8 Tips to Turn Your Airbnb into the Ultimate Remote Office

As a digital nomad, the world is your workspace. And while this kind of freedom is exactly what attracts so many of us to the remote way of life, it also comes with a few downsides.

Working from a temporary space – whether it’s an Airbnb, hotel room, or hostel – can often mean dealing with unpredictable challenges and distractions, not to mention being without the conveniences and comforts of home.

But with a few small tweaks and a little creativity, you can transform your makeshift office into a hub of productivity and focus.

Read on to discover our simple tips for turning a temporary living space into an ideal workspace.

1. Separate your workspace

While you may not have the luxury of a dedicated office if you’re staying in temporary accommodation, it’s crucial to have at least some distinction between your work and leisure areas.

As well as positively impacting productivity and output, creating boundaries between work and relaxation will help you to gain a sense of work-life balance and reduce the risk of burnout.

How to do it

  • Choose a designated spot

    Find a desk, table, or corner of the room and dedicate it as your workspace. Avoid facing your bed, as this visual cue can disrupt your focus (and don’t be tempted to work from the couch or bed!).

  • Use physical dividers

    If you’re in a studio or small space, try creating a “work zone” with makeshift dividers. This could be a curtain, a shelf, or even positioning a chair strategically to separate the space.

  • Pack a work kit

    Keep all your work essentials (laptop, notebook, pens, chargers) in one bag or area. This makes it easier to “set up” and “tear down” your workspace quickly without spreading work into your living space.

2. Maximise natural light

Exposure to natural light has been proven to boost both productivity and mood, making it a key element of a focused workspace.

By helping to set and regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythms, natural light can help to keep you alert during waking hours, while promoting restful sleep at night.

How to do it

  • Position yourself near a window

    If possible, set up your workspace as close to a window as possible to allow for plenty of natural light.

  • Use mirrors to reflect light

    If the room is dim, place a mirror opposite the window to reflect light around the room.

  • Pack a portable lamp

    If natural light is limited, use a desk lamp with adjustable settings to mimic daylight. Opt for “daylight” bulbs that are closer to natural light and easier on your eyes.

3. Keep the noise down

One of the unpredictable aspects of booking accommodation is the level of noise that comes with it.

Whether it’s street traffic, noisy neighbours, or a busy city atmosphere, loud or unpleasant sounds can be a serious distraction that disrupts your focus – so minimising noise is key.

How to do it

  • Use noise-canceling headphones

    Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions and help you stay focused.

  • Play white noise or calming music

    If you don’t like total silence, you can find soothing background noise tracks on apps like Spotify (such as ocean waves or white noise), or simply stick on your favourite non-distracting work tunes.

  • Give housemates a heads up

    If you’re sharing your accommodation with others, be sure to communicate when you’re in work mode so they can (hopefully) keep the loud sounds to a minimum!

4. Modify for optimal ergonomics

While most Airbnbs won’t come equipped with an ergonomic desk setup, a little creativity can go a long way in improving your posture and comfort while working.

Making strategic adjustments based on ergonomic principles can make a big difference to your output, with improved comfort levels going hand in hand with improved productivity.

How to do it

  • Elevate your laptop

    Use books or a box to raise your laptop to eye level, which helps avoid neck and back strain. Ideally, your screen should be at eye height, and your keyboard should be at elbow height.

  • Invest in a portable laptop stand

    For a more stable setup, pack a foldable laptop stand. These are lightweight and easy to carry, allowing you to work comfortably from anywhere.

  • Use a pillow for back support

    If the chair isn’t supportive, place a cushion or rolled-up towel at the small of your back to improve posture.

5. Personalize your workspace

Even though it won’t be your permanent office, you can still add a few personal touches to your temporary workspace to make it feel instantly more welcoming.

Creating a cosy and comfortable work environment can help you stay motivated, reduce stress, and work more productively throughout the day.

How to do it

  • Pack a few small personal items

    A familiar object like your favourite coffee mug or a personal ornament from home can quickly lift the space and give a bland work area a more personal feel.

  • Use your digital devices

    If personal items didn’t make it into your luggage, even a small tweak like changing your desktop wallpaper to something inspiring or comforting – such as a family photo – can do the trick.

  • Add some greenery

    As well as improving air quality and brightening up your workspace, plants in the office have been shown to boost concentration – so grab a small succulent or some fresh flowers from the local market.

6. Enhance your work environment

Creating a comfortable and soothing work environment can significantly improve your productivity – and it’s perfectly possible to do even when you’re in an Airbnb.

By engaging your senses in ways that are proven to enhance focus, you can turn your temporary office space into a productive sanctuary.

How to do it

  • Use a portable diffuser or scented candle

    Scents like peppermint, citrus and eucalyptus are known to enhance focus, so pick up a small scented candle or pack a portable diffuser to create the perfect atmosphere.

  • Add soft textures

    Comfortable surroundings can help you feel simultaneously more relaxed and focused, so consider adding a cosy blanket to your work chair or a cloth on a hard desk to soften the feel.

  • Cut the clutter

    While you may be living out of your suitcase, maintaining a clutter-free environment can help to foster mental clarity. Take a few minutes to tidy your workspace before you get started, so you can stay focused without messy distractions.

7. Eliminate distractions

Working in a distraction-free environment is a key part of staying productive and focused – but when you’re working in an unfamiliar space, distractions can arise from all sorts of unexpected places.

By taking steps to remove or minimise distractions in your Airbnb, hotel or hostel, you can reduce unwanted stimulation and keep your environment calm.

How to do it

  • Block known distractions

    From putting your phone out of sight to turning off unnecessary notifications and installing website-blocking tools such as Freedom, it’s crucial to control your own environment to keep it free of common distractions.

  • Keep distractions out of sight

    If possible, set up your desk facing away from visual cues that could distract you from work tasks – such as the TV, bed, or kitchen.

  • Set physical and digital boundaries

    If you’re in a hotel or shared accommodation, make it clear to anyone who might enter your space that you’re in work mode. And speaking of ‘do not disturb’, activating airplane mode on your phone can also help you stay focused.

8. Use the right tech

With so many portable tools available to make remote work smoother and more efficient, digital nomads can easily optimise their environment – even when your Airbnb doesn’t have all the tech comforts of home.

By planning ahead and grabbing a few key pieces of tech before your trip, you can turn your temporary office into a high-tech workspace that lets you power through your work with ease.

How to do it

  • Pack a portable WiFi hotspot

    Let’s face it, Airbnb internet can be pretty unreliable. Investing in a portable WiFi hotspot can keep you connected wherever you are, saving you a whole lot of stress.

  • Use a compact keyboard and mouse

    A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse can enhance the ergonomics of your setup and make work more comfortable than relying on your laptop alone.

  • Bring a backup power source

    A lightweight and portable phone and laptop charger can be a godsend in the case of power outages or a lack of accessible outlets – because in digital nomad land, you always need to be prepared for the unexpected!

Want exclusive access to all our resources, templates, and tools for digital nomads and remote workers?

Sign Up