Introduction
Genius Space Saving RV Hacks Every Camper Should Know helps you live comfortably in a small space. With clever ideas, you can use every inch of your RV wisely. Whether you camp on weekends or travel full-time, these hacks make your RV feel bigger and less cluttered.
In this article, you will learn practical tips to organize your camper. From storage tricks to smart furniture choices, these hacks will improve your camping life. Discover how simple changes make a big difference in your RV space.
Maximizing Vertical Spaces
Using vertical space in your RV opens up a lot of possibilities to keep things neat without crowding your living area. Think about the walls and even the ceiling — they’re often overlooked but can hold quite a bit. For example, wall hooks are simple but effective. You could hang kitchen utensils, keys, or even your favorite jacket right by the door. It saves counter space and keeps things within easy reach.
Rails with removable hooks work nicely too. You can move your belongings around as needed, making it a flexible system. I once installed a rail in my kitchen area, and suddenly my cluttered countertops felt a lot more open.
Hanging baskets also come in handy, especially for small fruits or snacks. They don’t take up floor space and can be placed almost anywhere vertical.
Overhead shelves deserve a mention — they’re perfect for lightweight items you don’t use daily. Just make sure they’re sturdy and that everything stays put when you’re driving. I’ve found these shelves ideal for books, travel guides, or even extra blankets tucked away but easy to grab when needed.
It’s a balancing act, though. Too many things hanging or stacked above can make it feel cluttered or even unsafe. But a few well-chosen hooks or a small shelf can make a surprisingly big difference in how spacious your RV feels.
Creative Under Furniture Storage
Spaces beneath beds, benches, and sofas often go unnoticed, yet they hold great potential for storage in your RV. Using these hidden spots wisely can free up your living area considerably—but getting items in and out easily can be tricky.
Pull-Out Drawers Under the Bed
If you haven’t installed pull-out drawers under your bed, you might be missing out. These drawers slide out smoothly, giving you quick access to stored clothes, shoes, or camping gear without having to bend or crawl around. Sometimes, a simple set of sturdy plastic containers on wheels can work just as well. Just make sure they have handles or cutouts, so pulling them out doesn’t turn into a wrestling match. I remember once having a drawer that was so heavy and stuck I avoided it for weeks—defeats the purpose, right?
Installation usually involves attaching drawer slides to the bed frame or building custom shallow drawers that fit beneath the mattress. It’s worth measuring carefully, so you don’t restrict legroom or damage wiring or plumbing under your bed. And if you’re renting your RV, consider non-permanent drawer boxes that still slide out easily.
Storage Bins Under Seating
Benches and sofas can hide more than just a few crumbs. Using shallow storage bins or boxes underneath can help declutter your living space and keep small items organized. Things like books, kitchen gadgets, or even emergency supplies find a neat hiding spot here. The trick is choosing bins that fit snugly but still slide out without much effort.
Labels on the bins make a big difference—because digging through each one gets old fast. Flip lids work well, or containers with handles you can grab quickly. Sometimes, cutting semi-circular handles into wooden boxes helps fingers get a good grip. This kind of storage feels simple but can change how you live day-to-day. Suddenly, your RV feels less like a cramped box and more like a tidy home.
Foldable and MultiPurpose Furniture
Folding tables and chairs are a game changer in any RV. You might not think much about them until you realize how bulky regular furniture can get in tight quarters. Folding options are great because you can tuck them away when you don’t need them—some fold flat to slide easily under the bed or behind a door. Different styles fit different needs: some have sturdy metal frames, others lean on lightweight wood or plastic. It’s about finding that balance between durability and ease of storage. For example, a compact folding table can double as an outdoor prep station or a dining spot inside, which is handy when space feels tight.
Convertible furniture, like sofa beds or futons, deserves a closer look too. During the day, they act as normal seating, freeing up floor space. At night, they transform into beds. It might seem like a small thing, but swapping out a bulky armchair and a separate bed for a single piece can open up the whole living area. I once chose a sofa bed with hidden storage compartments underneath—it saved me from hauling extra storage bins around, which was a pleasant surprise. Still, convertible pieces aren’t perfect. Some models might feel less comfy in one mode or the other, so trying them out before committing makes sense.
When selecting multi-purpose furniture, ask yourself: How often will I switch between uses? Will it fit with the rest of your setup? Does it need to be lightweight enough to move easily? Sometimes, an oddly shaped folding chair fits better in a corner than a traditional one, and that’s okay. This way, you’re not just saving room—you’re making your RV feel less cluttered and more flexible, which makes living in it a bit easier day to day.
Decluttering and Organizing
Living in an RV means every inch counts. You can’t just toss things anywhere and hope for the best. That pile of clothes or the random gadgets you *think* you might need someday? They take up precious space you could be using differently.
Start by sorting through your belongings with a critical eye. Ask yourself: when was the last time I used this? Do I really need two of these? It’s easy to hold on to “just in case” items, but overcrowding quickly makes your space feel cramped and cluttered.
Try these when deciding what to keep:
- Keep things you use weekly or daily. If it’s been months, maybe it’s time to let go.
- Consider multi-use items over single-use ones.
- Think about storage options before buying more stuff—does it fit logically anywhere?
Once you’ve pared down, organizing becomes less overwhelming. Bins with clear lids, adjustable drawer dividers, and vertical racks can make a huge difference. I’ve noticed that stacking small containers inside cabinets not only saves space but makes it easier to spot what you need quickly.
Open storage can be chaotic, so keeping like items grouped together helps. For example, keep all your cleaning supplies in one container and kitchen tools in another. Labels often feel silly but trust me—they save a lot of time and grief.
Decluttering isn’t a one-time deal—it’s ongoing. Every now and then, reassess what you have. Maybe something that once felt essential now just takes up room. Staying consistent with this habit helps maintain a sense of order and keeps your RV feeling spacious, even when you’re on the move.
Smart Kitchen Storage Hacks
Living in a small RV kitchen means every inch counts. One way to save space is to swap out bulky pots and pans for nesting cookware sets—those that stack neatly inside each other. Collapsible silicone bowls and strainers are also great; I keep mine tucked away inside larger containers so they never take up more room than necessary. It’s a tiny change but makes a surprising difference when you open your cupboards.
For utensils, smaller multi-tools designed specifically for camping kitchens work well. Think sporks or compact sets that clip together. You don’t want too many single-use items cluttering drawers.
Magnetic racks and hooks really changed the game for me. Attaching a magnetic strip on the fridge or near the stove means knives and metal utensils stay within reach but off the counter. Spice jars with magnetic lids stick right there too, freeing up shelf space while keeping flavors at hand during cooking.
It’s a bit of trial and error finding which spots to magnetize—walls may not be uniformly magnetic—but once you figure that out, it feels way more functional. Plus, it stops stuff sliding around when you’re driving, which is a big plus.
Bathroom Organization Tricks
Keeping your RV bathroom tidy can quickly feel like a puzzle, especially when every inch counts. But a few small hacks can make a noticeable difference, helping keep things where you need them without creating clutter.
Over-the-Door Storage Solutions
Over-the-door racks or pockets really change the game. You can hang them on the bathroom door or cabinet doors to hold toiletries, brushes, even towels. This spot often goes unused, but it’s perfect for things you want close yet out of the way. I once stuffed a simple nylon pouch with shampoo sample bottles and spare soap bars behind the door, and it kept the counters from looking like a mess.
Look for slim designs or those with multiple compartments. Some even come with hooks for hanging wet washcloths or razors. Sure, you might hesitate if your door is prone to swinging shut too hard—just be cautious—but otherwise, it’s free space waiting to be tapped.
Compact Toiletry Containers
Next, consider small, stackable containers or hanging toiletry bags. Tiny clear bins can hold cotton swabs, face creams, or toothpaste, and stacking saves room vertically inside cabinets or drawers. Hanging toiletry bags are great if you can hook them inside a shower or next to the sink. They keep things accessible without crowding surfaces.
One tip I learned: use containers with lids that snap shut firmly. Nothing worse than finding your lotion spilled everywhere mid-trip. These systems force you to pare down to essentials too, which is helpful since RV bathrooms rarely handle excess clutter well.
Maximizing Closet and Wardrobe Space
Closets in RVs rarely offer a lot of room. You might think your clothes just can’t fit more neatly, but some simple tweaks can make a surprising difference.
Using Slim Hangers and Hanging Organizers
One easy step is swapping out bulky hangers for slim, velvet-covered ones. They take up less space and keep clothes from slipping. You may find you can hang a handful more shirts or jackets right away. Then, there are multi-layered hangers that let you hang several items vertically—like pants, scarves, or tank tops—without overcrowding. They do require a bit of patience when you pull things off, but the trade-off could be worth it, especially if your closet feels jam-packed.
Shelf Dividers and Storage Boxes
Shelves often turn into messy piles. Adding simple dividers stops clothes or towels from toppling over each other. Also, clear plastic storage boxes are a solid bet. You can see what’s inside without digging around, which saves you time and keeps things tidy. Some use these for accessories like hats, belts, or even lightweight shoes. Maybe not the most glamorous solution, but it’s practical. Have you tried labeling boxes? It feels a bit extra, but trust me, it saves confusion
Outdoor Storage and Hacks
Storage Compartments Under the RV
The storage compartments beneath your RV are frequently overlooked but can be game changers for freeing up indoor space. These undercarriage bays are usually designed for bulky, less-used items that don’t need to be accessed daily. Think folding chairs, portable grills, campfire tools, even spare tires. Keeping these outside keeps your living quarters less cluttered, which many campers appreciate after a long day on the road.
Have you noticed how sometimes the outdoor compartments feel a bit random or uneven in size? That’s pretty common, and honestly, it pushes you to prioritize what really belongs outside. For example, tools and camping gear that might get dirty or wet work well here since you don’t have to worry about taking off muddy boots indoors. I’ve found storing water hoses and electric cords out there saves a lot of hassle too. Plus, it’s easier to rinse them off outside than lug them through the RV.
Using Portable Storage Containers
Portable storage containers—those plastic bins or stackable crates—are surprisingly handy for organizing your outdoor gear. They stop the “everything loose” problem and help you find what you need quickly. When packing, group related items together. One bin for cooking gear, another for fishing supplies, maybe one for outdoor games or kids’ toys.
What’s tricky is balancing accessibility with space. You might be tempted to cram everything into one container to save room, but that often backfires. I suggest using a few smaller bins instead of a giant one. That way, you won’t have to unload the whole thing for a single item. Labeling the bins or using clear lids also helps—you don’t want to stand there fumbling on a chilly morning looking for something simple.
Also, consider the location of these bins in your compartments. Heavier containers near the bottom, lighter ones on top. Some campers even keep a container near the door for quick grab-and-go items. It might seem like a minor detail, but it changes how you organize—and living with it over a trip, you’ll probably realize it makes quite a difference.
Conclusions
Using space saving hacks in your RV changes how you live on the road. You get more room for your stuff and feel less cramped. Small changes add up and make your travel more enjoyable. Try new ideas to find what works best for your camper.
Remember, your RV can be cozy and tidy with the right plans. Keep your space neat and find smart storage spots. These hacks keep your camper ready for adventure and comfort every time you travel.
