Small Space Living

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by FCloud9

Hi Interblog,
Really continue to enjoy all your innovative additions for "organized small space living"!
Although I have not yet added magnetic strips....I continue to ponder a magnetic addition to our FC20'.
Recently, catching up on emails/mail/etc after an early trip this spring....came upon this neat wall unit-
https://www.thegrommet.com/urbio-perch-starter-kit. If the unit came in brushed nickel finish, it might
already be in my little silver tiny home!

Yup - I gave long and hard thought to those little wall units, which are also available at The Container Store. I didn't go for them because, in our Interstate, it would have added another different design element that isn't really cross-referenced anywhere else. If I use the steel components instead, it remains consistent with what's already in there. But I can certainly see potential application for those other ones in different scenarios. The quality and design of them are both exceptionally good.

[InterBlog]

I do declare, our Airstream Interstate keeps getting bigger and bigger. I noticed this on my most recent trip - the difference in my perception now (when it feels large) vs. a year and a half ago when we first bought it (when it felt small). The feeling of spaciousness is not created by raw space itself so much as it is by spatial versatility.

With that in mind, I resolved my full-sized frying pan dilemma, plus created more storage space for a few other similarly-sized items, by installing this modified under-counter basket. Here is the money shot, and the sourcing and installation details are in the post.

UNDER COUNTER HANGING STORAGE FOR THE AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE

[MaineStreamer]

Check out this portable clothes washing machine!
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-machine/82157

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by MaineStreamer

Check out this portable clothes washing machine!
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-machine/82157

No room for it in my Interstate. A roll of quarters and a couple of Tide Pods in a Ziploc bag store in a much smaller space. Not to mention that few of my trips last so long that I can't wait until I get home to do my laundry.

[InterBlog]

My method is two hands, Dawn dish soap (the universal surfactant), and my collapsible bucket (or the Dometic sink, or the campground sink if there is one).

It helps to choose clothing wisely - no heavy jeans if possible. Just fast-drying technical clothes - they are worth the extra cash. Lots of layers so that only those layers that get dirty need to be washed at any given time.

[knotdonne]

My sister has used this for years on her travels and she keeps trying to sell it to me but I'm not having it. I'm with InterBlog and Protagonist. Rinse, repeat, laundromat. But she loves it so thought would share. She has used it on canoe trips and in Venice and everywhere in between and thinks it's the greatest.
http://www.amazon.com/Scrubba-Portab...l+wash+clothes

[knotdonne]

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f239...-a-150099.html

I posted already on the pet thread in lifestyle forum, but I wonder what you do about this since this is my homey thread and it pertains to small space living and many have pets. And wonder what you have done. How do you monitor temperature when you leave your pet?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by knotdonne

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f239...-a-150099.html

I posted already on the pet thread in lifestyle forum, but I wonder what you do about this since this is my homey thread and it pertains to small space living and many have pets. And wonder what you have done. How do you monitor temperature when you leave your pet?

I don't have pets, but my Viper alarm system comes with an interior temperature sensor. As long as I'm in range, I can press a button on the remote and get a temperature readout.

Remembering that sensor prompted me to do a quick search for something that works through a smartphone, and I came up with this…
http://nimblewireless.com/rv-monitoring/
…which might be just what you need.

[InterBlog]

Finally found a prefabricated runner that fits the aisle both front and back. It's called Ottomanson Softy Collection Color Solid (Machine-Washable/Non-Slip) Kitchen/Bathroom Mat Rug, 20" x 59" but it's a cheapie so they shorted a bit on the 20 inch making it 19 point something, which actually works better in the rear. Most of the pre-made stuff is wider than 20" so these are hard to find. Rubber-backed polypro, very light (about 1 lb.), very good match to the custom carpet we had installed in the cab. I like something on the floor underfoot when it's 35 degrees outside. About twenty bucks.

[Lily&Me]

The perfect size!

I had found a narrow runner at a WalMart somewhere that I had down in the rear for a year or so, then ordered rugs from Stroud's that have worked well.

http://www.stroudbraidedrugs.com

A bit more expensive than $20, but they are reversible and washable and have worn well.

They come in many patterns and colors, also solids, and can be custom made to any size and shape.

Not only is the warmth nice underfoot when it is cold, but I think rugs just warm the interior up a bit.


Maggie

[gghayes]

InterBlog , I would need 2. Would they work end to end?
Gloria

[Lineolated]

We bought runner by the foot from Home Depot. The edges don't need to be seamed. It's too wide, so we'll cut it to width. Low profile so it will allow opening fridge and galley cabinet. The gray color is inconspicuous but this definitely is not a fashion statement! I'll post a photo once we get it installed, but it might not be till fall.

[Lily&Me]

Hmmm...that's an idea I hadn't thought of.

I have had condensation seep under my flooring, creating some stains.

I plan to look into what it would cost to have just what you can see taken up and replaced, but a runner cut to fit which could be removed and shaken out might be another option.

Is the runner washable?


Maggie

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by gghayes

InterBlog , I would need 2. Would they work end to end?
Gloria

I don't see why not. You could even baste the ends together if you wish. We are out right now on our first trip with this thing. Im pleased. Very non-slip. My only advisory is availability. I got ours from Amazon and the seller only had a few left.

[InterBlog]

I thought about runner by the foot but it all seemed too wide and I wanted bound edges. I also wanted very light so I could pick it up and shake it, because I don't carry a vacuum.

[Lily&Me]

Bound edges would be nice.

I am probably going to look into replacing the flooring one of these days soon...no mildew apparently present, just some stains that are visually disturbing and not covered by my Stroud rugs.


Maggie

[Lineolated]

Originally Posted by Lily&Me

Hmmm...that's an idea I hadn't thought of.

Is the runner washable?


Maggie

Maggie,
It's indoor/outdoor carpeting. We'll spot clean for small problems and hose it off in the driveway as needed.

DJ

[gghayes]

I got an indoor /outdoor rug from Costco and cut it to size. It works well, except it skids. I put some skid proof liners under it on this trip. So far so good. But I still like the ones you got Interblog, but will have to wait till we get home to order it. Hope there will be some left
Gloria

[Lily&Me]

Gloria, you can buy a no-slip tape for rugs at WalMart, that you tape to the floor and is sticky on both sides, which holds things in place pretty well.


Maggie

[gghayes]

Good idea Maggie. Will check it out
Gloria