That is an exciting plan! Especially if you are going to be on the road a lot--think storage. There are several great ideas on rvnet and we have adopted many of them.
1. We use plastic drawer sets both in the closet and smaller sets in the overhead compartments and plastic containers with covers that stack in most of the cabinets. (Plastic storage is reasonable at Big Lots.) Toiletries, meds, first aid, some food items etc. all organize easier in boxes than loose on the shelves.
2. We use the overhead bed to sleep in but our 22E is actually 22 ft. and does not have the rear side bed. We also use the jackknife bed in the couch for guests and the dining area for both meals and lounging--with a couple of pillows it can be more comfortable for reading etc. than as a table and benches and we don't mind folding it up and down.
3. We put a self inflating double mattress on the couch (rolls up quite small and fits in the overhead) which makes it comfortable enough. A memory foam topper also adds comfort to our overhead bed. We don't store anything up there but our pillows and bedding and there is room for clothing duffel bags at the head and foot of the bed.
4. I have LOTS of lightweight camping equipment--such as folding chairs and tables, screen tent and a hammock and we can set up a complete kitchen and living area outside although if you are planning to spend more time in cities--you might not need these items.
5. We also use an aluminum rack on the trailer hitch in back with a large tool/storage box for our grill, local firewood, leveling ramps etc. and we used to carry a 5 gallon plastic water can there too. (We need a new one though and we don't boondock as much as we used to.)
6. I keep a stocked toolbox and camping equipment under the dinette benches and we also have storage under the couch for a small air compressor (haven't really needed that though) and the water hoses etc. We even have an extra lightweight aluminum folding ladder behind the back of the couch under the window. I also carry an 18 volt drill and bits, spot light, hand vac set in an overhead compartment.
7. Our closet is deeper and wider than the drawers so we have the screen tent, an outdoor mat, some folding chairs, the hammock etc. in the closet beside and behind the drawer set. There is still room for hanging clothes over the drawers.
8. I have an extra shower curtain rod in the middle of the shower (ours had grooves for one) and cover that with foam pipe insulation so the hangers stay on during travel if we need extra hanging space. Not hard to lift the jackets etc. out if we need the shower. Soiled clothes go into mesh bags that either hang on the bathroom door or go into a Rubbermaid storage tub in the shower. I have read you can wash your clothes by putting water and detergent into a tub like this and driving with the lid on it. I've yet to try that though!
9. We have stabilizing screw jacks in our rear outside compartment that we don't use much for short stays but are nice for longer term camping--keeps the rear end from rocking so much when we climb in and out of the RV. Could be used to change a tire if we were too far from civilization for Good Sam service.
10. We kept a little extra oil and automotive stuff in that compartment but ended up piercing a plastic oil bottle and got it all over the compartment--yuck--so be careful with such fluids--now I put them under the bathroom sink. Also have an outdoor mat out there.
11. There is room in our sewer hold for a small basket with a couple connectors, gloves, spray cleaner etc.
12. If you are changing the interior, sometimes there are "dead" spots of paneling that can be turned into storage space but yours looks so nice--I would not reupholster it until it wore out!
13. Lots of people use their ovens for pots and pans. But we actually have few and room for them in the cabinet over the sink. Under the kitchen sink we carry a 3 gallon water bottle with a hand pump for drinking water, cheaper than bottles and takes up less space. Also cleaning bucket and rags and bottles of soda or beer if we have too many for the fridge.
14. We have Lexan lightweight camping dishes and utensils and two drawers full of cooking accessories and lighters matches etc. We also have drawer dividers to keep everything in its place.
15. We have a narrow pantry that is convenient for canned foods and boxes of prepared foods, teas etc. We use a lot of zip lock type bags instead of storage containers for food and leftovers and have a supply in the pantry. We have a pop a bag holder for grocery bags that come in handy for trash--in fact we line a small file box that has a locking lid with a grocery bag for trash and empty it often. It "rides" next to the toilet in the bathroom but is usually in the kitchen when parked.
Fitting the stuff you appreciate on the road into the RV and not being overweight can be like a jigsaw puzzle and a fun challenge. We have not been away yet for trips over two or three weeks long but hope to leave for 4-6 weeks later this winter now that we are in our second year of retirement. I can't wait!
We have found our little RV to be just perfect. You will have a great time with yours.
2018 Minnie Winnie 25b New to us 3/2021
Former Rental Owners Club #137
2003 Itasca Spirit 22e 2009-2021
