5 Must-Have RV Storage Solutions for Small Spaces and Full-Time Living
This post may contain affiliate links.
Let’s face it: storage in RVs is inherently challenging. When you’re faced with a small living space, especially once designed to be on the move frequently, manufacturers have the unenviable job of designing spaces that are comfortable to live in, travel in, and fit within a reasonable footprint for driving down the road. As a full-time RVer for five years, I know well the frustrations with little to no closet space, limited options for storing shoes or pantry items, and the tiniest bathroom storage options I can imagine.
In this article, we’ll share five RV storage solutions meant to simplify RV life. With more efficient storage, RVers can reduce clutter, make it easier to access belongings and increase your comfort from day to day. Hopefully, one or several of these full-time RV living tips will be useful in your RV renovations.
Solution #1: Modular RV Storage Solutions
When considering RV storage solutions, don’t overlook modular storage options like stackable bins and adjustable shelves. These versatile tools can help you make the most of tight spaces and give you the flexibility to experiment. Kitchens, closets, and underbeds can be great places for a modular storage system.
RV organizer Kathy Johnson shared photos of how she uses her cabinet doors to stay ultra-organized.
Installing a shelf within a cabinet can be another way to make the most of a space that would otherwise have “lost” space without a purpose on top.
In the photo below, a wrap organizer is mounted to the top of the inside of the cabinet.
Food containers that stack well could also be a great move for your RV.
See more ideas for organizing RV kitchen cabinets in our article, “11 Clever Ideas for Organizing RV Cabinets.”
Solution #2: Collapsible and Multi-Functional Items
Collapsible and multi-function items should definitely be on your list of RV space-saving ideas. Stackable and collapsible storage is key whether you’re using glass, plastic, or even stainless steel.
One of my favorite multi-function items is my Instant Pot. I purchased it specifically for RVing, to replace my rice cooker and slow cooker, and of course, it’s even more versatile than those two items were.
Collapsible kitchenware can be such an important space saver in an RV kitchen. Consider stacking measuring cups, stacking bowls, or a collapsible dish rack that can double as a carrying case, too.
Foldable furniture can also be useful. Some convertible furniture may be built into an RV when you purchase it. But evaluate your own needs and adjust accordingly. My husband and I ditched a built-in table (and put it into storage), replacing it with a folding table that was more versatile and could be moved outside when we wanted to work out there.
A storage ottoman is another common one, whether in an RV or not since a good ottoman can make for both comfortable seating and storage all in one.
Your goal with all of this is to reduce bulk and eliminate one-purpose items. Maybe you can make it a game and see how many items in your RV can double as something else!
If you love the idea of saving space in your RV with collapsible items, take a look at our list of 25 Nifty Folding, Nesting, and Collapsible and Folding Items for Your RV.
Solution #3: Vertical Storage with Hooks and Racks
Making good use of your vertical space in an RV can open up all sorts of new possibilities for RV storage solutions.
If you have a magnetic refrigerator, you can store all sorts of utentils on your fridge using magnetic hooks.
But if yours is non-magnetic, there are still lots of other options for you to consider, like adhesive hooks or adhesive caddies on your fridge or elsewhere.
And if you’re okay screwing an item into your wall, something like this wall-mounted rack can be a brilliant use of space, either for your kitchen or elsewhere. Ashley Mann reported that this is extremely sturdy and can take heavy items.
Make the most of your space, from walls to doors, using books, hanging baskets, or magnetic strips.
A basket like this over a cabinet door can be useful for toiletries or pantry items.
Adhesive caddies can be very clever for behind a door or even on a wall. Command makes this sponge caddy with a removable drip tray.
And a rack could be great for shoes, if you’ve got the space for it! I love this double-deep rack of shoes. And if you need more shoe rack ideas, including how to make your own, check out this article! It includes some incredibly diverse options, from hanging flip flops on hooks to mesh holders on doors and more.
Solution #4: Vacuum-Sealed Storage Bags
Another RV organization hack is vacuum-sealing your bulkier items. Perhaps you’ve got winter clothes with you, but you are a “snowbird,” so you seldom need those winter clothes. Perhaps you’ve got an extra set of sheets or pillows for emergencies or for a rare guest. Vacuum-sealing these items can be a great way to free up space. It can also be helpful if you want to use under-RV storage, which is potentially a bit more at the whim of the elements (and critters) than cabinets and storage within your RV.
While it wouldn’t be efficient to do this with your entire wardrobe, this can be a great way to go for rarely used items and extra bedding and pillows. Make sure you go with bags large enough to accommodate your items of choice.
You’ll also want to consider how you’re storing and organizing these items – keep in mind how frequently you’ll need them. They can tuck behind other items pretty easily once they’re sealed or even go under something else.
Solution #5: Hidden or Under-Furniture Storage
In addition to some of the clever RV space-saving ideas I have already shared, you may have other hidden areas with space that has storage potential.
Under-the-bed storage can be a genius use of space, depending on the space available in your particular RV. Common options can include under-bed drawers or a tub or two used to organize the space under the bed.
Some sofas and other types of seating (including an ottoman, of course) contain built-in storage. Slide-out shelves and container extensions also come to mind here.
So much of this depends on your own RV’s unique quirks, but here are a few under-bed storage solutions that caught my eye.
Keep in mind that you can’t access these items when someone is sleeping on the bed. (Maybe your favorite book or headset should be stored elsewhere!)
Conclusion
Keep in mind these five essential categories in small spaces and in full-time RV living: modular RV storage solutions, collapsible and multi-functional items, vertical storage with hooks and racks, vacuum-sealed storage bags, and hidden or under-furniture storage.
It’s honestly amazing what a few simple tweaks to your space can do. Having a shelf that pulls double or triple duty, or being able to tuck away a few bulky items so that you never bump into them unless you want to – that can really make a difference in your ease and flow of living from day to day. I hope these compact RV storage ideas for living were helpful.
Want more ideas for organizing and saving space in your camper? Check out these articles:
- The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your RV Kitchen
- Adhesive Gadgets to Help You Organize Your RV Without Drilling Holes in the Walls
- 30+ RV Bathroom Organization Ideas and Storage Hacks
