How can you optimize the space in your RV? Little changes to how and what you store can make a big difference in your living conditions. We’ll go room by room when it comes to a large Class A recreation vehicle, but these organizational tips can be scaled to apply to any type of RV.

The first order of business, do this strategically. Work through one room at a time by taking everything out, figuring out what you need to help you reorganize (such as bins, etc.), purge unnecessary or extra items, and then reassemble the room. If you do everything at once, then you can easily become overwhelmed and less methodical. And once you use something or are putting things away, make sure everything returns to its original location.

Bathroom: One of the most used and smallest rooms in the RV is the bathroom. It’s easy for a bathroom to become cluttered with shampoos, toilet paper, towels, make-up, soaps… the list goes on. And if you’re going to be camping for a long time, or you’re a full timer, it’s nice to not have to carry a dopp kit back and forth and have to dig through it every time you need something. These organizational hacks can bring peace and serenity back to this very personal space while keeping the things you need most within easy reach.

  • Spice racks: Not just for spices, spice racks can be mounted to the wall to hold bathroom supplies such as hair products, deodorant, vitamins, and more.
  • Ikea Bygel containers: These plastic, inexpensive containers come in many colors and can easily slide onto a rail, which can then be mounted on the wall. Put it next to the bathroom sink and give each family member their own to hold their toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Narrow bathroom cabinet: If you can afford the space and under the sink isn’t going to cut it, consider purchasing a compact cabinet to store cleaning supplies, lotions, and toilet paper. The design should be multifunctional, with deep drawers and multiple compartments so that you can organize your items easily. And speaking of the sink, attach lightweight baskets on the inside of the doors for even more organizational abilities.

Kitchen: The heart of the home is the kitchen, which is all the more true when you’re in an RV. The kitchen is basically in the thick of the action, and it’s being constantly used between cooking, cleaning, mealtime, and snacks.

  • Can organizers and binder clips: Use can organizers that are a couple levels high and can handle three or four cans deep. Your canned goods not only stay in place, you can get a lot more of them in the pantry. For small packets, such as pasta packets, install a small bar and some “s” hooks to hang the packets above other items in the pantry for optimal space. If a bag is open, use a binder clip to keep it sealed shut.
  • Cutting board relocation: Cover the top of your sink with a made-to-fit board to extend your counter space, and then use it as your cutting board as you chop. The cutting board can be inserted to be flush with the counter, or it can sit on top. Be innovative. You can also have a cutting board that slides in and out from beneath the counter.
  • Wire racks and baskets: These can do wonders in the kitchen. Attach them to the inside of doors to organize spice packets, food preserving sheets such as cling wrap and aluminum foil, and storage and garbage bags. Wire racks are easy to clean and you’re able to see everything at a glance. Wire racks and baskets also help to keep things stable during movement of the RV.

Living Room: Most RVs come designed with storage space beneath dinette benches and living room sofas, so make sure you use it to your best advantage!

  • Bins and baskets: Organize games, DVDs, and more “collection-like” items in their own designated totes. Choose ones that aren’t very high so that you can stack more of them. Keep remote controls, extra batteries, and other smaller items in baskets and store them in overhead cabinets or in the floor cabinets next to the TV.
  • Space saving bags: For bulky items such as extra pillows, comforters, or flannel sheets that won’t be in use all the time, use space saving bags to compress them and make them easier to stack.
  • Hold my drink: Don’t have built-in cup holders or a spot to hold your drink? Mount an adjustable drink holder near sofas and chairs. You can also find compact, storable TV dinner tables that can fold up and take up minimal space after you’re done.

Bedroom: The bedroom can become the “catch-all,” plus it’s easy to overload with clothing and shoes. In a state like Michigan, where the weather can change in an hour, having a diverse assortment of clothing is crucial.

  • Organize electronics: We can’t live without them anymore, but we have so many that there can be too many cords to manage and not enough wall sockets. First, use a utility strip so that you only need to plug in one thing. Keep your cords organized in a plastic case with predetermined dividers. If you have the space on a bedside table or you have a shelf as part of your headboard, use it to line up your devices.
  • Utilize your headboard: If the space behind your bed has a false, wall-mounted headboard, then replace it with a hanging organizer. Choose one in an attractive color and pockets high up to hold magazines, phones, or jewelry.
  • Back to bins: Bins are essential for a clean and organized bedroom. Whether you fit them into a closet, a cabinet, or under the bed, bins keep items that should stay together, together. That makes for less hassle for you when you’re looking for something.