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Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger

| Updated Jan 20, 2023

“Help! I’m starting to feel claustrophobic! What have you done to make your RV feel bigger?”

This is what one RVer in our RV Lifestyle Facebook group, feeling particularly cramped, asked.

Our helpful community responded with hundreds of comments. As they pointed out, there are many things we can do to make our tiny space feel bigger. 

We all love RVing,  but let's be honest. Sometimes, especially on a rainy day, our RVs feel, well, small. 

Feeling cramped in your RV? Try these 10 tips and tricks to make your RV feel bigger…

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10 Tips & Tricks to Make Your RV Feel Bigger

If you're looking for ways to make your RV feel bigger, here are 10 tips and tricks to try.

Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger
Time to declutter?

1. Declutter & Minimize

One of the easiest ways to make your RV feel bigger is to declutter and minimize the amount of stuff you have. This means getting rid of anything you don't use or need, and storing what you do need in a more organized way.

Beginner RVers tend to pack too much… way too much. Packing as little as possible is one of our Big RV Camping Tips for Beginners. But, also take an account of everything you used after every RV trip. Remove items as you realize you don’t need them.

Long-time RVers also fall victim to clutter, especially if they collect souvenirs along the way. In those cases, schedule a “spring cleaning” to declutter your RV regularly.

2. Organize, Organize, Organize!

Like what you see in these videos? We'd appreciate it if you would Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (easy to do right here) and consider “ringing the bell icon” to be notified of any new video from us. 🙂 Thanks!

We have lots of articles and videos on organizing your RV, because it makes all the difference! Over a decade of RV life has taught us that good organization even nurtures healthy relationships with your travel companions.

Every item in your RV needs a “home.” A designated place for it to live at all times. Here is a sampling of articles to help you do that:

3. Don't Hang Too Much on Walls

Hanging things on the walls can have the same effect as having too many tchotchkes. They can make your RV feel cluttered and smaller.

Instead, try to keep your walls as clear as possible. This will give the illusion of more space and make your RV feel more open. Instead, consider…

Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger

4. Use Mirrors

Mirrors are a tried-and-true trick to make any room feel bigger. They reflect light and make the space feel more open. You can hang a large mirror on a wall or place a few smaller mirrors around the RV.

If you angle them strategically, they’ll bounce light and even reflect the outdoors in otherwise dark and plain places in your RV.

One of our members, Gary, joked “I mentioned to my wife, mirrors on the ceiling in the bedroom, but she wouldn’t go for it.” Nice try, Gary…

5. Open Doors and Windows

Whenever possible, keep your doors and windows open. This will allow fresh air and natural light to flow through the RV, making it feel more open and spacious.

A lot of people in the RV Lifestyle Facebook group recommended this, and it really makes a big difference. Bigger than you might think!

If the weather isn’t agreeable, they suggest at least opening your curtains. If you’re worried about privacy, check out these 5 RV Privacy Products to Make Your Campsite More Private.

Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger

6. Paint RV Interior and Cabinets a Light Color

Dark colors can make a space feel smaller and more cramped. So, you can try painting the interior and cabinets of your RV a light color, such as white or beige. This will make the space feel more open and bright.

We did a podcast interview not too long ago on a DIY RV Remodel. The couple shared some great info, which you can read about in The Best Paint for RV Cabinets and Tips.

Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger

7. Create a Great Outdoor Space

If you're looking for ways to make your RV feel bigger, consider creating a great outdoor space. This could be a small patio area or even just a simple seating area. 

Being able to spend time outside will make your RV feel more spacious.

Here are some articles that can help:

8. Get a Big Screen Tent

Another way to create more space is to get a big screen tent. This will give you a place to spend time outside while still being protected from the elements.

Here’s our pick for the best screen tents for camping.

9. Go Outdoors More

This is one of the most popular suggestions fellow RVers made. The more time you spend outside, the less time you'll spend inside your RV, and the more spacious it will feel. 

So make sure to spend plenty of time exploring the great outdoors.

If you're an animal lover, getting a dog can be a great way to make your RV feel bigger. Not only will they provide companionship, but they'll also give you an excuse to spend more time outside. It’s one of the many perks of traveling with a dog.

Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger

10. Get a Bigger RV

If all else fails, you can always get a bigger RV. This is the ultimate solution to feeling cramped in your RV, but it's also the most expensive. So, it's important to consider if it's worth it for you.

Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger 1

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Share Your Tips & Tricks

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to make your RV feel bigger and more comfortable. Whether you're looking to declutter, use mirrors, or create a great outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your RV. 

Please share your tips and trips to make your RV feel bigger in the comments below! Be a part of the conversation, too, by joining our RV Lifestyle Facebook group.

Remember, the more you feel comfortable in your RV, the more you'll enjoy your travels. Happy camping!

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Feeling Cramped? 10 Tips to Make Your RV Feel Bigger 2

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Explore this Bundle and plan your next trip!


Mike Wendland

Published on 2023-01-20

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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