RVs come in all different sizes and configurations, but even the most spacious RVs may offer less storage than a traditional home. Organizing an RV can also be challenging because you need to think about how objects may move during travel. As a result, you might need to pay more attention to RV organization than in a fixed home — even if you’re comparing RVs vs. tiny homes of comparable size. The following RV organization ideas can help your RV feel as comfortable and roomy as possible.
Organize your RV with a drop zone
A drop zone is a dedicated space to store items you frequently take in and out of the RV, like keys, shoes, coats, or equipment for pets that share the RV with you. Besides helping organize your RV, putting high-traffic objects back in the same place makes you less likely to lose them. One suitable location for the drop zone is by the entryway. That way, objects are nearby when you leave the RV. The farther the drop zone is from the door, the more likely you will put your keys or other objects down before reaching their dedicated storage spot.
While creating a functional entryway in any home can be challenging, it’s even tougher when organizing an RV because of the more limited wall and floor space. If you want to build a drop zone, follow these steps:
1. Establish what you need space for
First, you must decide what you’ll use the space for when organizing your RV. The items in your drop zone are unique, but some examples could include a space for your keys, shoes, jackets, hats, and pet supplies. Take some time and think about the items you generally need when you leave the RV and what you set down when you get back. Knowing what you need to find space for will help you figure out where to put the drop zone and how to create it.
2. Establish where you want the drop zone to be
In an RV, you’re working with limited space. If you want to build a drop zone as easily and quickly as possible, look for places where a drop zone could fit. For example, if you have some empty wall space near the door, turning it into a drop zone could be as easy as adding pegs for keys and a bin for shoes.
If there isn’t an obvious spot near the door (or wherever you want your drop zone to be), pick the spot that would be the most convenient for you, and then get creative. For example, if your sofa is located next to the door, you can slide baskets underneath for shoe storage.
3. Determine how you want your RV organized
What the drop zone looks like will be different for everyone. It depends on the items you want to store there and the layout of your RV. There are different ways to corral items in your drop zone, including hooks, baskets, rods, bowls, trays, tote bags, cubbies, or even a custom shelf. You may have limited space near the door of an RV, so don’t be afraid to branch outside of that space. For instance, if you don’t have enough wall space near the entrance to hang coats or sweaters, you can add hooks to the bathroom door or the backside of a ladder.
When organizing your RV, think about solutions you can change, at least at first. For example, starting with detachable adhesive hooks can let you try out different configurations until you find something you like. IKEA is an excellent resource for narrow storage solutions, which are perfect for RV organization.
4. Use space effectively and only pack essentials
One of the most essential storage ideas for RV interiors isn’t an RV organization hack, it’s a mindset. RV owners should always be looking for how to use space effectively. Unused stairwell space can conceal storage bins. The sides of the cabinets might accommodate small shelves or hang pegs. Doors can support hanging organizers for shoes or other items.
Try to travel with only the essentials. If you aren’t sure you’ll need it on the trip, leave it at home. That makes RV organization easier. One great RV tip for beginners is to have less stuff to deal with, which makes it faster and easier to set up. Of course, some objects or collections — like books or movies — may be part of the trip. Consider bringing an e-reader or a hard drive with your films rather than individual books and discs.
Organizing your RV vertically
We often think about RVs by type and length — and ignore height. Vertical space is a great resource, however. Utilizing out-of-the-way storage can help you pack more stuff into the space available. When organizing your RV, divide your belongings into things you use every day and those that are necessary but not used. Start by storing the most frequently used items within easy reach and work your way up with the less frequently used items. For example, you may want pots and pans at shoulder height, but a change of sheets for the bed can be stored near the ceiling and accessed as necessary.
This technique applies to organizing existing RV storage as well. For example, if you have many items to store, you can install shelves into existing cabinets to create more space in the existing cabinet. Whether you are buying an RV for the first time or upgrading to a new model, take stock of the items you plan to bring with you and create an inventory. Keeping an inventory serves several purposes. First, having a physical list can help you see redundancies and make it easier to pare down what you’re bringing. It can also help decide what kind of storage to add and how to organize your RV.
Finally, having a physical list of the items in your RV can be helpful if you ever need to make an RV insurance claim on your RV insurance. Learn more about RV insurance.
