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Living in a caravan can be both a dream and a challenge. Whether you're on the road full-time or using it for a weekend getaway, staying organised in a compact space is essential for comfort and functionality. But with a little creativity and some smart storage solutions, you can maximize your living area and keep everything in its place. Here are a few storage hacks and tips to help you stay clutter-free in your caravan.
USE VERTICAL SPACE
In a small space, it is important to utilize your vertical space. Wall-mounted shelves, hooks and racks can free up work surfaces, while keeping items within easy reach.
Wall-mounted shelves can be installed above counters or near the bed, for storing lighter items like books, plants or small appliances such as hairdryer or straightener, or mom's crochet implements. Try attaching your paper-towel rail against a wall in your kitchen area, freeing up space by not leaving it on a stand on the counter (see, you're saving space already, you neat-freak you!)
Use hooks for jackets, bags, kitchen towels and kitchen utensils, and use pegboards near or on the door for keys or nifty tools. Use racks or shoe hangers for, uhm, shoes.....or for any smaller items you use regularly, freeing up an entire drawer in the process.
Hanging baskets can be used to store toiletries or kids or pets toys, or use them to stack flannels or dish towels.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
Maximizing your furniture's potential can free up valuable space. Fold-out tables with canvas storage space underneath provides extra storage while simultaneously keeping items close at hand in your tent. If you need that snazzy ottoman for your feet, buy one that has hidden storage and you can keep winter throws or blankies handy for those colder evenings. Foldable camping chairs will store away nicely; look to stow them under a table or make use of a gap next to a cabinet. Same goes for a gap next to the fridge, if you have one: use this space for squeezing in your ironing board, broom or mop. If there is extra space under the bed or seating area, use storage boxes to keep essentials you don't need as often, like paperwork, board games and arts and crafts or bulkier blankets.
UNDERUSED STORAGE SPACES
Make the most of hidden nooks and spaces that would otherwise go unused....look around, you'll find them. Adding lightweight plastic shelving, to free walls or sides of cabinets, can give you much needed extra packing space. Be mindful not to go overboard and turn your small space into a hobbit's home on the shire, cozy but cluttered. Less is always more, which is why you have packed and stacked with aplomb, and now your caravan is as neat and organised as and accountant's office, just with more flair...and probably colour!
Let's not forget the most important issue - your caravan has a mass limit, and that mass must be evenly distributed for safety sake on the road.
Consider keeping heavier items like outdoor gear and extra supplies in the boot of your car. Adding a roof rack to your car and storing lighter items up there can also free up space in your caravan.
MAXIMIZE CLOSET AND DRAWER SPACE
Drawer dividers can help you keep items in the same space, separated, not to mention stop them from sliding around. Use storage baskets to house your socks and undies - the rule here is "if it's full, then that's all you need". Vacuum-sealing your seasonal clothing or linen will save heaps of space, and using double-layered hangers or organisers in your closet will allow you to hang multiple items together.
USE CLEAR CONTAINERS
Clear containers allow you to quickly spot what you need without having to dig all the way to China first. Make a note to buy containers with lids, and lids that seals well. If you don't need the lid, stack it under the tub for now; it'll be at hand if you need to move the tub somewhere else. You may want to take measurements of your drawers and cupboard space before buying your containers so they fit snugly. Label your containers, storage bins and jars for quick reference. Choosing containers or crates that can collapse, will make it easy for you to store them away if you don't need them. If you buy canvas or material stacked storage drawers, these are usually also collapsible, and they look good too, adding a splash of coordinated colour to your décor.
SMART KITCHEN ORGANISATION
Surface or counter space is minimal in a caravan, and that little kitchen area can be a challenging space to organise, as it probably houses more items than any other area. Adding an extra rail for hanging dish towels, adding a few hooks for hanging dishcloths, and using a two-tiered hanging dish rack, will free up precious surface area. Consider opting for smaller versions of your usual home appliances; they'll do the same job but take up less space and weight. Examples of these may be a smaller foldable ironing board, mini washing machine or drier, or smaller fridge.
STILL HANGING ON TO THOSE NEON SOCKS FROM THE 80'S?
Okay, maybe not, but living in a small space forces you to evaluate your situation, and think seriously about what it is you really need in your caravan for everyday living. If you're fortunate to be able to rent a storage unit for all your much-loved goods that you don't need on a daily basis, like photo albums and that collection of Hot Wheels (hubby's), or coffee mugs (mine), then you have a great way of storing your household items and coming back to them whenever you need them.
If, however, you only have your caravan and car, then less is more. Rule of thumb is that if you haven't used it in six months you don't need it.
Remember - missing socks come back as tupperware lids that don't match any of your tupperware!!!
Go digital - store documents and books on your laptop, tablet or e-reader, and make it a habit to do a de-clutter every few months, perhaps at each change of season.
Consider donating your unwanted goods to your local SPCA shop, it will be a liberating experience! And your unused items will be happy to have a new lease on life with someone who will actually use it, yay!
KEEP IT CLEAN
A daily routine can prevent clutter from building up and will help you maintain your organised space. Clean as you go - wipe down counters, sweep, mop and put things away after you use them. This will make end-of -the-day tidying up much easier, as well as help keep flies and ants from invading your space. Do the 'TEN MINUTE TIDY' each evening, and start the next day with a clean, organised space.
PUT A SMILE ON YOUR DIAL AND EMBRACE THE LIFESTYLE
Living in a caravan is going to require some major adjustments, but you will be pleasantly surprised to see just how much you can do without...and just how little you really need. So, keep it clean, uncluttered, and in clear storage boxes. With some good planning, you will have everything in its place, not to mention peace of mind. Now you have more time to do all the exploring, adventuring and relaxing that epitomizes caravan life.
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