I’ve lived in a tiny caravan for 4 years and I have the best storage solutions – from your clothes to the kitchen sink
A MUM who has lived in a caravan for four years shares her cheap and easy tricks to keep your home on wheels neat
Emma Todd’s top ten tried and tested tidying tricks will maximise space and minimise mess.
Emma, who travels around Australia with her teenage kids, explained: “Not only does everything need to fit in, plus weigh no more than a feather, but it needs to be out of the way, preferably without needing to be packed away every time you move.
“There are a lot of boxes to tick!
“So, 400 bins and 168 hooks later, plus trialling 1000 different ways of doing things, this is where I landed.
“I hope some of these organisational hacks help to give you some ideas towards nailing your own set-up.”
1. Store unwanted plastic bags in an empty tissue box
An empty cardboard tissue box may look like it’s heading for the bin.
But before you reach for the recycling, keep it as a handy little receptacle for empty bread bags and other small bags that will come in useful for transporting snacks on picnics and trips to the beach.
Pick up a box at Asda for just £1.10
2. Jewellery hanger
Lots of people prefer to have all their accessories laid out, otherwise they rarely get worn.
But stop earrings and necklaces getting tangled together with a nifty hanger for clothes or belts.
Keep it inside your wardrobe door when you’re on the move, that way it’s nearer your clothes too.
Some specially designed coat hanger style organisers can be hung on a clothes rail too, with handy slots for bracelets and small earrings.
This nifty solution from Amazon is £8.65.
3. DIY spice rack hack
Free up valuable kitchen counter space with a wall mounted spice rack.
Invest in a selection of small metal tins which can be stuck to adhesive magnetic strips.
You made need to add extra glue depending on the texture of your wall.
Write the contents clearly on the lid but avoid overloading them and do not be temped to use cheaper plastic containers as the heat will cause them to lose their stickiness over time.
4. Microwave storage
If you’re on the move during the day, clear the clutter by using your countertop microwave as a bonus extra cupboard.
Microwaves make a great sealed storage unit and helps make the most of every nook and cranny.
The microwave still works as good storage for shelf items, like crisps and biscuits.
“But if you microwave sits above the stove, you might find that perishables (like bread) get moisture in them,” Emma warned.
5. Wall mounted toilet brush
Not only will this stop a mucky brush sliding across the floor but the handle also makes a bonus toilet roll holder.
It holds two toilet rolls perfectly so you will never again find paper unraveled all over the floor when you arrive on site.
It is tucked out of the way but still easily accessible.
Emma said: “With this particular one of our caravan storage ideas, the toilet paper has never unravelled.”
This one from Dunelm is just £2.10
6. Rectangular jars
Tall thin storage jars are a great way to organise your pantry as they can be stacked closely together on shelves.
The the easiest way to store kitchen ingredients and snacks, mixing and matching both square and rectangular sizes means you can get the most out of your storage space.
They can slot neatly into overhead cupboards too.
These cereal dispensers are £1.89 each.
7. Wall sticker maps
A fun and mess free way to mark off the places you’ve been – and see where you’ve yet to visit.
Be sure to buy indoor UV stickers as they are removable and stick to almost any painted surface.
They are easy to remove and won’t tear while applying.
They leave the surface residue free, making it easy to change the design when you get bored, without leaving gluey mess or marks on the wall.
Add a pack of permanent markers to show the places you have been.
“Marking off the places you visit and roads you travel as you go is so much fun and oh so satisfying,” said Emma.
Have fun with these colourful maps of Britain for £1.33 each.
8. Astroturf mat
Banish muddy boots and keep entrances and exits clean and tidy with a fake grass door mat.
Placing an outdoor Astroturf mat before you step into the caravan at the bottom of the steps and another mat inside the caravan door at the top of the steps stops so much dirt, dust and sand from hitting the floor.
They come in a variety of sizes too.
“Because we all know how good kids are at wiping their feet… right?” said Emma.
Pick up this mat at Robert Dyas mat for £18.99.
9. Underwear dryer
These little clothes hangers are a great idea for hanging socks, underwear and other small bits of wet washing.
They create more hanging space without actually taking up any extra room on your clothesline.
Another bonus for having a smalls hanger with you while you’re travelling is the fact that they’re so portable.
You can use it anywhere inside the van and even chase the sun outside with it.
“The stainless steel ones are great because they won’t disintegrate in the sun like the plastic versions,” suggested Emma.
10. Fold up drying mat
A fold-up dish drying mat is the best idea for doubling your drying space in seconds.
Hang it off a door handle to dry then slot it back into a drawer for storage.
Mats like these are much more compact and slimline than a bulky drying rack.
Even the humble tea towel will do the job.
Why Caravan Holidays are So Underrated
Caravan park holidays are a British staple. And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break.
Josie O’Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated…
“When I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun. She’d use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays.
“As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday. No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs.
“I still love caravan holidays as an adult. In a world of doing everything for the ‘gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics. There’s no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don’t find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad.
“I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade. My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in.
“And then, of course, there’s the cost. Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips.
“With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I’m spending hundreds less than I would abroad.
“I’ve had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I’ll buy my own one day.”