8 Awesome Ways to Make Your Camper Feel Like Home

Nothing is more exciting than signing papers and making a travel trailer officially yours. Nonetheless, living in a camper van is a lot of responsibility.

There are things you are allowed and not allowed to do. Otherwise, you might receive a ticket for illegal parking or clogging your RV toilet. But more than that, you should make your campervan feel like home.

After all, you still deserve to have a place where you can dine and sleep in peace.

These eight easy-to-do tips can ensure that you can create a relaxing and enjoyable space in your RV.

Change the Bed Mattress or Add a Topper

Here's the thing: You will still need a decent night's sleep whether you live in a house, an apartment, or an RV. As such, consider whether there is enough sleeping space in your camper or not.

And if you do, consider whether you will be comfortable with it or not.

Some full-time RVers would often take their mattress from home and place it in their camper van. Some would have their sleeping space and bed customized.

But if you are pressed for budget, and there is no way you can fit your mattress at home in your RV, consider purchasing a topper. Doing so will ensure that you have a cozy and comfortable bedroom in your camper van.

Add an Ottoman

Living in an RV means you have limited space. And if you want to live in it full-time, you have to be smart with how you will utilize them.

As such, multipurpose furniture pieces, like an ottoman, can come in handy.

For one, an ottoman is a smart storage solution. It allows you to keep your belongings without having to worry about where you will place another closet or shelving.

On the other hand, your ottoman serves as a chair when not in use. This means that you have another sitting area in your living room in case you need one.

Decorate With Pillows, Blankets, and Rugs

Nothing can make any space feel like home better than a throw pillow on a couch, a rug on the floor, and some blankets.

The best part? They serve a dual purpose if you live in a camper van.

You can use the throw pillows as your head pillows when it is time to doze off. And get cozied up with the blanket. You can also use the blanket to cover some areas of your RV for privacy without occupying too much space.

The same thing goes with your rug, aside from the fact that it can help distinguish different areas in your camper van.

Hang Some Smart Wall Décor

Just because you live in a camper van does not mean you cannot decorate the walls. If anything, your walls can also serve as a smart storage solution.

Thus, it is recommended that you hang some smart wall décor.

For instance, a framed family photo happens to hide a small opening where you place your safe and secure your money while traveling. Another example would be organizers that you can hang and add a pop of color to your wall.

Use Curtains Instead of Valances

You may have realized how being innovative in your decoration is integral when living in a camper van. Hence, it would be ideal to get rid of the valances on your window.

For one, valances take some precious wall space. Another reason is that they are blocking your window, brightening up your RV.

Instead, it would be best to let your windows be and hang some curtains. You can also opt to hang some blackout curtains for privacy and ensure a good night's sleep.

Have the Comforts of Your Home

Of course, the best way to make living in an RV comfortable is to bring the items that make you feel comfortable.

It can be your slippers, your favorite mug, and your coffee maker. What's important is you can store these items in a way that will not look cluttered. Doing so allows you to turn your camper van into a space you would love to be in.

You do not need to give up the simple pleasures of life just because you have limited space. What's important is that you are smart about it.

Utilize the Outdoors

Surprisingly, your living space is not limited within your RV. If you are in the national park that allows camper vans, for example, you can extend your living space outside.

Get yourself a gazebo tent, set your dining table and chairs, and enjoy your meal while checking out the view. You can also use this space to stretch out, as living in a camper van means that you are often cramped up.

If you feel like basking under the sun, fold your dining table and chairs and bring out your zero-gravity chair instead. That way, you can sit and chill in your RV.

Always Keep it Clean and Organized

Often, the mess that we have is visual clutter. This can include shoes of varying sizes and colors stacked on a shelf. Another example is the mugs in the kitchen sink that you forgot to wash last night.

Clutter makes a space look smaller. Hence, you should always keep your RV clean and organized.

Spend a time of the day, like an hour before you sleep, to clean your camper van. Put everything back in its place, but the dishes in the dishwasher, and keep your tent away.

Once every week, take the time to do some general cleaning. Replace your beddings, vacuum the floor, re-organize your shelves. Doing so makes your RV cozy and homey wherever you are.

Conclusion

Whether you want to be a full-time RVer or experience an epic vacation, it is essential to make your RV feel like home.

Luckily, it does not take much to live a happy and comfortable life in a camper van. All you need is to keep these quick tips in mind

• Use multipurpose furniture pieces

• Be clever with your storage

• Make the most out of where you are parked

That and the tips listed above can make your RV feel like home.

Guest Post - Netflix and Grill: How to Make Your Backyard More Entertainment-Friendly

There are very few things in this world that are as precious as spending a long, lazy afternoon in the backyard. Seriously, the pace of life has become relentless these last couple of years. Every opportunity we can get to catch a break and spend some quality time with our friends and family should be cherished.

But, why should we limit ourselves to the same old barbecue parties every weekend? Our backyards are spacious enough to offer far more entertainment options. We only need to use this space to create something truly engaging and awesome. Here a couple of tips that should help along the way.

Draw up a plan

The first step in every backyard renovation project would be to draw the layout and try to incorporate the elements you want to include. Afterthoughts and on-the-go adjustments can cost you a lot of money, so do your best to take into account everything from the number of the people you want to host to the available area. No need to worry even if you are operating in a compact space – there are a couple of ways to make it feel bigger and better use the available space.

Make a corner for kids

Every one of us has a different idea of entertainment. However, we can all sit down, enjoy a good movie, and drink something to keep our spirits high. The kids, on the other hand, need a far more stimulative environment to stay entertained. Fortunately, turning your garden into real kids’ paradise is not that hard.  Sandboxes, trampolines, clubhouses, and slides don't take too much space and, in most cases, can be pulled off as a DIY project.  Just make sure that the children's area is safe, fenced, and that there aren’t any dangerous plants. 

Create a covered seating area

This will be the main hub of your new backyard. Since modern entertainment can’t be imagined without quality multimedia experience, you need to make sure that your equipment is protected from elements. Besides, you don’t want to move your party inside every time the rain clouds show on the horizon. So, what kind of cover you can use? Well, in our honest opinion, a covered deck stands as the most space-economic, easy to build, and keep things close to the power-sources within your house (no need to dig cord trenches throughout the backyard).

Play up the tech

In order to utilize everything that modern entertainment has to offer, you will need a brand new outdoor entertainment system. What does that exactly mean? Well, let us start with a huge anti-glare HD TV that will allow you to watch the latest movies in hi-res. Smart units will allow you easy access to modern streaming platforms without the need for additional equipment or cumbersome HDMI cables. The second thing you should take into consideration is the surround system that will create an immersive cinema-like experience. Some of the modern gaming systems are optional.

Spice up the mood with an outdoor bar

Watching your favorite movie is one thing. Spicing things up with a couple of cold drinks is something completely different. So make sure to keep your company chill by providing them with a constant supply of fresh beverages. And if you want to make the whole thing a real deal, you should build a full-scale outdoor bar that will allow you to show off your barista skills. As long as you use strong, pressure-treated wood and durable materials like aluminum or granite as the top material you won’t need to worry about maintenance during more humid months.

Light up the atmosphere

Although you are going to spend a great deal of time under your newly built deck, entertainment is not all about Netflix. You will want to fire up your grill and throw up a buffet for your friends. In order for all these things to work, your backyard will need to be well-lit. In this case, we recommend that you go with task fixtures with warm-light bulbs. This way, you will be able to highlight all focal points (tables, barbecues, backyard fixtures, etc.) while still keeping the atmosphere moody and pleasant. And warm light looks so much better on pictures.

Add a personal touch

Last but not least, you should do your best to avoid creating a bland looking backyard. If you want to be truly entertained, you need a couple of touches that will unequivocally make the whole area your personal playground. So, what are you really into? Tropical torches and fire pits? Something more whimsical and fairytale-like? Or you are more of a futuristic person and like to keep things sterile and clean cut. Find your mood and a couple of items that will make you feel more at home. 

We hope these few tips showed you a couple of ways you can make your backyard more entertainment-friendly. As time goes by we have less and less time to spend with persons we hold dearest. That makes these few afternoons we can get only more precious. Your backyard can easily become a perfect setting for these pleasant moments. 

About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer with a focus in home improvement, interior design, family life, and sustainable living.

Guest Post - 9 Clever Ideas to Make Your Compact Outdoor Space Feel Bigger

No matter how small it might be, a backyard area can be your stylish and comfortable outdoor sanctuary. Although there might be some design challenges, you can easily overcome them with a detailed approach and a creative plan. Here are several inspiring ideas that will help you bring your compact outdoor haven to a new level.

Create different zones

Organization is key to creating a comfortable outdoor space where you can easily move around. A simple way to organize your backyard layout is to divide it into different zones. You can set up a lounge area, a small dining spot or a kids’ play area with enough planning. Not only will this keep your backyard more organized, but it will also make it seem more spacious. You can also set up one or two versatile zones that you can easily adjust depending on your needs.

Keep it organized and clutter-free

A messy, cluttered area will seem even smaller and more cramped, so you need to tidy up your backyard. There’s no need for introducing unnecessary elements and embellishment. A few handpicked, impactful details can create a lovely look without overwhelming your space. Make sure to introduce enough storage solutions where you can keep your outdoor blankets and pillows. Your tools and other equipment should be stored in a shed or garage instead of cluttering up your backyard oasis.

Go vertical

A simple way to free up some space is to introduce vertical design solutions. If you’ve always wanted a lush garden, but you don’t have enough space to plant flowers and herbs, you can simply create a vertical garden. Not only is it a space-saving solution, but it will also work as a privacy screen and keep your tiny backyard sanctuary cozy and intimate. You can also try some other vertical solutions for your outdoor space, such as a decorative ladder, embellishments placed on your fence, etc.

Use a water feature as a focal point

Designing a beautiful focal point will refocus attention from the limited floor space to that stunning feature. And there’s no better solution than a water element. Introducing a cozy 2 person outdoor spa will turn your backyard into a lovely retreat. Its compact design is perfect for your small backyard and you can even move it to a balcony or porch if you want to. You can have your personal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation that will definitely dominate the entire backyard without making it feel cramped.

Bring out a mirror

Adding a mirror to your backyard lounge area can be quite an unusual and practical embellishment. You’ll be able to use it as an authentic décor statement, but make sure to pick a design that fits into the general style of your backyard haven. More importantly, a mirror will visually expand your backyard space and make it seem bigger and more open.

Merge the indoors and outdoors

If you have a really small backyard, you can expand it by creating a seamless transition from your house to your outdoor haven. You can use a similar flooring solution, use the same color scheme and keep the same style. You can also install a glass door that will open to your backyard and blend your exterior with interior. This will help you cozy up your outdoor space, make it a part of your home and even make it seem bigger.

Light it up properly

In the evening, lighting will play a crucial role in making your compact space more open and enjoyable. There are plenty of outdoor lighting ideas that won’t take up too much space in your backyard. Twinkle lights are a charming solution that you can place almost anywhere. Lovely lanterns can casually float in the air, keeping your haven bright and cozy.

Mind the scale

Scale is of the utmost importance in a small space, so you need to pay attention to it when furnishing and embellishing your backyard. Instead of planting a huge tree, you can choose small plants and bushes that can beautify your backyard, yet still keep it open. When it comes to furniture, take out all the measures in advance and pick pieces that will keep you comfortable and provide you with great traffic flow.

Introduce practical outdoor furniture

The furniture pieces you add to your backyard should be multi-functional, enabling you to easily adjust or move them. You should pick a patio sofa or table with storage compartments where you can keep some of your items. Built-in benches, tables with chairs that can be assembled into a single piece and other double-duty pieces can help you design a beautiful backyard where style and functionality merge.

With these creative and functional ideas, you can design the perfect backyard where you can relax, spend time with your family and entertain guests without feeling limited by its size.

About the author: Mike Johnston is a home improvement blogger and DIY enthusiast from Sydney. He is a regular writer at Smooth Decorator and contributor on several interior design, lifestyle, real estate and eco-friendly blogs. Mike’s goal is to create and share meaningful content that helps and inspires people.

Interview - Toss 21

At House to Home Organizing, we often see the same items in our clients homes. The same disposable items. We encourage our clients to seek out quality (possibly local) items that will be used more than once. We spoke with Andrew from Durham, CT's Toss 21 Cornhole game system to learn about something new. 

For the busy person, what is Toss 21?

Toss21 is a fully engaging digital gaming system. This means that you physically play a game but at the same time can control the content and atmosphere of the gaming platform. This means you get to watch live TV, connect and play live with friends and family in different parts of the country, change lighting and display settings. You can play a game in total darkness and experience a fully immersible experience that has yet to be done - (glow bags, led board and TV display).

What is your origin story, how did Toss 21 get started?

Toss21 was started when I had first-hand experience of people struggling to keep score, remember the score and not be able to play the game successfully at night (lack of sunlight). So, I thought why not make all those issues a thing of the past and give people a way to hang out and socialize by combining led lighting, a digital display, internet connection and sensors to score into a single unit. All the problems that were expressed and that I encountered were now taken care of. 

Does the game work outside?

The Toss21 gaming system works outdoors and indoors. It has the ability to be powered by battery, battery with solar panel  or into an electrical outlet. This allows the system to be portable and usable pretty much anywhere. The system is also weather resistant. This means that spilled drinks or quick rain/snow showers are of no threat to the board or its functionality.

What are the age requirements?

Age requirements are from 3 years old to 100 years old. And I have already had players of both those ages. The system is child proof, adult proof and even environment proof. The system is built to withstand a grown adult stepping on it, which means that kids jumping and sliding down the board cause no issue.

For those who are not tech savvy can they still play?

If someone can turn on a TV and use a remote they are good to go. The system is made for ease of use. Its about playing and socializing first, so we made the platform extremely user friendly. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go crazy and really utilize all of the features, we had the abilities and desires of tech savvy people in mind as well.