like plants, pictures, or mementos. Even if you don’t have a big entry space, you can always put a welcome sign or cheery mat at the door.
Think of little things that make you feel comfortable at home and bring a few of them on the road with you. A rug always feels good to walk on and can soften the look of the living room. Eye catching pillows and a soft throw blanket will liven up the sofa area. Try to find room for a small plant or two if you can. They really add to the décor, in addition to freshening the air and boosting your mood.
Although wall space can be at a premium in an RV, it’s worth it to find some space for hanging a few photos or special pictures just like you do at home. Personal items make you feel connected to home. I love my Nixplay digital frame which allows us to look at thousands of rotating photos in a small space. Seeing pictures of our family and friends helps us bring our memories along for the ride, even as we are having new adventures.
Maximize Storage and Organization
Cute organizational items like baskets, bins, and hooks help you conserve space and decorate at the same time. I love pretty baskets and use them to keep small things together and reduce clutter throughout the RV. Hooks are great for providing a place to keep towels and other toiletry items organized in small bathroom areas. A putty-type product called Quake Hold is my go-to for securing all of our decorative items while traveling. It makes life so much easier if you don’t have to put decorations away each time you move the RV to a new location.
Be sure to take advantage of unused vertical space as well. You can add shelves or hanging organizers to double storage without adding clutter to surface areas. Take advantage of dual-purpose furniture like a small ottoman. You will have a great place to put your feet up after a day of hiking, plus it can double as storage or extra seating. By keeping things organized and in their place, your RV home will look more spacious and relaxing.
Design a Comfortable Sleeping Area
One of the best things about traveling in an RV is sleeping in your own bed. If your RV mattress is not quite up to the comfort of your bed at home, you can add a mattress topper to help you get a good night’s rest. Rested and relaxed travelers are more eager for fun adventures. Make sure to pick out a pretty bedding set that you like and colors that make you happy. Add some soft pillows and even some stuffed animals if you want. If you are traveling with kids, let them personalize their sleeping space too so they feel more at home.
One thing that helps me sleep better is making sure the bedroom is not too hot or too cold at night. In warmer climates, you can open windows or use portable fans to provide airflow. In cooler weather, a space heater or your favorite blanket will help keep the chill out of the air. Maintaining a comfortable temperature can be key to good sleep and feeling rested in the morning.
Create a Functional Kitchen
Another great thing about traveling in an RV is not having to eat out all the time. Your RV will seem more like home when you can make your family favorites on the road. Bring pots and pans that you like and know how to use. I also like to use real dishes (unbreakable ones are great) because they feel homier than using paper plates.
If you have any special kitchen gadgets or appliances that don’t take up too much space, bring them along. Having waffles for breakfast or your favorite ice cream scoop keeps things familiar. Fun kitchen towels hung over your refrigerator handle or sink are an easy way to dress up the cooking area. Use clear containers and labels to keep your pantry items organized and easily accessible.
Bring Entertainment Options
Camping is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors, but sometimes Mother Nature just doesn’t cooperate. Make sure to have some downtime activities available to help keep everyone happy during rest days or bad weather. Favorite books, puzzles, games, and movies are great items to have on board your RV and make it feel like home.
Don’t forget to bring some music along on your travels. Most people’s mood will perk up when listening to their favorite tunes. We like using our small wireless speakers from Bose because they work well in the RV, or we can take them outside. Just remember to keep the volume reasonable and respect campground quiet hours.
Incorporate the Outdoors
One reason you take an RV vacation is for the chance to get outside and enjoy nature and fresh air. Making wise use of your outdoor space can double your available area when you are camping. Awnings give you a nice, shaded area to set up an outdoor mat and chairs for each family member. Investing in a grill keeps the cooking outside on hot days and a nice picnic table cover makes a great eating spot.
We love to decorate our RV using our flag, personal signs, and mirror covers. Our Magne Shade window covers really help to keep the inside of the RV cool while giving us a personalized look. Some people like to add string lights, small tables, bird feeders, and plants to expand their living space and really make it their own. You’ve probably seen a stick-on map of the states on many RVs around the campground. It’s a fun way to track your travels and a great conversation starter when you meet your neighbors!
Enjoy Your RV Home!
Your RV isn’t just a vehicle; it’s an investment in years of memorable travel experiences. By infusing your personal style into its decor and functionality, you’ll create a true “home away from home.” Whether you’re exploring new destinations or revisiting favorite spots, you can embark on adventures knowing that comfort and familiarity await you wherever the road leads. Happy Travels!
Robin and her husband, Mike, are Air Force veterans and empty nesters who have been traveling full-time in their Entegra Anthem motorhome for 5 years. Always ready to explore, they love nature and wildlife, meeting new friends and discovering America one stop at a time. Robin writes about their travel adventures, RVing tips, and the full-time RV lifestyle on her blog RVing with Robin.