The RV is a capable companion, promising adventure, individuality, and freedom to roam to those willing to take it on. But the freedom it grants has some limits. One of those is in the realm of storage – whether it’s your shoe collection, kitchen appliances, or even the number of bath towels you have on hand for spa night. But with these clever RV storage hacks, you can take advantage of every square inch your RV provides.
Velcro Is Your Number-One RV Copilot
You’ll never know just how much you need Velcro – or hook-and-loop fasteners – until you start using it everywhere. It’s incredibly versatile and can be a lifesaver in tight spaces. Stick it on small, everyday items like remotes, flashlights, or kitchen gadgets, and you can attach them to a wall or cabinet when you’re not using them.
This hack keeps things off the countertops and prevents clutter, all while keeping essentials within reach. It’s also not just a space hack, but an organizational one, giving everything a dedicated space and saving you from rummaging through drawers or accidentally knocking things off surfaces.
For tricky kitchen items that always seem to shift during travel, Velcro strips inside cabinets keep everything from shifting. Some RVers even use Velcro to secure small appliances like blenders or coffee makers to countertops during travel days, or just a particularly hellacious leveling operation.
The Power of Magnets
Magnets are small but mighty when it comes to RV storage – they’re the world’s gift to space mavens of the highest order. We’ve already talked about Velcro, but magnetic spice racks can turn a blank wall or the side of your fridge into a storage haven for your kitchen essentials. Or, use magnetic hooks to hang keys, pot holders, or even hand towels.
For the crafty types, DIY a magnetic board for holding all the metal tools and supplies you’ll need on your next outdoor adventure. It’s functional, stylish, and saves space all at once! It’s the perfect way to utilize that vertical space that often goes un-optimized.
Be Your Own Master and (Hook) Commander
If you’re not already a fan of Command hooks – known for their sturdy yet surface-safe adhesive – prepare to fall in love, and hard. These handy, removable hooks can be placed just about anywhere in your RV without damaging the walls. Use them for hanging towels in the bathroom, hats or coats by the door, or even cooking utensils in the kitchen.
Pro Tip: Use Command hooks in combination with bungee cords to create a makeshift storage net. This is a great hack for securing lightweight items like paper towels or cleaning supplies, maximizing that magical vertical space we’re always going on about.
Repurpose a Hanging Shoe Organizer
According to my sister-in-law, this hack is an absolute game-changer. Over-the-door shoe organizers are lightweight, easy to hang, and can have dozens of pockets – perfect for storing way more than shoes.
Hang one over a bathroom door for toiletries, towels, or cleaning supplies, or over a bedroom door for socks, underwear, and other small clothing items. In the kitchen, a shoe organizer can store snacks, condiments, or utensils, freeing up valuable cabinet space.
Don’t stop at hanging them on the door, though. These organizers can also be cut down to fit inside cabinets. Or you can even use them to store shoes – whodathunk?
Utilize Vertical and Under-the-Table Space
When it comes to storage space, we usually think about cabinets and drawers – horizontal space – but true RV pros also capitalize on vertical space. We’ve mentioned Velcro, magnets, Command hooks, and shoe organizers. All of these keep your small items within arm’s reach while freeing up drawer and counter space – but we can go further.
Don’t overlook the area just under your table or counters – no, not the cabinets beneath them, but the actual square footage just under the counters. Adhesive hooks or under-cabinet baskets are great for making use of these often-neglected spaces, which are ideal for sneaking in paper towels, cleaning supplies, or even pots and pans. Alternatively, you can maximize the storage potential of a tall cabinet by adding extra shelves or using stackable bins and racks.
Collapsible Everything
When space is limited, bulky items are your enemy. Give them no quarter. Instead, swap them out for collapsible versions. There’s a space-friendly version of just about everything these days – bowls, measuring cups, colanders, even laundry baskets! These take up a fraction of the space of their rigid cousins, and can easily be stored in small cabinets or drawers when not in use.
And don’t limit yourself to kitchen gear – collapsible water bottles, buckets, and trash cans are just as useful, especially for outdoor adventures. Also look for items that are stackable, expandable, and extendable. This hack maximizes space while ensuring you have all the essentials, and all without compromise.
Drawer Dividers in Cabinets
Cabinets in RVs can be deceptively deep, leading to cluttered piles of items that are hard to keep organized. Drawer dividers are a fantastic solution for keeping these spaces tidy. Gone are the days of the junk drawer – the new jam is the randomly collected but highly organized drawer.
Whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, dividers help you sort and group everything from utensils to toiletries in a neat and tidy way, each in their own compartment. They also prevent items from shifting around during travel, which is a bonus.
Look for adjustable drawer dividers, so they fit snugly in any space, or create your own using old Tupperware or small containers to divide and conquer clutter.
Divide, Compartmentalize, and Conquer
These hacks are just the tip of the storage iceberg when it comes to maximizing your RV’s storage potential. With a little creativity and a few inexpensive items, you can transform your RV into a functional, organized space that makes life on the road significantly more zen, with a place for everything and everything in its place.
