Top RV Storage Ideas And Organization Tips

I live full time in an RV and have done so since 2008, and I’ve learned that space is a premium commodity. Every square inch matters, and finding a place for all of your belongings can be a challenge. That’s why organization isn’t just helpful; it’s essential to a comfortable and functional RV experience.

Living in an RV means embracing a minimalist lifestyle. And with that comes the importance of discipline and smart organizing strategies. It’s not just about finding room for your things; it’s about creating an open, uncluttered, and, ultimately, livable environment.

What I aim to provide you with in this article are realistic and actionable organizing tips that will help you transform your small RV spaces. From your kitchen counters to the cozy nook where you sleep, these tips are designed to give you real solutions that lead to a more orderly and serene RV life.

Crafting Clutter-Free RV Counters: Kitchen Space Savers

Small RV kitchens challenge you to think differently about space. Limited countertops shouldn’t stifle your culinary creativity, though. With a few clever adjustments, you can maximize your kitchen area and make cooking a pleasure, not a puzzle.

Start by taking advantage of often overlooked vertical space. Install hanging racks where you can dangle pots, pans, and even cooking utensils when you are static. Being able to see everything at a glance makes for easy access and tidies up your counters in a snap.

One thing Pam and I have learned about our kitchen setup: there is static mode and travel mode, and the two are not always the same. We have had five full time RV homes over the years, and with each new one, we take the kitchen set up as a number one priority.

Next up, consider the allure of magnetic strips. By mounting a strip along your backsplash, you’ve got an instant, space-saving home for metal utensils. Knives, spatulas, and ladles cling to the strip, freeing up prime real estate in drawers and on surfaces.

Embrace collapsible kitchenware, too. These modern marvels flatten easily, from colanders to measuring cups, slipping into the smallest spaces. Collapsible items are not just space-savers; they’re also quite the conversation starters.

Lastly, I suggest you revise your kitchen inventory. A minimalist approach works wonders. Stick to multipurpose tools and eliminate single-use gadgets that just add clutter. Do you need ten different cooking spoons, or will two or three of your favorites do the job? Choosing quality over quantity is not just a space-saving tip; it’s a way to streamline your RV life.

Living Large in the Living Area: Tips to Tidy Your Main Space

If you walk into your RV’s living area and it feels more like navigating an obstacle course, it’s time to rethink your space. Clutter can shrink an area, but with a few strategic changes, you can reclaim your room and breathe easier.

Consider investing in furniture that serves more than one purpose. A couch that converts into a sleeper or has built-in storage can be a godsend. Look for an ottoman that opens up to stash away blankets or board games. It’s about smart choices, opting for items that enhance living space functionality.

Next, let’s talk about under-sofa storage. Rolling storage bins are brilliant for keeping seasonal items or extra bedding out of sight. Think about the items you use least often and stow them away here. Also, ottoman storage can do double duty. Not only is it seating or a footrest, but it also works like a hidden closet.

Regularly reconsider how you might declutter. The less you have, the less you have to tidy up and make room for it. Start with items that serve one purpose and replace them with multipurpose tools. And finally, engage in a regular purge schedule. Reducing belongings every few months can keep your space manageable and your mind clear.

Pam and I have used the rule over the years that after six months we have not used something other than seasonal items, it probably can go. We also say, “something new in, something old out.” RVs can only carry so much weight. You don’t want to overload your RV and then travel. You may end up on the side of the road with a tire issue!

When every inch counts, your decor must pitch in, too. Install closed shelves for books and knick-knacks secured with alien tape or similar. Add hooks for keys and sunglasses. These will keep surfaces clear, and everything will have its designated spot.

The insights shared here can revolutionize your daily life in an RV, providing tidiness and an enhanced sense of space. Bear in mind that a well-organized living area is not only practical, it’s also inviting. When you complete these steps, you’ll find the transition to the bedroom—your sanctuary on wheels—will become a seamless experience of comfort and ease.

Bedroom Bliss: Sleep Easy with Simplified Spaces

I know that you yearn for the comfort of a peaceful bedroom at the end of a long day exploring. Here’s how to transform your RV’s sleeping quarters into a cozy, serene, and storage-efficient retreat. Remember, the key is to use your space WISELY and KEEP THINGS SIMPLE.

Start with overhead compartments. Most RVs come with these, but are you using them efficiently? Seasonal items and clothing you don’t use daily belong here. Vacuum-sealed bags can compact these items, freeing up valuable real estate.

Now, consider the potential beneath your bed. If you can raise the bed frame or use risers, you create a vast, often-overlooked storage area. Long, flat bins are perfect for bedding, shoes, or out-of-season clothes.

Pam and I find that most of our seasonal clothes, extra chairs, and other not-so-used items are perfect for our under-bed storage area. When purchasing RVs, we always look for that storage space.

Don’t forget the power of organizational gadgets. Slimline hangers can double your closet space, while pocket organizers hanging on doors or walls can hold gadgets, books, or accessories. These tools are surprisingly EFFECTIVE in maintaining order.

Lastly, embrace minimalism. This doesn’t mean not owning anything; it means everything you own serves a purpose. Ask yourself if each item in your bedroom is essential or just taking up space. Prioritize sleep quality and the calming effect of a decluttered area overfitting in every possible possession.

Bathroom Basics: Streamlining Your Sanitation Station

In the compact environment of an RV, every inch matters, especially in the bathroom. A decluttered and organized space not only looks better, but it significantly eases your daily routines. Here’s how to transform your tiny bathroom into an efficient sanitation station.

Shower storage solutions are crucial in an RV bathroom. Invest in a shower caddy or hanging pockets that can store your shampoos and soaps without crowding your limited ledge space. The key is to have easy access to your essentials without them cluttering your shower floor.

Next, consider the sink area, which often becomes a catch-all for various toiletries and tools. To combat this, I recommend multi-use dispensers that house several liquids at once, thus reducing the number of bottles you need. Drawer organizers for makeup or personal care items can also prevent items from scattering and keep countertops clear.

Another tip is to switch to compact toiletries – yes, the kind you’d normally take on a short trip. These take up less space and remind you to buy only what you use regularly. Don’t forget to regularly audit these items to avoid accumulating half-empty bottles. You can refill the smaller bottles and keep their larger counterparts stored away.

Finally, towel storage can be as simple as rolling towels for space efficiency or using racks and hooks on the back of the door. This method saves space and turns your towels into display items, adding to the overall neat appearance.

Streamlining your RV bathroom doesn’t just help in staying organized; it paves the way for a more agreeable living environment. It’s one more step in creating a harmonious home that travels with you.

What About Your Outside Storage Bays?

Depending on your class of RV, these storage areas can be very challenging! Some are very large and very deep. They may span the width of the RV. Therefore, organization is really important here.

Over the years we have found that storage tubs that maximize the storage space have been instrumental in making getting at our stuff much easier. Usually, when we are looking for something, it’s not in the first storage tub we see. It may be behind several. To eliminate that issue, we have found that slide-out trays make finding needed items much more manageable.

We have also found that items that we don’t use as much wind up in these spaces. So, as a full time RVer that no longer has a garage to clean, when I want to do something like that, I go through my storage bays looking for things to get rid of.

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The Art of Arrangement: A Conclusion on Organized RV Living

Throughout this exploration, I’ve shared with you organizing tips tailored specifically for those of us who love the RV life. We’ve covered ingenious ways to keep your kitchen, living area, and bedroom both functional and free from clutter, all while ensuring your tiny haven on wheels stays inviting and comfortable.

It’s clear that smart organization can significantly enhance your overall RV living experience. Not only does it create a sense of order and calm, but it also enables you to find what you need with ease, which is priceless in a confined space.

The journey to a perfectly organized RV doesn’t stop here. It’s a continuous process of learning and adapting. That’s why I encourage you to use these tips as a guide and tweak and mold them to fit your space and your lifestyle.

The freedom and joy of RV living are amplified when your space is well-organized. Think of these tips as a starting point for your adventurous life on the road. Keep experimenting, keep refining, and remember, sometimes less is indeed more when it comes to your possessions and their arrangement.

I wish you many happy and organized miles ahead. As you drive into your future adventures, cherish the order you’ve brought into your space. It’s more than just organization—it’s the creation of a serene and harmonious base for wherever life might take you next.

Here are some ideas from an RV manufacturer on organizing your RV space.

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