As a midlife RV camper, storage is one of the most important considerations when selecting and outfitting your recreational vehicle. With limited space, it can be challenging to bring along all the creature comforts of home. However, with some clever solutions, you can maximize every nook and cranny to accommodate everything you need for life on the road. Here are our top tips for increasing storage in an RV:
Go vertical. One of the easiest ways to gain more storage is to make use of vertical space. Install shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling to store items you don’t need regular access to. You can store bulky bedding and towels up high. Also consider wall-mounted organizers, hanging shoe bags behind doors, and magnetic strips to hold knives and other metal utensils on the wall.
Optimize cabinet space. Take out bulky cabinet organizers and install slide-out drawers and shelves to fully utilize all the available space. Turntables in corners are great for making items in the back accessible. Also install tilt-out bins for hard-to-reach spaces. Using clear plastic bins lets you see what’s inside at a glance.
Reclaim wasted spaces. There are lots of unused nooks and crannies that can be transformed into storage space. Install cubbies beneath booth dinette seating to hold books, shoes, and other items. A curtain hung underneath the bed creates a great spot for bulky luggage. Even the space under the RV itself can be utilized with mounted toolboxes.
Go portable. Look for furniture and organizers that can be collapsed or removed to create a multi-purpose space. A portable table can be stowed to clear space for a yoga mat. Collapsible storage cubes and bins allow you to customize storage as needed. Shelving that hooks onto walls or cabinets can be added in when you need it.
Rethink your interior design. A well-designed layout with multi-functional furnishings can really help maximize usable space. Built-in benches with storage compartments allow you to store items right where you need them. A mounted bike rack frees up floor space. And a murphy bed folded up into the wall creates room for an office or workout area.
Take advantage of exterior space. Make use of outer storage areas to free up room inside your RV. External compartments are great for bulky camping gear, while a roof-mounted cargo box provides ample additional room for luggage and other items. If allowed, a small portable shed offers even more external storage.
Go lightweight. The less you have to store, the more room you’ll have. Choose furniture, dishware, and other gear made from lightweight materials such as canvas, plastic, or aluminum. Multi-purpose items are also useful – plates that nest for storage or a sleeping bag that compresses down small. Only keep absolute essentials.
Maximize your tow vehicle. Don’t forget to utilize every bit of space in your tow vehicle as well. Roof racks allow you to store additional gear outside. A hitch-mounted cargo tray adds space for bulky items like generators or bikes. And don’t forget about the trunk, foot wells, and other internal areas.
With some creativity and advanced planning, you can discover storage potential you never realized was there in your RV. Following these tips will help any midlife camper maximize available storage and truly make the most of small-space living on the road. The freedom of the open road awaits – you just need to make room for it!
