If you want to travel, but the thought of towing a large van is putting you off, then you may want to invest in a smaller one. Small caravans offer the perfect blend of convenience, towing ease and comfort. They offer all the essentials needed for an adventurous lifestyle without the hassle of larger models. However, when choosing a smaller van, limited space can present challenges. Storage will be tight, however, with clever planning and a few ingenious tricks, you can maximise storage space in every inch of your caravan. Check out how you can make the most of your storage space while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
1. Declutter and Prioritise and minimise
Before you even begin organising, assess what you truly need on your trips. Overpacking is easy when you have a whole van to fill, but by focusing on multi-purpose items and leaving non-essentials at home you can cut down on that clutter. A great question to ask yourself is “Will I use this regularly, and does it serve more than one purpose?” By prioritising essentials, and ditching unnecessary items, you’ll prevent overcrowding and make packing much easier.
2. Install Overhead Storage
There is plenty of headroom in a small van, so go up! Maximise your vertical space by installing extra overhead cabinets or shelves. These areas are great for storing lightweight items such as clothing, books, food and kitchen supplies. Stock up on collapsible everything to keep things organised and in their place during travel.
Pro Tip: Use adhesive hooks or magnetic strips for storing smaller items like keys or utensils on walls or cabinet doors.
3. Under-Bed Storage
You’ll find space in the most unusual places, so make the most of it. Most small caravans come with space under the bed that’s perfect for storing larger, bulky items like extra bedding, shoes, or outdoor gear. You can make the most of it by using vacuum-sealed bags to compress soft items, creating more room for other essentials.
If your caravan doesn’t have built-in under-bed storage, consider adding sliding drawers, cupboards or plastic tubs for an easy-to-access solution.
4. Go foldable
In an era of everyone travelling in all sorts of ways, think outside the caravan world. There are many lightweight and compact options used for hiking, or camping that would also be great for your caravan. Opt for foldable or collapsible tables, chairs, and even bowls. Dish racks can even be stored compactly when not in use, freeing up valuable room.
Other versatile items include:
- Stackable pots and pans.
- Foldable laundry hampers.
- Nesting bowls and measuring cups.
5. Hang It Up
You have plenty of walls, so why not make the most of them? Hanging organisers come in all shapes and sizes and are great for storing multiple items such as shoes, toiletries, or cleaning supplies. You can also use things like hanging mesh bags or pocket organisers on the back of doors or inside cabinets. These can hold smaller items like snacks or electronics.
For outdoor gear, consider installing hooks or racks on the exterior of your caravan.
6. Customise your Kitchen Solutions
Prep space in your kitchen is limited in a smaller van, so maximising it is key! Try::
- Magnetic spice racks for easy access and organisation.
- Slide-out pantry drawers or shelves.
- Cutting boards that fit over your sink or stovetop to double as prep space.
Look for kitchen accessories designed to save on space, such as collapsible kettles or stackable containers. These will help you maximise the limited space you have.
7. Make Use of Every Nook and Cranny
In small caravans, every corner counts and should be packed. Utilise hidden spaces, that may not look like spaces. From the inside of the cupboard doors to the area above the fridge, everything can be seen as additional storage. You can even install rods or shelving inserts to divide taller spaces into multiple smaller ones, leading to more functional compartments.
8. Looking at Outdoor Storage Solutions
If you’re still short on space inside, consider outdoor storage solutions. Attach a storage box to the rear or roof of your caravan for bulky items like camping chairs or a portable BBQ. Make sure anything stored outside is weatherproof and securely fastened for travel.
9. Label everything
Labeling is the key to finding stuff later. Storage bins, drawers, and cabinets should be clearly marked with what’s inside. This ensures you know exactly where everything is. It’ll save time and headaches searching for items and help you maintain an organised caravan. Color-coded labels or transparent bins make this even easier.
10. Invest in Smart Storage Accessories
Storage solutions that are built lightweight and smart can be more expensive. Modern caravans often come with clever storage solutions built in, but you can enhance these with a little bit of investment. Look at:
- Drawer dividers to keep utensils or tools neat.
- Hanging baskets to free up counter space.
- Over-the-sink drying racks for dishes.
When browsing small caravans for sale in NSW, look for models with innovative storage features to make your life on the road even more convenient.
When considering upgrades, brand new caravans often come equipped with the latest in space-saving design and technology. From hidden compartments to modular furniture, these innovations can make a big difference in a small space.
Conclusion
Living and travelling in a small caravan doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. By incorporating these storage hacks, you can create a space that’s both functional and organised, allowing you to focus on the joy of your adventure.
Ready to find your dream caravan? Explore our range of small caravans for sale in NSW and start your journey today!
