Tiny Home and RV Bathroom Organization

Changing your travel plans in 2021? Looking for something a little more local? Traveling may look different from here on out but one thing is for certain – RVing. The RV industry has been going wild since COVID hit. It’s socially distant, plus you can see the great USA while spending some quality time with your inner circle. But there's one thing we all need more of in RVs – Space. Fitting in your everyday essentials and keeping them organized in a small space takes some creative thinking. We partnered with TIDBITS for tiny homes and RV bathroom organization. Check out what she has to say:

“ It’s amazing what you can manage to fit into a small space, if you get organized! Be inspired by our tiny home and RV bathroom organization ideas and solutions, while we live tiny with a family of 6.

I’ll be the first to admit that during the first 2 weeks of RV living with 6 people, I had thought we made a grave mistake. Never had I been expected to live in such tight quarters - let alone make it a home for a family. I had held some glorious expectations for us, and it all came crashing down.

One of the reasons I was getting discouraged was because I couldn’t quite figure out how to utilize the space we had and make the most of it. Sure, we made it pretty, but in the rush of the move, our essentials were shoved into place, and digging through cabinets to find anything was making me absolutely crazy.

I decided to turn my focus on making the RV bathroom spaces a place of calm and organization, to start our day off better. I started to find myself again, and joyfully dove into the organization challenge - something I’ve enjoyed doing since middle school when I would color code my clothes.

Getting just this one space organized was a turning point for us all. It not only made mornings run more smoothly, but it brought with it a “can do” attitude. Once my attitude changed - it all changed. I strongly believe it is worth investing in organization. It is worth every bit of the time, effort and money you put into it. Though sometimes hard to see, an organized home will end up giving you back time, effort and money - and is always, always worth it.

My Process for Organizing the RV Bathroom

Think over the problem areas and brainstorm solutions
You always need to think over a project before you go out and buy or find anything to help you get organized. If you don’t, you may end up with a bigger mess than you started. For example, I knew I needed a small cupboard in the bathroom for my “personal items,” like my face cloths and menstrual products - things I didn’t think needed to be in plain sight.

After using this space for a couple weeks, I knew very well what wasn’t working. I knew I had to rethink how we stored toothbrushes, towels, extra products, and the items we got out daily or multiple times a day. I had to sketch out and prioritize space for the important things and at each person’s level. I had to consider giving up some things that I thought I would “need.”

This phase takes a bit of creativity as you try to think outside the box. You may find things in kitchen organization departments that would work great for the bathroom. You may need to rethink how you’ve always done things and find more practical solutions for your space… For example, my makeup has always been in drawers, but I had to find a way to create my own drawers by using storage containers that were not necessarily marketed for cosmetics. I love that I can grab a drawer out, and easily go sit down to do my makeup, then put it right back.

Measure
In small spaces, you have to utilize every spot possible. This required measuring my cabinet space, my items, and things that I found online that I thought would work. I began to make wishlist and sketches for how I would use each space.

Shop
So after I planned, measured and mapped out my organization, it was time to buy!

Throughout the years, I have found myself buying and being drawn to mDesign products over and over again. I finally decided if I loved a company’s products so much, I really wanted to work with them! They were so wonderful to work with me on my particular needs for this space and sent the products that would fit my measurements and meet my goals. They have so much to choose from, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.

Organize
I suggest waiting until you have all the items you need before you begin organizing. Sometimes if you jump ahead, you’ll just end up moving and adjusting things in the end, which is all part of the process. Organizing can be such an enjoyable process!

Helpful Products for Tiny Bathroom Organization

Small Drawer Organizers
These were the exact size I needed them to be! They only hold a little bit, which is perfect for cosmetic type items. It’s great to ensure that everything has a place and I don’t have to move or adjust anything to get to it.

Clear Boxes with Handle Cut Outs
I could use these organizers everywhere! I have 5 heads of hair to get ready every morning, and these hold our hair essentials perfectly. I just grab them and go, and clean up is quick and easy! They look so nice together too.

Toilet Paper Holder with Shelf
I’m not admitting to bringing my phone in to the bathroom . . . but they do make them for that purpose so . . .

I also keep a diffuser on the handy double roll holder and shelf, so I can keep the tiny bathroom smelling fresh with my favorite essential oils.

Mini Wastebasket
There was not much room for a garbage can inside this bathroom, so I was thrilled to find a mini trash can, perfect to tuck in the corner.

Cleaning Caddy
Under the bathroom sink will always look a bit messy, due to all the unique RV parts and plumbing that runs through here. But I feel I made the best of the space by adding in this cute cleaning caddy, and utilizing a not so pretty space for some not so pretty products. Can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

Tips for Organization

I’d like to share some general thoughts on organizing. As I’ve dove deep into making our homes beautiful and functional, here are some key components I have learned along the way.

Discover Beauty and Calm in Uniformity
In years past, I tried to gather whatever bin, container or box I could find to bring a space to an organized state. If this is your only option, it is certainly better than doing nothing at all. However, I have found that the spaces where I bring in the same or similar organizing items are the spaces that stay organized. It’s like magic.

Your mind and soul will find a great deal of peace, calm and consistency when you can unify the items that help with organization. For example - use all clear containers, arrange things in patterns, coordinate colors, and find a place for everything and everything in its place.

Avoiding Stacking and Moving When Possible
If you are a busy body like me, making the time to stack and unstack items you need throughout the day will drive you crazy. You’ll end up reverting to the shove and stuff method.

I’m a firm believer that if you can avoid unnecessary stacking, you greatly increase the odds that the space will stay organized. Having said that, I did have to end up stacking some containers. However, I made sure if I put items above or behind something, it was items we would only use occasionally. Like first aid supplies, swim towels, refill items, etc. And even though they are stacked, the uniformity helps it feel more manageable and clean.

The everyday items were in a place where nothing was in the way of grabbing it and putting it away quickly. This is absolutely key for me!

Allow Negative Space
Sometimes in a small space, you have to use up every nook and cranny - like cupboard doors. But never feel like you have to fill each space if you don’t have to. Leave room and negative space for the eyes to rest, and to make room for items that may need to find a home later on. Leave empty hooks available for clothes, empty shelves for shedding accessories, and embrace the feeling of less is more - if at all possible.

Stick to the Essentials
If we take away anything from living in an RV, it will be how much stuff we DO NOT need. I haven’t missed the linen closet chuck full of towels (and who knows what else) for a minute. I no longer have any idea what I actually put in those storage boxes, and why I thought I needed them.

We can do with less, my friends. And it is liberating… ”

This blog has been posted with permission from tidbits-cami.com. To follow the rest of her RV organization story, check out her blog.

How do you stay organized? We’d love to hear your story!
There are many ways that you can contribute and be part of our family.

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