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7 Secrets To Better RV Organization

7 Secrets To Better RV Organization

RV organization is a hot topic because everyone wants to know the secrets for better storage in their home-on-wheels. Today, we will talk about how to make the most of your RV organization for better storage. I will share my 5 tips plus 2 more from Instagram!

When you join full-time RV life, there might be an adjustment that has to be made in the quantity of stuff you have, because, unlike a sticks-and-bricks home, RVs have less space for physical possessions. With less room, we may try to bring more stuff than we should. So, this means we need to organize it all!

RV organization hacks

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of RV organization. Step 1: Get rid of the things you don’t need. Step 2: Organize what you do need.

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Here are my top RV organization hacks for creating better storage.

1. Vacuum bags & packing cubes

Vacuum bags and packing cubes are a must for organizing and storing clothing and linens.

According to a study conducted by Closetmaid, the average woman has 103 items of clothing in her closet. So while the average home may have 4 closets… the average RV does not. Whether you are a single woman or a family, clothing organization is probably an issue in your RV.

First up, vacuum bags. The absolutely brilliant part of vacuum storage bags is that they remove all the air from the bag. This makes the bag (and its contents) smaller so you can store more stuff! And they seal out pests and water so your clothes stay fresh. I always throw a couple of dryer sheets in the bag to provide extra freshness!

I recommend using a bag that has a travel pump or can have the air pushed out manually. This is important because sometimes you don’t have a vacuum.

Next up, packing cubes. Packing cubes are great for when you are traveling with a suitcase. They are also great for keeping clothes in drawers or closets organized in your RV. You can use them to keep t-shirts together, socks and underwear contained, or swimsuits organized.

These are my favorite packing cubes, plus they are designed by one of my favorite YouTube couples, Tim & Fin.

2. Organization bins

Organization bins come in all shapes and sizes (and price points) and are another must for RV organization. RVs have weird size shelves, drawers, closets, cupboards, and crannies. A bin or basket makes those awkward spaces functional.

RV organization - pantry storage
In our pantry, I use an old box from a delivery to store spices. In the back, there is a plastic bin for the kitchen wraps.

I use boxes and bins EVERYWHERE. I am obsessed with having similar objects all contained.

Here are some places I use storage bins:

  • Anything that would be on a nightstand goes into a basket on the bedside tables.
  • Cleaning supplies under the sink.
  • Extra odds and ends – aka the “junk drawer” – in the entertainment stand.
  • Everyday clothing in an open shelf above our bed.
  • Kitchen clingwrap, tin foil, and plastic baggies in the pantry.
  • Extra toiletries in the linen closet.
  • Art supplies in the overhead storage in the living room.

Basically anywhere you would have loose items needs a bin.

Now before you run out and spend hundreds of dollars on organizational bins, I have a tip! My storage hack is to use boxes you may already have! Despite what Instagram may tell us, you don’t need to purchase fancy boxes for your storage. I use cardboard boxes from packages and food first.

RV organization - linen closet storage
So neat and orderly in the linen closet. My husband and I have toiletry bags for everyday use (front). All our extra product is stored in two cardboard boxes in the back. They are reused.

Use what you have already and if you want to dress the boxes up, you can spray paint or hot glue twine to the outside.

Kirsten over at @fifth_wheel_living has an absolutely amazing tutorial for dressing up storage bins. Instead of spending a ton of money on woven baskets, she DIY’d her own from regular plastic totes.

3. Hook it up

Another valuable, sometimes under-used solution for RV storage are hooks on the wall, over the door, and suction cups.

When you need to hang something for function or aesthetic, you can probably utilize a hook like Lesley from @rvingwithlesley.

A true must-have for any RV is a multi-pack of Command Hooks. These are good for hanging décor items as well as lighter weight items.

If you live on the beach, then you probably have towels everywhere! Hook them up with these suction cup hooks that can stick to the outside of your RV!

4. Utilize your cupboards

For the best RV storage, you must utilize every inch of space. That also means making the most of your cupboard space. Instead of having one level of dishes in your cupboard, use cupboard organizers to add a second level!

Using a cupboard organizer can help keep things organized and make putting away dishes a breeze. Everything has a home and isn’t stacked or nested inside something else. These can also be used under the sink to make better use of the vertical space.

5. Hidden storage

One magical aspect of the RV is hidden storage. In a tiny home space, it is so important to have dual purpose furniture. It’s an added bonus when that second feature is additional storage!

You have to make the most of that bonus space though. One thing you don’t want to do is haul around stuff you don’t need. Don’t fall victim just because it is “out of sight, out of mind”. Make sure you do a regular review of all your spaces and purge anything that no longer serves you.

In our RV, we have the usual hidden storage in our dinette. One major reason we kept part of the dinette instead of replacing it with a free standing table and chairs was the storage. Inside the booth I have approximately 20 pairs of shoes hidden! We also store those handy vacuum sealed bags of clothing.

RV organization - booth dinette storage
Stashed in our booth dinette are 5 vacuum bags of clothes and 20 pairs of shoes!

Other common, hidden storage is the “garage” or external storage. Some things you may want to store in the garage are:

  • Extra linens (stored in a vacuum bag or tote)
  • Pet food or extra food (sealed in an airtight tote to keep the pests out)
  • Sporting equipment or outdoor activities
  • Tools for maintaining your rig or DIY projects

6. Use your shower for storage

I store our laundry hamper bag in the shower! It is quick to remove for showers. I use this bag and I am OBSESSED! I also always get complimented on it and people always ask where it is from because it is amazing. For more ideas on ways to use your RV bathroom, check out this post.

7. RV shoe storage

@margielundy created a handy way to store extra shoes. I probably need this for my 20 pairs.

Do the same with an over-the-door shoe storage organizer like this one. You may also want to try these shoe storage tips.


So there you have it: 7 easy ways to make the most of your RV organization and create better storage solutions. Living tiny does not have to mean living cluttered.

What is your RV organization hack for better storage? Let us know in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or share them with the RV community on iRV2 Forums.