Whether you explore the country year-round or spend occasional weekends in your RV, you need quite a few supplies. After all, your RV is your home away from home. Even the biggest RVs may not have enough space for all your essentials, though. Try one or more of these 11 RV organization hacks as you create the space you need.
1. Buy RV Sized Items
Your RV is a small-scale version of your house, so buy small-scale items. For example, choose a compact trash can, trial-size toiletries and collapsible cookware instead of full-sized items. Also – think about multi-purpose or all-in-one items like one cooking utensil that doubles as pot, strainer, steamer, and pan!
2. Eliminate Unused Items
You can create more space when you pack only the items you actually use. Empty one cupboard or drawer at a time, and toss anything you haven’t used in recent memory or this season. Now’s the time to be ruthless, not sentimental, and don’t bring a lot of unnecessary items “just in case.” Unless you’re camping in the wilderness for months at a time, you can always restock or buy items you need while you’re on the road.
3. Pack What you Need
While it’s important to reduce unused and unnecessary items, do be sure you pack everything you need for your trip, including these 12 must-have gadgets. Heading to a lake for the season? Bring your swimsuit, beach towel, chair, and sand toys. Going on a ski weekend? Pack winter gear (and hot chocolate).
4. Follow the One In, One Out Rule
Every time you bring something new into your RV, challenge yourself to take something out. For example, if you buy a new comforter, mug or book, donate or toss a comforter, mug or book. This strategy can reduce clutter in your limited space (individual toothpicks do not count by the way!)
5. Assign Everything a Place
As you decide how to organize your RV, choose a spot for linens, clothing, kitchenware, tools, and other supplies. Then place all your stuff in its assigned space. With this hack, you can quickly clean up your RV and keep it tidy as you travel. Think about using a label maker as well for forgetful family members!
6. Wall Space is Still Space
Most RVs have wall space you can also use for storage. With a little creativity and the right products like pegs, hooks and double sided tape, you can transfer stuff from drawers, cupboards or the floor and maximize useable space.
- Towel bars – In addition to storing towels, use a towel bar to secure toiletries in the bathroom. You can organize cleaning supplies bottles under the sink or hold rolled clothing in the bedroom.
- Magazine holders – Sort and store vegetables, canned goods, water bottles, paper goods, shoes, electronic devices, games, and dozens of other items.
- Hooks – Attach suction or magnetic hooks onto smooth wall surfaces, and store mugs, measuring cups, cleaning bottles, clothes, and any other items that can fit reasonably.
- Broom holders – Multiple and single broom holders can store spice jars, flashlights and tools. Hang this storage solution on any wall, including under cabinets or on the ceiling, to add even more storage space to your RV.
- Baskets – On walls, under cabinets or inside drawers, baskets organize and store various items, including food, games, clothing, and tools. The dollar store is your best friend for finding every size and shape.
7. Consider Door Storage
Put your door real estate to good use. Simply hang hooks, bars, shoe racks, baskets, and pockets on both sides of the doors. Here, you can sort and store food, clothing, linens, toiletries, and other supplies.
8. Install Hidden Storage
Choose benches, ottomans and tables that also function as storage units. Or raise your bed frame and place bins underneath. In these hidden spots, you can store blankets, hobby supplies, paper products, seasonal items, and more.
9. Utilize Your RV’s Basement
The storage spaces under your RV can sort everyday items and all your extras, like patio furniture, extra fuel containers and routine maintenance supplies. Use totes and dividers to organize and maximize this space and prevent it from getting cluttered.
10. Make Your Bed
Discover how to make extra sleeping space in an RV for all your guests. You could hang hammocks, use lined sleeping bags or utilize a cab bed over the front seats. You could also install a bunk bed, Murphy bed, air mattress, or sleeper sofa.
11. Get Everyone’s Cooperation
If you travel with family members or friends, ask them to help you learn and decide how to make more space in an RV and how to do it in a way that makes the most sense for you and the people you are travelling with. Maybe you could share toiletries, games and other items instead of packing duplicates, or agree to downsize your collection of stuff as you work together to maximize space without sacrificing comfort or essentials.
As you travel in your RV, you can pack everything you need and keep your space organized. These 11 creative hacks will go a long way to help you make more space and enjoy every trip.
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