Going tiny whether it’s a fifth wheel or a teardrop sometimes means learning to go lean when it comes to gear and clothing. Here are my tips for making the most of compact spaces but still getting what you need and want in your RV.
Bedding
Rather than layers of sheets and blankets that are cumbersome in a small space, consider keeping it simple with a seasonal sleeping bag and liner. You can zip it open and lay on it with a bag liner in warmer weather and zip up in it for colder weather. When not in use, stuff it in its bag and use it as a back rest.
Do double duty with your pillows by buying 18-inch pillow shams with zippers and stuffing them with your extra down jacket, bulkier sweaters and extra towels. You can save needed closet space and add a few cute pillows to your set up.
If you prefer fitted sheets to a sleeping bag, put several fitted sheets on top of each other and remove the top one when you want a fresh sheet. Fold extra top sheets into long lengths and stash them between the mattress and wall until you need them.
If you want an extra blanket in case you hit cold weather, lay it out flat under your sheets like a mattress pad. If you need it, you will have it. If not, you’ll have added cushion.
Kitchen
Remove all bulky packaging from grocery store lettuce and salad mixes and stash them in zip lock bags you’ve squeezed the air out of. Use plastic dollar tree bins to store food by the meal it is used for. Place all the lunch meats and condiments that go with them in their own bin so you can grab lunch without letting out all the cold air searching for each ingredient.
Buy airline 3 oz toiletry containers and fill them with ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to save refrigerator space. It’s a perfect weekend supply. For longer trips, splurge on the smaller but more expensive sized jars and keep them on the door refilling them from home as needed. Line the door with shelf liner so they don’t slide around.
Clothing
Roll clothing items rather than fold and fit them in packing cubes. These hold a lot more items than would fit on an open shelf. Color code your clothing items in zippered packing bags. Blue bags for shorts and pants, red bags for t shirts and tops, and grey bags for socks and undergarments. You can grab what you want without having to pull out each bag and see what’s in it.
Pack things in other things. Pack your hiking socks in your hiking boots. Roll up your bathing suit and flip flops in your pool towel. Put your bowls inside your pots and the pots on top of your fry pan.
Double Duty Items
Invest in high tech clothes that wick moisture, dry fast, and are lightweight. An SPF hoodie for kayaking makes a great under layer for cooler days or for nights by the campfire.
A high sided pot can be used for cooking pasta but also as your fry pan, wash basin, multi-purpose bucket, and a bowl to eat from.
A Turkish towel does many jobs around the camper. It’s a great quick drying towel but it’s also a tablecloth, privacy screen, wind shield, sun protector, and beach blanket.
The old saying, “a place for everything and everything in its place” is a great adage to apply to RV travel. Going lighter on gear and staying organized makes the open road more open which always results in a happy camper.
