How to Make Your Caravan Feel Like a Home

If like us, you live in your caravan full time, you will still want it to feel like a home. But in such a small space that can be a challenge. You have to be careful not to add to much or it will start to feel cluttered. Or you will find yourself constantly moving ‘stuff’ around. Plus we are ever mindful of our overall weight. So here are a few things that I have done and so could you to Make Your Caravan Feel Like a Home without filling it up with to much ‘stuff.’

PRETTY DOONA COVER/QUILT

The easiest way I know, to change the feel of your space and make it feel more homely is to add a pretty doona cover or quilt. I currently have two doona covers, both of which are reversible so I get four different looks if I want.

I also have a beautiful hand-made patchwork quilt which was a 50th birthday gift. It is made from the most gorgeous fabric and has two different sides as well. I love how it really makes the whole van look cosy and comfortable. But it’s also practical as well for those cooler nights.

TIP: Choose sheets that will match either cover if you have two. I use dark grey sheets.

CUSHIONS

A couple of comfy cushions are great for lounging around on. I have a contrasting one that tones in with my quilt covers. It’s great for using when I’m reading or watching a movie or even to make my camp chair more comfy. I also have my gorgeous ‘Life Is Beautiful’ cushion which was a gift from our son Ben.

These both sit on the bed when it is made and just make it look finished.

TIP: Don’t be tempted to add to many cushions as then you have to find somewhere to sit them at night time.

THROW RUG

A nice soft throw rug can be both useful and decorative. If it is just a little bit cool you can use it to keep warm both inside and outside of the van. Or you can throw it on the end of the bed.

TIP: Choose a dark colour throw, especially if you are going to use it outside as well.

PHOTOS

Photos are a great way to make your caravan feel like home, but as you are limited for space there isn’t really anywhere to sit photo frames. We had some photos of our kids printed out, got them laminated and then stuck them on the wall with very thin double sided tape. So far, even in the high temps of summer they haven’t come off.

TIP: Use different size photos to create a collage effect.

COFFEE MUG/WINE GLASS

Two of my favourite things – coffee and wine! My favourite coffee mug at the moment was a Christmas gift from Maddi. It is from the VanGo Collection and is available from Adventure Awaits. I just love the caravan print on it. Mine is teal green but you can get a colour that suits the feel of your van.

My other must-have are my Swig Mug and Quick Swig from Love Your Travels. They are available in a range of colours and when you purchase from them you will be supporting a small Aussie business!

And of course, you need a set of coasters to sit your coffee cup or Swig Mug on. These ones were a gift from a lovely friend and they are ‘so me’!

NICE HAND SOAP

I love soap that makes my hands smell clean and fresh. Caravanning can sometimes be dusty and dirty so I always have some nice soap in a pump bottle handy. I use a pump bottle so I don’t have to worry about having a cake of grimy soap to put away. You can pick up a decorative soap dispenser for just a few dollars next time you are near a Reject Shop or similar thrift shop.

TIP: We also love the Camp Eco range available from Adventure Awaits. Good for you, good for the environment and Aussie-made.

TAKE A HOBBY WITH YOU

For those of you who enjoy a hobby at home, there is no reason why you can’t continue it when you are on the road. I love to read so I usually have a couple of books with me or I download some to my tablet. Book exchanges are popping up everywhere now. You can find them on the side of the road or often in the laundry area of many caravan parks.

Many other hobbies can work well in a caravan too. Think knitting, crochet, writing etc or maybe learn something new.

TIP: No book exchange where you are staying? Offer to start one. Or why not join this Facebook group, Readers on the Road? It’s a small, friendly group where you can share a book recommendation or the location of a great book exchange.

ADD A FLOOR MAT

This is my final tip and something we did very quickly after we started living in our van full time. We added a rectangle carpet mat which fits neatly under our dinette but comes out to the area in front of our sink. It has been so good on the days when the temperature has been on the cooler side. We got our mat from Bunnings for $15.00 and will be adding a couple more down the sides of the bed.

TIP: Choose mats in a dark colour as they are easier to keep clean.

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Melissa

Melissa was the founder and former owner of All Around Oz. Mel and her husband Brenden travel full time around Australia and stop for work when they need. They love the lifestyle and will continue to explore our beautiful country for many years to come.

Listen in to their podcast episode https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia/

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