Tools That Earned Their Spot
Small space, big expectations. These tools showed up and stuck around.
1. Mini Countertop Dishwasher
Washes enough for two without taking over the counter. I run it once a day, and it’s quieter than expected. My setup’s a little improvised — the drain hose runs into the small side of our sink, and I top-fill it with water instead of doing a full install. So if plumbing isn’t your thing? No problem.
Not a must-have for everyone, but for me? It’s earned its spot.
Pros: Saves water, time, and dishes-in-sink stress
Cons: Big dreams, small interior. Don’t expect it to fit your wok.
Mini Dishwasher
Not bolted down. Somehow still hasn’t moved during travel
2. No Sew Velcro for Fabric
Not glamorous, but wildly useful. After tearing out the dusty original curtains, I used this to “customize” the length of the new ones — they were just a little too long. It also keeps the windshield curtains shut (because I might be naked, and no one needs that surprise).
And yes, it’s holding up a motion-activated light in the toilet room. With staple mods. Obviously.
It’s never let me down. Always open to new weird uses — suggestions welcome.
Pros: Cheap, quiet, and easy to remove
Cons: Adhesive doesn’t love heat; heavier stuff may need backup
Bonus: Could be used on a dress that you swear you’re going to shorten by sewing.
Will I sew it? Unclear. Will Velcro do the job? Absolutely. Will it hold up in the washer? To be continued...Used For: Curtains, motion lights, and general RV stick-it experiments
No Sew Velcro
When in doubt, stick it and hope for the best.
Bought at Walmart - Replacement at Amazon
3. Collapsible Step Stool
Lives flat next to a cabinet and gets used constantly. Whether I’m reaching for spices or needing a place to sit and think about why I walked into the kitchen… it’s there.
Folds up, stays quiet, and hasn’t once taken out a toe, yet. Which, in an RV, is a miracle.
Pros: Compact, lightweight, folds flat
Cons: Not great for long sits or wild shifts in balance
Bonus: Doubles as a seat, mini table, or emergency shelf
Collapsible Stool
Leaning quietly in the corner, waiting to save the day.
Bought at Dollar General - Replacement at Amazon
4. Cloth Baskets
They started as a “just try it” purchase and ended up in almost every cabinet. These soft-sided baskets flex enough to fit weirdly shaped RV cabinets but still hold their form. No drilling, no rattling, and no avalanche when I open the cabinet.
They’re not fancy, but they keep the chaos contained. Mostly.
Pros: Quiet, flexible, zero-install
Cons: Not great for heavy or rigid items
Bonus: Stackable, swappable, washable
Used For: Pantry zones, bathroom shelves, desk clutter, and catch-all chaos
Cloth Baskets
Baskets that bend but don’t break — RV life MVPs.
Bought at Family Dollar - Replacement at Amazon
5. Dual Monitor Arm
This was a non-negotiable. Just because we downsized to 350 sq ft doesn’t mean I was giving up my dual-screen setup. The arm clamps securely to the desk (no drilling required), and even with RV movement, everything stays put with an occasional tightening.
It makes my workspace feel like mine — not a compromise.
Pros: Frees up desk space, fully adjustable, rock solid
Cons: Needs a sturdy surface and some patience during install
Bonus: No holes needed — clamp mount holds strong
Dual Monitor Arm
Proof that small space doesn’t mean small setup
