How to Maximize Storage Space in Your RV

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 7 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Maximizing storage in an RV is 50% ruthless editing and 50% smart gear. If you try to fix a clutter problem with more bins, you’ll just be stacking chaos. Start by taking less, then use vertical space, under-bed bays, and cabinet interiors with the right organizers. Lightweight, stackable, and collapsible items give you the most flexibility on travel days and in camp.[1][2][4][7]

Below is a practical, gear-focused guide based on what actually works over many miles—not what just looks clever on social media.

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Step 1: Start With a Storage Game Plan (Before You Buy Anything)

Define zones and measure everything

Before loading your first bin, walk your rig and define zones: kitchen, pantry, clothing, tools, office, pet gear, outdoor gear, and “deep storage” (rarely used stuff).[1][4][8]

Do this first:

1. Empty the rig completely. You’ll find wasted space you’ve stopped noticing.[4][8]
2. Measure every cabinet, drawer, and bay (length, width, depth, height).[1]
3. Assign each zone a home: specific cabinets, bays, and overheads.[1][4]
4. Make a short list of items that must live inside (daily use, valuables) vs. items that can live outside (chairs, grills, totes).[2][7]

You’ll buy better organizers (and fewer of them) once you know actual dimensions.[1]

Ruthless declutter: what NOT to bring

Almost everyone overpacks their first season. Storage “problems” often disappear once you stop hauling dead weight.[4]

Skip or reduce:

• Duplicate cookware and utensils you “might” need
• Heavy single-purpose gadgets (rice cookers, bread makers, huge blenders) unless you use them weekly
• More than 1–2 weeks of clothing per person[2][5]
• Full-size tools you realistically won’t use on the road

Aim for:

• Essentials: used daily or weekly
• Seasonal: stored deep but worthwhile (winter gear, spare blankets)
• Rarely used: only if impossible to replace on the road

If you wouldn’t pay to ship it cross-country, it probably doesn’t belong in your RV.

Step 2: Use Vertical Space Like a Tiny-House Builder

Most RVs waste the top half of cabinets, wall space, and door backs. That’s your biggest storage opportunity.[1][2][3][7]

Best vertical storage gear (what actually works)

1. Over-the-door organizers for bathrooms, bedrooms, and pantry

   • Great for toiletries, cleaning supplies, small pantry items, and shoes.[2][7]
   • Look for slim, fabric or mesh designs that don’t slam or swing much in transit.

2. Command hooks and strips on walls and doors

   • Ideal for hats, jackets, keys, leashes, lightweight bags, and shower gear.[1][3][8]
   • Remove cleanly when you sell the rig; just stay within weight limits for each hook.

3. Shallow wall shelves or rails

   • For spices, small books, radios, or remotes.[2][3]
   • Keep depth shallow so you don’t clip them walking by.[2]

4. Magnetic knife and utensil strips in the kitchen

   • Free up valuable drawer and counter space.[2][3]
   • Mount securely to a stud or backing panel.

5. Ceiling nets or hammocks

   • Useful for very light items like soft toys, extra blankets, or out-of-season clothing.[7]
   • Avoid overloading; you don’t want a ceiling sag.

Products to skip or be cautious with

• Heavy, deep bookcase-style shelves screwed into thin RV walls — they often pull out in transit.
• Overloaded behind-the-door racks that slam and stress hinges.

Step 3: Make Cabinets and Drawers Pull Double Duty

Inside each cabinet is usually unused headroom and wasted door space.[1][6][7]

Simple cabinet upgrades

• Shelf risers to split tall shelves into two usable layers[6]
• Shelf dividers to keep stacks of plates, bowls, or food from sliding[6]
• Turntables (lazy Susans) for spices, oils, and small jars
• Pull-out wire baskets for deep lower cabinets so you can reach the back[2]

Use clear, stackable bins that match your cabinet depth so you’re not losing inches to rounded corners or random sizes.[2][3][7]

Use the backside of doors

The back of cabinet doors is prime storage real estate for small, flat items.[1][3][7]

Ideas:

• Shallow spice racks
• Narrow baskets for foil, wraps, cutting boards
• Adhesive hooks for measuring spoons, cups, pot holders
• Plastic file pockets for manuals, maps, or mail

Stick to low-profile items so doors still close cleanly and don’t hit frames.

Step 4: Under-Bed, Bays, and “Deep Storage” Done Right

Your under-bed compartment and exterior bays are best for bulky or rarely used gear.[1][7][8]

What belongs under the bed

• Extra bedding and pillows (in vacuum bags)[1][2]
• Off-season clothing
• Sentimental items you genuinely want to keep

Use:

• Vacuum storage bags to shrink soft bulky items[1][2]
• Shallow, lidded totes that can slide out instead of requiring you to unpack everything

What belongs in exterior storage bays

• Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
• Water, sewer, and electrical gear
• Outdoor chairs, rugs, and tables
• Grill or outdoor stove
• Tool kit and spare fluids

Pack bays by frequency of use: daily-use gear near the door, deep spares in the back.[8]

Security for outside storage

If you add cargo racks or exterior bins, use:

• Weather-resistant totes
• Heavy-duty locks and cables[2]

RV parks and boondocking spots are generally safe, but theft does happen. Lock anything you’d be mad to replace.[2]

Step 5: Choose Smarter Furniture and Gear

Every large object in an RV should earn its square footage.

Multi-functional furniture

RV parks and tiny-home folks consistently recommend multi-purpose furniture:[2][7]

• Sofas that convert to beds with storage under the cushions
• Dinette benches with lift-up storage
• Ottomans or stools with internal storage

If your rig came with extra benches or unused beds, consider removing them to open space for shelves, office setups, or gear storage.[3]

Collapsible and nesting kitchen gear

The kitchen is where clutter builds the fastest.

Look for:

• Nesting pots and bowls that share lids[2]
• Collapsible colanders, dish racks, and measuring cups[2][7]
• Stackable food containers with uniform lids

According to RV space-saving guides, collapsible and stackable items are one of the biggest wins for tiny kitchens.[2][3][7] Bring only what you cook with weekly.

Clothing: pack lighter, pack smarter

Space experts repeatedly recommend versatile, mix-and-match wardrobes over lots of single-use outfits.[2][5]

Tips:

• Choose neutral layers that work in multiple combinations
• Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles[5]
• Use slim or collapsible hangers in wardrobes[2]

Step 6: Organization Habits That Keep You Sane

Storage gear helps, but habits are what keep the rig livable day after day.[1][4][7]

Label everything

Labels don’t create space, but they keep you from tearing cabinets apart every few days.[2]

• Label the fronts of bins (“Breakfast,” “Tools,” “Dog Gear,” “Seasonal”) so anyone can find things fast
• Use clear containers when possible to see contents without opening[2]

One-in, one-out rule

RV storage guides emphasize ongoing decluttering as essential.[4][7] When something new comes aboard, something else should leave:

• New shirt? Retire an old one.
• New gadget? Donate the one it replaces.

Build in a 10-minute reset at the end of each travel day to put everything back in its zone.

Step 7: Area-by-Area Storage Playbook

Kitchen & pantry

Focus on clear counters and secure storage.

Do:

• Use magnetic strips for knives and metal utensils[2][3]
• Hang a small fruit/veggie hammock under a cabinet[2]
• Add an extra removable wire shelf or riser in tall cupboards[2][6]
• Use narrow bins to corral canned goods and snacks[6]

Skip:

• Heavy ceramic dish sets (opt for lighter-weight, nestable dishes)
• Overly complicated can/boxed-good dispensers that waste vertical space

Bathroom

Bathrooms are usually tight but have vertical potential.[2][3][7]

Do:

• Use over-the-door organizers and small wall baskets for toiletries
• Install shower-specific Command hooks or suction hangers for loofahs and washcloths[3]
• Use built-in or corner shelves for shampoo/soap so bottles aren’t sliding around[3]

Skip:

• Full household-size cleaning bottles; decant into smaller travel bottles

Bedroom & wardrobe

Do:

• Store off-season or extra bedding under the bed in vacuum bags[1][2]
• Use soft bins for socks, underwear, and accessories in overhead cabinets
• Consider bed risers if you can safely gain extra under-bed clearance[7]

Skip:

• Multiple full-sized suitcases; empty them and store flat or leave them home

Living area

Do:

• Mount hooks for jackets and hats near the entrance[1][2][9]
• Add a small, lidded ottoman for blankets and remotes

Skip:

• Extra loose chairs that just shuffle around on travel days

Outdoor space

Treat outdoors as a pressure valve for interior space.

Do:

• Use an awning or pop-up shelter to expand your living room outdoors[7]
• Store bulkier items (chairs, tables, outdoor rugs) in exterior bays or on cargo racks[2][7]

Skip:

• Packing more outdoor furniture than you routinely use

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I maximize storage space in a small RV or camper van?

Prioritize decluttering and vertical storage: bring fewer, multi-use items; use wall-mounted organizers, over-door racks, and ceiling nets; and convert every cabinet into two layers with shelf risers and bins.[1][2][3][7] Put bulky, rarely used items under the bed or in exterior bays, and keep daily-use items in easy-reach zones.

What are the best storage containers for RVs?

Look for clear, stackable containers that match your cabinet depth so you don’t waste inches.[2][3][6] Choose latching lids for travel days, soft-sided bins for overhead cabinets, shallow totes under the bed, and weather-resistant totes for exterior bays.[1][2][7]

How can I keep my RV organized while traveling full-time?

Use a zone system, label every bin, and keep a strict one-in/one-out rule.[1][4][7] Do a 10–15 minute reset each night, return gear to its labeled zone, and schedule a deeper declutter every few months so clutter doesn’t creep back in.[4][7]

Are vacuum storage bags worth it in an RV?

Yes—vacuum bags are one of the easiest ways to reclaim space from bulky soft items like bedding, pillows, and off-season clothing.[1][2] Store them under the bed or in a rarely accessed bay so you’re not opening and resealing them constantly.

What should I avoid when trying to add more storage to my RV?

Avoid adding heavy, deep shelving that stresses RV walls, overloading door-mounted organizers, and buying lots of small, mismatched bins that don’t stack.[2][3][6] Skip single-purpose gadgets you rarely use; the easiest “storage upgrade” is simply not bringing things that don’t earn their space.

Top Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		Cidaziya Closet Organizers and Storage Shelves for Clothes, Collapsible Stackable Storage Bins Organizer Baskets Containers Drawers for Truck Camper Closet RV Closets Pantries Cupboard Wardrobe	$29.99	★★★★★ (246)	View on Amazon
#2		2 Piece Kitchen Cabinet Door Storage Box,Self Adhesive Wall Mounted Storage Boxes,Wardrobe/Bathroom/Refrigerator Small Items Organizer Storage Box (Black)	$14.99	★★★★★ (2,496)	View on Amazon
#3		Amazon Basics Under Bed Storage Bags for Clothes and Blankets, Foldable Fabric Zipper Container with Clear Window and Reinforced Handles, Space Saving, 18 x 42 x 6 inches, Gray, 2-Pack	$12.59	★★★★☆ (15,450)	View on Amazon
#4		Kmiectse Clear Storage Bin with Lid 3 Pack 【Stackable & Sturdy】 Plastic Multifunctional Folding Storage Bins for Bedroom, Living Room, Study,Room, 23 QT Folding Box with Magnetic Door	$31.99	★★★★☆ (2,198)	View on Amazon