How To Increase Space In A Pop-Up Camper (16 Quick & Easy Tips)

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A pop-up camper is a smaller alternative to motorhomes and large travel trailers. It has a foldable roof and sides and, therefore, a much smaller space for storage.

For this reason, it’s important to come up with smart ideas to provide space inside the camper.

So, let’s learn how to increase space in a pop-up camper with 16 of the best camper storage ideas and hacks!

Tips 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. Take Inventory and Prioritize Essentials

One of the most effective strategies to maximize space in your pop-up camper, or any type of camper, begins before you even start packing. It involves taking a thorough inventory of everything you have in your camper and everything you plan to bring along on your trip.

1. Conduct a Detailed Inventory: Start by making a comprehensive list of all the items currently in your camper. This includes everything from large furniture pieces to small kitchen utensils. Don’t overlook anything, as even the smallest items can take up valuable space.
2. Categorize Your Inventory: Once you have your list, categorize the items based on their function. For example, you can have categories like ‘Cooking Equipment’, ‘Bedding’, ‘Clothing’, ‘Entertainment’, and so on. This will help you identify any redundancies or unnecessary items in each category.
3. Prioritize Essentials: Next, go through each category and prioritize the items based on their necessity and frequency of use. Ask yourself questions like, “How often will I use this?” or “Can I manage without this?” This will help you identify the essentials and the non-essentials. Remember, the goal is to bring only what you need and use regularly.
4. Plan Your Packing: Now that you have your essentials listed, plan how you will pack these items in your camper. Consider the size, shape, and weight of each item. Think about where each item will be stored and how it will be accessed. This step is crucial in ensuring that every item has a designated place, which will help prevent clutter and disorganization.
5. Regularly Update Your Inventory: Finally, keep your inventory list updated. After each trip, review and adjust your list based on your experience. Maybe you brought something you didn’t use, or perhaps you found you needed something you didn’t bring. Regularly updating your inventory will help you continuously improve your packing and space management skills.

2. Apply the “One Comes in, One Goes out” Rule

If you’re planning to use your pop-up camper often, 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).

If you follow tip #1, this should be an easy rule to follow.

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 pop-up camper if you plan 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.

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 camper organization goals, you must set a daily reorganization schedule.

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

Shelves are one of the best ways to improve storage space and to organize the items in your camper. But in a pop-up tent camper, you can’t just screw in shelves into the fabric walls.

That’s where hanging shelves come in!

One of the most effective camper storage hacks to increase space is to hang a shoe rack and use it as a storage shelf. These racks have multiple pockets, and you can use them to create room for a wide variety of items, including keys, socks, remote controllers, and even camping tools and accessories.

Over the Door Shoe Organizer, 24 Large Pocket Shoe Rack

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Here’s an excellent example of what I’m talking about.

You can also use a hanging closet with drawers for more camper storage and to keep your supplies safe and out of view.

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 microwave-friendly and extremely easy to wash. They won’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 for storing 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 you won’t have to worry about unripe or over-ripened spots.

Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bags (Eco-Friendly)

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11. 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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12. 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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13. 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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External Camper 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!

14. Storage Box

Some pop-up campers come with a storage box on the front of the frame, but many don’t. If yours doesn’t, then this is an excellent opportunity to “bolt-on” a lot of extra storage space. Search for aftermarket storage boxes for your camper model, or if you have a front A-frame trailer, you could DIY it and attach any solidly constructed box that will safely fit on it.

You can use this storage rack to store those items that you might not use very often or at least won’t need while you’re traveling between destinations.

15. Leverage Your Tow Vehicle for Additional Space

Your tow vehicle isn’t just for getting your pop-up camper from point A to point B. It can also serve as a valuable storage resource, especially for items that aren’t needed until you reach your destination. Here’s how you can make the most of this often-overlooked space:

1. Pack Non-Essentials in the Tow Vehicle: Items that you won’t need access to during the journey, such as outdoor furniture, barbecue grills, or recreational gear like bikes and kayaks, can be stored in the tow vehicle. This helps free up space in your camper for essentials and items you’ll need while on the road.
2. Use Organized Storage Solutions: Just as in your camper, organization is key in your tow vehicle. Consider using storage bins or organizers to keep items neatly arranged and easy to find. This will also prevent items from moving around while you’re driving.
3. Keep Safety in Mind: Remember to pack your vehicle in a way that doesn’t obstruct your view or access to necessary tools and safety equipment. Also, ensure that all items are securely packed to prevent them from shifting or causing damage while the vehicle is in motion.
4. Consider a Rooftop Cargo Carrier: If your tow vehicle has a roof rack, a rooftop cargo carrier can provide a significant amount of additional storage space. These are ideal for lightweight, bulky items that take up a lot of space.
5. Utilize the Trunk Space: The trunk of your tow vehicle can be a great place to store items like coolers, extra water jugs, or even a spare propane tank. Just be sure to secure everything properly to prevent any movement during transit.

Bonus Tip

16. How to Decorate a Pop-up Camper Without Taking Up Space

Decorating your pop-up camper can make it feel more like home without necessarily taking up extra space. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Repaint the Cabinets: A fresh coat of paint on your cabinets can completely transform the look of your pop-up camper’s interior without taking up any additional space. Light colors can make the space feel larger and more open, while bold colors can add a fun and unique touch.
• Hang Curtains: Curtains not only provide privacy but can also add a touch of color and pattern to your camper. Opt for lightweight and easy-to-clean materials.
• Choose a Theme: Having a theme can make decorating easier and more cohesive. It could be as simple as a color scheme or something more specific, like a beach or forest theme.
• Add Rugs: A rug can make your camper feel cozier and help define different areas. Opt for outdoor rugs that are durable and easy to clean.
• Use Magnetic or Adhesive Hooks: These can be used to hang lightweight decor items, like lights or small hanging plants, without causing damage to your camper walls.
• Display Photos or Postcards: Use string and clips to create a display for photos or postcards. It’s a great way to personalize your space, and you can easily change the display as often as you like.
• Opt for Collapsible Decor: Consider items like collapsible vases or foldable picture frames that you can put up when you’re parked and store away when you’re on the move.
• Light it Up: Use battery-powered LED lights to add a warm and cozy feel to your camper. They come in a variety of styles and don’t require any wiring.

Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable space that reflects your personal style without adding clutter or taking up valuable space.