fbpx
From the pages of I RVing: Spring 2022

12 Space Savers for RV Living

Go vertical with it

Closet and cabinet interiors are notorious for wasted space. (That single horizontal rod in the closet just isn’t going to cut it.) Instead, maximize the entire height of the space, from top to bottom, with vertical storage options. Stackable, modular storage containers (oh, look! they’re in the sidebar) help create a customizable solution to fit any tiny spot.

Swap food bags for containers

Spend some time on RV Pinterest and you’ll find that clear food storage containers are IN. Like the way in. But what we like more than the cute factor is that they’re stackable. (Hello, vertical space.) Your containers don’t have to be fancy. Any old Tupperware will do but get the same type of container so that stacking is seamless.

Make it magnetic

Line a few magnetic strips along the backsplash area of your kitchen to store knives and utensils. These items are used regularly while cooking, so amping up their accessibility has a huge convenience payoff. But more importantly, it frees up the precious cabinet, drawer, and counter space for other kitchen necessities.

Get the micro version

It might seem hard to justify buying new containers just because they’re travel-sized. But if you can reduce the size of even 10 percent of your items, that is a huge net gain in reclaimed space. Toiletries may be a no-brainer (we’ve all been to Walgreens), but your next-level hack is to apply the same principle to kitchen items, like seasoning containers and saltshakers. Trust us.

<span style=font size 15em font weight bold>Retake some air space<span>

 

Clothing takes up more than its share of valuable RV real estate, especially seasonal items like coats and blankets. So make it simple: If you’re not using it, store it. With vacuum sealer storage bags, you can remove all of the air and compress the items to a fraction of their size. The amount of space you’ll save will shock you. 

Stash it under the bed

If you’re lucky enough to have some storage under the bed, put it to good use. But be careful not to make it a dumping ground for random items. Plan to store items that you only use occasionally, like those seasonal clothes you just shrunk down to storage size. They can share space with items that you need but just can’t bear to look at.

Be multi… purpose… ful

Ever ask yourself: Why have three separate items with three separate purposes, when you can store just one item? (Good question, self.) The kitchen is an excellent place to invest in some multipurpose tools, like a combination bowl and colander, or a spoon that doubles as a fork. (We kid. Sorry, KFC: Sporks are an abomination.)

Keep some things collapsible

Collapsible dish drying rack, anyone? A quick search on Amazon will yield quite a few items that can collapse down to take up no space at all. From water bottles and colanders to laundry baskets and trash cans, you can easily replace some bulkier items to save yourself some space.

Give the doors some double-duty

Behind every single cabinet or closet door is an area waiting to be transformed. Since typically the backs of doors don’t come with premade storage, it’s eas to overlook. But, by adding simple hooks, adhesive shelves, or a specialized over-the-door solution, you can add so much additional storage to your RV.

While you’re at it, check those seats, too

For motorhomes, the backs of captain chairs are also prime space to store quick-to-grab items. With just a few behind-the-seat organizers, you can transform that blank space into something useful. A snack station. A magazine stand (wink!). Or a kids’ zone with a tablet, activity books, and small toys? Your RV, your choice.

Slap a label on it

OK, so putting a label on your items won’t technically create more space, but it will help you stay more organized. And staying organized is ground zero for keeping a small space tidy. It’ll also help you discern what you do (or don’t) have, so you don’t end up with … duplicates! The bane of every space saver.

BlackTrashBagOnWhiteBackground

Just get rid of it

Heck, when all else fails, just toss it in the trash or donate it. (Can I get an amen?) You likely didn’t need it anyways, and if it turns out you did, you can always pick up a replacement at the next campground cantina. Like my mom always says, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

 

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top