Are you finding it a problem to fit everything you need into your caravan?
Not to worry – we have a bunch of nifty and easy caravan storage tips and space-saving solutions to help you out. Most are inexpensive, too.
In fact, these tips are so handy that soon you might not recognise the inside of your van. It’s time to save some space…
1. PURCHASE COLLAPSIBLE PRODUCTS
Get your hands on collapsible, fold out, or pop-up products, sometimes for the price of a takeaway coffee. Items such as tabletop ironing boards, collapsible or pop-up laundry hampers, clotheshorses, and the like are great space-saving solutions for your caravan. Furthermore, drawer dividers and utensil trays are other handy products that will save you clutter.
2. BUY LOADS OF HOOKS
If you’re armed with a bunch of hooks, you are likely to discover room you didn’t know your van had. Hanging items from hooks, such as cooking utensils and keys, is not only great for saving space in your caravan but it’s a practical addition that allows you to easily locate items with ease. Alternatively, clips or suction caps are just as useful.
3. TRY HANGING SHOE RACKS
Take tip number two a step further and purchase a hanging shoe rack. As far as space-saving ideas go, this one falls into the so-simple-yet-so-effective category. Hanging shoe racks are ideal for storing small items such as cleaning supplies, toiletries, and food items.
Once again, this solution not only saves you space but ensures easy access to these products when needed. Hanging baskets and mini hammocks – for storing such things as fruit and vegetables – are also ideal for minimising clutter.
4. USE STACKABLE STORAGE TUBS
These things are more versatile than you might give them credit for. Stackable storage tubs aren’t discriminatory – they’ll accommodate any item you can imagine, from clothing to children’s toys. Knowing your van’s dimensions helps for making the most of this handy hint, as you can choose a tub that is a snug fit for a particular section of your interior.
5. BUY MAGNETIC STRIPS
Where are the scissors when you need them? On the wall. That’s right – they’re sticking really close to the wall-mounted magnet strips you have in your caravan. In addition to allowing you to know the whereabouts of these objects with the utmost of ease, magnetic strips are also great for keeping knives in a secure location.
6. PURCHASE NESTING BOWLS AND MEASURING SPOONS
Another simple-yet-effective trick – this one will save you cupboard space – is purchasing ‘nesting’ bowls and measuring spoons. They prevent you unnecessarily wasting space and, additionally, are convenient items to locate when it comes to cooking or baking
7. DON’T OVERLOOK CEILING SPACE
The ceiling of your caravan is a vital tool in providing protection but it’s about time it stepped up. Use your imagination (or simply keep reading) and you’ll discover there are plenty of uses for the trusty ceiling. Use it to hang shelves or even wardrobes (hanging wardrobes have to be one of the most inventive space-saving solutions going around). You can also attach brackets to ceilings to hang items such as a broom. Genius.
8. THINK ABOUT UNUSED AREAS
Following the above tip, it really pays to think outside the square. Take a look around your van and you’ll discover there is abundant space just begging to be filled up with essential items. If you didn’t already know, underneath the bed is a great place to store odds and ends.
9. USE AN ANNEX OR AWNING
Without wanting to sound like an ad for a plastic surgery company, this tip won’t help you on the inside, but it will help you on the outside. A caravan annex or awning are ideal for creating more space at your BIG4 park site and can be used to shield the sun, wind, or rain.
10. AVOID OVER-PACKING
If real estate is still at a premium after all these tips, you can always fall back on a guaranteed hint that will help you to save space: Avoid the tendency to over-pack. Think about what is really required for your break. In short, prepare a constructive list rather than reading straight from the Armageddon survival kit handbook.