My new 172 - Event Date: 27 Jan 2013

Lots of good advice here, we have a 172 also. get a nickel plated rack that hangs on the shower door with racks toward the ouside, you can hang shoes, coats, hats, towels etc. build a prop rod for the lower front bunk that holds the lid up while you are storing stuff. I built a doubler for the lid under the cushion on the rear passengers side so when you raise the lid it does not hang up on the rear cushion. be creative, take only what you need. we dont use the top bunk so there is a lot of space up there for suitcases, grab and go bags etc. no matter it will be fun.

Congrats, one the 172.  I have one too..You have it made a far as storage with you and a min pin.  You have storage under the bottom bunk.  Use that bunk to sleep on and pull the mattress off the top bunk and use it for storage.   I put a piece of vinyl across the top bottom when we are moving and put the latter and TV up there (and other stuff too).   I put a door under the back seat so I could get access to the center of the back storage area, which makes it's easy to get things in and out.  Also remember every thing doesn't have to be put away when traveling.   I put my zero gravity chairs where the kitchen table goes, then they go out when we set up camp.

Welcome to the forum and to Podding!  Most of us have learned to live within the limitations of our pods.  I can't advise on a 172, but there are plenty who can.  The one universal that most of us have discussed is to learn what is necessary and what isn't.  We struggled with space more in our first year.  We continue to leave things out and we will thin out even more in the future.  Have fun with your pod!