Creative RV Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

One of the biggest challenges we have faced while living and traveling in our RV? Finding places to store all of our things. Honestly, I imagine this is a problem even if you only vacation in your trailer or motorhome, much less live in it. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take that will help.

Here are my top creative RV storage solutions for small spaces. 

Start with a Declutter Mindset

First things first, you are going to want to purge as many items as you possibly can. The less you carry with you in your RV, the easier it is going to be to keep it organized. Besides, reducing the amount of stuff you have onboard will help ensure you don’t go over your cargo carrying capacity. 

When decluttering my RV, I like to take inventory of everything in the rig. I then go through the list and ask myself if I actually use the item regularly, and whether it is essential for safety and comfort. If the answer to both questions is “no,” then the item gets donated or sold.

I purge the RV once every few months or as soon as I notice it feeling cluttered. This ensures we maintain our organization, RV weight, and the peaceful feel of a clean space. 

Maximize Vertical Space

Okay, now for the storage and organization tips. My first tip? Think up. Usually, RV cabinets and walls have a ton of vertical space that goes completely unused. Use this to your advantage. 

Wall-Mounted Storage

Consider installing some wall-mounted storage solutions. Magnetic strips are perfect for knives, tools, and/or metal kitchen utensils. Meanwhile, adhesive hooks or Command Strips can hold hats, towels, and keys without damaging walls.

I’ve never tried it, but I’ve seen lots of RVers use pegboards in their kitchens and storage bays to hold lightweight pans, brooms, or hoses.

Ceiling RV Storage

The ceiling also plays host to some usable storage space. We installed cargo nets in bunk areas for lightweight items like blankets or stuffed toys, and it made a world of difference for our kiddos. You could also use overhead tension rods in closets or bathrooms to hang extra towels or small laundry bags.

Door and Cabinet Back Storage

I’m a huge fan of storing things on the backs of doors. The insides of cabinet doors are ideal for small organizers such as narrow baskets for spices, food wrap dispensers, or cleaning products.

I also always hang a shoe organizer on the back of each door in our rig. These are great for toiletries, snacks, or even tools.

Use Multi-Functional Furniture

Multi-use items are king when it comes to RV living. This applies to furniture as much as anything else. In fact, multi-functional furniture can be a life saver if cabinet space is limited in your rig. 

Some of the best multi-functional furniture pieces I’ve seen in RVs include:

• Lift-top tables that reveal hidden RV storage for games, electronics, or chargers.
• Ottomans or benches with storage inside for blankets, shoes, or pet supplies.
• Convertible dinettes that double as a workspace or extra sleeping area with storage underneath.
• Murphy beds or folding bunks that save floor space during the day.
  

When we replaced all the furniture in our travel trailer, I made a point of looking for furniture with built-in drawers/cubbies or multiple functions in order to make the most of our teeny tiny space. 

Smart Kitchen Storage for RVs

Here’s the thing: Our RV kitchen is never going to stay clean. It just gets used too much, and there is too little counter space for things to really stay all that neat throughout the day. That said, I have found some solutions that help make our RV kitchen less cluttered and more functional. 

Drawer and Cabinet Solutions

Start with the drawers and cabinets, making sure everything has a specific place and can be easily found. Stackable nesting bowls and pots make this easier by saving space, and drawer dividers and/or cutlery trays can help keep utensils organized. Tension rods are awesome for securing cutting boards or baking sheets vertically.

Countertop Space Savers

Finding enough counter space is always a huge problem for us. I like to install a sink cover or folding cutting board to create extra prep space. Our stove cover is also super handy at times.

To keep the countertops clear while keeping essentials handy, use a magnetic spice rack or tiered shelf on the wall. 

Pantry and Dry RV Storage Ideas

In our pantry, all dry goods go in stackable clear plastic containers that are labeled. You can also add pull-out baskets inside cabinets to access items at the back easily.

Bathroom RV Storage Hacks

It’s no secret that RV bathrooms are tiny. Really, I don’t mind this fact for the most part. I wouldn’t want a bathroom consuming a lot of precious space in our rig. That said, it can make bathroom storage tricky. Here are some ways we solve that problem. 

Wall and Door Organizers

Over-the-door shoe organizers are perfect for holding toiletries, as are over-the-door baskets. I like to use adhesive hooks for towels, robes, and loofahs, and in every rig I will mount a toothbrush holder and soap dispenser to the wall to free up sink space.

Cabinet and Sink Space

The under-the-sink cabinet tends to be the biggest cabinet in an RV bathroom. You can add stacking drawers or baskets under the sink to take advantage of vertical space. It’s also possible to use small tension rods inside cabinets to hang spray bottles. To get things off the countertop, consider mounting a magnetic strip for tweezers, scissors, and nail clippers.

Closet and Bedroom Storage Ideas

Finding places to store our clothes in our most recent RV has been an issue from the get-go. Add in all the other things we like to keep in our sleeping spaces, and we had a real puzzle on our hands. Here are a handful of solutions that have been helpful.

Space-Saving Hangers

If you have a place to hang clothes, start by choosing your hangers wisely. You can use slim velvet hangers to maximize closet capacity, and try cascade hooks to hang multiple shirts or pants vertically.

Foldable and Stackable Options

I love to roll my clothes rather than folding in order to save space and prevent wrinkles. I then put the rolled clothes I use less often in stackable storage bins or fabric cubes under the bed. I like to store seasonal clothing in vacuum-sealed bags to free up space during off-seasons.

Under-Bed and Overhead RV Storage

Every RV we have owned has offered a huge storage space under the bed. As I said before, I use some of this space to store clothes that I use less often, but it’s also a great space for bedding. I’ve even seen some RVers add under-bed drawers for easy access.

For even more bedroom storage, install shelves above windows or headboards for books or small bins.

Outdoor and Basement RV Storage Solutions

The outside of your RV can be used for storage as well. That said, you will want to keep your exterior RV storage organized and secure to ensure your possessions are safe. 

Exterior Compartment Organization

Most RVs have “basement” RV storage areas. The basement consists of storage bays that allow you to keep bulky items under the RV. These bays are perfect for storing things you only need to access from outside—or things you rarely use—but you will want to store things in them properly. 

For instance, it’s a good idea to use plastic bins with weatherproof lids and labels to separate gear by type. I recommend keeping tools and repair supplies in a dedicated toolbox or small drawer unit. It’s also super important that you store your RV’s water and sewer hoses in separate containers to prevent cross-contamination.

Bike and Outdoor Gear

You can also expand your outdoor storage options. One way to do this is to install a hitch-mounted cargo rack or bike rack. You could also choose to add magnetic or suction hooks to the exterior for hanging towels, lanterns, or trash bags while camping.

Collapsible Equipment

Look for folding chairs, tables, and storage totes that can shrink down when not in use. Many modern RV accessories are designed to collapse or nest, saving valuable space. One of our favorite RV purchases is our telescoping ladder. 

Hidden and Creative Storage Spots

I love finding secret nooks to store things in. Some places you might look for additional storage in your RV include:

• Inside the dinette benches — Great for bulky items like pet food, board games, or shoes.
• Under floorboards — Some RVs have removable panels that can hide valuables or tools.
• In false walls or hollow steps — Add small doors or drawers for secret compartments.
• Above the driver’s cab — Transform unused headspace into storage for lightweight gear.
• Under couches — Perfect for storing bedding or off-season clothes.
  

You can even create DIY pull-out drawers in unused cavities using lightweight wood or plastic bins on sliders. This is especially helpful if a storage space is very deep. 

Label Everything

I love organizing things, but really, it’s only useful if you can actually find the thing you’re looking for at any given moment. The best way to ensure you can always find what you need? Label everything.

Label ideas:

• Use printed or handwritten labels on bins and drawers.
• Create color-coded systems—for example, blue for kitchen, green for outdoor gear, red for tools.
• Use chalkboard or dry-erase labels for items that change frequently.

Go Digital and Downsize Paper Clutter

Paper is space-consuming and creates a lot of clutter. Unfortunately, we end up with so much of it during our travels. For this reason, I do my best to throw out unimportant paper as soon as possible and store the rest digitally.

I scan all important documents and put them on a cloud service. Things like campground reservation confirmations and insurance documents get saved to my phone. The things I absolutely do need hard copies of go into an accordion file so they stay organized. 

RV Storage Safety and Weight Tips

Good organization helps clear out clutter and ensure you can find things you need. That said, it’s also about safety and balance. While organizing your storage bays and cabinets, make sure to distribute weight evenly across the rig to avoid strain on the suspension, and keep heavier items low and close to the RV’s center for stability.

It’s also a good idea to use non-slip mats, bungee cords, and/or drawer latches to keep things in place while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about storing things in your RV? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and our best answers.

As you can see, there are plenty of clever ways to store things in your RV. Use these tips as you organize your home-on-wheels and you’ll be able to enjoy less clutter and a more peaceful living space as you travel and explore.