RV Storage Ideas to Tackle Before Your Summer Road Trip

Keep items organized and safely in place while en route to your vacation destination.

If you own an RV, you know the struggle of getting it organized year after year. The narrow and shallow cabinets, the practically non-existent closet and bathroom space, and the inability to leave too much on the countertops when in motion are all obstacles. The good news is, it’s not impossible to have a totally tidy trailer—and we'll show you how.

Trying to maximize storage space in either a camper or recreational vehicle is not so different from doing the same in a small house or apartment. The key is to be smart about the organizational methods and tools you choose to use. Remember, every square inch matters in a vehicle that’s designed for a family to live or travel in. Apply the following RV and camper storage ideas to achieve the most organized home on wheels in the whole campground.

Related: This Revamped Camper Is a Tiny Dream Home

Related: 21 Small-Space Organizing Ideas to Get the Most Out of Every Room

Always Declutter First

Before you embark on your initial trip of the season, take a good look at what’s currently in the camper. Go through every nook and cranny to make sure you don’t miss clutter. Toss expired products and donate or re-home (to your actual home) what you didn’t need or use the previous year.

Related: Our 30-Day Declutter Challenge Will Help You Tidy Your Home for Good

Store Items Where You Need Them Most

Next, reassess if the things that you need to keep in the camper are stored in the right places. Of course, kitchen items should stay in that area but are the pots and pans in close proximity to the stove? Have pantry goods scattered throughout the vehicle? While it’s a tight space and, therefore, not a long walk to grab what you need, it’s still important to place things in the area where you use them most of the time.

Now that you’ve decluttered, turn your focus to smart RV storage solutions.

Related: 19 Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Your Small-Space Problems

Look for Collapsible Containers

Look for collapsible versions of anything that doesn't need to be used around the clock. When an item is only a fraction of its functional size, it can be stored more easily. Think of purchasing pop up and foldaway dish strainers, food storage containers, colanders, hampers, and crates for carting groceries.

Source Stackable Bins

While there isn’t a ton of height in camper cabinets, make sure you’re maximizing the areas that are taller, such as under the sink or in the pantry. Invest in space-saving organizing tools that allow things to stack such as cabinet risers, can dispensers, and water bottle organizers. Although it’s not necessarily taking advantage of shelf height, consider trying a stacking dish holder that’s designed specifically for moving vehicles (including boats) so your dishes don’t rattle around or potentially break.

Related: The 13 Best Storage Containers

Utilize the Backs of Doors

Just as in a small land bound home, the inside of closet or cabinet doors is often overlooked as a source for storage. In the camper kitchen, consider these storage methods:

• Hooks to hold oven mitts or measuring cups

• A horizontal paper towel, trash bag, or lid holder

• A basket for cutting boards and food wrap dispensers

• A magnetic or mounted spice organizer

If possible, use an over-the-door organizer with slots for shoes to keep snacks organized in the pantry, socks and accessories sorted in the bedroom, or toiletries tidy in the bathroom. A small wastebasket can also be hung on the inside of any cabinet door.

Related: Store More with These Door Storage Ideas

Sneak Storage Under Tables

For those who have to work on the go, stick a slide out organizing tray for office supplies under the kitchen table so it can also serve as a desk in between meal times. Or, use them to stash the kid’s electronics when they’re ready for some screen time.

Master the Art of File Folding

Inside dressers and closets, try using this folding technique to make your clothing more compact. Instead of laying items into drawers horizontally, fold once more over and then insert them standing upwards. If you’re a fan of Marie Kondo, you may already be familiar with this as it’s her signature folding style.

Related: How to Fold Clothes and Towels the Right Way to Save Space and Time 

Choose Hangers Smartly

Speaking of clothes, make sure you’re using the best hangers for the hanging space you do have, as slight as it may be. Always opt for thin or slimeline hangers and consider adding in a cascading style, especially if they’re clipped for pants or skirts.

Try a Mesh Shower Organizer

Rather than trying to squeeze yourself and protruding suction cup caddies into a tiny shower stall, hang an organizer alongside the curtain rings and tuck products into the various pockets. The mesh material will prevent mold and mildew from growing. An alternative option is to install a three-in-one dispenser for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash à la a hotel experience.

Related: The Best Shower Storage Ideas to Help Streamline Your Routine

Tackle Towels

Both bath and swim towels need a proper home in the camper or RV. Try condensing them down by using the rolling method. You can then repurpose a wall mounted wine rack to store them just like you would bottles. Also, consider using a tension rod near the ceiling in the shower, a multi-arm swing out rack, or hooks on the back of the bathroom door to allow towels, swimsuits, or even freshly washed delicates to dry.

Related: 28 Bathroom Towel Storage Ideas That Are Pretty and Practical

Invest in a Jar of Museum Gel

While it’s not a storage tip per se, using a bit of museum gel on the bottoms of certain items can help them stay more in place while you’re on the move. Another hack? Employ Velcro to prevent losing things! Use a small strip of it to attach the remote to the TV when no one is watching it.

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