Maximising space in your caravan: storage hacks and ideas

When you’re holidaying in a touring caravan, every square centimetre counts. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended touring adventure, clever storage solutions can transform your compact home on wheels into a surprisingly spacious and organised haven.

Here are some ingenious hacks and practical ideas to help you make the most of your caravan’s limited space.

Vertical storage solutions

One of the biggest mistakes caravan owners make is thinking purely in horizontal terms. Your walls are valuable real estate that often goes unused. Install lightweight shelving units that can be securely fastened to wall studs, creating instant storage for books, toiletries, and decorative items. Magnetic strips mounted on metal surfaces work brilliantly for holding knives, spice jars, and small tools.

Consider hanging organisers on the back of doors and cupboard interiors. These fabric pockets are perfect for storing cleaning supplies, medicines, or personal items.

Over-door shoe organisers aren’t just for footwear – they’re excellent for storing everything from snacks and batteries, through to first aid supplies and mobile phone chargers.

Under-furniture storage goldmines

The space beneath your seating, beds, and tables represents some of the most valuable storage real estate in your caravan. Invest in storage boxes that fit perfectly under your dinette seating or bed. Clear plastic containers work well, as you can easily identify the contents without having to rummage through everything.

Vacuum storage bags are particularly useful for bedding, winter clothes, and bulky items. They can reduce volume by up to 75%, freeing up considerable space in your wardrobes and under-bed areas. Just remember to bring a small hand pump or use your vacuum cleaner at campsites with electric hook-ups.

Multi-purpose furniture and accessories

Every item in your caravan should ideally serve multiple purposes. Ottoman storage boxes provide extra seating while hiding away games, books, or seasonal clothing. Nesting tables and stools can be tucked away when not needed but quickly deployed for extra surface space or seating.

Collapsible items are your best friends in a caravan. Look for folding washing-up bowls, collapsible colanders, nesting measuring cups, and stackable containers. These items perform just as well as their full-sized counterparts but take up a fraction of the storage space.

Clever kitchen solutions

The caravan kitchen presents unique storage challenges, but with some creativity, you can create a surprisingly functional cooking space. Use tension rods inside cupboards to create dividers for baking trays, chopping boards, and pot lids. This prevents items from sliding about while travelling and makes them easily accessible.

Magnetic spice jars that stick to your cooker hood or any metal surface keep seasonings organised and within easy reach. Consider a magnetic knife strip as well – it’s safer than a knife block and takes up no counter space.

Install hooks inside cupboard doors for mugs, measuring spoons, and lightweight utensils. A small lazy Susan in corner cupboards makes accessing items at the back much easier, maximising the use of these often-wasted spaces.

Bathroom and bedroom organisation

In the bathroom, over-toilet shelving units provide additional storage without taking up floor space. Suction cup organisers work well in showers for toiletries, while a magnetic mirror can hide a small medicine cabinet.

For the bedroom, consider a bedside caddy that hangs from the edge of the mattress, providing easy access to books, glasses, and night-time essentials. Compression packing cubes help organise clothing efficiently, and you can assign different colours to different family members.

External storage options

Don’t forget about external storage possibilities. A rear-mounted cargo box can house outdoor equipment, bikes, or bulky items you don’t need inside. Ensure any external storage is properly secured against theft and weatherproofed.

Awning organisers with multiple pockets can hold outdoor dining accessories, games, and cleaning supplies, keeping them easily accessible but out of your main living space.

Safety considerations

When maximising storage, never compromise on safety. Ensure all storage solutions are properly secured and won’t become projectiles during travel. Heavy items should be stored low and towards the centre of the caravan to maintain proper weight distribution.

Remember that overloading your caravan can affect its handling and potentially void your insurance. Always check your payload limits and distribute weight evenly.

With these storage solutions, you’ll be amazed at how much more spacious and organised your caravan can feel.

The key is being creative with the space you have, while ensuring everything has its designated place. Happy caravanning!