How to Maximize Storage Space in an RV: 5 DIY Tips
Aug 27, 2026 / Alyssa Duranty
Maximizing storage space in an RV starts with choosing multipurpose items, using vertical space, and keeping everyday supplies easy to reach. Over-the-door organizers, tension rods, drawer dividers, and pillow covers can help tidy a small RV without adding bulky furniture.
Whether you take weekend camping trips or spend extended time on the road, these RV storage ideas can help you organize the supplies you use most and pack away the items you do not need for every outing.
Key Takeaways
- Use door-mounted organizers, drawer dividers, and tension rods to make better use of vertical space.
- Choose multipurpose items, such as decorative pillows that hold spare linens.
- Put away countertop items before driving to keep RV kitchen space open.
- Use RV-compatible latches, tension bars, or bungee cords to help keep cabinet doors closed during travel.
- Keep only the clothing, kitchen items, and gear you plan to use on your current trip.
- Public Storage, the world’s largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities, can help you store your belongings while you make room to organize your RV for travel.
Best Ways to Maximize Storage Space in an RV
The easiest ways to create more storage space in an RV are to use vertical organizers, choose items with more than one use, keep cabinets organized, and pack away supplies that do not fit your current travel plans.
RV Storage Solutions at a Glance
These RV storage solutions can help you use doors, cabinets, counters, and soft furnishings more efficiently. Compare each option by its best use and the type of space it can help open up in a small RV.
| RV Storage Solution | Best For | Space-Saving Benefit |
| Over-the-door organizer | Toiletries, accessories, and small supplies | Uses unused vertical space without taking up counter room. |
| Mounted coffee maker | RV kitchens with limited counter space | Frees up space for meal preparation and everyday use. |
| Zippered pillow cover | Spare sheets, pillowcases, and lightweight blankets | Turns decorative bedding into linen storage. |
| Bungee cords or cabinet latches | Cabinet doors and drawers during travel | Helps keep cabinet doors closed on the road. |
| Tension rod | Towels, dish towels, and cleaning cloths | Adds hanging space without a permanent installation. |
| Stackable bins | Deep cabinets, pantry areas, and drawers | Groups smaller supplies and makes them easier to find. |
Use Door Organizers for Toiletries and Small Supplies
An over-the-door organizer can turn unused door space into storage for toiletries, sunscreen, hair tools, brushes, and other small supplies. Clear pockets can make it easier to see what you packed, while fabric pockets can give a bathroom or closet door a tidier look.
A divided silverware organizer can also work as a compact shower caddy for campground bathrooms. The sections can help separate travel-size toiletries and keep smaller items together.
RV Door Organizer Ideas
| Organizer Location | Items to Organize | Why It Works |
| Bathroom door | Toiletries, brushes, sunscreen, and travel-size items | Uses vertical space without taking up counter room. |
| Closet door | Socks, shoes, accessories, and small clothing items | Keeps smaller items easy to find. |
| Pantry door | Napkins, dish towels, and kitchen tools | Helps free up cabinet shelves. |
| Entry door | Flashlights, maps, hats, and reusable bags | Creates a spot for items used when leaving the RV. |
Mount a Coffee Maker to Free Up RV Counter Space
RV kitchen counters can fill quickly with coffee makers, dish racks, cutting boards, and meal-prep supplies. If your RV layout and appliance instructions allow it, a mounted coffee maker can free up counter space.
Review the RV manufacturer’s guidance and appliance instructions before mounting an appliance. Consider its weight, power needs, ventilation requirements, and whether the mounting method works with your RV layout.
Before driving, put away portable appliances, mugs, and other loose countertop items. An open counter can make it easier to move through a compact kitchen and prepare meals once you arrive.
Use Decorative Pillows to Store Spare Sheets
Pillow covers can add comfort to an RV bed or seating area while also holding lightweight linens. A zippered decorative pillow cover can hold folded spare sheets, pillowcases, or a lightweight blanket between uses.
This multipurpose approach can reduce the amount of closet space used for linens and keep bedding close to where you use it.
Other Multipurpose RV Storage Ideas
- Use a storage ottoman to hold blankets or games while adding seating.
- Use collapsible bins for laundry or towels, then fold them down when not in use.
- Use a folding table for dining or outdoor setup, then pack it away when you want more open floor space.
Keep Cabinet Doors Closed While Driving
Before driving an RV, put away loose countertop items, close cabinet doors and drawers, and place heavier supplies in lower storage areas when possible. Road conditions can shift items inside cabinets during travel.
Bungee cords can help keep groups of cabinet doors closed on some RV layouts. Built-in cabinet latches, tension bars, and non-slip shelf liners can also help keep supplies organized during a drive.
RV Travel Prep for Cabinets and Counters
- Put away dishes, mugs, and small appliances.
- Close cabinet doors and drawers.
- Use bungee cords or RV-compatible latches where appropriate.
- Add non-slip liners to shelves and drawers.
- Place lightweight items in upper cabinets.
- Keep heavier items in lower storage areas when possible.
- Check that walkways are clear before leaving.
Use Tension Rods for Towels and Kitchen Linens
Spring-loaded tension rods can add hanging space without a permanent installation. In an RV bathroom, a tension rod can hold towels while they air out. In a kitchen cabinet, it can hold dish towels or cleaning cloths.
Measure the available space before choosing a tension rod, and select one that fits the width of the area and the items you plan to hang.
Other Easy RV Storage Ideas
- Use hooks for hats, jackets, or reusable bags.
- Add stackable bins inside deeper cabinets.
- Use drawer dividers for utensils and smaller kitchen supplies.
- Roll clothing to make dresser drawers easier to organize.
- Keep one small bin for outdoor essentials, such as folding chairs and picnic supplies.
Store Household Overflow While You Travel
Living or traveling in an RV often means choosing which belongings fit your current trip. If extra furniture, seasonal décor, moving boxes, or duplicate household items are taking up room at home, Public Storage can help you store the items that you don’t need in your RV right now.
Items to consider storing include:
- Extra furniture not part of your current home layout
- Seasonal décor
- Empty moving boxes and packing supplies
- Duplicate household items
- Extra bins you want to keep in reserve
Review your rental agreement and local facility guidelines to confirm which items are eligible for storage. Explore our storage unit size guide to find an option that can help you make more room for your RV travel plans.
Store Your RV Between Trips
When your RV is not on the road, RV storage can help create more room at home. RV storage may be available at select Public Storage locations. Availability, space types, and vehicle requirements vary by location, so review details for a nearby facility before reserving a space.
Explore RV storage at Public Storage to find an option for your vehicle between road trips.
FAQs About RV Storage Ideas
What is the best way to organize a small RV?
Use vertical space, choose multipurpose items, and keep frequently used supplies easy to reach. Door organizers, bins, tension rods, and drawer dividers can help organize a small RV.
How can I create more kitchen counter space in an RV?
Put away portable appliances between uses, use cabinet organizers, and consider a mounted appliance when it fits your RV layout and appliance instructions.
What items should I keep in an RV cabinet while driving?
Keep lightweight, organized items in cabinets and put away loose dishes, mugs, appliances, and countertop supplies before driving. Shelf liners, tension bars, and compatible cabinet latches can help keep supplies in place.
How can I store extra sheets in an RV?
Fold spare sheets and place them inside zippered decorative pillow covers. This keeps lightweight linens near the bed while freeing up closet or drawer space.
Can I store my RV at Public Storage?
RV storage may be available at select Public Storage locations. Availability and vehicle requirements vary, so review options at a nearby location.
What can I store while organizing an RV for travel?
You can store eligible extra furniture, seasonal décor, moving boxes, duplicate household items, and extra bins that are not part of your current setup.
Small RV spaces can work well when each item has a place and serves a purpose. With a few DIY organizers and less household overflow at home, you can make more room to enjoy the road ahead.
