We just left our new house and are back living in our RV for the next six months. It is an exciting but somewhat difficult transition to cut out 1500 square feet of our life! It does require diligence in packing, sorting, and eliminating things that are not used. There are a few things that have made the transition easier.
Make a list
I keep a packing list of everything going back into the RV and check it off as things go out the door. I make sure I note what we don’t use or haven’t used enough to warrant the space they take. Next year, the Instant Pot is staying home, and the smaller, lighter Air Fryer may come instead.
Collapse and nest
One of my favorite space savers is a set of Camco nesting pans. These have been a trusty favorite on our journeys for the last 20 years, and they are still holding up. I was pleased that they are still available.
Collapsing silicone storage containers are another favorite of mine. An entire set fits in a small space and keeps me from collecting bulky take-out containers “just in case”. Actually, anything collapsible saves space. We have a collapsible strainer, microwave cover, and even a pail!
Folding crates are also useful for transporting stuff in and out of the RV and carrying laundry to the laundromat. These are the ones I use.
Our small shovel folds, as does our small hand saw. The stand for the grill folds and fits on top of it.
Bins and shelves
There are a number of wire bins available that will corral cups, water bottles, and my favorite coffee cups. They can be pulled out of a cupboard easily to retrieve things.
I use a couple of cupboard dish holder racks in overhead cupboards to get additional space.
The bathroom cupboard has a bunch of small bins from the dollar store to organize medicines, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair stuff, razors, etc. After a rough ride, they don’t fall out when we open the doors.
Double use
Look for what can have more than one use. Our nutcracker is also our small cap bottle opener. The recycle bin holds extra plastic bags and stops the recliner from hitting the couch. The wastebasket holds a roll of extra trash bags.
Hooks
I love Command hooks and use them wherever I can to hang jackets and hats, or to hang charging cords up and out of the way. I use mini Command hooks to run cables and even our mini Christmas lights.
Plastic containers
I spent a lot of time finding and fitting the perfect plastic containers in our storage bays and closets. It was kind of a fun puzzle. Hint: Buy more containers than you think you’ll need in different shapes and sizes and figure out what fits the best, and then return the rest. All of them are organized with like items and are easy to pull out when needed.
Find hidden spaces
Our set of sleeping bags are bulky to store, so I finally made the folding sofa bed up and laid the sleeping bags on it and closed it up. There is also storage under the sofa bed for a few extra things.
My husband uses a CPAP machine, but our “nightstand” is about 4 inches by 3 inches and nothing but a mini alarm clock would fit! We use an upside-down wastebasket to set the CPAP on. The waste basket then goes in the laundry bin to travel.
Seat backs hold our tablets. Throw covers are rolled and stuffed in small places. The sliding desk has about 3 inches of dead space that holds sunglasses, pens, and the TV connections.
Declutter
The key for us to live large in this small space is to declutter, have a place for everything, and put everything back in its place when we’re finished using it.
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RVT1217
Same thing goes at your home base. De-clutter there also.
We keep 2 large IKEA bags under our bed for laundry: lights and darks. Grab the handles then lug to the laundry room.
I also have nesting cookware. Mine is by Stansport. I love them! Saves valuable space and high quality. Love your articles!
Good stuff, Nanci. I’m sure this information will be helpful to a lot of RV’rs. Keep up the good work, and thank you.
As always, your article is useful, concise & entertaining as well!
Thank you, Nanci, for sharing how you do things. Whether someone copies it or not, this causes thoughtful consideration. Seems your conclusion is the core advice; don’t allow clutter and remove it as soon as possible. Have a great week and safe travels!