RV – Hope Wissel

We have officially entered into the busiest vacation time of the year! That is what studies have shown – the first 2 weeks in August. In just a few short weeks, many will be heading back to school. I can’t believe that the summer is halfway done.

When you’re packing for an RV trip, do you ever feel like you have three times more stuff than you do space? Is it hard to imagine how you will fit all the food, clothes, camp chairs, and various hoses (not to mention the kids and the dog!)? Well, you’re not alone. Even those with the largest RVs have space issues.

But wait! We are here to help. The key to making the most of your small space is organization.

1. Are you planning on remodeling your camper? Slide out surfaces in general can be huge space savers:

And if you were planning a remodel, slide out surfaces in general can be huge space savers:

2. Use coat hangers and binder clips to corral toiletries. Keep them from sliding all over the counter or having to dig them out of a suitcase every time you need them.

Use coat hangers and binder clips to corral toiletries.

3. Elastic and staples keep first aid supplies secure.

4. Use these compartmentalized hanging containers for toiletries. 13173967_1051558348216650_5173870847883165357_n

5. A flat toilet paper holder makes a space-saving towel rack.

5. Use magazine holders for books and art supplies.

Use magazine holders for books and art supplies.

6. Add a tension rod to the underside of a table for a paper roll.

7. Add command hooks to the inside of your cabinets.

8. Take advantage of vertical space by placing dishes in a dish cradle.

9. Get a ceiling-mounted paper plate dispenser.

10. Shoe organizers provide convenient storage anywhere.

Shoe organizers provide convenient storage anywhere.

11. Mount cleaning supplies and other long items to the ceiling with brackets.

12. Hang coiled hoses from nylon velcro straps. They’ll dry more readily.

13. Use a broom clip to store your flashlight inside the door, or by the bed.

14. If your RV has under the bed storage consider vacuum bags for extra bedding and towels. Don’t have a vacuum? Then hang on to those vinyl bags that new bedding comes packaged in. They won’t be as compact as the vacuum compressed ones but they will keep things tidy under your bed.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Have you tried any of these tips, or do you have other great RV organization tips to share with us?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

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I have some great memories of camping with my family…. we went cross country in a station wagon with tents, we spent endless weekends hanging out at local campgrounds, and my grandparents RV was often my mode of transportation back to college. RV’s have come a long way since I was growing up. They are now designed with organization in mind. I am always amazed at where there are hidden storage compartments. Being organized can help you make the most of your space. You won’t have to worry about finding things or battling clutter because everything will have its place. In most RVs the kitchen and living area are combined and it is the heart of your RV. It’s the place to gather for meals, conversation, games, and entertainment. Having this area organized makes food preparation easier, and creates a warm and welcoming space for everyone.

Most RVs now come with plenty of cabinets, BUT they usually don’t have shelves, just a big open space. Adding an extra shelf or two greatly increases the space and makes it easier to put things away. A wire shelf gives more room in the kitchen cabinets. Thirty One’s Your Way rectangles help keep cupboards clutter-free and keep things within easy reach. The clear front allows you to see what is inside too.

Spices add to the flavor of things grilled on the open fire but those glass bottles can quickly get unruly without a system in place. LEFT: Spice gripper clip strips from Amazon TOP MIDDLE: Ditch the glass bottles all together and store spices in small-labeled ziplock bags. BOTTOM MIDDLE: How about designing your own magnetic spice rack? An old pie tin for the magnetic spice jars to stick on. BOTTOM RIGHT: Spices in small drawers. The spices are labeled for easy identification.

I LOVE this inexpensive idea of using desk organizers (or file folder holders) for the closet to keep things organized and in place on the bottom.

Use velcro to keep your remotes in place.

To make the most use of space in the living room, how about some bins to stow things in cabinets, under furniture, and on shelves. Storage bins can be a great place for extra toys, blankets and craft items for those rainy days.

12743976_992100247495794_5472616629628768676_n I was always a barefoot or flip flop kind of girl… BUT I was always looking for one of them…instead of fighting the never-ending battle to keep shoes under control, try Thirty One’s large utility tote.