Caravanning is growing in popularity in various parts of Australia, especially since more people are now spending time outdoors. While caravan manufacturers have done an excellent job at designing interior space for functionality and practicality, there are still limitations to the availability of space. Being smart with the storage design and solutions is critical to maximising available space.
Caravan Storage Ideas and Hacks
Maximise the interior space of your caravan so you can leave more room for you to enjoy and be comfortable.
1. Avoid over-packing.
Modern and premium caravans feature clever designs and tailored storage solutions. Therefore, it is tempting to pack as many items as you can carry without realising you will only need some.
The golden rule in caravanning is to bring only what you need. An essential storage hack is to prepare ahead of time. Write down a list of the things you need to pack for the trip. You can refer to the list when packing, so you don’t have to pack anything that won’t be necessary, as it will only take up valuable storage space.
Avoid cramming at all costs. When you cram, you take items you won’t use anyway. Always refer to your caravan packing checklist.
2. Audit your packing list.
To make the most of your storage space, run through your packing list a few times. Are there other items that you can replace with something else? Avoid redundancies in your packing list to save space inside your caravan.
3. Make use of vertical space with shelves.
Adding shelves to your cupboards or bathroom can free up floor space. Save that vertical space by installing shelves for storing items. For example, adding shelves on the kitchen counter can free up space in your cupboard for preparing meals or an extra dining area. You can also use shelves in the bathroom for your toiletries to maximise every inch of space you have there.
It’s not just about vertical spaces. Inspect your caravan and find some underutilised spaces to use.
4. Have a quick-drop zone.
A quick-drop zone is an accessible storage area for your essential items, such as keys, hats, headphones, and chargers. You can add a hook near the door or any free wall space. This zone makes it easy to find small items (like keys) and keeps them out of your drawers and cabinets to minimise mess.
Take note of the weight limit if you’re using hooks for the quick-drop zone. Please make sure you only use it to store light items to keep those essentials secure.
5. Use drawer dividers.
Drawer dividers add extra organisation to your drawer space. They’re like sub-folders that allow you to organise your items based on categories or use. It not only tidies up your space, but also makes it easier to find things you intend to use later on, saving you time in the process.
You can buy specialised drawer dividers for this purpose or use any small tubs that would fit in your drawer.
6. Use clear storage containers – or label everything!
A clear storage container adds organisation to your caravan and maximises your storage space. This type of storage allows you to see what’s inside so you can neatly organise them in your pantry or inside the cabinets. Before buying these containers, it’s crucial to get the space measurements in your cabinets to ensure that these storage containers fit in them.
It’s also an excellent habit to label your containers. It makes it easy to find what you need inside.
7. Make use of stackable crates or baskets.
Caravan storage is limited. Therefore, you must use the space under the bed or the couches. Stackable boxes or crates are ideal for storing other items to eliminate clutter inside your caravan.
You can use these boxes and crates for storing your clothes, shoes, bags, and other similar items.
8. Magnetic knife racks are a good investment.
A magnetic knife rack is one of the best investments to maximise storage in your caravan. As the name implies, it is beneficial for neatly storing your knives. But you can also use them for storing other items in your kitchen, such as tongs, can openers, and other kitchen utensils. The great thing about magnetic knife racks is that they use vertical space and make things easily visible when you need to use them.
9. Use the space under your overhead cabinets.
If you need more space, why don’t you utilize what’s under your overhead cabinets? An excellent idea is to install towel rails under the cabinets, so you have somewhere to hang your dry towels or neatly store them when not in use. It’s a clever and efficient use of available space in your caravan.
10. Reduce and reuse.
Think about how you can utilise spaces and items inside your caravan. For example, if you have a microwave oven, use the space above the microwave oven as a cupboard.
In addition, think about how much you use specific appliances or tools in your caravan. If you have a microwave, is there a need for another oven? How much do you use your oven anyway? You can let go of any items that don’t get a lot of use and free up space for something you use more often.
The Bottom Line
If you are yet to buy your caravan, choosing a caravan manufacturer that can customise your storage solutions is essential. This service is a standard for many premium caravan manufacturers.
Ideally, the storage solutions, like cabinets and drawers, should be fitted into the overall design of the caravan interior. A tailored solution for your storage space ensures that you won’t have to do any renovations to add more storage and that it will blend seamlessly into the interior design of your caravan. It is also more cost-efficient in the long run.