RV Storage and Organization Ideas to Maximize Space

“On the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again!” – Willie Nelson

If you’re into the RV lifestyle, these lyrics are probably your anthem. Life on the road always brings something new just over the horizon, but certain aspects of RV life are less exciting.

Storage is nearly always a challenge in an RV—unless you are a dedicated minimalist.

A new recreational vehicle is likely to have added innovative small space storage solutions.

Even so, figuring out a place for everything and keeping everything in its place is a challenge. Browse our best RV storage ideas and learn how to maximize the limited space inside your home on wheels.

1. Bathroom

Even if your RV or camper van is spacious, its bathroom is most likely tight squeeze. RV living requires making the most of every inch of bathroom storage and counter space.

Even if RV storage in the bathroom is limited, you can use a few storage idea tricks to maximize what you have. For example, tuck an old magazine holder beside the toilet bowl to stash extra rolls of toilet paper.

Compact RV bathroom with wood cabinetry, towel storage, and decorative touches, maximizing space with smart storage solutions. — Source: @airstreamameliabelle via Instagram

Bright RV bathroom with a vanity cabinet, mirrored storage, and open shelving, offering a stylish and functional space-saving solution. — Source: @jokotravels via Instagram

Minimalist RV bathroom with built-in towel shelves, a storage cabinet, and a glass shower door, maximizing space with smart organization. — Source: @laceyautumnbrooke via Instagram

Stylish RV bathroom with black cabinetry, open shelves, and a patterned wall, combining modern design with functional storage. — Source: @laceyautumnbrooke via Instagram

Wooden RV bathroom storage with sliding doors and a built-in shelf for toilet paper, maximizing space with a simple, rustic design. — Source: @nancyrodriguezcreations via Instagram

Cozy RV bathroom with wood cabinetry, a compact sink, a curved shower, and woven basket storage, blending rustic charm with functionality. — Source: @ourlifeonlaketime via Instagram

Organized RV bathroom cabinet with labeled bins holding toiletries, medicines, and hygiene essentials for easy access and clutter-free storage. — Source: @radarroadwarriors via Instagram

RV bathroom with pastel blue cabinets, a subway tile backsplash, and mirrored storage, creating a fresh and functional space. — Source: @recreationrenovation via Instagram

Compact RV bathroom with white cabinetry, built-in towel storage, and a striped shower curtain, creating a clean and organized space. — Source: @revampingcamping via Instagram

Small RV bathroom with white cabinetry, black-and-white patterned wallpaper, and a compact sink, blending style with space-saving storage. — Source: @simplypaintedwhite via Instagram

Boho-style RV bathroom with built-in towel storage, a geometric shower curtain, and a woven mirror, blending function with rustic charm. — Source: @stairsup_handlein via Instagram

RV bathroom with gray cabinetry, a wood countertop, built-in storage, and a plaid shower curtain, combining function with farmhouse charm. — Source: @tara.g.norman via Instagram

Boho-style RV bathroom with patterned wallpaper, white cabinetry, a wood countertop, and a vessel sink, creating a warm and stylish space. — Source: @the_ramblr_rv via Instagram

RV bathroom with wood cabinetry, a round sink, a mirrored storage cabinet, and a hex tile backsplash, blending style with smart storage. — Source: @thetinywallsfamily via Instagram

RV bathroom with white cabinetry, a round mirror, woven basket storage, and decorative greenery, creating a cozy and organized space. — Source: @wannittap via Instagram

Coastal-style RV bathroom with wood accents, a compact storage cabinet, and beach-themed decor, creating a relaxed and organized space. — Source: @you.me.andwillowmakes3 via Instagram

Hang an extra towel rack on any free RV bathroom wall space, especially if you’re traveling with several other people.

Purchase “S” hooks to hang on the towel holder and you can hang five or six towels from one rod.

The wall is also a great RV storage spot for toothbrushes via a wall-mounted toothbrush rack. Free up extra space in the shower by having everyone use the same bottle of 3-in-1 soap.

2. Bed

An RV bedroom usually comes with cabinets and other integrated RV storage ideas, but there is always room for improvement.

Your RV storage space next to the bed may be limited—you might not have a nightstand at all.

If so, look for a caddy-style organizer that attaches to the bedside and use it to hold your phone, reading glasses, lip balm, lotion, and other items that would normally reside on your nightstand at home.

Cozy RV bedroom with built-in overhead cabinets, soft neutral bedding, and decorative pillows, blending storage with a rustic charm. — Source: @adamjoanieadventures via Instagram

Bright RV bedroom with white dressers, mirrored closet doors, and decorative plants, creating a spacious and organized retreat. — Source: @designed_tomove via Instagram

Cozy RV bedroom with overhead white cabinets, a built-in shelf, and striped bedding, blending storage with a welcoming design. — Source: @diyrestoreandmore via Instagram

Rustic RV bedroom with overhead cabinets, a hexagon accent wall, hat decor, and warm bedding, combining storage with cozy charm. — Source: @doherty_digs via Instagram

Warm RV bedroom with wooden overhead cabinets, a cozy bed, a teddy bear, and a patterned accent wall, blending comfort with storage. — Source: @msmaytrailer via Instagram

Minimalist RV bedroom with white cabinetry, a cozy bed with plush bedding, and natural wood accents, creating a bright and airy space. — Source: @naturegirldesigns via Instagram

Stylish RV bedroom with built-in bunk beds, under-bed storage drawers, a green dresser, and natural wood accents for a cozy feel. — Source: @ourlivelytribervrenovations via Instagram

Cozy RV bedroom with a rustic wood frame, white overhead cabinets, geometric pillows, and under-bed storage, blending style and function. — Source: @shererjoyjourney via Instagram

Warm RV bedroom with wood cabinetry, cozy bedding, a boho accent pillow, and a potted snake plant, creating a stylish and inviting space. — Source: @stairsup_handlein via Instagram

Bright RV bedroom with white cabinetry, blue mosaic tile accents, hanging lights, and greenery, creating a fresh and airy space. — Source: @teamgrvliving via Instagram

RV bedroom with dark wood cabinetry, built-in lighting, a cozy bed with patterned bedding, and a mirrored wardrobe for added storage. — Source: @the_wanderflos via Instagram

Spacious RV bedroom with wood cabinetry, mirrored closet doors, built-in storage, and a cozy bed, combining function with classic design. — Source: @the_wanderingwebbs via Instagram

RV bedroom with white overhead cabinets, soft lighting, and an eclectic mix of decorative pillows, creating a cozy and personalized space. — Source: @thenegro_gypsy via Instagram

Cozy RV bed with built-in wood storage, decorative pillows, soft blankets, and overhead shelving with baskets and string lights. — Source: @wetriedcamping via Instagram

Boho-style RV bed with soft neutral bedding, textured pillows, macramé wall decor, and built-in overhead cabinets for storage.

Look for bedside lamps that have an electric outlet and/or USB plug built into the base. “Multiplying” electrical outlets like this is an easy way to maximize tabletop and counter space.

If you can install a shelved headboard over the main bed, it’s a great RV storage solution for clothing and gadgets. A flat storage bin with plastic dividers is a great way to organize a large drawer under the bed.

3. Closet

As an RV owner, you know that every foot of RV closet space is precious. It’s challenging to consolidate all your camper storage into the available closet space.

However, you should take advantage of all great RV organization ideas so that clutter doesn’t make your camper feel claustrophobic.

RV closet with hanging clothes, fabric storage bins, and shelves, maximizing space with an organized and efficient setup. — Source: @adrianagliharealtor via Instagram

Compact RV closet with hanging clothes, two open drawers, and a white door with a latch, maximizing small space storage. — Source: @campingfern via Instagram

Small RV closet with open shelves storing folded clothes, located beside a bed with red floral bedding, optimizing vertical space. — Source: @hooligans_outside via Instagram

Compact RV closet with hanging clothes and a vertical fabric organizer for folded items, maximizing storage in a small space. — Source: @jillsato via Instagram

DIY RV closet with a wooden frame, two hanging rods for clothes, and an overhead shelf storing folded jeans and other items. — Source: @katiegail79 via Instagram

Modern RV closet with built-in shelves for books, shoes, and jackets, plus a hanging rod for clothes, maximizing organized storage. — Source: @keystonervcompany via Instagram

Cozy RV bedroom with overhead basket storage, side closets, hanging organizers, and warm lighting, blending function with boho charm. — Source: @terra.mana via Instagram

RV closet with a wooden frame, hanging clothes, a top shelf for storage, and a lower compartment, maximizing space beside the bed. — Source: @wanderingwithoutworry via Instagram

Well-organized RV closet with hanging clothes, a wire shelf for storage bins, and pull-out drawers, maximizing vertical space. — Source: @williamses_wander via Instagram

An RV closet organizer hangs from a closet or tension rod and enables you to use all vertical extra space. A hanging shelf serves a similar purpose. Look for a fabric shoe organizer to hang on the back of the closet door.

Even if you don’t travel with that many shoes, the little pockets are handy places to stash socks, underwear, toiletries and other small items.

4. Kitchen

An RV kitchen might be small, but it’s possible to create a truly functional space even in the tightest kitchen quarters.

For instance, a collapsible dish tub takes up little RV space but can be used for several purposes. Remember that all your kitchen items don’t have to be stored in the kitchen area.

Make use of any unused compartments, such as under the bed or an RV closet shelf, and store excess RV kitchen materials there.

Cozy RV kitchen with dark cabinetry, a compact oven, a microwave, and stylish decor, blending function with a modern farmhouse feel. — Source: @bowenwiththeflow via Instagram

Elegant RV kitchen with dark wood cabinetry, a stainless steel sink, a gas stove, and copper cookware for a warm and functional design. — Source: @experiencingtinyliving via Instagram

Minimalist RV kitchen with white cabinetry, a compact gas stove, a small sink, and a cozy nook, blending functionality with charm. — Source: @field.and.dreams via Instagram

Bright RV kitchen with white cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, a magnetic knife strip, and a farmhouse-style sink with a large window. — Source: @halinamann via Instagram

Modern RV kitchen with dark wood cabinetry, a built-in oven, microwave, and a spacious dinette, combining functionality with style. — Source: @keystonervcompany via Instagram

Bright RV kitchen with butcher block countertops, a farmhouse sink, open shelving, and built-in jar storage for a cozy, modern look. — Source: @laceyautumnbrooke via Instagram

Modern RV kitchen with wood cabinetry, a large island sink, built-in spice storage, a magnetic knife strip, and a cozy, functional layout. — Source: @littleandalot via Instagram

RV kitchen with two-tone cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, a built-in microwave, and a farmhouse sink, combining style with function. — Source: @rv_by_m.e via Instagram

Vibrant RV kitchen with yellow cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, open wood shelves, and greenery, creating a fresh and inviting space. — Source: @simplyhannahlee via Instagram

RV kitchen with a dark wood island featuring a black wire basket storage system for fresh produce, combining practicality with style. — Source: @thegreenestacre via Instagram

Spacious RV kitchen with rich wood cabinetry, a modern backsplash, a curved island sink, and under-cabinet lighting for a stylish look. — Source: @wander.into.wonder via Instagram

Vibrant RV kitchen with bold green cabinetry, a floral-patterned fridge, a spice rack, and colorful decor for a lively, eclectic feel. — Source: @wanderwomannmountainman via Instagram

Spacious RV kitchen with dark wood cabinetry, ample counter space, a built-in oven, microwave, and storage drawers for organization. — Source: @keystonervcompany via Instagram

If your RV freezer comes with an ice maker, you can remove it to increase your freezer’s storage space. Use narrow ice cube trays instead.

Keep plenty of zip-top bags on hand, so that when your coffee can or cereal box is half-empty, you can toss the space-wasting containers. Storing the remaining product in zip-top bags frees up more kitchen space.

5. Pantry

If your RV kitchen has a pantry, it’s important to utilize all available vertical space. Install spice rack strips inside the pantry door and hang under-shelf baskets to use what’s normally wasted space.

Look for products in square or rectangular containers instead of rounded ones, as they stack together tightly. This is one of the oldest camper storage ideas to maximize every inch of available space.

Organized RV pantry with open shelving, glass jars, woven baskets, and neatly arranged food items, maximizing storage in a small space. — Source: @grovensrv via Instagram

RV pantry with pull-out wooden shelves, neatly organized canned goods, dry foods, and glass storage jars for efficient small-space storage. — Source: @happy_rvers via Instagram

RV pantry with multiple pull-out wooden drawers, neatly organized with canned goods, dry foods, and condiments for efficient storage. — Source: @korffexplore via Instagram

Elegant RV pantry with glass-front cabinets, woven storage baskets, and neatly organized jars, combining style with functional storage. — Source: @teamgrvliving via Instagram

RV organization requires letting go of any bulk-buying habits you may have. Never buy more than will fit into your RV pantry. Keep the size of your RV storage space in mind when you shop.

A larger container might be a better bargain, but limited storage space means you should go for the smaller package. Use double-sided mounting tape to install hooks that can hold small items in bags on a cabinet door.

6. Shelves

Since indoor RV storage is so limited, it helps to hang shelves wherever you can.

While many recreational vehicle and camper trailer manufacturers already install shelving storage solutions, it’s easy enough to add more to suit your personal needs.

A good RV organization tip is to add hooks below shelves to hang mugs, keys, and other items you need while camping.

Minimalist RV kitchen with white cabinetry, open wood shelves, a farmhouse sink, and a neatly organized space for stylish functionality. — Source: @_tinyhouse_bigdreams_ via Instagram

RV kitchen cabinet with organized spice racks, seasoning jars, and cooking essentials stored neatly on pull-out metal shelves. — Source: @happy_rvers via Instagram

Chic RV kitchen with white cabinetry, open wood shelves, glass storage jars, and a black farmhouse sink, blending function with style. — Source: @itsme_irinaz via Instagram

Rustic RV kitchen with open wood shelves, a brick backsplash, and neatly arranged cookware, creating a cozy farmhouse-inspired space. — Source: @keystonervcompany via Instagram

Cozy RV kitchen with open shelves, a wooden countertop with tucked-in stools, hanging storage, and a rolling cart for extra organization. — Source: @littlesartenfarm via Instagram

Colorful RV bathroom with white floating shelves storing towels, toiletries, and decorative accents, adding both function and style. — Source: @rscraven2016 via Instagram

Rustic RV bathroom with an open storage shelf secured by netting, holding vitamins and toiletries, alongside a wood countertop and sink. — Source: @rv.wandering.wanda via Instagram

Modern RV kitchen with wood countertops, open shelves for storage, a built-in microwave, and neatly organized spices and utensils. — Source: @rvsandtrees via Instagram

RV bathroom storage with white floating shelves for towels and decor, plus a hanging rod with metal buckets for organizing toiletries. — Source: @viola_the_rv via Instagram

Minimalist RV bathroom with a compact shower, a sleek white toilet, and a small metal storage stand for toiletries and toilet paper. — Source: @watsons.on.wheels via Instagram

Stack a variety of storage container options on your shelves, but make sure they’re secured so they don’t fall off while you’re driving.

Put a small elevated shelf behind the kitchen sink to reclaim a little counter space in that area. Designate RV storage zones to each family member, labeling a shelf or cabinet with each person’s name.

7. Space Saving

“Space saving” is the name of the game when it comes to RV storage ideas. Any way you can consolidate items is helpful, especially when camping with a large group of family or friends.

Look for nesting pots and pans, mixing bowls, and measuring cups to maximize RV storage in the kitchen.

Pop-up laundry hampers neatly fold away when not in use, and double as a pop-up trash can when lined with a plastic bag.

Cozy RV bedroom with overhead storage bins, built-in cabinets, a green accent wall, and a neatly organized bedside area. — Source: @dashboarddrifters via Instagram

Efficient RV closet storage with hanging clothes, woven baskets, a pink mini fridge, and stacked organizers for maximizing small spaces. — Source: @happy_rvers via Instagram

RV bedroom with under-bed shoe storage using mesh pockets, maximizing space while keeping footwear organized and accessible. — Source: @margielundy via Instagram

RV entryway with built-in shoe storage under the bottom step, providing a practical and space-saving solution for footwear organization. — Source: @our.gateway.adventure via Instagram

RV kitchen with mounted wire baskets for pet supplies and food storage, maximizing cabinet space with efficient organization. — Source: @radarroadwarriors via Instagram

Shelving unit with wicker baskets in each compartment, surrounded by a colorful string of lights — Source: @thecampingcostas via Instagram

Cozy RV interior with a round table, cactus plant, orange pillow, window view of trees, and shelving unit with baskets — Source: @wannittap via Instagram

Compact camper van interior with a raised bed, built-in storage cabinets, and under-bed drawers, maximizing space efficiency.

Modern camper van interior with a sleek dining area, built-in storage drawers, and a convertible seating arrangement for space efficiency.

Compact camper van interior with built-in storage, a foldable seat, and a hidden compartment, maximizing space efficiency.

A lazy Susan is a great space saving accessory for condiments. Keep it in an RV cabinet between meals and put it on the table when you’re eating.

It’s also easy to carry out to a picnic table while camping. Saving space wherever you can is perhaps the most essential RV organization tip of all.

FAQs

How do I organize my RV for full time living?

As the old saying goes, you can’t organize clutter—you can only get rid of it. So the first step to prepping your RV for camping or full-time living is to get rid of everything you don’t need. Plan a place for every item you decide to keep and buy plenty of RV organization accessory products to keep everything tidy.

How do I organize my RV refrigerator?

Adjusting to a considerably smaller refrigerator can be challenging. Purchase condiments in smaller bottles and only buy what you can fit into the fridge at once. Get small plastic storage containers that stack neatly, to organize cut fruits and leftovers. Clear bins can help prevent things from falling out of the RV refrigerator and also allow you to see what’s inside.

How do you store food in an RV?

RV kitchen storage space is indeed limited, but you need to reserve some space for food storage. To keep cans from rolling around, put them into plastic bins or cupboard corrals. Use square or rectangular storage containers to make use of every inch inside your kitchen cabinets and drawers. You can also store cans under the bed or in another area of the RV where you may have more space.