13 Simple, yet Genius RV Storage Ideas You HAVE to Try
I completely understand trying to fit your entire life into 200 square feet is quite the challenge. It feels great knowing I can live this minimalist lifestyle, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find every way possible to store one extra pair of shoes or camping accessory that I may or may not really need.
Over the past few years of full-time RV living, I’ve learned a few RV storage hacks that I think everyone should know.
So if you’re wondering how do I maximize my RV storage that I already have than keep scrolling to find our favorite RV storage ideas for clothes, the kitchen, the bathroom, and the exterior.
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RV Storage Ideas and Hacks
1) Ikea Shoe Storage Bins
One of the major problems most people seem to have is finding the right place or accessory for shoe storage in an RV.
We have a really tight space at our entry door and I needed a slim yet, efficient storage for our shoes.
I came across these shoe bins from Ikea and have absolutely loved them!
The bins only stick out 7 inches and a two-pack is $39 at Ikea! It also comes in a black color.
My husband can easily get in 3 pairs of his size 13 tennis shoes and I can get in 4 pairs of tennis shoes.
I also really love that the top is like a shelf and a catch-all for keys and sunglasses right at the front door.
The shoe rack is very lightweight so you don’t have to worry about adding extra weight to the RV, but it is sturdy enough to not move around on our travel days.
I’ve thought about buying a couple more to use as towel storage in the bathroom or clothes storage in the bedroom.
2) Simple Adhesive Shoe Storage
Who knew that each of us having 6 pairs of shoes is A LOT when living such a minimal lifestyle.
Because our Ikea shoe storage by the door doesn’t fit all our shoes, I found these individual shoe racks to be the best backup solution.
They have adhesive on the back to easily stick right to your bed frame or wall.
I am honestly surprised at how well they have held up and have never fallen off the bed frame after two years of traveling full time.
As you can see from the picture even my husband’s boats fit securely in the rack.
We have a queen bed frame and could easily fit 6 pairs just at the bottom of the frame. There is still the length of the sides if we ever need more!
3) Under Table Storage Drawers
A great RV storage hack is utilizing these under the table drawers to discreetly add more storage.
If you still have the original table that comes in most RVs this is a great place to add the drawers.
Also, most RVs don’t come with a dedicated “junk drawer” and these will be a great way to add one.
Basically wherever you have counter space and nothing under it, I would think about installing one of these hidden drawers.
4) Wireless, Rechargeable Light Strips
While this isn’t to store things, it is a great accessory for storage spaces.
These light strips are small but bright. I have them set to motion sensor mode so they only turn on when it’s dark and a motion goes off in that area.
We have these light strips in the bedroom closet, pantry, under the steps, the underbelly storage, and in the bathroom so we don’t have turn on a bright light at night.
The light strip is rechargeable with a USB cord and lasts a month on one charge.
It also has a magnetic strip on the back and comes with a magnetic adhesive so you can put them anywhere you’d like and easily take off to recharge the battery.
5) Collapsible, Clear Storage Bags
We use these bags for everything! I really love that they have a clear window to easily identify what’s in there and the bags have held up well to water and rough use over the past few years.
Here are a few different uses:
camping gear
winter clothes & boots
Extra linens and towels
6) RV Hose Storage
These bags are great to keep your underbelly more organized and easily identify which bag has which hose or cords.
Fresh water Bag: water hoses, water filter, and water pressure monitor
Dirty water Bag: sidewinder, black tank flush hose, stinky slinky attachments
Electric Bag: extension cords, 50 to 30 amp adapter, and RV surge protector
7) Command Hooks
This is probably no secret, but just in case you don’t know Command Hooks are life-changing for RV storage!
I personally recommend the clear hooks so they are more discreet and you only see what is being hung.
I also opt for the 2 lbs hooks because I know they can hold wet towels and heavy sweaters.
You can barely see the hooks in this picture, but I have one for the hand towel and another in the shower to hang wet towels.
We also use them in the hallway for jackets and sweaters, near the front door to hang keys and the dog leash, and inside random cabinets to hang hats.
The list can go on really so I’ll save it for your imagination!
8) Magnetic Knife Rack
I know Ikea has made these knife racks extremely popular for modern kitchens and van life, but they are truly amazing for small spaces.
The big butcher block just doesn’t work for RV life and even though it took me some time to not feel like a serial killer with all my knives on display, I’ve grown to really prefer having a magnetic knife rack!
Even after all our boondocking down rough roads, the knives and scissors have never fallen off.
9) Food Storage Bins for Kitchen
Between the kitchen cabinets, pantry, and fridge we use these clear bins everywhere.
Not only do they help you organize, they also keep everything from falling over or shuffling around during moving day.
In the kitchen cabinets I use the bins to group together cups, mugs, spices, coffee/tea, extra dish rags, and cleaning supplies.
The clear version is nice so I can see everything in it without taking it down.
In the pantry, I use bins to group together different kinds of snacks, nut butters (we somehow have enough PB for one bin), cans, pasta, and sauces.
In the fridge, space is limited and becomes more of a tetris game, but I do like having a specific egg crate and fruit bin.
We even use these bins in the bathroom cabinet too since the two shelves aren’t very versatile until you section them off with bins.
Pro Tip - measure the space you want to use these bins to make sure you get the right depth (especially for the fridge and kitchen cabinets). I suggest the taller height to keep cups from tumbling over.
10) Remote Holder
Most of us living in a RV no longer have a coffee table, nor a home base for the remotes.
I got so tired of tearing up the couch to find the remotes so I spent $15 on this simple remote wall storage, and it’s been completely worth it!
Obviously, you also need everyone to actually use this remote holder, but thankfully hearing me complain about the remotes being lost is less work than just using it!
It’s simple, sleek and works like a charm!
11) Hamper Stored in Shower
Another item that usually doesn’t get a place once you move into an RV is the laundry hamper.
I really like this collapsible laundry hamper so it can form however I need it to and the handles make it easy to move in and out when we do need to take a shower.
I know some people don’t like hampers with no lid, but since it is in the shower and we can close the shower curtain, we rarely have smell issues.
12) Closet Storage Clothes Rack
My husband and I both share one tiny closet that is about 18 inches wide, needless to say we’ve had to get creative.
I love this over the door organizer for small items like underwear, socks, tank tops, etc.
Since we don’t have any drawers we also use this hanging organizer rack inside the closet for clothes that don’t need to be hung. It’s surprising how much you can pack in their if you roll your clothes.
For those that are looking for a place for your jewelry, I use a travel jewelry case.
13) Guitar Wall Mount
Just in case any of you are also a musician and haven’t quite figured out where to store your guitar.
This simple, yet genius wall mount holds the guitar perfectly and is very secure.
There are two small brackets you screw into the wall, but it takes 5 minutes, and finally you have a home for your must-have campfire guitar.
We hung ours right over the front door so it’s never in the way and displays as art.
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