The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Setting Up Flexible Living and Work Spaces

The 9-to-5 is officially on notice. Thanks to technology, shifting work cultures, and a growing desire for freedom, more people than ever are trading traditional office jobs for life on the move. Enter the digital nomad—someone who blends travel and remote work into a flexible, location-independent lifestyle.

But while the Instagram version of digital nomadism shows hammocks and lattes, the real magic lies in setting up intentional spaces that support both productivity and comfort. Flexibility is the foundation of this lifestyle—but without a bit of planning, that “freedom” can quickly turn into frustration (spotty Wi-Fi, uncomfortable chairs, background noise on every call… you get the idea).

This guide is your roadmap to building smart, stylish, and portable setups that move with you. From understanding how you work best to choosing accommodations and packing the right gear, we’ll help you create living and working spaces that adapt to your ever-changing zip code—and keep you grounded, no matter where you are.

Understand your nomadic workstyle

Before you can create the perfect setup, you’ve got to get real about how you work. Are you a freelancer who thrives on creative bursts from bustling cafés? A full-time employee glued to Zoom for hours a day? Or an entrepreneur juggling client meetings and deep strategy sessions? Your workstyle shapes everything—where you stay, what you pack, and how you set up your space.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need quiet, private spaces for calls and deep focus?

• Can I work in public spaces, or do I need a controlled environment?

• How many hours a day am I typically online?

• What kind of gear or tools do I rely on?

Getting clear on these basics will save you from classic digital nomad slip-ups—like booking that “charming seaside cottage” only to find out there’s no desk, spotty Wi-Fi, and a rooster with zero respect for time zones. Once you’re clear on your needs, everything else—accommodation, gear, layout—falls into place with purpose.

Choose accommodation that supports work & living needs

Your accommodation isn’t just where you sleep—it’s your home base and your office rolled into one. Choosing the right place is crucial for maintaining both your productivity and your sanity.

Here’s what to look for:

• Reliable high-speed internet: This one’s non-negotiable. Always ask for a screenshot of a speed test if it’s not already listed.

• Work-friendly space: Look for listings that mention a desk, office chair, or “laptop-friendly workspace.” Even better if there’s a dedicated room where you can separate work from rest.

• Good lighting and ventilation: You'll be spending hours indoors, so natural light and fresh air matter more than you’d think.

• Ergonomic setup (or the potential for one): You don't need a full Herman Miller setup—but a proper chair and table can make or break your back over long hours.

Pro tip: Many booking platforms now have filters for remote work-friendly stays. Co-living and co-working spaces are also great options, offering instant infrastructure (plus a built-in community of fellow nomads, which helps with loneliness and networking).

Create portable work essentials

When you’re moving frequently, portability is everything. Your remote office setup needs to be compact, efficient, and ready to deploy whether you’re working from a hostel lounge, Airbnb kitchen table, or shady park bench.

Here’s a solid packing list for a mobile setup:

• Lightweight laptop stand – Keeps your screen at eye level to avoid neck strain.

• Foldable wireless keyboard and mouse – Save your wrists from tiny laptop keyboards.

• Noise-canceling headphones – Crucial for blocking out noisy roommates, traffic, or co-working chatter.

• Portable power bank – For those days you’re away from a reliable outlet.

• Global power adapter – A lifesaver in new countries with unfamiliar plug types.

• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or a local SIM with a good data plan – Because “free Wi-Fi” is often code for “go offline and reflect on your life choices.”

• Travel monitor (optional) – For creatives, coders, or traders who need screen real estate; ultra-slim monitors now exist that easily slide into a backpack.

Think of this setup as your go bag for productivity—something you can unpack and plug in anywhere, instantly turning a corner of the world into your own efficient office.

Maximize small or shared spaces

Digital nomads are masters of making the most out of less—and that includes square footage. Whether you're tucked into a tiny studio, living the van life, or splitting an apartment with three other remote workers and a dog, the key to making it work is smart, flexible design.

• Multi-functional furniture is your best friend. Think fold-out tables that double as dining and work desks, ottomans with hidden storage, or beds with built-in drawers.

• Collapsible or lap desks are game-changers. A sturdy lap desk lets you turn a balcony, couch, or even a park bench into a workspace—and then stow it away when the workday’s done.

• Use vertical storage to keep things tidy: stackable bins, wall-mounted shelves, over-the-door organizers, or hanging closet compartments. Your gear—chargers, hard drives, tripods—deserves a dedicated spot, even in a tight setup.

The goal? Create a setup that can shift between “work mode” and “off-duty mode” without the chaos. A tidy, well-zoned small space often feels way more peaceful—and productive—than a sprawling, cluttered one.

Use room dividers for privacy and focus

When you’re living in shared apartments, co-living spaces, or open-plan studios, boundaries—both physical and mental—can be hard to come by. That’s where room dividers come in clutch.

Lightweight folding screens or modular dividers create a clean visual and mental break between your workspace and everything else. They’re renter-friendly, easy to pack up when you move, and many double as décor—which means they’re doing more than just separating your desk from your roommate’s laundry pile.

Take sleek, modular options like the Abstract Modern Room Divider or the Affluent Flow Room Divider for example. These are perfect for digital nomads: modern, lightweight, and portable. Built with aluminum frames and snap-together panels, they go from flat-packed to functional in minutes. Plus, the bold design makes them a statement piece for any modern décor.

Need a bit more than just visual separation? Go for portable acoustic dividers like the SoundSorb 360 Folding Acoustical Partition or the VersiPanel Acoustical Partition. These guys are built with sound-absorbing fabric that captures up to 60% of ambient noise. Translation: you can get into your flow even if someone’s binge-watching reality TV five feet away.

The great thing about using room dividers isn’t just the privacy they help create, they also signal to others that you’re in “focus mode”. And they’re incredibly useful when you want to mentally switch off. Fold up the divider at the end of the day, and voila—your “office” disappears, helping you reclaim your space for relaxation.

Temporary walls for long-term stays

If you’re staying in one place for a few months or longer—maybe you've landed a dreamy rental in Lisbon, Medellín, or Chiang Mai—you’ll likely want something sturdier than a folding screen to divide your space. Especially if you're sharing with a roommate or working from a studio where your bed, desk, and dining table are all within arm’s reach.

Temporary walls are the easiest solution here. These renter-friendly structures are like adult-sized building blocks: easy to assemble, non-damaging, and incredibly versatile.

• Need to separate your bed from your desk in a studio apartment? Done.

• Want to build out a makeshift office or content studio in your living space? Easy.

• Hosting a roommate and need some personal space without a major renovation? Temporary walls to the rescue.

For example, check out this L-Shaped Partition Wall with Door or this Straight Partition Wall with Door. They're a 100% DIY, renter-friendly solution that can be assembled with nothing more than a drill and screwdriver. They go up, come down and reconfigure in a couple of hours, and leave absolutely no marks—no nails, no mess, no awkward landlord conversations.

And because they’re made of modular FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) panels, they’re both durable and lightweight—perfect for nomads who want structure without the commitment. Set it up in one city, take it with you to the next. That’s smart, flexible living done right.

Set a daily structure, no matter where you are

One of the biggest myths about the digital nomad lifestyle is that it’s all freedom and spontaneity. In reality, without a bit of structure, your days can turn into a chaotic blur—and before you know it, you're answering emails at midnight and wondering what time zone your body thinks it's in. The fix? Create a flexible framework for your day:

• Start with a set wake-up time, even if you adjust it for new time zones.

• Block out work hours, just like you would in a traditional job—even if they’re broken into smaller chunks.

• Build in non-negotiable breaks, whether it’s a walk around your neighborhood, a workout, or a midday espresso at a local café.

• End your workday with a ritual that helps you transition—maybe it’s a short stretch, a journaling session, or pressing play on your favorite “I’m off the clock” playlist.

These small routines act like anchors, helping you stay grounded even when your scenery changes weekly. Because let’s face it: the view might be different, but the deadlines still exist.

Design for mental wellness

Living the dream doesn’t mean you’re immune to stress. New cities, unfamiliar cultures, travel logistics, and fluctuating workloads can be exciting—but also mentally exhausting. That’s why it’s essential to design your space and schedule with wellness in mind.

Add a few comfort cues to your living space that ground you emotionally:

• A favorite scented candle or essential oil to make any place smell like home.

• A travel plant or small piece of decor that follows you from stop to stop.

• Ambient lighting, cozy throws, or your go-to coffee mug—small things that create a sense of peace.

Carve out a few mindfulness breaks each day—even five minutes helps. Apps like Headspace, Calm, or a quick guided breathing session on YouTube can reset your brain between meetings or after a long travel day.

And here’s the big one: build in rest. It’s easy to feel like you should always be “on” when exploring a new city or trying to impress clients across time zones. But rest is part of the rhythm—not a reward, but a requirement.

Keep adaptability at the core

Finally, the golden rule of digital nomad life: stay adaptable—or be prepared to get very frustrated, very fast. What worked beautifully in Bali might be a total bust in Berlin. One week you’re working from a dreamy rooftop, and the next, it’s the kitchen floor of a last-minute Airbnb with questionable decor and no desk in sight.

Design your gear, mindset, and workspace to be modular and low-fuss:

• Pack light, and favor portable tools that can be used anywhere—a foldable laptop stand is more useful than a fancy desk lamp.

• Get comfortable with reconfiguring your space on the fly. Sometimes the kitchen table will be your desk, and sometimes it’ll be the floor with a cushion.

• Let go of perfection. Not every space will be Instagram-worthy, and not every day will be ultra-productive. But every experience will teach you what truly matters to your workflow and your wellbeing.

Being a digital nomad is less about finding the perfect setup—and more about learning to thrive in all the imperfect ones.

Winging it is overrated: Build your base wherever you land

The digital nomad lifestyle thrives on freedom, but that doesn’t mean flying by the seat of your pants is a long-term strategy. The truth is, the more thoughtfully you set up your work and living environment, the more freedom you actually create. When your space supports your workflow—and your well-being—you’re not just reacting to your surroundings, you’re shaping your experience wherever you are. In the end, you become a successful digital nomad not just by chasing perfect locations—but by learning how to make almost any location work for you.