Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine
You need to figure out the best RV storage ideas to keep your sanity – I get it.
One of the most common questions new RVers ask is how they’re going to keep their new space organized. Even though you’ve drastically downsized, you may find that it is still a challenge to find a space for everything. When it comes to RV storage ideas, finding space for everything means getting creative.
With RV ownership increasing over 62% in the last twenty years, more and more people need to know and I’m here to help.
Here are some useful RV storage ideas that will help you organize your RV so you can maximize space and improve the functionality of your living space.
Effective Downsizing
The key to RV storage is to limit the number of things you have to store. Some things to ask yourself as you start to work towards minimalism include:
- “Am I currently using this?”
- “Have I used this in the last 6 months?”
- “Would I buy this item again?”
- “Do I love this?”
- “Am I holding onto this for sentimental reasons?”
- “Do I have more than one of these?”
- “Is there a way I can keep this without bringing it with me into the RV?”
- “Do I know someone who could use this more than me?”
- “Would I make money if I sold this?”
Most RVers find that even when they feel like they’ve drastically downsized, they still move into their RV with too much stuff. Consider keeping things in storage or asking family members to hold onto the things you can’t get rid of. The more you can let go of, the easier it will be to utilize RV storage ideas.
Efficient Organization
Part of practical RV storage is organization. Similar things should be stored together for easy access. While it may make sense to buy tubs and bins and baskets, these things can take up a lot of valuable space. The goal is to organize your RV in a way that makes sense for you and maximizes the limited space that you have. Some ways to do this include:
- Make sure everything you bring into your RV has at least two purposes, especially big items. A footrest may take up too much space, but a footrest that doubles as a place to store blankets or homeschool supplies would be a better option.
- Opt for shampoo bars or 3-in-1 bottled soaps to reduce the number of bottles in your bathroom and shower area.
- S-hooks will be your new best friend. Use them on the backs of doors to hang jackets and hats, in the kitchen to hang pot holders, or near the front door to hang your keys or purse.
- Install hanging baskets to keep kitchen foods organized without taking up valuable counter space in the kitchen.
- Take the time to carefully organize drawers and cabinets so things aren’t falling out every time you open a cabinet (especially on travel day!) Avoid stuffing a cabinet or drawer full.
Lists and Labels
Labeling things can also help you know what you have without having to search for it. Before you go out and buy bins, measure your under cabinet space to make sure they fit. Bigger bins can be used to store RV accessories like hoses, sewer adaptors, gloves, tools, and wheel chocks) Label the bins so that you can easily find things like medication, kids’ toys, and seasonal clothes.
RV Kitchen Storage Ideas
Don’t live in a kitchen that’s a mess, use these storage ideas for your RV kitchen to organize it beautifully.
That little space beneath you're cabinet you're not using can make a big difference. Using these wire rack hanging storage baskets for your RV kitchen areas is a must-try.
If you're worried about securing them, just put a mesh or bungie in front so nothing falls out during travel days.
- 2 pack
- Wire rack
- Quick and easy way to add extra storage
- The mesh is tight enough that most things won't fall through
- Easy to install
- The back of the rack hangs a bit
If you have a big enough cabinet, you can put these basket organizer drawers in and get even more storage that is easy to reach.
- 14''L x 8'' W x 12.75'' H; Drawer Height: 3.8''; Drawer Width: 6.75''
- Sliding basket allows for easy access
- Sturdy build
- It's a bit on the small side (but that might work if you have a really small RV)
Free up shelf space by putting this door hanging organizer on a kitchen cabinet door.
- Hardware screws included
- Multiple installation options
- Ultra thin hook to avoid bulkiness
- Only fits thin doors
When it's time to pack up, there's always that bulky trash can in the way. If you get this hanging, collapsible trash can for your RV, you won't have to worry about that.
It will be out of the floor or you can collapse it and put it away.
- 9 liter capacity
- Thin enough to not be in the way
- Looks great in the RV kitchen
- Sticker is difficult to remove
You don't have to pick and choose which bowls and measuring cups you have to leave behind when you use these nesting mixing bowls and measuring cups that fit in the colander.
- 9 pieces
- Space-saving design
- Wide bases to prevent slipping
- Can't use them in the microwave
For all you fellow tea drinkers out there, this is a game-changer. Fold it up and put it away whenever you're done.
- 42 oz
- Silicone
- Easily collapsible
- Great for long hikes
- Durable and very hard to harm
- A bit pricey
This little space-saving hack is really easy and doesn't take up a lot of space to store. You don't want to put damp dishes in your RV cabinets and this can help.
- 17.8 in L x 11.2 in W
- Multi-function
- Simple to use
- Moves around a bit
This is obviously for fruit, but you can use it to store pretty much anything small in your RV.
- 7.3", 9.0", 11.2" with a hanging height of 30"
- Showcase your beautiful fruit or other items
- Keep things off the countertop space
- Hook and the top tier are a bit too close together
Keep your paper and plastic plates up out of the way using this dispenser. You can put it under your cabinets or even put it on the side of your cabinet.
- Holds 125 9 inch plates
- Major space saver
- Makes grabbing plates convenient
- Multiple mounting locations that would work great
- Plate might get stuck if you make it too full
Keep your knives where you can find them when you're cooking.
Please don't leave your knives up while you're traveling. I mean, it could stay, but let's not take any chances.
- 15 inch
- Powerful magnets hold everything in place
- Helps keep knives sharp
- Higher priced models are probably sturdier
Using square containers means you can fit more without wasting any space. Airtight containers are also helpful because your food won't attract little critters.
- 7 pieces
- Great for perfect kitchen organization
- Flip lock containers are built to last
- Use them for whatever you like
- The top takes up some of the volume
I have these and we keep cereal in it so the kids are able to get their own cereal. We used to have our cereal go stale sometimes but not with these.
- Dual control
- GAT200
- Easily fits your favorite cereal
- Great increments each dispense
- Helps with freshness
- Will crush fragile cereal
Lazy susans are cool little spinning plates that allow you to get to everything on whatever side of the plate. They can be very helpful in small RV spaces.
- 10-Inch
- Great for use in any room
- Looks great
- Quick and easy access
- A little pricey for the quality
Keep your pots and pans in order with this pan and pot organizer. Don't worry about a messy pot and pan drawer anymore.
- 8.75" W x 9" D x 12" H
- Save cabinet space
- Multiple ways to install
- Not great for a super tiny RV
RV Storage Ideas for Clothes
One of the biggest challenges RVers have when it comes to staying organized is finding a place for all of the clothes. Even if you get rid of a lot of your clothes, you’ll find the storage options in most RVs don’t have a lot of closet/drawer space, and it only gets more complicated the more people you have. Here are a few RV storage ideas for clothes:
I don't hang a lot of my clothes up, so putting this in my side of the closet helped out a lot and made it easier for me to find everything.
- 12 x 11 ½ x 42-Inch
- Roomy so no squishing your stuff
- Sturdy hooks to keep things in place
- The top part isn't as sturdy as the bottom
You can have some extra space to hang clothes by using this folding drying rack. If your doors are the right size, it's easy to use the over-the-door bracket or you can mount it to the wall.
- Folding Drying Rack
- Wall Mount
- Great for drying
- Easy to air dry your laundry
- Sturdy
- A bit difficult to install
Easily see what clothes are in your storage with these storage bags. They can be better for some areas than hard storage containers.
- Reinforced handle
- 3 pack
- Reinforced handle
- Holds plenty
- High-quality material
- Not as sturdy as some people might hope
If you've got a lot of hats then this is a simple way to organize them and not take up a lot of space.
- 2 pack
- Fits all size hangers
- Easily clip onto hats
- Durable
- Clips aren't as strong as some people would like
If you fold your clothes the right way, you can fit a lot of the smaller clothes in this magazine rack.
- 22.62"L x 10.63"W x 23.23H
- Fits large magazines or books
- Easy to assemble
- Directions lacking
Enjoy a spot to sit for a bit and also store some things inside. No one has to know there's stuff in there. Great hiding spot.
- 12 X 12 X 12 Inches
- Stylish
- Functional
- Comfortable
- Foldable
- Be careful not to snag them on things
RV Storage Ideas for Bathroom
Living in an RV means getting used to smaller spaces, and the bathroom is probably the smallest of them all. Strategically organizing your bathroom will help you use the space effectively. Here are a few RV bathroom storage ideas:
Sometimes RVs don't have a good place to put your hand towel. This over-cabinet steel towel bar makes it easy to have your towel where you need it.
- 2 pack
- Makes your bathroom look stylish
- Gives your room better functionality
- Easy to use
- Must be careful when you grab the towel so you don't pull it off the cabinet
Tension poles are a good solution for your shower storage needs. If you get a good one, you can even leave it up on travel days when you're hitting bumps.
- 4 basket shelves
- Satin chrome
- Multiple tiers for easy access
- Reduces clutter
- No tools needed
- Need to be easy with the plastic if you want to take the bins off so it doesn't crack
These hooks can go just about everywhere and keep all of your important bathroom things organized.
- 4 pack
- Superior quality
- Heavy duty
- Easy to install
- They fall occasionally
You can keep all of your little bathroom stuff together and easily see how much you have since it's clear.
- 1 piece
- 3 compartments
- Fits under the sink easily
- Compact storage
- Great design
- It is conjoined
You can put this in your RV bathroom in a place that lets you store your towels high up but in an easy-to-reach area.
- 23.3 inch
- Looks really snazzy
- Lightweight
- The anchors are small
Keep your toothbrushes up out the way and store some of the other things you need in your bathroom.
- Large capacity
- Wall mounted
- Dustproof
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
- Has a huge logo for iHave on it
- 2 pieces
- Self-adhesive
- Easy installation
- Use for multiple purposes
- Waterproof
- Rustproof
- Light duty
RV Storage Ideas for Shoes
Did you sneak in more shoes than you meant to? Use these RV storage ideas for shoes to save space and keep as many shoes as you can.
If you've got a lot of shoes, this extra-large shoe organizer can hold all of your shoes and lie flat anywhere you want to put it.
- Up to 16 pairs
- Tear-resistant
- Extra strong zipper
- Helps you use every bit of space
- Lightweight
- Not the most sturdy shape
Small space but still want to have your shoes in order? This is a great way to get your shoes together but without too bulky of a storage container.
- Holds 8 pairs of shoes
- 11.5 x 5.5 x 41 inches
- Quick setup
- Sturdy
- Slim enough to go in a closet
- Not as durable as some people would like
Not too large of a shoe storage space but if you can be minimalist this is a great storage spot.
- 3 tier
- 26.3"D x 11"W x 19"H
- Easy to put your shoes out of the way
- Sturdy
- Add more as needed
- Color may not be exactly as pictured
RV Storage Ideas for Kids’ Stuff
You don’t really realize how much stuff your kids have until you have to make it all fit in an RV. Toys, books, and clothes take up a lot of space, and some of these creative storage ideas will help you maintain your sanity while giving your kids a safe, clean, and organized place to play. Check out some of these genius RV storage ideas for kids’ stuff:
These are really cute and they can keep all your things in order.
- 11.81"D x 7.87"W x 5.91"H
- Durable
- Lots of cool colors
- Can take a bit of effort to get them to stand up properly
You can get those toys up out of the bins and hang them up out of the way.
- 2 pack
- 38"L x 38"W x 53"H
- Goes great with any decor
- Foldable to save space
- Free up floor space
- Can get pretty annoying if you don't follow instructions exactly
Soft fabric so if you need to squish by, you can easily do so. Not too thick so it shouldn't get in your way.
- Large pockets
- Versatile
- Great sizing for RV life
- Quality construction
- Looks great
- Hooks could be a bit longer
RV Storage Ideas for Outdoors
RVers spend a lot of time outside and end up with a lot of tools, play equipment, and outdoor accessories.
There are patio chairs, bikes, golf carts, kayaks, and yard decor, not to mention all of the other RV basics like hoses, wheel chocks, and leveling blocks. To truly enjoy your outside living spaces, you need to keep it all organized. Try some of these storage ideas for the outside of your RV:
This trash can is pretty small but big enough to help you keep your outdoor trash in order.
- 19.5" x 24" inches
- Spring loaded
- Fits 30-gallon trash bags
- Easily pop your trash can open
- Simple to carry
- Zipper top for security and storage
- A bit large
Keep your outdoor things out of the elements in these secure plastic storage bin totes.
- Durable lid
- Secure latching buckles
- 6 pack
- Simple to stack
- Easily latch for security
- Pull handle for easy moving
- Handles are a bit cheap
Keep all your cords, hoses, and other messy outdoor things in order with these ties.
- Adjustable cable strap
- Multipurpose
- 20 pack
- Durable
- Good variety of sizes
- Easy to use
- Don't stick super good
Put fishing rods, umbrellas, and brooms on the roof to hang.
- 1 pack
RV Storage Ideas Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked RV storage ideas questions.
Can I really fit all of the stuff I need into an RV?
Yes, it’s very possible to live out of an RV. It may take you some time to get used to it.
Can I put too much stuff in my RV?
Yes. You need to make sure you don’t load your RV down over what your tow vehicle can haul.
Best RV Storage Ideas – Wrapping Things Up
Now you have some great RV storage ideas, so you can use them to organize your RV life. I know it can feel frustrating when you’re trying to keep everything together where you can find it.
When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.
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