More shelves, more shelves!

Tiny spaces require creative storage.  I have some loose rules regarding storage: optimize the space, avoid placing things where someone will hit their head, try to work with what you already have, and go vertical, even if it's only four feet high.

I've found that stacking items in the Teardrop is very inefficient. Easy access is a requirement in a tiny space, so stacking doesn't fit the bill.

It's amazing how much more space is created just by adding one shelf in a twelve-inch high cabinet.

Adding this shelf means we can grab a bowl, a glass, or a plate without moving things around.

And really, when I want a gin and tonic, I don't want to fumble around for it.

Adding this shelf to the overhead cabinet in the cabin almost doubled the amount of space I have for clothes. Strange, but true. Though I am a bit of a fanatical folder. I can't help it.

The same goes here, stacking sucks in small spaces.

Separate stuff out as much as possible. You'll be happier.

-Leah

Never ending upgrades and tinkering

I have a list.

When you spend a month in a 40 square foot space, you take notice of things that could make things easier.

Small things, from having dedicated shelves for plates, to more complex things, like making a dog sleeping area on the trailer tongue, are constantly bouncing around in my overactive brain.

It's winter and cold, so I'll start with smaller, less time consuming upgrades.

Packing takes a few hours, so anything that can make packing a quicker process I am all over. When packing the Teardrop you have to consider possible breakage. Things can't be haphazardly stuffed in, glass can't be against glass, nothing can be loose, everything basically has to be tied down and tied in.

My first modifications I dedicate to Amelia Sauter, packing Queen. They will be three dedicated shelves; one for plates, one for bowls, and one for food. Right now the galley has no shelves, just three doors concealing three wide open areas.

One of the many mantras of working with small spaces - optimize vertical space, go up. Even on the tiniest of levels like a Teardrop trailer, there's more storage to be mined out.

This is my mission, and I choose to accept it.

-Leah