RV Command Center
Living in a tight space but still wanting to be organized? Let’s map out an RV Command Center so you can stay on top of the running of your movable home.
A command center works great no matter where you live helping you to stay on top of your schedule, bills, mail, and so many other areas that can quickly get lost in the shuffle of daily life. In an RV, this type of organization is even more important since space is limited, and every inch counts.
Why is a Command Center Your Secret to Staying Organized?
Think of a command center as your go-to spot for all the important stuff—documents, schedules, and must-have items. It’s like having a home base where everything lives, so you’re not tearing through your living space trying to find things.
With your daily calendar as the centerpiece, you can design a space that reflects your personality, suits your lifestyle, and keeps up with your family’s busy schedule. Best of all, no more random piles of paper cluttering your home.
How to Set Up a Command Center in Your RV
Living in an RV is all about maximizing space and keeping things organized. And while it’s part of the charm, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. That’s where a command center comes in—a dedicated spot to keep all your important stuff together.
Not only does it help you stay organized, but it also lets you relax, knowing everything you need is in one place.
If you are not sure where to put one or how to set one up efficiently, this guide will help.
Step 1: Choose the Best Location
The first thing to consider is where in your RV your command center will live. Space can be tight, so look for an area that’s both visible and accessible without risking getting knocked or bumped into.
Here are a few ideas:
- The Inside of a Cabinet Door: Perfect for a hidden setup that keeps surfaces clear. Bonus points if you have a double door for double layout space.
- A Section of the Wall or Fridge: Great for vertical layout. You can incorporate magnetic boards, sticky notes, and calendar displays.
- Entryway Wall and the Door: Use both to give you the most space for an effective layout. This area works well if you want quick access to your schedule or keys as you come and go.
- A Binder on a Shelf: This is a great option if you don’t want your command center to be visible all the time. This is how we still do our layout even today and it works surprisingly well.
Wherever you choose, make sure it’s out of the way but still easy to check and update daily.
Step 2: Plan the Layout
Before you start assembling your command center, take a minute to think about what you want to include.
Things to consider:
- Weekly or Monthly Calendar: The heart of your setup is your calendar, so choose one that works best for your family and how busy you are.
- Paper Storage: A hanging paper holder is good for incoming mail, bills that need to be paid, or papers that need your attention.
- Lists and Menus: Clipboards can hold takeout menus, to-do lists, or shopping lists.
- Key Holder or Hooks: These work great to hold keys, sunglasses, purses, or totes.
- A Spot for Must-Have Items: This could be anything from your wallet, key fob, or dog leash.
HONJIN Key Holder for Wall: Easy Installation Mail Organizer Wall Mount Hanging Key Rack for Kitchen and Entryway Decor with 5 Sturdy Key Hooks (White)
Hongri Plastic Small Clipboard, White Memo Size Clip Board for Students, Kid, Women, Home, Low Profile Clip, Mini Size 6 x 9 in, Office Supplies & School Supplies(Pack of 6)Command Key Rail, Holds up to 2 lb, 8-inch Rail with 4 Key Hooks and 6 Command Strips, Quartz, Removable Key Hooks for Entryway or Hallway, Hang Keys, Hats, Dog Leashes, and Accessories
Arrange the components in a way that makes sense for you and your family. For example, put documents lower for easier grabbing and calendars at eye level for quick viewing.
Step 3: Keep It Minimal but Functional
It’s easy to go overboard, but in an RV, less is more. Stick to just the essentials to avoid clutter.
Here’s how to maintain a minimalist feel:
- Use Multi-Functional Tools: Use magnetic clipboards, combination whiteboard/corkboard setups, or a single paper holder to keep all incoming papers together.
- Compact Storage Solutions: Choose slim organizers or over-the-door hangers to avoid taking up precious surface space.
- Stick to a Clear Visual Style: Pick one or two colors and simple designs to keep things visually clean and calming.
Juvale Message Command Center & Wall Mounted Organizer, Family Office Whiteboard, Chalkboard, Cork Board Combo, Mail Inbox Sorter, Key Hooks & Magnets (22×18 in)Dahey Menu Board for Kitchen Weekly Meal Planner Rustic Wood Board with Clips, Farmhouse Signs Wall Decor, Chalkboard Display Fridge Decor, Brown, SmallHivillexun Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard Set (3-Pack) for Fridge, Wall, and Refrigerator Organization – Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Planners with 8 Markers and Eraser
Step 4: Add a Color-Coding System
Color coding is your secret weapon for keeping everything streamlined. Assign different colors for appointments, tasks, and family members so you can see what’s going on at a glance.
Color Coding by Theme:
- Blue for Appointments
- Green for To-Do Lists
- Pink for Kids’ Schedules
- Black for Pets
Color Coding by Person:
- Blue for Dad
- Green for Mom
- Pink for Katie
- Red for Jamie
You can also apply this method to labels for documents, bins, or folders. Colors can work wonders for staying organized without overwhelming the space.
Step 5: Stock Up on the Right Tools
To pull everything together, you’ll need the right tools and accessories.
Here are a few ideas:
- Dry-Erase or Chalkboard Calendar: Reusable and space-saving for tracking dates, appointments, and schedules.
- Magnetic Strips or Racks: Ideal for small spaces like fridge doors or tight wall sections.
- Command Hooks: Easy to use, removable, and perfect for keys, hats, or even lightweight bins.
- Slim File Organizer or Paper Bins: For keeping papers, incoming mail, financial papers, and important documents neat and tidy.
- Clipboards: These are amazing tools and work in every layout. Use them to hold schedules, to-do lists, takeout menus, or shopping lists.
- Small Shelf: Good for phone charging, sunglasses, keys, or outgoing mail.
- All-in-One Setup: Invest in a customized setup that will work in your space specifically. More expensive, yes, but you will be sure to get an efficient layout that works for your RV.
- Electronic: Digital setups are new to the market and a great solution to consider for a compact area.
8 Packs Felt Pin Board Bar Strips Bulletin Board，Notice Board Self Adhesive Cork Board with 35 Push Pins，for Office Home Classroom Wall Decoration Paste Notes, Photos，SchedulesPronext Calendar, 15.6 inch Digital Calendar & Chore Chart, Rechargeable Full HD Touchscreen Display, Smart Family Organizer, Event Planner, Perfect for Family Schedules – Wall Mount IncludedWall Pops WPE1875 4 Piece Organizer Kit, Black
Step 6: Maintain and Use Your Command Center Effectively
Once your command center is set up, make it part of your daily routine.
Here’s how to keep it running smoothly:
- Start and End Here: Start each day by reviewing the calendar and any lists you have. End the day doing the same routine. By checking in at these times, you will be sure to stay on top of your family’s schedule.
- Reset Weekly: Set aside a few minutes each week to add new items or mark off tasks and review with your family what is coming up for the week ahead.
- Declutter Often: Toss out outdated papers and reorganize so your command center doesn’t become another source of chaos.
- Make It a Family Habit: If you’re traveling with others, teach everyone to use the command center consistently for schedules, keys, and shared reminders.
An RV command center doesn’t just organize your schedule and documents—it brings calm to small-space living and helps you enjoy your on-the-go lifestyle.
By carefully choosing the layout, including only essentials, and using a few smart tools like color coding, you’ll create a space that keeps everything in order without feeling cramped. Remember to make regular updates and visit your area each morning to make this a part of your daily routine.
A command center does more than keep paper clutter in check; it helps you run a home that is calm, organized, and efficient.
