44 Tips for Saving Space While Traveling in a Caravan

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Traveling in your own caravan provides a wonderful road experience. It’s much more comfortable than public transport. Although you might think your caravan offers plenty of space, it can feel cramped when traveling with family. Caravans are typically used by those planning to be on the road for several days, weeks, or even months. During such extended journeys, it’s crucial to pack all the necessities in your caravan. However, packing for a long trip can be quite challenging! Fitting everything in your caravan can be difficult, and it often feels crowded once you start adding things up, even with ample space. Therefore, you should take steps to maximize space within your caravan. If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at these 44 hacks to help you save space while ensuring you can bring everything you need for an amazing trip away from home.

Stick-on Hook

The adhesive hook is a great option for hanging a towel, oven mitts, or even kitchen utensils. Its biggest benefit is that it eliminates the need for screws. You can easily attach them wherever you require.

To optimize the performance of the stick-on hook, using a strong adhesive is crucial. This helps prevent the hooks from detaching and falling. Also, ensure you do not burden the hooks with too much weight.



Foldable Laundry Basket

If you’re facing space issues in your caravan, a plastic laundry bag might not be very useful. Opt for a foldable laundry basket instead. These baskets are fabric-made, which makes them flexible, easy to store, and efficient at getting the job done.

The fabric’s flexibility allows for easy storage anywhere, so you won’t have to worry about space, whether it’s behind the sink or next to the toilet. This makes this laundry basket the most practical and eco-friendly choice available.

Antibacterial Cloth

If you’re looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option instead of baby wipes, this antibacterial cloth is the ideal choice. This washcloth is designed to inhibit microbial growth with the inclusion of preservatives. It can be used for a range of tasks, from wiping your child to cleaning with soap and water.

The sustainability of this antibacterial cloth is due to its ability to be reused after washing. The great thing is that it retains its antibacterial qualities even after laundering, making it perfect as a washcloth for kids. It is easy to store and comes in a range of fun colors.

Waterproof Hooks

If you’re spending the holidays in a new location and are unable to find a suitable place to air dry your towels, waterproof hooks offer the perfect solution. These hooks can hold up to two kilograms, which makes them ideal for hanging wet, heavy towels to dry.

These hooks are water-resistant because they are made from silicone, which repels water. Additionally, they are adjustable, allowing you to easily reposition them or take them along when you travel. They can hold various items as long as the weight does not exceed two kilograms.

Makeup Travel Bag

If you’re organizing a trip and require a bag for your makeup, skincare items, or toiletries, a travel makeup bag is perfect. These bags are crafted to allow easy visibility of your contents, offering convenient access and efficient use of space.

The selection of makeup travel bags is quite extensive. As a result, you will have options in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. The interior design differs as well; some bags come with dividers and small pockets, while others can be folded or include hooks.

Rolled Clothing

Here’s a cost-free and highly effective trick to save storage space: when packing clothes in a suitcase or drawer, roll them into cylindrical shapes. This technique conserves space and allows you to view all your clothes simultaneously.

 

The rolled clothing technique is a long-standing method. It has been employed by military personnel for years to save space. The advantage is that it works with any type of fabric, making it practical for packing clothes, towels, and even linens.

Storage Boxes

To maintain a neater appearance for your caravan, there are various storage options available, like using the space beneath your bed. To utilize this area, you’ll need some storage boxes. These boxes can be used to store a range of items, from books to toys.

These storage boxes are great due to their fabric construction, offering flexibility, sustainability, and ease of transport. They come in different styles and colors, allowing you to store items and add a pop of color to your caravan.

Travel Fans

While traveling, weather conditions can be uncertain, which makes a travel fan a must-have. Travel fans come in different sizes, but we suggest choosing the 12-volt travel fan. This model consumes less voltage in your RV and offers a lightweight solution.

These fans serve as a perfect alternative to standing and tabletop fans. They can easily be attached to the wall with a screw. Being mounted on the wall means they won’t get in the way, providing an excellent solution to stay cool while conserving space.

Washable Cloths

It’s often difficult to keep things clean consistently when traveling in a caravan. Dust and dirt can build up quickly, and chemical cleaners might cause headaches in such a small space. This is why using washable cloths is advantageous.

Bottles of cleaning products and wipes can take up a lot of storage space. Alternatively, using a washable cloth solves space issues and is environmentally friendly. Microfiber is the best type of cloth to choose because they are durable and more efficient for cleaning.

Store Items in Your Grill

If your caravan has a grill, you’re probably aware of the difficulty in finding storage for items like dishes and trays in your kitchen. However, there’s no need to worry. You can use a simple yet efficient strategy by storing these items inside your grill to save space.

Your grill has ample room for storing a variety of items. In addition to trays and flat objects, you can also keep utensils, oven mitts, and more in your grill. So, why not make the most of your grill’s capacity?

Whiteboard with a Magnet

If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of a yearly planner and want something that is always visible and easy to use, a whiteboard is a fantastic choice. It functions like a regular whiteboard, making it simple for you to write down your to-do lists.

What sets this board apart is its magnetic capability. You can easily stick your notes to this whiteboard with a magnetic pin. Furthermore, you can easily move this whiteboard around. The greatest part is that it comes in a range of sizes.

Foldable Bins

Things that often go unnoticed, such as the trash can, can take up significant space. The issue is that a trash can is necessary to keep the area clean. Thus, the best solution to save storage space is to invest in a collapsible bin.

Collapsible bins are perfect for saving storage space, particularly when organizing items for a trip. When not in use, you can fold the bin and store it against a wall. Thanks to their flat design, these bins take up very little space.

Crates

At first glance, a crate that is strong and rigid may not seem like an effective storage option. Nevertheless, these crates are excellent for storing solid items you wish to keep fresh, such as different types of vegetables.

The design of the crates renders them incredibly strong and long-lasting for storing items. Their style also allows for air circulation within the box and its contents. You can stack the crates on top of each other when arranging them. Moreover, they can be placed under shelves or cabinets for storage.

  Drawer for Cups

When arranging your caravan and selecting optimal spots for items such as plates, utensils, and cups, a great tip is to store your cups in a drawer. By designating a drawer for cups, you can ensure they are easily accessible.

Having a specific drawer for storing cups helps prevent them from being knocked over, falling, and breaking, which could be dangerous. Additionally, it makes it more convenient for your children to access and see all the available cups.

Flat Containers

Flat items are beneficial for saving space both when packing and using them, as demonstrated by flat containers. These containers are ideal for storing pantry items such as nuts, biscuits, and cooking ingredients. While they come in different shapes, the rectangular shape is frequently the most practical.

The benefit of these flat containers is their design and flat surfaces allow them to be stacked without the danger of becoming unstable. This facilitates the storage of multiple flat containers with all your pantry items in a single cabinet in your caravan.

Frying Pan

When preparing to pack items for your caravan, you may encounter decisions between two items. If you’re choosing between an item and a toaster, think about taking the frying pan instead. It’s versatile and can be used to fry foods as well as toast bread.

The greatest advantage is that these frying pans, which can also be used for toasting, are very lightweight. They offer remarkable versatility in their applications. As a result, you can use them for frying, toasting, and even grilling while camping.

Round Hangers

Usually, we are accustomed to using flat, long hangers. But when traveling in a caravan and needing to hang multiple pieces of clothing for air drying, a circular hanger is the perfect option. These hangers are quite sturdy since they are made from either steel or plastic.

A round hanger enables you to hang several clothes while utilizing minimal space. However, be mindful of certain factors, such as avoiding placing the hanger directly under intense sunlight. Excessive heat exposure can reduce their longevity.

Attachable BBQ Arms

When looking for space-saving items for caravans and camping, you may have come across portable tables for grilling. An excellent space-saving option is having arms already attached to both sides of your barbecue grill.

The BBQARM is a great option for this type of item. It provides a space for preparing food and another area for placing cooked items. The most appealing feature is that it takes up less room than a folding table.

Outdoor Cabinet

The outdoor cabinet offers a practical storage option without worrying about its dimensions. Since it will be located outside your caravan, the cabinet’s size doesn’t matter as long as it can be transported and stored easily.

Once you have parked your caravan, you can install the outdoor cabinet and store essential outdoor items, such as bug repellent, in it. This removes the necessity for multiple trips in and out to collect the things required for outdoor activities.

Caravan Cover

No matter how often you use your caravan, having a caravan cover is crucial, particularly during the off-season. The cover will completely cover your caravan, protecting it from dust and debris, which aids in keeping it clean.

A caravan cover is important because the outside of your caravan has many crevices where dust can gather if not cleaned frequently. One efficient way to securely fasten your caravan cover is by applying tape along the bottom.

Single Water outlet

Having an appropriate plumbing configuration can greatly affect a caravan. To conserve space while still being functional, think about using one single water outlet rather than multiple separate ones. Even if your caravan currently has several outlets, you can swap them out for just one.

A great option instead of using separate outlets is the greywater outlet, which you can install yourself. The concept is simple; after parking, you only need one outlet for your hose to function. Moreover, it helps in conserving water.

Caravan AC Units

It’s crucial to save effectively, yet don’t forget that your comfort is equally important. You can never predict how warm it might become, particularly when you’re inside a caravan. The best approach to stay cool while maintaining space is to install an air conditioner tailored specifically for caravans.

One benefit of living in the technological age is that the market probably already offers everything we need, such as caravan air conditioning units. In fact, some caravans come with them pre-installed. If your caravan doesn’t have one, make sure to have it professionally installed before embarking on a trip.

Magnetic Hooks

We’ve all come across adhesive hooks for hanging items. However, this product takes it a step further. To help ensure you don’t misplace important items like your keys, think about getting magnetic hooks. These hooks can be attached anywhere with an adhesive.

Remember, the stronger your adhesive, the more stable your magnetic hook will be. One benefit is that you can install these hooks directly next to your caravan doors, both inside and out. This allows you to simply glance at your door to ensure your keys are in the right spot.

Solid Sink Cover

When traveling in a caravan, it’s important to use items that help with automatically keeping things hygienic and clean. This ensures you won’t need to do more cleaning during your trip. A helpful item for this is a solid sink cover that fits your sink.

The benefit is that a robust sink cover keeps your sink clean from dirt and dust while also providing extra shelf space by allowing you to place items on it. Additionally, a sturdy sink cover can function as a cutting board.

Nesting Containers

Everyone knows about nesting dolls: multiple dolls can fit inside a single one. So, why not use the same idea?
Adopt a space-saving and efficiency-maximizing strategy by purchasing a set of nesting containers that, when stored together, take up no more space than one large container.

These stackable containers include measuring spoons, enabling you to measure and store ingredients. If you’re looking for items such as bowls for your caravan, this is a perfect kitchen caravan solution for you. Additionally, they come in a range of vibrant colors.

Folder Holder

When buying items for your caravan, think about getting a file holder from a stationery shop. These holders are quite durable and can be used to store various items. They can hold long and bulky kitchen tools or your kids’ cherished books, and they can be placed wherever you like.

These holders have a space-efficient design that allows you to store multiple items in them. They are also very affordable and easy to find. You can use them to store glass bottles in the kitchen or your children’s snacks for easy access.

Think Long

The caravan’s pantry might be taking up more storage space than needed. So, when purchasing storage solutions for the pantry, it’s important to think about the long term. This approach allows you to maximize your storage capacity without using unnecessary space.

You can use this space-saving idea for various objects, such as selecting vertical containers instead of bulky ones, choosing long cabinets instead of drawers, and adding internal shelves. The mechanism of drawers takes up space, which can be freed by using a single long cabinet to store items in stacks.

Similar Organization

Proper organization of items in your caravan is crucial. It’s easier to find things if they are sorted and stored in one place. A useful approach is to gather items that fit into containers and keep them together. Using a fabric container is perfect for this task.

A fabric container is easy to fold and store when not needed, while also being eco-friendly. Furthermore, you can hang it on a hanger to keep it organized and create more space in your caravan.

Toothbrush Hooks

Bathrooms can quickly become disorganized with multiple holders for various items. An effective solution to create extra space and avoid mishaps is to install wall-mounted toothbrush holders. This approach not only conserves space but also makes brushing teeth more enjoyable for children.

These toothbrush holders can be easily attached to the wall using strong adhesive, which makes installation straightforward. A standout feature is their waterproof design, guaranteeing their durability. Just be cautious not to position them too close to the shower or where children can reach them.

Shoe Hangings

It’s important to keep the floor space and walkways in your caravan as clean as possible. Shoes can often pose a tripping hazard in crowded areas. A good way to keep them organized is to use a shoe hanging organizer.

A hanging shoe organizer will keep your shoes neatly arranged and ensure your caravan looks consistently tidy. It also makes your shoes easily visible and accessible when you leave your caravan.

Shower Wall Hangings

To make the most of space in a small area like the shower, try to utilize the wall as effectively as possible. A great product for space-saving and additional storage is a shower wall hanger, which not only saves space but also adds an elegant touch to your bathroom.

The great thing is that there is a vast selection of shower wall hangings offered in various styles, colors, materials, and installation methods. These hangings can be utilized to store your toiletries, such as shampoo, skincare items, and more.

Door Magnets

If you’re often having problems with your caravan doors, particularly the shower door, not staying shut and you want a fast, easy, and affordable fix, this trick is perfect for you. Simply get some door magnet strips and affix them to the side of your shower door.

These door magnets ensure that your door stays shut unless you intentionally open it, which is particularly beneficial when your caravan is parked on an incline. The strips are waterproof and come with an adhesive backing, allowing for easy installation or repositioning.

Metal Hooks

Although towel rails are convenient, they should be removed, particularly if you aim to conserve space in your caravan. A suitable and equally practical alternative is a metal hook that can be attached to your caravan wall to hang large towels, enabling them to air-dry.

While adhesive hooks work well, you’ll need something more robust and sturdy for damp adult towels. What could be stronger than a metal hook that’s screwed in? These hooks will keep the towels secure and easily accessible.

Holder for your Toilet Brush

A fantastic way to store your toilet brush is by using a holder. With a holder, you can free up floor space and have easy access to the brush whenever you need it. This holder can be installed in different places, like behind the toilet, next to the sink, or nearby.

For added convenience, this holder can also serve as a tissue roll holder using its handle, aside from being a toilet brush holder. This multifunctional tool will assist in saving space. The significant benefit is that the handle will stop your rolls from unraveling, which is a common issue in a caravan.

Jewelry Holder

When going on a trip in a caravan, it’s crucial to bring your necessities, and jewelry is a must for vacations. Due to the jostling during travel, your jewelry might become tangled or misplaced. Hence, a jewelry holder is important.

A jewelry holder allows you to easily see and reach every piece of jewelry you have. However, if the jewelry holder is wall-mounted, make sure to use it only when your caravan is stationary and secured to prevent your jewelry from falling.

Clothing Nooks

When staying in a caravan, it’s important to explore every potential storage solution and ensure that no space is left unused. Constantly seek out ways to create additional storage areas for clothes, such as under the bed or on shelves.

Whether you have one or several clothing nooks, you’ll have ample space to easily store your clothes. So, if there’s some room above a drawer where installing a shelf isn’t possible, you can use that area as a clothing nook.

Hanging Rails

Before starting your trip in your caravan, there are several changes you can make to improve and save storage space. One option is to swap a hanging bar for a hanging rail. These hanging rails can be extended to offer more room for hanging items.

With a hanging rail, you will have twice as many hangers for clothes as compared to a hanging bar. They are also strong enough for hanging towels. Additionally, they can be placed against the wall, saving space while enabling you to hang more items.

Smart Television

While traveling in your caravan, you might not always receive a good TV signal, and entertainment is crucial, particularly when traveling with kids. A smart solution to this issue is to buy a smart television.

A smart TV provides great entertainment by enabling a Wi-Fi connection so you can stream a wide array of shows for the entire family. It’s also ideal for fun movie nights. All you require is Wi-Fi and some popcorn.

Power Switchboard

In a caravan, it’s crucial to have multiple power sources, and a power switchboard guarantees that you won’t run out of power. With this additional power source, you’ll have sufficient electricity and outlets to keep your devices charged. It can be effortlessly connected to the inverter.

A surge-protective power strip is a great option, particularly if you plan to connect it to an inverter in your caravan, as it protects the connected devices from any possible harm. Furthermore, they are simpler to install.

Store Items in your Microwave

Like the grill storage technique, this approach allows you to enhance storage capacity without taking up extra space. It’s the perfect solution when you’re vacationing in a caravan. A microwave is a large appliance and is perfect for storing big items.

It’s likely that you have a microwave in your caravan because you’ll need a way to heat your food. You can also use the microwave for storage to free up some space. Items can be stored both inside and on top of the microwave.

Clear Containers and Boxes

To keep everything organized while your caravan is in motion, use small containers. This will also help maintain neat and attractive storage cupboards. You definitely don’t want everything to fall out when you open the cupboard doors.

Moreover, boxes or containers can serve various purposes. You can conveniently place one container atop another to store additional items. However, ensure you select containers and boxes made from sturdy materials, as they will be more durable and capable of holding heavier objects.

Reuse the Tissue Box

Once you’ve used all the tissues in the box and are left with just the empty box, don’t throw it away. You can get creative and transform it into a handy storage container. With this new storage space, you can keep anything you want without any restrictions.

A great way to maximize storage space and utilize every corner of your caravan is to hang items on the wall. Using empty tissue boxes can serve as a convenient temporary storage option. Once you don’t need the storage anymore, you can simply take them down and replace them with a piece of artwork.

No Need for a Drying Rack

Why opt for a large drying rack when a dish drying mat is an option? You might question how a mat can substitute for a drying rack. It surprisingly gets the job done, conserves space, and efficiently dries your dishes, simplifying your task.

The most significant benefit of the drying mat is that it doesn’t leave any water behind after use. To speed up drying, just hang it outside the door. No matter the size of your counter, the drying mat comes in different sizes.

Floor Rug or Mat

During your caravan trip, you probably make several stops. The last thing you desire is to track in dirt and sand, as it makes your job harder. You definitely don’t want to waste your precious time thoroughly cleaning the floor after every stop.

Make sure to take a pair of floor mats along before you set off with your caravan. You’ll be glad you did once you see how clean they keep your floors. Use them properly to get the most benefit from the mats.

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