5 Ways To Maximize Space In Your RV

Living in a recreational vehicle (RV), whether for the short or long term, will require you to be smart about the usage of limited space while on the road. This means you need to exercise a minimalist lifestyle or get smart about your use of space and maximize storage by using multi-purpose items, compressing what can be compressed, and even tidying up as often as possible.

Below are some simple hacks to maximize your limited space so you can enjoy RV living no matter the length of your road adventure.

Tricks to maximize your RV storage

You don’t need to install attachments or expand your living area to create more space in your RV. As long as you’re smart about your use of space and the items you load into it, you’ll be able to live big even in a very limited space.

Declutter regularly

More than a trick, this is probably the most important advice for anyone who is considering a minimalist lifestyle by living in an RV or tiny house. Create a regular schedule for tidying up and never skip your decluttering sessions to free up valuable space.

Likewise, practice the “One in, One out” rule and make sure to dispose of the same number of items as the items you bring into your RV. If you can’t decide which ones to dispose of, determine which to keep according to their necessity or take Marie Kondo’s advice and keep only what “Sparks Joy.”

Choose Multi-purpose Items

Another smart way to maximize your limited RV storage is by choosing multipurpose items as doing so would lessen the space needed for storage.

For instance, instead of using a light duty kitchen sink cover, buy a heavy duty one that can double as a chopping board so you get an extra food preparation space that’s also durable. Likewise, you can opt for a multi-cooker instead of separate types of cookware, such as rice cooker and steamer to avoid using up too much space in the cupboard.

Likewise, you may look into buying a digital measuring spoon and cup instead of buying sets of each. Not only will you be able to use just one item to get the exact measurements, you can also convert between different units (e.g., grams to ounces) using just one item.

Sure, measuring spoons and cups are usually nested or stacked items, but owning just one item to use beats having to determine which among the stacked spoons or cups has the right measurement you need or using multiple to get the right amount.

Compress Bulky Items

Some items, such as seasonal clothes, linen, and curtains can be difficult to store because they can fluff up and just take up a lot of space. Likewise, items that require varying sizes, such as measuring spoons and cups, basins and colanders can also take up too much space.

Use Compression Bags

For bulky clothes and household textiles, using vacuum storage bags before storing them in the closet is highly recommended. This not only allows you to store more items while freeing up space, it also prevents the clothes and linens from spilling over when the closet door suddenly opens and you hit a bumpy patch on the road.

Choose Collapsible Items

Consider using collapsible versions of large or bulky items that may take up too much space even when not in use so that you can just stow them away easily and increase the storage capacity of your kitchen cabinets.

For instance, collapsible cookware and other kitchen items would free up much space in the cupboard. Take, for instance, a cutting board that can be used as a colander when expanded or water bottles and coffee cups that can be collapsed into a third or less of its fully expanded size for storage.

You can also consider having your RV fitted for custom pieces of furniture that highlight space-saving design ideas, such as your pull-out counters or adjustable dining tables. Modular and multi-functional furniture would also allow you to make use of every inch of space in your RV This way, you can expand your workspace or dining space when you have guests or as needed.

Hang It Up or Sweep It Under

Another way to increase the floor space of your RV – or at least give such an impression – is by taking the clutter off the floor by preparing wall-hung or under-furniture storage solutions. By making use of vertical space, you not only free up the floor space by getting rid of loose items, you can also express your creativity and resourcefulness.

Despite its original purpose, hanging shoe organizers are quite versatile and can be used as extra storage in any room to store small and light items, such as paper towels, toiletries, and toilet rolls. You can also expand your bed storage by using bedside caddies in place of a bedside table for your books and gadgets.

If you still need more space, you can buy storage that you can quickly stash under your bed or couch.

Minimize Disposable Waste: Go for Refills!

Last but not least aims to help you become more environmentally-friendly while also reducing waste by minimizing our disposables.

Instead of buying and storing bottles of toiletries, cleaning supplies, and groceries, why not consider supporting eco-friendly refill stations instead? Though not present in all states, the number of refill stations for a variety of products are growing in number so your options will expand.

At present, most refill stations are located in big cities and specialize in bath and body products, as well as cleaning products, but a growing number of shops also offer refills for pantry items such as coffee, tea, spices, grains, condiments, and pasta, among other things. As long as you have a proper container, groceries can stay fresh longer.

Make Bigger Spaces With Small Lifestyle Changes

Even your smaller mobile home can provide ample space as a full-sized stationary home simply by making a few different and smarter choices, such as choosing a multipurpose tool in exchange for a full set.

Of course, the ideas listed above are just the tip of the iceberg – there are dozens more ideas and advice from other campers and RV owners who created their own unique solutions to storage problems.

But whether you’re one of them or not, you’re more than welcome to share your own ideas on how to maximize small living spaces down in the comments section.