RV Space Saving Ideas and Lightweight Options. Living in a recreational vehicle (RV) comes with space constraints. With limited square footage, organization and smart storage solutions are key to creating a comfortable living environment. There are many creative ways to maximize every nook and cranny when designing an RV interior.
Understanding what is essential versus non-essential, and investing in multi-functional and lightweight gear can go a long way. Space saving ideas like utilizing vertical real estate, installing hidden compartments, and going minimalist open up the interior. Strategic changes create more room to move around and prevent an overly cramped feel.
This article will provide useful tips on how to save space in the most important areas of an RV – the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. It covers everything from compact appliances to collapsible furniture, built-in storage and more. Read on to uncover roomy design ideas for RVs big and small.
Key Takeaways
- Make use of vertical space with overhead cabinets, hanging storage and shelves on walls.
- Opt for smaller or collapsible versions of kitchen appliances, furniture and bathroom accessories.
- Get creative with hidden compartments, multi-purpose furniture and tension rods for extra storage.
- Practice minimalism by reducing non-essential items to open up space.
Understanding the Need for Space Saving in RVs
Living in a tiny home on wheels requires creativity when it comes to organization. Storage is often limited compared to a traditional house or apartment. The average RV ranges from 100 to 400 square feet. With such compact quarters, every inch counts when designing the interior layout. Space saving solutions are essential to prevent an overly cluttered or cramped feel.
RVs serve as a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living space all wrapped into one. There needs to be adequate room for sitting, sleeping, cooking, bathing and moving around. Strategic space planning allows you to have all the necessities without going overboard. Multi-functional furniture, collapsible gear and concealed storage compartments give RVs a more open feel.
Another consideration is the overall weight of items loaded into the RV. The heavier it gets, the more it strains the engine and chassis. Excess weight reduces gas mileage which increases fuel costs. It’s ideal to invest in furniture and accessories made of lightweight materials. Livability upgrades should focus both on space-saving design and keeping things light.
Lightweight Options for RVs
When outfitting an RV, it’s important to focus on equipment and furniture that is compact, collapsible and lightweight. Every additional pound contributed by gear will weigh down the vehicle during transit. Large, bulky household items often lead to clutter while taking up valuable floorspace. Instead, RV owners should seek out size-adjustable, multi-purpose and portable options whenever possible.
Investing in smart, lightweight options ensures the living space stays streamlined and comfortable without overflowing. It also prevents excess strain on the RV chassis and engine over time, which improves gas mileage and performance. Some great lightweight picks for RVs include folding tables and stackable chairs made of metal or plastic rather than solid wood. These easily fold up when not in use. Inflatable ottomans and small loveseat couches are comfy yet deflate for storage. Collapsible shelving units assemble when needed and break down for transport.
Multi-functional furniture with hidden storage areas, such as beds with drawers underneath or benches with interior compartments maximize utility. Soft, moldable coolers take up less space than hard plastic options. Lightweight cookware like titanium or aluminum frying pans take up less room and are easier to stow than cast iron. Inflatable guest mattresses for visitors are useful and deflate into closets afterward.
Collapsible dish racks, cutting boards, and drying racks made of silicone or plastic assemble and fold flat in seconds. Magnetic shower caddies, wall-mounted bathroom shelves, and fabric shower liners attach directly to walls to save space. Soft-sided, flexible water storage containers and jugs take up less room by molding to the contours of available storage space.
The key is to practice minimalism by only keeping essential items in an RV. Each piece of equipment or furniture should ideally serve more than one purpose. For instance, a coffee table with interior storage provides a surface plus holds items. Prioritize function over decorative items that serve no practical use other than visual appeal. By focusing on compact multi-use gear, RVs can remain clutter-free and comfortable.
Space Saving Ideas for RV Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably one of the most important areas to optimize in an RV. This multipurpose space serves as the cooking, cleaning and dining hub. With limited counters and cabinet storage, smart organization is key. Use every inch of available space with these useful tips:
Utilizing Vertical Space
Since square footage is limited, make use of vertical real estate. Install overhead cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for hidden storage. Opt for cabinets with high-reach roll out shelves to easily access items. Open shelving also takes advantage of overhead space for frequently used gear.
Mount spice racks, knife blocks and drying racks on walls to free up counter space. Install multi-tiered hanging fruit and vegetable baskets. Use wall space for everything from paper towel holders to cutting boards, freeing up precious counter real estate.
Compact Appliances
Standard residential sized appliances take up too much room. Choose RV-friendly compact versions with the same functionality. A 2-in-1 washer/dryer combo, apartment sized refrigerators and low profile microwaves fit better. Collapsible dish drying racks, magnetic knife holders and foldable dish racks also save space.
For cooking, choose a cooktop burner over a full sized range. Opt for a convection microwave/oven combo to bake, grill and roast. Dual induction cooktops, toaster ovens and instant pots are also useful space saving appliances.
Foldable Kitchenware
Look for foldable, nesting and collapsible kitchen tools. Telescoping handles on cooking utensils take up less drawer space. Collapsible and flexible cutting boards, strainers and cooking trays can be easily stored.
Use lightweight aluminum or collapsible silicone cookware. Soft-sided dish pans and drying mats mold to storage spaces versus rigid models. Choose foldable over fixed kitchen racks, shelves and organizers.
Space Saving Ideas for RV Bedroom
Creating a relaxing sleep sanctuary is key, even in tight quarters. Use these clever ideas to carve out a cozy bedroom area without clutter.
Under-Bed Storage
Make use of the space under the bed with pull out drawers perfect for clothing, extra linens and more. Install them on rollers for easy access. For a DIY option, use rolling utility carts or plastic bins that slide in and out.
If you have a bed platform with open space underneath, add shelves or baskets to hold items. Curtains or cascading linens can hide the storage area for a cleaner look.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
Investing in furniture that serves more than one function is a smart move for RVs. Look for beds with built-in storage drawers underneath. Side tables with hidden interior compartments provide extra surface area.
Opt for a murphy bed that folds vertically to transform into a couch or desk during the day. Choose a standard dinette that converts into an extra bed for guests. Look for ottomans or coffee tables that open up for interior storage as well. Dual-purpose furniture maximizes both space and utility.
Wall-Mounted Shelves
Take advantage of wall space by mounting shelving and cabinets for storage. Floating shelves provide surface area for lamps, books, alarm clocks and decorative items. Enclosed wall cabinets offer concealed storage with doors that hide contents.
Installing a wall mounted clothing rod with curtains or doors provides hanging space without bulky closets. These solutions keep floors clear and reduce furniture footprint.
Space Saving Ideas for RV Bathroom
The bathroom is often the most cramped space in an RV. With limited square footage, creativity is key for organization. Use these tips to carve out storage and breathing room.
Hanging Storage
Since floor space is limited, make use of walls and doors. Install over the toilet shelves for folded towels and toiletries. Choose corner mounted shelving units to hold extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies and first aid items.
Use the interior of cabinet doors to mount mesh pockets, shelves or storage caddies. Install hooks on the back of doors for robes, towels and hand towels.
Collapsible Bathroom Accessories
Look for collapsible and flexible shower caddies that conform to tight spaces. Soft shower curtains and liners take up less room than bulky glass doors. Inflatable bath pillows and rubber duckie bins fit into tight crevices when not in use.
Avoid large vanities and opt for narrow floating sink consoles. Seek out collapsible laundry hampers, nesting garbage cans and foldable organizers.
Creative Storage Solutions
To truly maximize space, get creative with storage spots and organizing solutions. Concealed compartments, multi-use furnishings and minimalist living all help.
Hidden Storage Spaces
Take advantage of the nooks and crannies that often get overlooked. Install storage cubbies under booth seating, beds and ottomans. Use the area under the oven or fridge for pull out baskets.
Build customized drawers into open platform beds or awkward angled spaces. Turn the area under benches into concealed storage with lift-up cushions. Install sliding panels or custom fabric curtains to cover organized closet areas.
Use of Tension Rods
Install tension curtain rods in a variety of spaces to instantly create more storage. Use them in the pantry to hold cleaning supplies, spices or cooking oils. Add them to closet corners to hang extra clothing on hangers.
Put them inside cabinets to mount mesh shelves. Tension rods allow you to customize organizational systems and access more storage space.
Magnetic Strips
Install magnetic strips in galley kitchens to instantly gain more surface area. They provide a place to securely store knives and small cookware items off counters. You can also use magnetic strips on walls to hold mugs, keys or tools.
Magnetic spice racks, paper towel holders, drying racks and garbage can holders are available. Strong magnets allow you to customize any wall into a functional storage zone.
Space Saving through Minimalism
Often the easiest way to create more space is by owning less stuff. Practice minimalism by assessing each item objectively. If it’s not functional or frequently used, donate or get rid of it. This forces you to truly evaluate what is essential.
The fewer possessions you have, the more room there is to organize remaining items properly. Only keep sentimental items that bring joy or serve a purpose. Following the minimalist mantra of “less is more” helps create wide open living spaces.
Conclusion of RV Space Saving Ideas and Lightweight Options
There are many innovative ways to maximize storage and create more usable space in an RV. The key is customizing the interior design to take advantage of every inch. Install shelving to use vertical wall space. Look for multi-purpose furniture and lightweight collapsible gear.
Get creative with hidden compartments and organizers tailored to unique layouts. Following minimalist living principles also frees up room. Incorporating even a few of these space saving ideas results in a comfortable RV living experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative ways to maximize storage space in an RV?
Some creative RV storage solutions include installing hidden compartments under benches, utilizing the space under beds with pull-out baskets, and mounting storage cubbies on the ceiling or upper walls. Concealed storage areas behind curtains, under sink trays with lift-up false bottoms, and multi-purpose furniture also help maximize every inch.
What are some lightweight options for RV furniture?
Good lightweight RV furniture picks include inflatable couches, stools and ottomans, collapsible tables and chairs made of plastic or aluminum, hammocks, bean bag chairs, and stools or benches with plastic or hollow frames. Murphy beds that fold into the wall and convertible dinette sets maximize utility without heavy materials.
What are some innovative RV organization products?
Some useful RV organization products include magnetic spice racks, tension curtain rods for instant storage nooks, mountable floating shelves and storage cubes, collapsible dish racks, stackable plastic drawers, and multi-tiered hanging storage racks for fruits or vegetables.
What are some clever RV storage solutions for the kitchen?
Smart RV kitchen storage ideas include vertical wall-mounted spice racks, retractable pot lid organizers, hanging utensil pouches, overhead racks above the sink and stove for bulky items like pans and cutting boards, and magnetic strips to hold knives. Collapsible dish strainers, paper towel holders, and sink covers help maximize space.
What are some space-saving ideas for small campers?
For small campers, look for RV furniture that folds up or collapses like drop-leaf tables, hideaway beds and benches with storage inside. Install shelving above doorways or the cabover bed to use awkward angled space. Opt for a smaller outdoor portable camping kitchen with a cooktop and fold out counters. Multi-purpose furniture like storage ottomans allow you to sit and store items.
What are some tips for organizing the inside of an RV?
Tips for organizing an RV include only keeping essentials and multi-purpose items, using fabric bins and dividers to corral like items, labeling shelves and cabinets clearly, mounting storage hooks and bins on walls/doors, ensuring everything has a dedicated place, utilizing vertical space with stacking organizers, and taking inventory before trips to avoid overloading.
