When you’re packing for an RV trip, do you ever feel like you have three times more stuff than you do space? Well, you’re not alone! Even those with the largest RVs have space issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of RV storage ideas that can help!
From must-have storage products to clever hints that all the RVing pros know, we cover it all in this guide to RV organization ideas.
RV Organization Ideas By Room
Below we have split our RV storage ideas by room. Of course, you can probably take some of these ideas from one room to another for even more amazing RV organization options.
Kitchen
Under-Cabinet Plate Dispenser
Paper plates taking up precious cabinet or countertop space? The Camco Pop-A-Plate dispenser will hold 125 9″ plates, and can be mounted right underneath your cabinet for easy storage and makes it easy to access plates.
Cabinet Door Trash Can
These convenient over the cabinet garbage cans are perfect for RV storage solutions; they’re fully collapsible and come equipped with hooks to hang right over your cabinet, allowing you to dispose of food waste without bending down. It even has a trash bag storage compartment… Double win!
Fruit Hammock
When you’re on the road, apples and bananas can quickly take to flying through the air if you forget to stow them away when you’re ready to pick up camp and move on. Our favorite RV storage solution to this potentially-sticky problem? A fruit hammock! Not only does it save you space, but it also helps your fruit last longer by providing gentle ventilation that won’t bruise or crush.
Magazine Organizer
Not sure how to store rolls of Saran Wrap and foil? Try this brilliant and simple RV organization hack from The Kitchen. After all, in the digital age, when was the last time you used a magazine file for actual magazines?
Mounted Rolls
Alternatively, you can make your quest for food storage accessories like aluminum foil and Saran Wrap even easier by storing them in an organizer that gets mounted to your wall or cabinet door.
Sponge Caddy
A compact caddy is great for organizing your RV kitchen sink essentials like soap, dish sponges, brushes, and washcloths. The stainless steel material is rust proof and it even comes with a detachable drip tray to keep your countertops dry!
Rectangular Containers
A good set of rectangular airtight food containers will save space by allowing you to pack more of it into your RV’s kitchen cabinets and refrigerator by stacking and fitting in neatly together, allowing you to use all available space. They’ll also keep your food fresher for longer, making them one of the best excellent RV storage ideas.
Pull-Out Spice Organizer
Ever tried to whip up a nice meal in your RV kitchen while every spice tumbles out of the cabinet as you look for the salt and pepper? A pull-out spice drawer organizer is the perfect solution. It comes with three adjustable drawer dividers, as well as removable drawer labels for custom RV organization and an even faster find while cooking!
Magnetic Spice Jars
The very best RV storage solutions are both functional and stylish, and that’s exactly what these adorable magnetic spice jars offer. Along with being a great way to keep your flavors close at hand and out of the way, it also makes for a really fun, affordable project. The magnetic spice jars will stick to any metal surface like your RV oven, or you can pick up a magnetized wall plate to stick them on.
Magnetic Knife Strip
Magnetic knife strips are a great way to keep your knives handy, out of the way, and also as sharp as possible since they won’t be clanging around with other silverware in your drawer. Just make sure they’re well-adhered before you take off for a new campsite —you definitely don’t want those guys flying around inside your coach!
Space-Saving Cookware
One of the simplest ways to maximize the limited space inside your RV kitchen cabinets actually has nothing to do with retrofitting more shelving or finding clever ways to mount magnetic objects.
It’s actually as simple as purchasing pots, pans, and other cookware items that were made to fit in as little space as possible, such as this space-saving set by Calphalon.
Roll-Up Dish Rack
Taking up counter space with a traditional drying rack is annoying and honestly, even the folding ones are pretty unwieldy to store. That’s why we were so excited to find this roll-up dish rack — it’s almost like it was custom-made for RV travel! Just unroll it over your sink to allow your dishes to drip dry, and then curl it back uptight when it’s time to store it and move on.
Bag Dispenser
From trash can liners to makeshift shower caddies to tote to the campground bathhouse, there’s not much plastic grocery bags can’t do… aside from being easy to store, it seems. Get yourself one of these hanging bag dispensers and thank us later for giving your one of the best RV storage ideas out there.
Bathroom
Toothbrush Holder and Toothpaste Dispenser
This compact accessory is one of the most awesome RV organization ideas. It keeps your toothbrushes neatly stored and safe while still ensuring they’re handy and ready to go. And with two automatic toothpaste dispensers, four mouthwash cups, and five toothbrush holders, you’ll find no lack of storage here!
Bedroom
Hanging Shelf
If there’s only one thing you take from this post to improve your RVing adventures, we hope it’s this: invest in an RV closet organizer.
Those traveling with families know all too well the unique frustration of trying to cram everyone’s wardrobe into a limited RV closet space. And even if you’re journeying solo or with a significant other, all those little pockets and shelves can serve to effectively double your clothing storage and help keep things neat and tidy.
InstaHanger
Meet InstaHanger, one of the best RV storage solutions out there. This creative device can hold up to 60 pounds of weight. Hang it in your RV near your washer (if you have one) to dry wet clothing , or install it in your closet for extra storage. If you’re using it as a drying rack, simply collapse it down to lay it flat against the wall when not in use.
Bedside Organizer
Have a bunch of stuff you need next to the bed and no bedside table? You’ll love this portable, caddy-style organizer. Not only does it offer extra room and encourage you to keep things separated and easy to find, but you can also simply pick it up and tote it along with you to the living room, or wherever your wind-down hours take you!
File Folding
Thanks to Marie Kondo, we now know that traditional folding is a way of the past! Instead of laying clothes or linens down flat, roll them or fold them tightly, then stand them upright — just like you would in a filing cabinet. Use some simple wire baskets or drawer organizers to keep everything neat and tidy.
Organizing your clothes and linens by rolling and file folding allows you to not only fit more in your RV, but it also allows you to easily see and access everything in your drawers.
Living Area
Velcro
Got a habit of losing the TV remote? Just a small strip of velcro on an unassuming side of your RV couch can help you keep those zappers close at hand at all times. That way, you won’t miss even a minute of your favorite show because you’re busy scrambling around searching!
Throw Pillow Storage
Buy some throw pillow covers and fill them with soft items you don’t usually use such as extra blankets and coats. This RV organization idea makes those items easily accessible while also adding some character to your RV.
Storage Bays
PVC Under-RV Solution
Chances are, you have a storage bin somewhere full of sewer items. You don’t always need to use these items, but having them on board is important in the event you do need to use them. Instead of lugging that bin back and forth, consider this DIY under-RV storage solution, courtesy of Hula Hut RV Mods.
Hose and Cord Reels
Storage reels will not only keep your hoses and cords organized, but will also help to keep them detangled and easily accessible whenever you may need them!
Broom Clips
Pro RVers know that bringing tools along for the ride is essential. Storing these tools in such a small space though can be quite a challenge. Consider installing some broom clips horizontally in your RV exterior storage area to hold items like shovels and other tools. You could also install one inside your cabinet door or next to your bed to keep a flashlight nearby!
RV Storage Solutions
The RV storage solutions below can be used in spaces throughout the RV. Get creative and see where you can apply these ideas to make your home-on-wheels as functional as possible.
Under Shelf Baskets
Finding yourself just a little bit short on space, even after getting really creative with how you store things? Maybe you just need a little bit of extra room — which these easy-to-use, under-shelf baskets can provide in a jiffy.
Wire Cabinet Organizer
A simple cabinet organizer can help keep unruly pans, lids, and cutting boards in line. These also work well in the bathroom and even the bedroom. They increase your usable storage space and make it way easier to find the piece you’re actually looking for.
Cabinet Shelves
Expandable, stackable shelves are a great option if you find yourself struggling to organize unlike items together. Try putting some of these in your RV cupboards to easily stack things like dishes and condiments, or toiletries and cleaning products.
Tension Rod Storage Solution
Here’s a way to keep your kitchen goodies separated and secure that’s both super-cheap and fully customizable. Instead of buying a wire cabinet organizer, try a pack of tension rods running the width of the cabinet — yup, the kind you might use for window curtains.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
Finally, we must mention the over-the-door shoe organizer. These are fantastic in any space that has a door. Simply hang one over the door and use the pockets to store anything and everything that fits. We love using these organizers for toys, toiletries, snacks, and, of course, shoes.
Rethink Your Space
Need to save even more space? Start by analyzing your current RV setup to come up with more RV storage ideas. Open a kitchen cupboard and look for empty space. In most cases over half the cupboard is holding nothing but empty air.
For example, look at the space above the dishes or in between them. What about the gap between the door and the cupboard itself? When you start looking for unused space you will be amazed by how much is there. Use that space!
Keep Your Counters Clear and Use The Walls
Since counter space is at a premium in an RV you want to make sure to keep them clear. Do your best to avoid storing stuff on the counter itself (especially since most of these items will need to be secured when you are driving down the road).
Instead find ways to mount things on the wall, the underside of cabinets, or inside the cabinet doors. If you can move it off the counter and into a different space, do it! You’ll immediately notice the improvement.
Use Boxes and Bins
Boxes and bins are perfect for RV storage. Here are some tips for using them:
- Inside a closet or cabinet, you can stack storage boxes to use vertical space.
- Always put related items in the bins together to save time.
- If you need to break up the space, consider a wire shelf that fits your boxes and bins to maximize your upper cupboards.
- Remember, the key is finding ways to use empty space. This might mean finding a bin of a very specific size.
- Storage bins and containers are available at most stores, but for an amazing collection find an Ikea or Container Store. These are the stores that specialize in everything that saves space.
- Label every storage bin! It will make your life a lot easier. You can buy a label maker, or you can print labels out on your printer. Avoid simply writing with a pen on the box. Ink marks usually rub off and make a big mess.
Organization Items to Keep on Hand
If you’re looking for a one size fits all solution, look no further than clips and grips. Here are a few of the supplies that seem to work for just about everything!
- Binder clips
- Chip clips
- Tiny cup hooks
- Suction hooks
- Command Products – Decorative clips, holiday clips, bath clips, and hooks
- Cordmate Plastic Covers – Many uses
- Grip Clips by Lehigh
Of course, RV organization doesn’t have to involve going out and buying every item on this list — use it as a guide to determine which RV storage ideas will best suit your rig and your needs and go from there.
