In a caravan, space is precious and dwindles quickly...
The easiest way to create more usable space is often to carry fewer single-purpose items and choose gear that can handle two or more everyday jobs.
Choosing products that remove an item from your packing list, fold away neatly or make better use of space already built into the RV.
Why multi-purpose gear matters in a caravan
Space inside an RV is limited, but storage is only part of the problem. Every extra item also adds weight, prolongs your setup and pack-down, and becomes something else that can move around while you travel.
The most useful space-saving products tend to do at least one of three things:
· Replace another item you would otherwise carry.
· Use an existing surface, wall or cavity more effectively.
· Collapse, fold or nest into a much smaller size between uses.
Start with products that replace separate items
Before adding something to your setup, ask a simple question: Could this replace an existing item in my van?
One compact unit can cover airflow, light and charging. A bedside fan is useful on warm nights, but a separate fan, reading light and USB charger can quickly crowd a small shelf or wall area. The Sphere Viento Caravan and RV Fan combines three-speed airflow, a white or amber night light, and USB-A and USB-C charging. It also includes a timer and remote control. The real space-saving benefit is that one wall-mounted unit can cover several things you may otherwise set up around the bed or dinette.
A kitchen fixture can create another work surface. Bench space disappears quickly in a caravan kitchen. A cooktop with a flush lid can return part of that area when the burners are not in use. The Sphere two-burner gas drop-in stove uses a tempered glass lid that doubles as extra workspace when closed. This is a useful design principle to look for even if you are comparing different appliances: surfaces should keep working when the appliance is idle.
Ask more of your storage
Some products save space by doing their main job and helping organise the items around them.
A camp cupboard can also serve as a table. The Coast collapsible camp cupboard provides two sets of shelves for food, cookware or campsite gear, while its finished top creates a usable preparation or serving surface. It folds down for transport, so it can take on two jobs at camp without demanding the same storage space as a rigid cupboard and a separate table.
A sink can store the accessories used with it. The Kitchen Centre MK3 includes a wash bowl, chopping board, drainer and rack that nest inside the stainless steel sink when they are not being used. Instead of finding separate cupboard space for each piece, the accessories return to the area where they are needed.
Use the outside of the van
Space-saving does not have to mean squeezing more into the interior. Moving suitable functions outside can keep benches and floor space clear while making the campsite easier to use.
A wall-mounted Coast caravan picnic table folds flat against the exterior of the RV and opens when you need a surface for meals, food preparation or drinks. Some versions also include LED lighting and USB-A and USB-C charging, which reduces the need to set up a separate light or charging point outside.
A privacy room or awning wall kit is a great way to save space inside your van, by giving you a whole new sheltered area outside to use your gear in when parked up.
Choose products that shrink between uses
Not every item can take on a second job. When an object is only used briefly, the next best option is a design that stores much smaller than it operates.
For example the Coast RV collapsible bucket replaces a bulky item that is rarely used but necessary to have. It opens to an 11-litre capacity but folds to around 3.5 cm high, taking up much less space than a non-collapsable bucket. Folding chairs, telescopic cleaning tools and nesting cookware follow the same logic: keep the item but reduce the stored size.
Apply the two-job test before you buy
A product does not automatically deserve space because it has a long feature list. Before adding it to your RV, run through these questions:
· Will we use both functions regularly?
· Does it replace something already on our packing list?
· Where will it live while we are travelling?
· Is it easy to access, or will we avoid using it because it is buried?
· Does the combined product suit our power, installation and weight limits?
· Would one reliable, well-designed item be better than two cheaper items?
This check helps separate genuinely useful multi-purpose gear from products that simply add features you will never use.
Do a space audit after each trip
Your best caravan storage ideas will come from your own travel habits. After a trip, take note of what stayed buried in a cupboard, what was difficult to reach, and which items were constantly moved out of the way. If something has not been used across several trips, consider removing it or replacing it with a product that covers another regular need as well.
It also helps to group items by where they are used. Cooking gear should be close to the kitchen, outdoor setup gear should be accessible from outside, and frequently used charging points should sit where phones and other devices naturally end up. Good storage reduces handling as much as it reduces clutter.
Make every item earn its place
A comfortable RV does not need to contain a product for every possible situation. It needs a well-chosen setup that suits the way you travel. Multi-purpose products, fold-away designs and fixtures that reclaim unused space can help you carry less and make the space you have easier to live in.
Browse more practical setup advice in the Coast RV Guides and Advice hub, or speak with a local Coast RV stockist about products that suit your caravan and installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create more storage space in a small caravan?
Start by removing rarely used items, then choose products that fold, nest or replace more than one separate item. Store gear close to where it is used and keep frequently needed items easy to reach.
What are the best multi-purpose products for a caravan?
The best choices depend on how you travel. Useful examples include a fan with lighting and USB charging, a sink whose accessories nest inside it, a cooktop lid that becomes bench space, and an exterior table with lighting or charging built in.
Are collapsible caravan accessories worth it?
They can be, especially for bulky items used for short periods. Check that the product is stable when open, simple to clean and dry, and durable enough for repeated folding.
What should I check before installing space-saving RV products?
Confirm dimensions, weight, power requirements, ventilation and mounting needs. For products fixed to the caravan, check the RV manufacturer's guidance and use a qualified installer where required.
