RV Organization

Owning a recreational vehicle (RV) means embracing freedom and adventure, but the limited space requires smart organization to make the most of your mobile home. This guide provides actionable tips and systems for keeping your RV neat, functional, and clutter-free on the road.

1. Maximize Vertical Space

Vertical space is often underutilized in RVs. Using the full height of your cabinets and walls can drastically increase your storage capacity.

• Tension Rods: Use tension rods inside cabinets to keep items from shifting during travel, or across narrow spaces to hang lightweight items like dish towels or shoes.
• Over-the-Door Organizers: These are excellent for the bathroom or pantry doors, providing pockets for toiletries, spices, or small tools.
• Wall-Mounted Solutions: Install spice racks, magazine holders, or hooks on unused wall space.

Area	Organization Tool	Example Use
Kitchen Cabinets	Adjustable Shelves	Stack plates and bowls efficiently
Bathroom Door	Mesh Organizer	Store shampoo, conditioner, and soap
Bedroom	Command Hooks	Hang keys, flashlights, or small bags

2. Utilize Multi-Purpose and Collapsible Items

To save precious space, every item should ideally serve more than one purpose, or be able to disappear when not in use.

• Collapsible Items: Invest in collapsible bowls, strainers, laundry baskets, and storage bins that fold flat when not needed.
• Nesting Cookware: Look for pots and pans that nest within each other to save cabinet space.
• Storage Furniture: Purchase ottomans or benches that double as storage containers.

3. Implement Drawer and Cabinet Systems

Chaos in drawers is the quickest way to lose items and waste time searching. Containment is key for small items.

• Drawer Dividers: Use adjustable drawer dividers to separate socks, utensils, tools, or cleaning supplies.
• Non-Slip Mats: Line cabinets and drawers with non-slip material to prevent items from rattling or shifting while driving.
• Clear Bins: Store items in clear, stackable plastic bins. This makes it easy to see the contents without unloading the bin, and helps prevent spills.

4. Bedroom and Wardrobe Organization

RV closets and drawers are notoriously small. Focus on rolling and compressing clothes.

• Rolling Clothes: Roll your clothes instead of folding them; they take up less space and wrinkle less.
• Vacuum Storage Bags: Use these bags for bulky items like seasonal clothing, blankets, or extra pillows.
• Under-Bed Storage: Utilize the space under the bed with low-profile rolling containers for shoes or extra linens.

5. Exterior and Bay Storage

The outside storage bays (or "basement") should be reserved for essential gear, tools, and outdoor equipment.

• Plastic Totes: Use uniform, sturdy plastic totes with lids to store tools, hoses, power cords, and outdoor games. Label the outside of each tote clearly.
• Tool Organization: Keep essential tools organized in a compact toolbox. A calendar event placeholder is useful to remind yourself to schedule a regular maintenance check: Don't forget to schedule a pre-trip maintenance check.
• Safety Gear: Designate an easily accessible tote for safety items like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and roadside flares.

6. Digital and Document Organization

Don't let paper clutter take over your small space.

• Scan Documents: Digitize manuals, warranties, and important papers to save space. Keep digital files organized in the cloud.
• RV Manuals: Keep only the most essential physical manuals; store the rest in a small binder or digital file.
• Trip Planning: Keep your travel plans organized. When planning your next stop at a campground, remember to confirm the physical address.