Staying in an RV can be a lot of fun. But all that fun and excitement comes with a few crazy challenges, like organizing all your camping gear, clothing, toiletries and other essentials, while making the most of every inch of space in your home on wheels.
And that’s why it’s important to get a bit crafty when living in an RV.
Some RVers follow a strict minimalist lifestyle, where they minimize the amount of belongings they keep with them. Minimalism is a great mindset to have when living in a small space. But the fact is that you don’t necessarily need to make do with less.
You can also use all sorts of amazing DIY RV storage ideas and hacks to make the most of the space you have.
Custom storage solutions can significantly improve your organization and comfort, so you can live happily and comfortably in an RV, travel trailer, or camper van.
Why RV Storage Solutions & Organization Matters
They say an organized RV is a happy RV. Storage and organization solutions provide you with more comfort, despite the fact that you’re staying in a small space.
While living in an RV, your space is typically packed full with clothing, food, cookware, adults, children, books, or even pets. Being organized means that you and your family will be more comfortable during every trip you take.
Proper organization also helps reduce worry about finding or managing supplies during travel, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Instead of wasting time looking for those spare batteries that you swear you packed.
Top 10 Best RV Storage Hacks
Utilizing the right storage solutions can make all the difference between a fun and uncomfortable trip.
With the right bins, hooks, and organizers, keeping your RV tidy and functional takes less work, letting you spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning up.
Now, there are plenty of storage systems you can purchase. But here at Tool Troopers, we believe in the DIY lifestyle.
So, below, we’ve put together a list of 10 simple (yet genius) RV storage ideas that allow you to customize your RV’s storage options, make the most of its already-limited space, and minimize clutter while living life on the road.
Let’s jump in!
#1 - Use tension rods to create extra shelves
One great DIY storage idea is to use tension rods inside cabinets or closets to create extra shelves for lightweight items like paper towels, clothing, or even canned goods.
Using quality tension rods ensures your custom shelf can hold items securely during travel. You can also use adhesive strips or velcro to stick the rods or shelf in place for added stability.
And the best part is that it’s easy to adjust or remove tension rods in case you ever want more vertical space in the future.
#2 - Add magnetic spice racks or tool solutions
Magnetic strips or boards can be installed on virtually any vertical surface in your RV or trailer.
These simple storage solutions free up counter, cupboard, or drawer space by giving you additional places to store things like spice containers, knives, or other tools, while helping keep items secure during transit.
Wall space often goes unused in RVs or campers. Magnetic storage solutions allow you to turn otherwise wasted space into excellent space-saving solutions, providing easy access to frequently used items.
Pro Tip - Don't use a magnetic knife block while you're traveling. In the event of an accidental or hard braking, anything inside the RV can become a projectile, including your knives. It's fine to use a magnetic knife holder while parked. Just make sure to take your knives down and store them in a drawer or cupboard during transit.
#3 - Maximize space under beds, tables, or benches
Most RVs and trailers have storage compartments under beds, tables, and benches. However, it’s usually just a open space where people tend to just toss all their gear.
To make the most of that storage space, we recommend building or repurposing old drawers or plastic bins that fit into these compartments. Off-season clothing and gear can be neatly stored in bins or drawers under beds, keeping everything organized and out of the way.
These areas are also ideal for storing bulky items that don't fit elsewhere. Using bins with lids helps keep items secure during transit, so your essentials stay in place and protected while you’re on the move.
Image courtesy of Tyler Casey @ Unsplash.com
#4 - Use shoe organizers or car seat organized for miscellaneous storage
The insides of your closets and cabinet doors are other places that often go overlooked and unused.
However, you can hang shoe organizers, which are a great shoe storage solution that can be used for virtually any other small items. You can also use car seat organizers in these unused locations, providing you with additional storage solutions.
These options are especially helpful for organizing small items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, snacks, or small tools. You can even also use bags or a bag within the organizers to keep toiletries or cleaning supplies separated and easy to grab.
#5 - Install hooks every and anywhere possible
Command hooks or screw-in hooks can be used virtually anywhere to help you free up space and organize your belongings. Hooks are a handy way to keep items off counters, making it a cheap and easy way to prevent countertop clutter and maximize your space.
If there’s a wall in your RV or camper with nothing on it, consider adding one or more hooks to provide you with a place to hang hats, jackets, towels, or even coffee mugs when not in use.
Hanging items on hooks makes them easy to pull down when needed, and helps prevent small items from getting lost in drawers or cabinets.
#6 - Customize ANY unused space
Most RV manufacturers do a good job in making the most of the already-limited space that’s available.
But to truly maximize every bit of room in your RV, look for any unused space, like that gap between your fridge and couch or between the shower and vanity, and consider converting it into a slide-out storage option.
Either build your own DIY solution or use cheap plastic bins on casters to create additional storage space that can be moved around as needed.
#7 - Collapsible dishes and cookware
When it comes to smart storage ideas in your RV’s kitchen, collapsible dishes, pots, and cookware can be a major space-saver.
These are great ideas for saving space, especially in compact living environments. After all, mismatched pots and pans won’t fit together, which means they to take up more space than needed.
Collapsible kitchenware or nesting pots and pans, on the other hand, drastically reduce the space needed to store all your cookware, which can be a total game-changer when cooking in small RV or trailer kitchen.
Some collapsible kitchen items can even be rolled up to fit into tight storage spaces, making organization even easier.
#8 - Mount baskets in your bathroom and bedroom
Another simple but effective storage solution is to mount lightweight baskets to your walls wherever you need a bit of extra storage. Baskets can even double as decor, adding a decorative touch while providing practical storage options.
This is an ideal storage solution for smaller items, like keeping fruit and veggies off the counter or table in the kitchen, organizing pantry items for easy access, storing toiletries in the bathroom, or for phone or electronic device storage in the bedroom.
#9 - Maximize the space inside your drawers
If you’ve got deep drawers, where a lot of the space goes unused, you may want to consider installing organizers or using other DIY storage solutions to make the most of this unused space.
Adding drawer organizers helps keep socks and other small items neatly separated and easy to find, ensuring everything is properly stored and accessible.
You can buy all sorts of customizable drawer options online or in stores. But you can also build your own organizers by repurposing plastic bins or Tupperware.
Pro Tip - Use fireproof storage cases and document holders to keep items like IDs, passports, cash, jewelry or other valuables safe while traveling in your RV.
#10 - Use stackable bins or crates
Whether you’re looking to organize clothing, kitchenware, toiletries, outdoor gear, or anything else in your RV or trailer, a stackable bin is an ideal option for helping you store your stuff and keep it all neatly organized.
Choosing sturdy bins ensures your belongings stay safe and organized during travel.
Ultimately, the more you organize your belongings, the more space you’ll save. And the more space you save, the more comfortable and happier you’ll be when staying in a small space.
Assessing Your Storage Needs
If this is your first time taking a trip in an RV or camper, it’s important to consider how much stuff you’ll need to bring with you, as well as how much storage space you have available.
If you’re not familiar with living in a small space, get ready! Because RV living can be drastically different than living at home.
Savvy RVers look for the best storage ideas and organization hacks before their first trip, as finding suitable solutions can be challenging when you're on the road.
However, by assessing your storage needs and using the space-saving hacks we’ve listed above, you can easily work to minimize clutter, and identify the key areas that you might need to improve or customize.
What should you bring on your RV trip?
The items you'll need to bring mostly depends on the type of camping you’ll be doing.
If staying at RV parks or resorts, it’s less important to have everything with you since you can probably obtain most essentials fairly close to where you’ll be parked.
However, if you’re heading out into the backcountry to do some boondocking, you’ll want to be more vigilant about packing the right gear and making sure everything is organized. Before you leave, it’s always a good idea to review your packing list and storage plan to ensure nothing is missed.
By taking stock of all essential belongings, assessing your storage needs, and knowing the RV’s layout before hitting the road, RVers can develop a plan for optimizing storage space and using the best DIY storage ideas to suit their needs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of all essential areas in an RV or camper, and how you can make the most of each space.
RV Kitchen and Dining Storage Solutions
Your kitchen and dining area are some of the most used spaces in your RV. So maximizing kitchen storage space is essential for a comfortable camping trip, and these solutions provide quick access to kitchen essentials.
- Use clear bins and plastic containers to keep items tidy
- Use bins or organizers to keep your pantry tidy and maximize space
- Use reusable bags to store produce or snacks
- Use magnetic spice containers or knife racks
- Don’t bring more utensils or cookware than what you’ll need
- Over-the-sink cutting board can turn your sink into usable counter space
- Use collapsible cookware or nesting pots to save on storage space
RV Bedroom Storage Solutions
Clothing, linens, comforters, or quilts are all essentials items that you'll want to keep in your RV or camper bedroom. Here are a few tips to keep these items stored smart.
- Keep clothing and linen folded, neat and organized
- Roll clothes to save space in drawers or bins
- Store off-season clothing under your bed or in other storage compartments
- Use a dedicated bag or hamper for dirty laundry to keep it separate from clean clothes
- Use shoe or car seat organizers to add storage space to the inside of closet doors
- Use tension rods to create additional space for hanging clothing
- Add hooks on empty walls for hanging sweaters, coats, hats or other clothing.
RV Living Area Storage Solutions
The best tip we have for your RV living area is to avoid bring too many toys or games for kids (or adults). Instead, we recommend relying on outdoor activities, which provides even more fun, while also helping you minimize clutter inside your rolling home.
- Install baskets to walls for storing books, magazines, tablets, chargers, or electronics
- Use storage cubes or bins to organize space under benches or dinette tables
- Use baskets or bins to prevent small items from getting lost in the living area
- Keep essential items organized and within reach for use at night, such as flashlights, remotes, or trail maps
- Keep the living area neat and tidy
- Use overhead storage options if possible
- Magnetic or velcro strips can help you store items on walls instead of on the table
How To Optimize RV Storage - Maximizing Space, Minimizing Clutter
Making the most of your space is essential for an enjoyable RV trip.
From shoe organizers and laundry hampers to magnetic spice racks, knife holders and installing hooks or tension rods for additional storage, there are plenty of helpful ways to maximize your RV’s space and minimize clutter, making RV life more efficient and enjoyable.
By assessing your storage needs before hitting the road, utilizing available storage solutions, and considering DIY storage projects, RVers can create a comfortable and organized space that feels just like home.
All it takes is a little creativity and some planning, and you can enjoy a fun and relaxing RV experience, even when you’re packed into a tight space.
Frequently Asked Questions - DIY RV Storage Ideas
Even if it’s just a temporary accommodation, making sure your RV space is neatly organized—and that all your items are properly stored to maximize space and minimize clutter—can make all the difference between an enjoyable experience and a stressful, uncomfortable trip.
Here are a few frequently asked questions we hear from our readers about RV storage solutions and minimalist life hacks.
What's the best way to maximize space and reduce clutter in an RV?
The best way to reduce clutter is to bring as little as possible with you when living on the road. Bring RV essentials only. And then keeping your space clean, and staying organized will be easier, allowing you to maximize space and reduce clutter in your RV or camper trailer.
What is the best RV storage hack for small spaces?
The best storage hacks involved using all vertical and hidden storage space that may be available in your small space. Use magnetic strips, hanging baskets, hooks, or custom-made organizers on casters that can easily be moved around and accessed as needed.
What are some good RV storage ideas for clothes?
Use stackable bins to store off-season clothing, and then keep your wardrobe folded, sorted and as organized as possible. You can also use things like over-the-door shoe or car seat organizer or adjustable tension rods to create customizable storage solutions for clothing.