Tidiness in the motorhome: tips for making the most of space
When you first step into a motorhome, you think, “Everything is so well organised.” After two days of travelling, if there is no organisation, the phrase changes to, “Where did I put this?” Order in the motorhome is not just a matter of aesthetics: it makes the trip more comfortable, safer and much less stressful.
In a small space, every T-shirt out of place, every loose cable and every shoe in the middle of the aisle is noticeable. That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to think about how to make the most of the space in your motorhome before setting off.
Why tidiness in the motorhome changes everything
A messy motorhome feels smaller. Suddenly there seems to be no room for anything, it feels like a chore to move around inside, and it feels more like chaos than a holiday. On the other hand, when everything is tidy:
You find everything at first glance.
It takes less time to collect and prepare the vehicle each day.
You enjoy the interior more, because it feels like a mini home rather than a storage room on wheels.
What’s more, tidiness in the motorhome also means safety: fewer loose items that could fall over while driving, fewer silly knocks and less unnecessary weight.
Carry less to live better: travel light
First piece of honest advice: the best organisational trick is not to take too much stuff with you. No storage system can cope when we take three times more than we need.
Some ideas for reducing:
Clothing: think in terms of layers and combinations, not outfits. If the trip is for a week, there is no need to pack clothes for a month.
Shoes: maximum 2–3 pairs per person (a pair of comfortable trainers, a pair of flip-flops and, if necessary, something a little smarter).
Kitchen: few plates, few glasses, few pots and pans, but versatile. One good frying pan is worth more than five bad ones.
“Just in case”: if you are very unsure about something, you probably do not need it.
The less you carry, the easier it will be to keep the motorhome tidy and the more comfortable you will be inside.
How to make the most of space in your motorhome, area by area
Every corner counts. Let’s take it step by step.
Cupboards and loft spaces
Lofts and cupboards are gold, but if you use them badly, they become black holes:
Fabric organisers or folding boxes: help to separate underwear, T-shirts, pyjamas, etc.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them into large blocks; you will see everything at a glance and save space.
If possible, reserve a loft for each person (or at least an area), so that everyone knows where their things belong.
Try to keep the things you use every day close at hand and put the things you use less often in higher or less accessible areas.
Kitchen of the motorhome
The kitchen is one of the critical areas for keeping your motorhome tidy:
Use drawer dividers for cutlery, small utensils, and spices.
Only keep what you really use: 1 pot, 1 good frying pan, 1 saucepan…
Opt for stackable containers to to store food and avoid bags open taking up space.
Have a ‘controlled junk drawer’ for lighters, bottle openers, tweezers, rags… but don’t let it become a bottomless pit.
Anything that could move around during transport (bottles, oil, glass jars) should be secured or placed inside boxes.
Garage and external luggage compartments
The motorhome garage is your greatest ally… or your worst enemy if it ends up being used as a storage room:
Place large labelled boxes: tools, camping (chairs, table), sports, cleaning, etc.
Always leave a passageway or access space so that you can reach the back without having to take everything out.
Heavy items should always be placed at the bottom and distributed evenly so as not to unbalance the vehicle.
Bear in mind that what you put in there also affects the total weight and fuel consumption. Carrying half your garage ‘just in case’ makes the journey less efficient.
Bed, living room and small corners
The lounge and the sleeping area are the “living room-dining room-bedroom” of the trip, so that -dining room-bedroom” of the trip, so it is advisable that they breathe order:
Use small boxes or baskets under the seats for blankets, cables, books, board games, etc.
Have a fixed bag for dirty laundry (a makeshift bag on top of the bed is not acceptable).
If the bed is fixed, use the space underneath to store soft suitcases or boxes of out-of-season clothing.
In general, try to have a designated place for everything. If something does not have a place, it will end up lying around.
Quick tips for keeping things tidy on the road
Regardless of how you store things, there are small gestures that make a difference:
Golden rule: whatever you use, put it back in its place as soon as you finish. If you leave it for later, “later” will be a mountain of things.
5-minute super tidy-up: before you set off, spend 5 minutes tidying up: cushions, table, sink, loose items.
Everything stored away when driving: no loose bottles, cups or chargers on the dashboard. As well as being untidy, it is dangerous.
Use hanging cloth bags (on one side, behind the seat) for items that are always in the way: jackets, scarves, etc.
These simple tricks keep your motorhome tidy without making you feel like you’re tidying up all day long.
Daily habits to keep your motorhome under control
In the end, the real secret is not boxes or organisers, but habits:
Mini morning routine: air out the room, make the bed, put away pyjamas, clear the table.
Mini evening routine: clean up after the day, tidy the kitchen, prepare the basics for the next day (clothes, shoes).
Every so often, check to see if there are things you are not using and that are just taking up space.
If you are travelling as a couple or with your family, divide up the tasks: make sure everyone knows what they are responsible for and that it is not always the same person. This way, keeping the motorhome tidy becomes second nature and you will enjoy the trip much more.
With a little planning, some well-designed boxes and good daily habits, your motorhome can feel spacious, comfortable and ready for many more journeys.
