27 Ideas for Organizing and Saving Space in an RV Kitchen
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Here are some of the best RV kitchen storage solutions I’ve found for efficiently organizing and using every bit of storage space in a small RV kitchen.
Tip #1: Use wall space to add storage to your RV kitchen.
Idea #1: Add a Wall Mounted Knife Caddy
Just about every empty wall in my RV is used for storage, like this wall of my RV kitchen where I have a knife holder and a small wire storage basket.
I initially tried hanging the basket with three Command hooks, but since the items I keep in it are pretty heavy, it eventually it fell down, so I used screws instead.
Idea #2: Make Room for Wall Mounted Organizers
My friend Brooke mounted a narrow spice rack (which she spray painted blue) on a wall in her travel trailer, along with a galvanized metal file organizer she uses as plate storage.
Idea #3: Install Tall Cabinets for Extra RV Kitchen Storage
The owners of the RV pictured below doubled their kitchen cabinet space by installing two kitchen cabinets. They purchased them at a home supply store, stacked them on top of each other, and secured them to the wall with screws.
Since they match their existing cabinets, you can’t even tell they weren’t part of the original design!
Idea #4: Use Magnets to Store Spices on Kitchen Walls
One of my personal favorite uses of wall space is for spice storage. I made this magnetic spice storage wall in my RV, which I wrote about in a separate blog post.
Read Next: Spice Storage Ideas to Help You Organize Your RV Kitchen
Update: My New and Improved Adhesive Spice Rack
We now own a motorhome instead of our fifth wheel, so now I use adhesive stainless steel strips to hang magnetic spice tins.
This one was much easier than my other spice wall! But at the time I made the other one, I couldn’t find anything like these small strips of stainless steel.
Tip #2: Look for other vertical spaces in your RV kitchen that can be turned into storage.
Idea #5: Hang a Rack for Storing Cutting Boards and Cookies Sheets
I already had this hanging rack, but didn’t have a use for it. For storing my cutting boards and cookie sheets, I decided to hang it on the side of my cabinets.
I used screws to mount it. It also conceals our converter and other electrical components.
- Please measure before purchasing; minimum required cabinet space (individual): 13"W x 4”D x 19”H. Product Dimensions: 12.45"Wx3.55"Dx18.3"H
Idea #6: Mug Hooks Used to Hang Wire Baskets on the End of an RV Kitchen Cabinet
One of my favorite small camper storage ideas is to hang baskets on the wall wherever extra storage is needed.
In my fifth wheel, I used mug hooks to hang wire baskets from the end of an RV kitchen cabinet as a place to store fruit and root vegetables.
Read next: Ideas for Storing Fruit & Vegetables in Your RV
If you don’t want to use hooks that would leave holes in your walls or cabinets, you could try this type of wire basket hung with adhesive hooks.
- 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐄 - MaraFansie over the door cabinet organizer is Ideal for organizing and storing spice bottles, pantry items, snacks, toiletries, tools, craft supplies, etc. MaraFansie basket can be used anywhere around the house, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the bedroom and more.
Idea #7: Use Tiny Gaps to Create Magnetic Pizza Pan Storage
Here’s an “RV kitchen storage hack” that I’m particularly proud I thought of. The gap next to my microwave seemed like wasted space, so I stuck a couple of magnets to the side of my microwave and it became the perfect spot to store my pizza pan.
Idea #8: Store Small Items on RV Refrigerator Doors
Another RV kitchen storage idea is to use the doors of your refrigerator for added storage.
If your refrigerator doors are magnetic, you can use magnetic hooks to store all kinds of kitchen supplies. I’ve got measuring cups and spoons, pot holders, and a plastic bag holder hung on my refrigerator.
If your fridge isn’t magnetic, you can either replace the panels with magnetic stainless steel sheets or use adhesive hooks instead.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL USE: This magnetic hook is perfect for hanging tools such as keys, towels, kitchen utensils, umbrellas, garlands and many more objects. Ideal for home, office, classroom decor, garage, outdoor. The possibilities are endless with our magnetic hooks
Tip #3: Utilize the Bottoms of RV Kitchen Cabinets for Under Cabinet Storage.
Idea #9: Pots and Utensils Hung Underneath RV Cabinets
First of all, I just love the wall decor in this kitchen. But also, I love how the owner of this motorhome hung her pots and pans and other kitchen items from the bottom of her cabinets.
Idea #10: Hang Utensils Under Cabinets
This rotating adhesive hanger can be stuck to your backsplash (it bends) or under a cabinet for hanging utensils in your RV kitchen.
- kitchen utensil hanger：It is widely used in bathroom, outdoor ,kitchen, decorations including ceiling hooks, key hooks, bath towel hook. Great for storing and organizing kitchens utensils and keeping all within hands reach.
Idea #11: Hang Wine Glasses Over Dining Area
I hung wine glasses from the bottom of one of my RV cabinets using a couple of racks like this one.
We’ve only moved our RV once so far since I hung them. Unfortunately, I forgot to run a bungee cord across the end of the rack before we left so they wouldn’t slide off, and a few fell off and broke.
But the ones that stayed on the rack did just fine with liquor bottle sleeves over them. I use those sleeves to protect my actual liquor bottles and glassware as well.
- KEEP IT SAFE: Keep your bottles safe while traveling or shipping by placing these mesh protective sleeves around your wine or liquor bottle which prevents them from banging against each other.
Idea #12: Attach a Paper Plate Dispenser to the Bottom of a Kitchen Cabinet
For RV owners who prefer to use paper plates, one of these paper plate dispensers mounted to the bottom of a cabinet could come in really handy.
Idea #13: Use a Magnetic Knife Strip
A lot of people mount a magnetic knife strip on the wall of their RV kitchens.
If you don’t want your knives out, you can also hide them by mounting them in a cabinet.
- Magnetic Strip Material - Our magnetic knife holder for wall is made of stainless steel and featuring a powerful magnet. Sleek, modern, space-saving design saves valuable countertop and workbench space, accenting any kitchen decor.
Idea #14: Rack for Wraps and Baggies Mounted Under a Kitchen Cabinet
A wrap and bag holder like this one, which is designed to be mounted on a kitchen cabinet door, could just as easily be mounted to the bottom of a cabinet.
- Made with hevy guage steel to store for bigger paper roll, food wrap and foil.
You could even try using Command hooks or adhesive cable clips to hang it if you wanted, although I would probably choose mug hooks myself so that the height and angle could be adjusted as needed. You could also spray paint the rack to be whatever color you wanted.
Idea #15: Hang an Under Cabinet Rack for Coffee Pods
Do you use a Keurig to make coffee in your RV? If so, under the cabinet can be a great place to store K cups.
Idea #16: Install an Under Cabinet Organizer for Small Items
- Ingenious Storage Solution: An ideal compact size, our patented Anything Keeper provides a sturdy permanent storage container in your home, office, cabin, RV, & other busy areas. Perfect for use at everyday workstations, the tasteful black mesh movable basket hangs in reaching distance for essentials like pens, paperwork, computer accessories, and personal items. The interior holder measures 10.25” x 9” x 2” & includes a slip-resistant mat, making it extra user-friendly.
This space-saving “stuff” organizer (it’s literally called an “Anything Keeper” has a similar design, but can be used to store anything. It comes in either black or white, but of course, it too could be spray painted to match your RV decor.
Idea #17: Add Small Drawers to the Bottom of an RV Kitchen Cabinet
Here’s another under-cabinet storage idea that I would love to try sometime.
- A multipurpose organizer cabinet featuring burnished metal hardware and a vintage-style dark brown wood finish exuding a timeless charm and elegance, adding a touch of sophistication to your desk or office environment while blending seamlessly with any decor style
It’s a set of wooden drawers that could be mounted to the bottom of a cabinet using L brackets, acrylic mounting tape (since it’s very small), or countless other ways I’m sure. If you do this, please send me a picture!
Idea #18: Find a Rod with Hooks for Hanging Utensils
The owners of this RV use the space under their kitchen cabinets as a place to store kitchen gadgets in their camper by hanging them from a utensil rack. These can be purchased in different lengths and you can even get an adhesive one, but be sure to measure the height of your space before buying one.
- Sturdy Material --Made of good iron material, strong hardness, not easy to break. And it's a nice sturdy design with full metal construction; It looks nice with any pan pot and with almost any kitchen theme. It definitely holdes weight of cast iron pans. The total weight of pots/pans/utensils on the rack not to exceed 30 kg or 66 lbs will be best.
Tip #4: Use countertops for adding RV kitchen storage.
Idea #19: Spice Rack Next to Backsplash
Here’s a neat idea that one of my blog subscribers sent to me in an email. It’s a nail polish rack, which she keeps on her counter, held in place by clear Command hooks.
The bottom was originally rounded, her husband used a grinding wheel to make it flat across the bottom, but if you’re like me and have no way of cutting metal, you could get a rectangle-shaped one instead. I’m sure these could also be secured in place with a bit of my trusty friend, acrylic mounting tape.
Idea #20: Store Silverware On the Counter
I know most of us grew up with a silverware drawer as a basic kitchen essential, but after experiencing the convenience of having a silverware caddy next to my sink, I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to grab and store now!
I made this caddy by putting some tin cans in a basket I got at a thrift store. I wrap a bungee cord around it to hold it in place when my RV is in motion. Adding some rubber shelf liner to the bottom would probably prevent it from moving too.
There are some really neat silverware caddies on Amazon, such as this galvanized metal one, which would be super handy for carrying outside to eat at a camp table or picnic table if you eat most of your meals outside.
- The Artland Oasis Carry-All can be used to carry things like napkins, condiment jars, silverware or a 6 pack of beer bottles
Idea #21: Shower Caddy Used in an RV Kitchen
Sometimes the best camper organization ideas involve using items in a way that was different than their intended use. This RV owner used a caddy from the bathroom department at Walmart to add extra storage in her kitchen.
Idea #22: Create a Tea or Coffee Station
This caddy would be perfect for organizing tea or creating a coffee station.
- Effortless Organization: This condiment holder offers an easily accessible solution for sorting condiments, coffee pods, tea bags, cups, stirrers, and more. Its stacked sectional design minimizes countertop footprint, ensuring everything stays tidy
Idea #23: Build a Raised Shelf Behind the Sink
A friend of mine added a small wooden shelf behind the sink in her RV kitchen when she renovated her RV to create a place to set decorative items while keeping them up and off the counter.
Tip #5: Look for other empty spaces that be used as RV kitchen storage.
Idea #24: Stash Snacks in the Microwave
Here’s a cool space-saving idea if you’re really desperate for storage space in a small camper or travel trailer. Use the microwave as storage.
RVer Amanda Kehler keeps a basket in her microwave which she simply removes whenever she needs to use the microwave and replaces afterward.
Idea #25: Hang a Pot Rack from the Ceiling
In my RV, I put the kitchen ceiling to use by hanging a pot rack above my sink. The screws in my RV’s vent cover happened to be perfectly located and I was able to remove them and replace them with hooks. I’ve also seen other RV owners hang a pot rack from a wooden light fixture.
You probably won’t want to try this idea if you have a motorhome, because I can’t imagine that you’d want to listen to pots and pans banging around as you’re driving down the road!
Idea #26: Multi-Level Drawer Organizer
Giving drawers a storage upgrade with multi-tier cutlery trays and drawer dividers is a good way to utilize space near the top without them becoming too messy.
RV owner Kathy Johnson is a pro at drawer organization, as you can see in the photos below.
Idea #27: Check If You Have a Panel with Empty Space Behind It
Many RV kitchens have panels with empty space behind them that can be turned into storage, like this spot I found underneath my pantry cabinets.
Want to see more ideas for RV kitchen organization? Check out these other blog posts:
Ashley Mann spent three years living full time in a 38-foot, 5th-wheel RV with her husband Josiah and their cat, Kitty. Her favorite thing about RV life is the challenge of finding the perfect way to organize a space, and she loves seeing all the creative and clever ways people come up with to customize their RVs.
I love seeing all the small space organization ideas. I have 10 of the wire baskets hanging in various places and I love them. You can never have enough storage!
We are on our virgin RV camping trip and just found your SUPER informative site. (I’ve already read at half of your articles.) Quick question: We dutifully laid down the non slip gray waffle looking stuff in the cabinets. It did prevent slipping of articles in traveling, but it’s as annoying as h-e-double-hockey-sticks for every day use and who wants to change it out before and after traveling. Not me! Is there any reason why I can’t hot glue it in place so it doesn’t move? Hmmm, just thought of something … maybe there’s another product that is non-slip AND doesn’t create a bubble/buckle every time you move something. Anyway, if you see this and have ideas, definitely open to them.
I think hot gluing is a great idea and might do that myself as I too get annoyed with how the shelf liner gets bunched up! I would probably do just a small dot of glue in each corner so it’s not hard to remove and clean under it or replace it if needed.
Hi I’m Marilyn I’m a widow I purchased a motor home and plan on making it my home im 69 and have my cats even though I know I have to down size a lot (from a 2,000 Sq foot house) I will still need storage ideas for what I want to keep any help will do thank you
Hi Marilyn! Congratulations on your new motor home, that’s so exciting!
You can check out all of our storage and organization posts here: https://rvinspiration.com/category/organize/
We also have some courses on downsizing, if you are interested: https://rvinspiration.teachable.com/courses
Please let us know if there are any specific areas you need storage ideas for and we will try to help.
Wow, talk about maximizing space! We recently got into the RV life and have made a ton of updates including a cabinet door replacement. Now that the outside of the cabinets looks good, we definitely needed some help getting the inside to look just as good. Using other vertical spaces has been a game-changer, especially with that magnetic knife stip. Now we just need to finish up some organizational things and get it ready to leave Albuquerque for an awesome President’s Day weekend. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Alicia!
Congratulations on getting into the wonderful world of RV life! I’m so glad this post was helpful for you. If you need some ideas for inside your cabinets, check out this post: https://rvinspiration.com/organize/organize-rv-kitchen-cabinets/
I hope your President’s Day trip is fantastic!
Just wanted to say thank you!
You are very welcome! Thanks for stopping by! <3
Thank you for all the great tips! Wondered if anyone has come up with any ideas for storing wine glasses and coffee mugs safely when on the road? We do use plastic & paper but like to bring 4 wine glasses & 4 mugs too:)
Thank You!
I actually use a wine glass rack! It worked well and I wrapped them with liquor bottle sleeves when traveling. You can see it a little better in this post https://rvinspiration.com/makeovers/rv-tours/ourrvadventure/