Best 47 RV Storage Ideas To Maximize Space
Are you ready to hit the road with your RV but feeling cramped? Say goodbye to the cluttered chaos and hello to a world where every inch of space is maximized with our RV storage ideas. We’re not just talking about shoving your gear under the bed; we’re unveiling 47 ingenious RV storage solutions that transform tight spaces into tidy havens.
In this crash course on RV living, we’re not just preaching from the sidelines; we’re sharing the game-changing storage solutions that turned our motorhome from a cramped container into an organized home. With real-life trials and plenty of errors, we discovered storage hacks that make all the difference. Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or joining the ranks of full-time nomads, our firsthand experience is your guide to a clutter-free and comfortable RV life.
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47 Brilliant RV Storage Ideas
Explore 47 practical RV storage solutions we’ve found in our almost two years of full-time motorhome living with a family of four. We’ll show you how to transform every inch into smart, usable space.
RV Storage Ideas: Interior
Discover space-saving storage solutions that will make your living space more comfortable. These RV storage ideas for the interior are meant to maximize comfort and efficiency for everyday living.
1. Shoe Storage
Keeping shoes organized and off the floor is a game-changer. We love our wall shoe storage. This simple solution not only saves us precious floor space but also keeps our favorite shoes within easy reach.
2. Storage Tables
Our narrow storage tables have easily become one of the best purchases we’ve made. With shelves that perfectly house essentials like our computers and printer, everything we need is just an arm’s reach away. Even better, the tops of these tables open up to cleverly hide items we prefer out of sight, keeping our living space clutter-free.
Narrow Storage Table
3. Under Bench Storage
Almost every RV has a dinette with storage under the bench. This hidden storage is great for hiding larger items. We have a portable freezer in ours! We also keep extra drinks and our Instant Pot under the bench. If you have small pets, these benches are the perfect spot for a cage too! We took out the center of one of the door fronts and added a wire-cutting rack to keep our chihuahua in.
4. Over the Door Storage
We’ve designated our over-the-door storage hangers as the go-to spots for stashing cleaning supplies, trash bags, and both bathroom and kitchen towels. This savvy storage strategy not only keeps these essentials neatly organized but also ensures they’re conveniently at hand, transforming otherwise unused door space into storage.
5. Fold Down Tables
Our folding TV tray tables in the RV are true multitaskers, serving as our workspace, dining area, and even a school desk. Once we’re finished with them, their slim design allows them to easily fold up and be stashed away in a narrow closet next to our fridge—a space that is otherwise pretty useless. This setup not only maximizes our living area but also keeps our tables out of the way yet readily accessible when needed.
Folding Tray Table
6. Removable Command Hooks Everywhere
In our RV, Command hooks are practically a way of life. We’ve stuck them everywhere, turning vertical surfaces into instant storage solutions for everything from kitchen utensils to hats and purses. It’s like having a magic wand for organization—just stick, hang, and voila!
6 Pack Adhesive Hooks
7. Sofa Storage Covers
Sofa storage covers neatly hide remotes, books, iPads, and other items, keeping them accessible yet out of sight. This simple addition maximizes space, reduces clutter, and has turned our sofa into an efficient storage spot.
8. Stackable Storage Bin Shelf
In our RV, a stackable storage shelf is a game-changer for keeping things organized. We use ours to store extra toilet paper, kids’ toys, crafts, and school supplies. It’s an efficient way to make the most of vertical space ensuring everything has its place without taking up precious living area.
Stackable Storage Bins
RV Storage Ideas For Kitchen
Discover space-saving storage solutions for your RV kitchen.
9. Magnetic Strips in the Kitchen
Magnetic wall strips are a sleek, space-saving solution for keeping metal utensils and knives organized and within reach. This setup eliminates the need for bulky knife blocks or drawer organizers, freeing up valuable counter and drawer space for other essentials.
10. Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Adjustable drawer dividers in our kitchen have transformed our drawers from chaotic catch-alls to neatly organized spaces. By compartmentalizing everything from silverware to cooking gadgets, we’ve maximized our storage and can easily find what we need now.
11. Stove Cover to Increase Counter Space
We’ve maximized our kitchen counter space by adding a stove cover. This ingenious addition serves dual purposes: providing extra counter space for meal prep and a handy spot to stack clean dishes while washing up. It’s a simple yet effective solution that significantly increases our usable kitchen area without any permanent modifications.
12. Small Trash Can
To save space in our RV, we opted for a small trash can that fits perfectly under the kitchen sink, keeping it out of sight and maintaining the tidiness of our living area. By having the kids take responsibility for changing the trash daily, we can easily make do with a smaller trash can and save our floor space for walking.
Five Gallon Trash Can
13. Stackable Nesting Bowls and Measuring Cups
Stackable storage containers, measuring cups, and bowls are essential for conserving space in the kitchen. Their ability to nest neatly within each other means we can keep a variety of sizes on hand without cluttering our cabinets.
14. Foldable Kitchen Items
Items like collapsible colanders and reusable food storage that compress down when not in use free up drawers and shelves for other essentials. This approach allows us to maintain a fully equipped kitchen without overcrowding and cluttering cabinets.
Foldable Strainer
RV Storage Ideas For Bathroom
Explore space-saving RV storage ideas for the bathroom, ensuring essentials are organized and accessible. From adhesive shower bars to suction cup baskets, these tips transform your bathroom into a clutter-free zone.
15. Shower Bar to Hold Bottles
Adding an adhesive shower bar in front of the shelves in our shower has been a game-changer! It prevents items from falling out and maintains an organized look. Bonus – stuff doesn’t fall all over the place when we’re driving now.
16. Over-the-Door Towel Racks
These racks keep your towels off the floor and neatly organized, freeing up space without needing extra furniture or shelves.
17. Toothbrush Holder
We chose a closed toothbrush holder for our bathroom to enhance storage and hygiene. This design ensures our toothbrushes are not only neatly organized but also protected from toilet germs in such a small space.
Toothbrush Holder
18. Sink Skirt with Pockets
Instantly boosting our storage capacity with this clever addition. It not only conceals unsightly plumbing but also offers convenient pockets for storing toiletries and essentials, keeping them organized and within easy reach.
19. Suction Cup Baskets
These baskets hold your toiletries securely, making efficient use of vertical space and keeping essentials within easy reach. The extra space sure comes in handy in our small shower. Be sure to look for baskets with hooks like these for hanging your razor or shower puff for even more organization.
20. Hanging Baskets from Towel Bars
To enhance your RV bathroom storage & add a decorative touch, you can attach hanging baskets to the towel bars, creating the perfect spot for small items like Q-tips, band-aids, and bobby pins. This setup keeps these essentials neatly organized and within easy reach, utilizing space that would otherwise go unused.
21. Behind-the-Mirror Storage
Installing a mirror cabinet in your bathroom will significantly increase your storage space. This dual-purpose solution conceals a spacious cabinet behind your mirror, perfect for stowing away toiletries and bathroom essentials, keeping everything tidy and out of sight.
Mirror Bathroom Cabinet
RV Storage Ideas For Clothes
From vacuum-sealed bags to under-bed containers, we have all of the RV storage ideas to keep your clothes organized and accessible.
22. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
By compressing clothes, we save a tremendous amount of space, making it easier to store seasonal wear and bulkier items without taking up valuable room. This method also keeps clothes protected from moisture and pests, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to wear.
Space Saver Bags
23. Hanging Closet Organizers
These organizers offer multiple compartments, allowing us to sort clothes by type or owner, significantly enhancing our closet space. This setup maximizes vertical space and makes it easy to keep everyday items within reach.
24. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
When you’re short on space and need to maximize every inch, you’ll become a pro at repurposing. An over-the-door shoe organizer is perfect for additional clothing storage. This strategy not only saves drawer space but also keeps these essentials neatly organized and easily accessible.
Over Door Organizer
25. Pillows
By stuffing spare pillowcases with seasonal clothes or extra linens, we save space and keep our living area tidy; while also ensuring these items stay clean and accessible.
26. Foldable Cloth Shelves
These foldable shelves allow you to create extra shelving when needed and fold away for more space during travel.
Hanging Closet Shelves
27. Under-Bed Storage Containers
Ideal for off-season clothing or extra bedding, keeping them out of sight but easily accessible.
28. Multi-Layer Hangers
If you can hang multiple garments on a single hanger you’ll really maximize your tiny closet. We fold shirts in half and fit two shirts on each hanger. Another option if you have a taller closet is hangers that stack under each other.
Layered Hangers
29. Drawer Dividers
Keep your underwear, socks, and other small items neatly sorted and easy to find.
30. Laundry Bags
Laundry bags fold away easily when not in use. On laundry day we empty our hamper and use these to transport dirty clothes. They go right in the washer and are then reused to bring clean clothes home.
My Favorite Laundry Bag
31. Rolling Clothes Instead of Folding
When you roll your clothes, you will find you are not only able to maximize space in drawers, but it’s also easier to see everything at a glance.
RV Storage Ideas For The Bedroom
Find practical RV bedroom storage ideas to maximize space and keep your area sleeping organized and clutter-free.
32. Hamper End Table
We’ve integrated a hamper end table into our RV bedroom, which combines storage with functionality. The hamper section tilts out to discreetly stash laundry, while the table top serves as a convenient bedside surface for our essentials.
Hamper Cabinet
33. Bed with Built-In Storage
Almost every RV comes with a bed that has a storage base. Ours is the full length of the bed and we stuff everything from clothes and seasonal items to vitamins and personal care products under ours.
34. Hanging Pocket Organizers
Hanging pocket organizers have been a game-changer for keeping small items like glasses, phones, and books organized and within easy reach. Mounted on the wall or over a door, these organizers take advantage of wall space.
35. Bedside Cargo Net
Utilize the side of your bed for storing nighttime essentials and free up nightstand space. I can fit my eye mask, a couple of massage balls, and more in mine.
36. Slide-Out Trays or Drawers in Cabinets
Enhance accessibility and organization within bedroom cabinets, making it easier to find and store belongings.
RV Storage Ideas: Exterior
Maximize your RV’s outdoor living with smart exterior storage ideas, from roof racks to furniture ensuring everything has its place and fits in your storage compartments while you’re on the move.
37. Bike Racks
Installing bike racks allows us to easily transport our bicycles without sacrificing valuable interior space. Mounted on the back of our jeep, a bike rack keeps our bikes secure and accessible, enabling us to explore our surroundings on two wheels whenever the mood strikes.
4 Bike Hitch Rack
38. Roof Rack
Adding a roof rack to your vehicle will significantly expand your exterior storage options, providing a versatile space for bulky items like luggage, outdoor gear, and kayaks. This solution not only frees up your outdoor cabinet space but also ensures your essentials are secure.
39. Folding Outdoor Furniture
Chairs and tables that fold flat can be easily stored in slim spaces. Make sure you choose something light because you’ll need to carry them with you when your neighbor hosts an impromptu campfire.
Double Sofa
40. Collapsible Ladder for Roof Access
If you can save money by doing your own maintenance and light repairs, you’ll need a ladder. Look for something lightweight and compact that folds away easily and fits in one of your outdoor compartments.
41. Foldable Cargo Carrier
A cargo carrier attaches to the hitch and folds up when not in use. These are perfect for carrying anything from bikes to large storage containers that won’t fit in your cabinets.
42. Pop Up Shelter / Clam
A pop-up shelter has been a valuable addition to our RV setup, offering a flexible option for extra living space outdoors. Whether we’re seeking shade on sunny days or a protected area for dining and socializing, this easily collapsible shelter extends our living area beyond the confines of the RV.
Screen Shelter
43. Inflatable Toys
Inflatable pool toys, paddleboards, and kayaks are the perfect balance between fun and functionality. These items, once deflated, occupy surprisingly little storage space. When we’re ready to play, they quickly inflate to full size.
Best RV Storage Containers
Discover the best RV storage containers designed for efficiency and durability, perfect for optimizing space. These top picks offer versatile solutions to keep your belongings secure and organized.
✅ 44. Waterproof Storage Bins
We love the husky brand waterproof storage bins for outdoor organization. The 12-gallon bins are perfect for keeping Starlink safe and secure on travel days!
✅ 45. Baskets of all Sizes
Baskets everywhere! Bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen, and everywhere in between. We have baskets of all sizes and shapes to hold everything from board games to pens, paper, and legos.
✅ 46. Airtight Kitchen Storage
Keeping bugs away can be a challenge when you live in campgrounds, but airtight containers will help! We use these for pasta, cereal, sugars, and spices.
12pc Airtight Containers
✅ 47. Ziploc Bags
Just like baskets, ziploc bags are super versatile when it comes to storage. We took board games out of boxes to save space by storing them in ziploc bags. Another great example of repurposing. If it’s small and takes up space, put it in a ziploc bag out of the way!
RV Storage Ideas FAQs
Explore answers to frequently asked questions about maximizing storage in your RV, from creative hacks to optimizing every inch of space to solutions that keep your mobile home organized and clutter-free.
How do I maximize my RV storage?
To maximize RV storage, start by decluttering and keeping only essential items. Utilize vertical space with hanging organizers and wall-mounted shelves. Invest in multi-functional furniture with built-in storage, like beds with drawers. Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and linens to reduce volume. Install hooks and magnetic strips for tools and kitchen utensils. Opt for collapsible kitchenware and stackable containers to save space. Finally, regularly reevaluate and adjust your storage solutions to fit your changing needs and ensure you’re making the most of every available inch.
What is the cheapest way to store an RV?
The cheapest way to store an RV often involves parking it on personal property, such as in a driveway or securely in a backyard, to avoid monthly storage fees. If that’s not an option, look for outdoor RV storage facilities, which are typically less expensive than indoor or climate-controlled options. Comparing rates and services of various storage facilities in less urban, and more rural areas can also yield more affordable options. Additionally, some homeowners’ associations or community groups offer shared storage spaces at reduced rates for members.
How do I organize my RV through storage?
To organize your RV, start by decluttering to keep only essential items. Make use of vertical space by installing shelves, hooks, and hanging organizers for kitchen utensils, towels, and clothes. Optimize cabinets and drawers with adjustable dividers and stackable bins, and consider clear bins to easily see contents. Invest in collapsible items and furniture for efficient storage and look for multi-purpose items to reduce clutter. Utilize the space under beds and sofas with storage bins. Ceiling-mounted nets or shelves can be great for lightweight items. Label everything for easy identification and regularly reassess your organization to adapt to changing needs, ensuring a tidy and efficient RV living space.
Where should I store my RV when not in use?
When not in use, storing your RV in a secure, covered location is ideal to protect it from the elements and potential damage. Options include renting a spot at a dedicated RV storage facility, which may offer both indoor and outdoor spaces. Indoor or covered storage provides the best protection against weather and temperature extremes but tends to be more expensive. Outdoor storage is more affordable and may include secured lots specifically designed for RVs. If space permits, storing your RV on your own property, such as in a driveway, backyard, or custom-built shelter, can be the most cost-effective solution. Regardless of where you choose to store your RV, ensure it’s in a safe, secure location and properly prepared for storage to maintain its condition.
Conclusion: RV Storage Ideas
Mastering the art of RV storage is not just about creating more space; it’s about using the space you already have in a better way. By implementing clever storage solutions like collapsible items, utilizing vertical spaces with hanging organizers, and optimizing every nook with multi-functional furniture, you can transform your RV.
The goal is to maintain a clutter-free environment that allows you to focus on the joys of travel and exploration, rather than the frustration of cramped living quarters. Remember, the key to successful RV storage lies in adaptation. As your travel needs evolve, so should your storage strategies. Don’t be afraid to try new solutions or tweak existing ones to better suit your lifestyle.
