Ten ways to save space and weight in your RV

By Adrienne Kristine

For most RVers, storage space is very limited in their RV. In addition, all RVers are limited to carrying only so much weight. To overload is to ask for trouble. Here are some tips about how to both conserve space in your RV and limited the weight of your load.

1. Think square and rectangular. Your cabinets and drawers are square and rectangular so you want to take advantage of all the nooks and crannies.

2. Think plastic instead of aluminum, steel or glass. You can save weight by using square or rectangular plastic containers.

3. Think bags instead of boxes. A box of cereal has the notice “This package is processed by weight, not volume. Contents may have settled during shipment.” Open the box, pour the cereal into a quart- or gallon-size zipping plastic bag, remove the air and stack the bag on top of other items in your cabinet or drawer.

4. Think folding instead of hanging. Most items hanging in your closet can be folded and placed in stacking plastic tubs.

5. Think soft instead of rigid. Dirty laundry can be placed in a pillowcase with a shoelace threaded through the top as a drawstring.

6. Think individual instead of bulk packaging. Take the individual rolls of toilet paper or paper towels out of the package and stack them in available space.

7. Think multiple instead of single use. White vinegar can be used to clean windows, mirrors, chrome, counter tops, toilets, etc.

8. Think usage instead of volume. You don’t need more dishes, glasses, cups, flatware or placemats than you have space at your table.

9. Think filler instead of folded. Place extra washcloths and towels between and around glasses, cups or breakable items.

10. And finally, think dehydrated and freeze dried instead of liquid or canned. Many of the canned food items can be found dehydrated or freeze dried and just need water.