A pop-up camper is a smaller alternative to motor homes and large trailers. It has a foldable roof and sides, and therefore, a much smaller space for storage.
For this reason, it’s crucial that you come up with smart ideas to provide space inside the camper. If you want to know how to increase space in a pop-up camper, read on to learn more!
Overview
Top 16 Ideas to Maximize the Space in Your Pop-up Camper
There are various ways to save up space in your pop up camper. Here’s a list of the best pop up camping tips and tricks that you can apply on your next trip.
1. Start by Writing Down Everything You Have
As we progress more and more through this guide, you’ll realize that a lot of pop-up camper gadgets are useless. And if they’re not useless, you can still do without them at the very least.
Although it seems like a huge task, it’s still manageable, and the result is always worth it. Bring a pen and a piece of paper and write down all the items you have in your pop-up camper inventory.
Unless you have a large family of more than 5 or 6 people, you don’t need 15 plates and 20 drinking cups. I know how hard it is to give up this habit. I’ve been there too!
There’s no better way to increase the space in your pop up camper than by getting rid of unnecessary items.
2. Apply the “One Comes in, One Goes out” Rule
If you’re planning to use your pop up camper often, then you’re bound to get new stuff every now and then.
The problem is, you often buy more of the same items you already have. Eventually, you end up with a huge pile of clutter lying around your camper, limiting your space.
A good rule of thumb to keep your pop-camper organized is to apply the “one in, one out” rule. For example, if you buy a new blanket, the old one must go. This way, you can make sure that the space in your camper is untouched (or at least doesn’t get any worse).
3. Use Camper Storage Containers
One of the best tips that you can use to make the most out of your limited space is by using storage containers.
Leaving clutter everywhere eats up space in your pop-up camper. By putting items back in their designated container after use, you’ll have more table, counter, and cupboard space.
Storage containers utilize less space on your counter and shelves than when your items are sporadically placed all over them. This ensures that your pop up camper shelving is always organized and everything is easy to reach.
Also, keep in mind, if you’re going on a trip, everything in your camper is exposed to nature. That’s another good thing about storage containers. Not only do they store your items efficiently, but they also protect them from germs and microbes. That’s two birds, one stone!
Pro Tip: Use collapsible storage containers so they can fold flat when not in use!
Collapsible Storage Cube Bin Organizer Basket with Lid, Handles
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4. Bring Tons of Suction Cup Hooks
There’s a good reason why clutter builds so easily in pop-up campers. The storage space is small and there’s limited space to put important items.
That’s where suction cup hooks come to the rescue! They create valuable hanging storage in seconds and can hold everything from keys and clothes to towels and bags.
Moreover, you can use them by sticking them on any smooth surface without making a hole in the wall or ceiling. That’s another plus, as they help you keep the value of your popup camper if you’re planning to sell it later.
You can also stick them to the outside of the pop-up camper and on the doors. This helps you create extra space inside the camper by moving some space-inefficient stuff outside.
You can also combine them with small plastic and metal containers to create extra storage spaces. Despite all their merits, nothing tops the fact that they’re extremely affordable and readily available.
Removable Clear Heavy Duty Vacuum Suction Hooks
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5. Manage Cloth Items
Cloth items, like clothes and towels, are always tricky to manage. You can fold them to save a large amount of space. But, not every clothing item can be folded, such as suits.
Make sure that all foldable cloth items are rolled in a space-efficient way before you go. There are tons of ways that you can store your clothes in a practical way.
One of my favorite methods is called the “ranger roll”. It stores your clothes in a highly organized way without wasting precious storage space. The great news is that you can use it for pants as well!
After you roll your clothes in this military-style roll, you can easily store them in a dedicated storage container.
In addition to staying organized and saving your space, this method ensures that your clothes stay unwrinkled.
*Pro Tip: Packing your clothes in compression packing cubes from Well Traveled is an excellent way to keep your clothes and accessories organized – and save tons of space! Their patented design allows you to pack all of your gear in their bags and compress them down to save 60% space! Plus, they are ultra-durable, sturdy, and water-resistant.
8 Piece Deluxe Set Compression Packing Cubes
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6. Maintain a Reorganization Schedule
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a moving room on a bumpy road. That’s why it’s important to keep everything in place before you start your journey.
Also, once you arrive at your destination spot, you should start by putting everything in place once again.
If you want to stay on top of your organization goals, you have to set a reorganization schedule every day.
If you leave the mess to slowly build in your pop up camper, even the greatest storage gadgets and ideas won’t be able to help you.
On the flip side, having breaks to put everything in place again can ensure a spacious and well-organized pop-up camper.
7. Install More Shelving
If you want more space in your camper, you really have to look around for any unused space (duh!).
But, while you might think that leaving the walls empty gives you the appearance of more space, adding shelves creates more storage space and efficiency.
You don’t have to go crazy with the shelves though. Pick the emptiest space on one side of your wall and install one.
You can also use a hanging closet with drawers to double your camper storage and keep your supplies safe.
Aoolife 4 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer with 2 Drawer
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8. Collapsible Dishware
What’s better for a pop-up camper than an item that you can fold and store away after use?
It may seem like a small thing. But, a lot of campers fail to notice the huge amount of wasted space created by unused dishes.
In addition to saving huge amounts of counter and drawer space, they’re also microwave-friendly and extremely easy to wash. They don’t crack or shatter if they fall due to bumps in the road.
Thin Bins Collapsible Containers – Set of 4 Round Silicone Food Storage Containers
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9. Apply Under-Shelf Baskets in Your Camper
If you want to create extra space under your cupboard shelves, these items are a must-have!
Under-shelf baskets slide under your cupboard in seconds and can maximize your pantry space with little effort.
They’re wired mesh, so they’re ideal to store anything from sandwich bags and food all the way to towels and even clothing items.
They can also be one of the items that you can use to protect your breakable items from falling while driving.
Simple Houseware Under Shelf Basket (2 Pack)
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10. Add Some Hammocks
Sometimes, you may not find enough space to fit in hanging baskets in your camper or travel trailer.
Additionally, the space that baskets offer may not be enough to store some larger items such as fruits and vegetables.
If you want to save more space, instead of keeping these items in a dedicated bowl or basket, you can easily store them in a fruit hammock.
These hammocks are available in different styles to suit your needs. The most space-saving ones are those which are hanging under cabinets.
Besides the space they save, they also allow the fruits to ripen evenly. This means that you won’t have to worry about any unripe or over-ripened spots.
Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bags (Eco-Friendly)
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11. Add Magnetic Strips to the Camper’s Wall
Another brilliant way to save valuable space in your camper is by using a magnetic strip to hang some of your items.
This excellent gadget saves space by allowing you to hang kitchen knives and other metal utensils.
However, it’s advisable to stick the knives to the strip after you settle in your destination. A flying knife on a bumpy ride isn’t exactly what you’re looking for.
Modern Innovations 16 Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar
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12. Make use of Plastic Shoe Racks and Caddies
You don’t have to be someone with a huge shoe collection to realize how handy these plastic shoe racks can be.
These racks have multiple pockets. You can use them to create room for a wide variety of items including keys, socks, remote controllers, and even camping tools and accessories.
Additionally, you can also cut them apart and distribute them conveniently. The possibilities are endless and you only need to use your imagination.
Over the Door Shoe Organizer, 24 Large Pocket Shoe Rack
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13. Use Cabinet Door Spice Racks for Easier Storage
Pop-up campers are meant to be fun. You set out on adventures and create amazing memories. For some of us, food is one of the cornerstones of campers’ experience.
But, to make a delicious meal, you need to have all your favorite seasonings and spices on hand.
The problem is, you might not have any storage space available for these containers, and even if you do, they can fall and break while driving.
Spice racks are a great solution to all these problems and can be installed in seconds!
These racks make your spices more easily accessible and they also help them to stay secure while on the road.
Space Saving Wall Mount 5 Tier Storage Shelves
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14. Use Tension Rods
Tension rods are among the most versatile gadgets that everyone should use.
Whether you’re going to use them vertically or horizontally, there are tons of benefits that you can make out of them.
For example, you can fit them with hooks to hang baskets on them. This saves up some extra floor space.
Additionally, you can use them as shower curtains or you can create a make-shift clothes closet by hanging your clothes hangers from the rod.
Round Spring Tension Rod 28″-48″
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15. Get Creative with Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage piles up quickly while you’re using your camper. That’s why it’s essential to have garbage bags or plastic liners around.
A smart way for quick-and-easy access to garbage bags is through a paper towel holder. If you have an extra paper towel holder you can easily turn it into a garbage bag dispenser.
You can do this quick DIY project by sliding the paper towel holder through the roll of garbage bags. You can then rip a garbage bag off just as you would if it were a roll of paper towels.
In addition to garbage bags, you can also use collapsible trash bins that fold down while traveling.
Coghlan’s Pop-Up Trash Can
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16. Maxed out Inside? Explore External Storage Opportunities!
If you feel that you’ve reached the limits of storage inside your camper, it’s time to head out and explore some outside storage ideas!
Some pop-up campers come with a roof rack. You can use this storage rack to store the rare essentials. These rare essentials are those items that you might not use very often or at least won’t need while you’re traveling between destinations.
A good rule of thumb is, the less you use an item, the higher you should store it. This way, you can still have it on board, but you don’t have to worry about it eating your camper space.
FAQs
How do you decorate a pop-up camper without eating up space?
Decorations can consume valuable space inside your camper. But, there are some space-efficient techniques you can apply to give the camper an aesthetically pleasing touch.
For example, you can:
- Repaint the cabinets
- Lay down a decorative rug
- Add some colorful LED lights
- Hang curtains over the windows
How many can sleep in a pop-up camper?
4-5 adults and/or kids can sleep inside a pop-up camper (depending on the model, of course) using the space-saving tips above. With as many or more being able to enjoy the camper during the day. If you need more sleeping space you can always bring a tent along.
My husband weighs 400lbs our camper now is 4yrs old. Can he safely sleep on the beds? And does one bed hold better?
He should be fine. Most camper beds I’ve seen can hold between 800 – 1200 pounds. But it depends on the camper model. You can always contact the dealer and see if they know.