Calm The Clutter RV Storage Solutions And Organization

Expert Advice

Calm The Clutter: RV Storage Solutions And Organization

A little organization can go a long way when looking into storage solutions for your rig. Here are RVer-tested tips and tricks to calm the clutter while you’re on the road.

The majority of RV interiors are designed with organization in mind. There are usually ample cabinets, dressers and compartments under the furniture. Not to mention the storage bays accessed from the outside of the RV. Even with all the space, a little extra organization can go a long way. With these tips you’ll be able make the most of your space, and you won’t have to battle clutter because everything will have its place.

RELATED: Small Space Living Tips For Weeklong Trips

Let’s go through each space in an RV and talk storage solutions and organization. We’ve sourced these tips from RVers on the road about ways they make their space more functional and clutter-free.

Kitchen And Living Area

In most RVs the kitchen and living area is combined into one space. It’s where many families spend most of their time, eating and hanging out. Having this area organized not only makes food preparation easier, it contributes to a warm and welcoming space the whole family can enjoy.

RELATED: 11 Tips For A Well-Equipped RV Kitchen

Cabinet Solutions

Add an extra shelf or two to greatly increase the space and make it easier to put things away.

You can do this by adding a wire shelf or plastic baskets with handles to keep cupboards clutter-free and keep things within easy reach. Help dishes stay in place while en route to your next adventure with no-slip shelving liners. It’s an easy and affordable way to keep things in their place.

The corner of an RV kitchen with a storage rack for items like spices on one side; the other side shows kitchen utensils hanging out of the way to free up counter space

Keep things off your RV countertops so they stay clutter-free. Big box stores will have lots of small space options, or if you’re handy, DIY your own.

Consider expandable adjustable shelves to give you a little more room to organize your kitchen cabinets and countertops. Make the most of your counter space with an adjustable corner shelf and basket above your sink.

Save space with glasses, dishes, and kitchenware that nest inside of each other. You can even get a set of mixing bowls, strainers, and measuring cups all tucked away in one handy bowl. Some RVs have an extra narrow or short cabinet space. Using extra short or slim containers can be really helpful to make use of the space.

For spices, ditch the glass bottles all together and store spices in small-labeled ziplock bags. Many RVers are also fans of the DIY magnetic spice racks.

Tip: Have you ever noticed those thin, vertical slots above your stove? You might think they are vents but in some RVs they’re actually knife storage slots—your RV probably has storage solutions you can use right now.

Living Room Organization

To make the most use of space in the living room, consider purchasing baskets or storage bins to store things in cabinets, under furniture, and on shelves. Storage bins can get an unruly shoe pile under control or be a great place for extra toys, blankets and craft items for those rainy days.

If you have a dinette with storage under the bench seats, boxes are a simple fix to keep things organized. You can also use canvas crates for extra storage underneath table benches.

Three photos in a grid; the first shows various arts and craft supplies arranged neatly on shelves; the middle photo shows an armchair with a basket underneath it for storage in a living room; the final photo shows various electronics, a printer, and storage basket arranged neatly on a shelf

Storage bins are essential when it comes to calming the clutter in your RV. Thrift or purchase various options to make your space work for you.

If your RV has a coat closet, lucky you, but if it doesn’t, consider hanging a coat rack on an empty wall. For shoes, a lot of RVers use IKEA Trones cabinets or a similar type of shoe storage container near a doorway. You can also modify an over-the-door shoe bag and attach it to the inside of your screen door. Others have even used piping to configure a shoe stand.

Bedroom

Nobody wants to sleep in a cluttered room. By keeping clutter to a minimum your bedroom will stay as relaxing as the rest of your RVing trip.

Keep bedroom clutter at bay with extra baskets that can be used as a catch-all, for accessories, or, if you have kids, for baby clothes and diapers. If your RV has under the bed storage, consider vacuum bags for extra bedding and towels. Or simply hang on to the vinyl bags that new bedding comes packaged in.

RELATED: The First-Timer's Guide to Organizing Your RV Trip 

Baskets arranged neatly on a shelf in an RV

Baskets, baskets, and more baskets! These really are RVer’s go-to solutions for storage in small spaces.

Need to make some room in the closet? Consider using space saving hangers. The only downside to these hangers is they do tend to break easier than plastic ones. Or if you don’t want to use hangers, you can use pull-out drawers and shelves with baskets to keep clothing accessible.

Factory installed wall netting can come in handy for awkwardly-sized items, especially in areas like a bunk room. And don’t forget the humble, over-the-door-shoe-holder. Shoe holders can be used to store much more than shoes. Use it for accessories, toiletries, personal items, toys, pet supplies, and travel keepsakes.

Bathroom

A favorite bathroom storage solution for RVers are the IKEA Bygel containers. They’re inexpensive, versatile and keep clutter to a minimum in small spaces like bathrooms. You can hang them next to the bathroom sink or from bars under a towel shelf; each person can have their own for personal items and can pick a different color. 

RELATED: 9 Struggles of Living on the Road

Another popular bathroom organizational tool for RVers are color-coded towels for each member in the family. This can be especially useful for large families sharing one bathroom. Still short of storage in the bathroom? Just like in a house, an over the door towel rack can help keep towels, robes, and other items off the floor. 

A small mirror hanging on an RV wall with hooks and small hanging baskets storing items like makeup brushes

You can be creative with simple DIY projects, like this vanity space, to find creative storage solutions in your RV.
 

To make a little more space in bathroom cabinets, make a small “vanity” on an empty wall space just outside the bathroom using hanging canvas baskets, hooks, and an old mirror. This can keep clutter out of the bathroom, and create another space to get ready.

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