Living in a small RV can be a fun, adventurous way to travel, but it also comes with the challenge of making a limited space work for your everyday needs. Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or living in your RV full-time, maximizing your space and finding ways to stay organized can greatly improve your comfort. Here are some tips and tricks for living comfortably in a small RV space.

1. Maximize Storage Space

One of the most common challenges in a small RV is limited storage. However, with a little creativity and the right tools, you can optimize the space you have.

• Use Vertical Space: Walls are your friends in a small RV. Install hooks, hanging baskets, or shelves to store kitchen utensils, bathroom essentials, or even shoes. Look for multi-tiered solutions that allow you to store more items in a compact space.
• Collapsible and Stackable Items: Invest in collapsible kitchen tools like bowls, colanders, and storage containers. Stackable containers help you save space in your pantry and fridge. When not in use, collapsible items take up minimal room, making them perfect for tight spaces.
• Under-Bed and Sofa Storage: Many RVs have storage compartments under beds or seating areas. Use this space for storing bulkier items like bedding, seasonal clothing, or outdoor gear.
• Organize with Bins and Baskets: Small baskets or bins can help you keep things like electronics, toiletries, or office supplies in check. Label them for easy access and organization.

2. Smart Food Storage and Meal Prep

Managing food storage and meal prep can be tricky in a small RV kitchen, but with a few tips, you can make it work smoothly.

• Plan Meals Ahead: Keep your pantry and fridge organized by planning your meals a week at a time. This prevents overbuying and helps you avoid wasting space on unnecessary ingredients.
• Use Stackable Containers: Invest in stackable, clear storage containers that can be used for storing leftovers or pre-prepared meals. These save space in the fridge and make it easier to see what’s inside without constantly rummaging through everything.
• Opt for Multi-Purpose Cooking Tools: Appliances that can do multiple tasks, like an Instant Pot or an air fryer, will save both space and time in your kitchen. Consider tools that can cook, steam, and bake all in one.
• Dry Food Storage Solutions: Hang a shoe organizer on the back of a pantry door or cabinet to store dry foods like spices, snacks, and sauces. This makes everything easily accessible while freeing up shelf space.

3. Clothing Organization

Storing clothes in a small RV requires careful planning to avoid clutter while keeping everything accessible.

• Switch Seasonal Wardrobes: Store out-of-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags or bins under the bed or in overhead compartments. Keep only the clothes you need for the current season within easy reach.
• Roll Instead of Fold: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space and helps prevent wrinkles. It’s an efficient way to pack drawers and shelves in a small RV closet.
• Use Hanging Organizers: If your RV has a small wardrobe, add hanging organizers or shelf dividers. These can increase your storage capacity by allowing you to create individual sections for different types of clothing or accessories.
• Laundry Management: Invest in a collapsible laundry hamper to save space and keep dirty clothes organized. Schedule regular laundry trips to avoid clothes piling up in your limited space.

4. Create Personal Time and Space

Living in close quarters with family or travel companions can sometimes be a challenge. Finding ways to carve out personal time and space is key to maintaining a healthy, peaceful environment.

• Set Up Outdoor Living Space: Create an outdoor living area with chairs, tables, and even a canopy or awning to expand your space beyond the RV. This allows for quiet time outside, especially if someone else is using the indoor space.
• Create Personal Zones: Even in small spaces, it’s possible to designate personal zones. Create a small reading nook, use headphones for individual entertainment, or establish certain times when each person can have their own space for work, hobbies, or relaxation.
• Schedule Personal Time: Whether it’s a solo hike, a trip to a nearby café, or a quiet hour spent reading inside the RV, make sure everyone has time for themselves. Taking turns using the communal areas can also give each person some needed alone time.
• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: In tight spaces, noise can become an issue. Noise-canceling headphones can help create a sense of privacy, allowing individuals to focus on their own tasks or entertainment without being disturbed.

5. Keep Clutter to a Minimum

In a small RV, clutter can build up quickly, making the space feel even smaller and more cramped. Here are some tips to keep it in check:

• Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item you bring into the RV, make sure to remove an old or unused one. This helps prevent unnecessary clutter from piling up.
• Daily Clean-Up Routine: Spend just 10 minutes at the end of each day putting things back in their proper place. Keeping surfaces clear and the space tidy makes the RV feel more spacious.
• Minimize Decor: While it’s tempting to add lots of personal touches, keep decor to a minimum. Choose functional decor, like hooks that double as art or shelves that can hold both personal items and storage bins.

Final Thoughts

Living in a small RV doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or functionality. With a little creativity and planning, you can create an organized, clutter-free, and cozy space that feels like home. Maximize your storage, streamline your kitchen, organize your clothing, and ensure everyone gets the personal time they need, and you’ll be ready to live comfortably no matter where the road takes you.

Looking for accessories for your RV?

We can help! Our Parts & Accessories Store is Open 6 days a week. Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm. Our helpful staff is ready to assist you with suggestions to keep your RV organized. Give us a call at (661) 26-4800 or visit us in person at 1525 Sierra Hwy., Acton, CA 93510. Meet our Parts Staff