RV Closet Storage Ideas: Maximize Space in Your Home on Wheels

Living in an RV is an adventure, but it definitely has its challenges. One of the biggest? Figuring out where to put all your stuff.

We know how tough it can be to keep clothes and gear organized in a small RV closet. There never seems to be enough room, does there?

So, after plenty of trial and error, we’ve come up with some genuinely helpful RV closet storage ideas. These tips will help you make the most of your limited space and keep things tidy.

Whether you’re living on the road full-time or just out for the weekend, these storage solutions can make RV life a whole lot easier.

1) Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

We’ve had great luck with over-the-door shoe organizers. They’re simple, cheap, and keep shoes from piling up on the floor.

But they’re not just for shoes. We’ve stuffed ours with socks, hats, gloves, chargers – basically anything that fits. It’s wild how much they hold.

Installation couldn’t be easier. Just hang it over the door, and you’re done. No tools, no fuss.

We prefer the ones with clear pockets. It’s easier to spot what you need without digging around.

We’ve used these organizers on bathroom doors, bedroom doors, and even closet doors. They free up a surprising amount of space.

2) Collapsible Storage Bins

Collapsible storage bins have changed the game for us. When we need them, they pop open; when we don’t, they fold flat and disappear.

You’ll find them in all sorts of sizes and materials. We like the lightweight fabric ones, but plastic bins with lids work too if you want more structure.

They’re perfect for sorting socks, underwear, tees – basically anything that piles up. Collapsible bins are great for clothes and keep things from sliding around.

When space gets tight, we just stack them up or flatten them out. It’s a flexible fix for the ever-changing storage puzzle in an RV.

We also stash off-season clothes in these bins and tuck them under the bed. Swapping out summer and winter gear is easy.

Definitely measure your closet before you buy, though. Getting the right fit makes all the difference.

3) Hanging Wardrobe Organizer

A hanging wardrobe organizer is one of our favorite RV closet hacks. It lets us use vertical space that would otherwise go to waste.

Most have shelves and pockets for folded clothes, shoes, or random accessories. Clear-pocket versions are especially handy since you can see everything at a glance.

If your closet’s on the small side, go for a narrow organizer. That way, you can still hang a few shirts or jackets beside it.

Some organizers even have detachable sections, so you can customize them for whatever you need. We use ours for seasonal gear, swapping things out as the weather changes.

And if you haven’t tried the KonMari fold yet, give it a shot. It’s surprisingly effective at squeezing more clothes into each compartment.

4) Under-Bed Drawer Slides

We’re big fans of under-bed drawer slides. That space under the bed is too valuable to waste.

With drawer slides, we can pull out storage bins easily. No more crawling around just to reach a pair of socks.

We use these drawers for clothes, linens, and sometimes even camping gear. Some folks even build a slide-out pantry under their beds – pretty clever.

Just make sure you get slides that can handle the weight you’re planning to store. Heavy-duty ones are best for tools or heavier stuff.

We like using containers that fit snugly on the slides. That way, nothing goes flying when the RV hits a bump.

If DIY isn’t your thing, it’s worth asking for help. The extra storage is absolutely worth the effort.

5) Stackable Plastic Drawers

Stackable plastic drawers are a staple for RV closets. You can mix and match sizes to fit just about any nook or cranny.

They’re ideal for small items – think socks, underwear, and accessories. We use them for t-shirts and shorts, too, and it keeps everything from turning into a jumbled mess.

We also like plastic storage carts with wheels. They’re easy to roll around if you need to rearrange things.

Lightweight and tough, these drawers don’t add much to your load – always a plus when you’re watching weight limits.

Clear drawers are our go-to. It saves us from opening every drawer to find what we need, which is a huge time-saver.

Before you buy, definitely measure your closet. Getting the right fit means you’ll maximize storage and still be able to close the door.

6) Space-Saving Vacuum Bags

We’re a little obsessed with vacuum bags for RV closets. They’re a lifesaver for bulky stuff like jackets and blankets.

Just fill the bag, seal it, and suck out the air. Suddenly, you’ve got way more space than you thought possible.

Some vacuum bags shrink your clothes by up to 80%. That’s no exaggeration.

We swap out off-season clothes with these bags and stash them wherever there’s room. They’re also great for keeping things fresh and safe from dust or pests.

We always keep a couple of empty bags around. They come in handy for dirty laundry on long trips, freeing up closet space as you go.

7) Expandable Closet Rod

An expandable closet rod is a simple fix that makes a big difference in RV storage. It stretches to fit your space and instantly doubles your hanging room.

Expandable rods are easy to install – no drills, no stress. You can move them around as your needs change.

They’re sturdy enough for clothes, bags, even shoes. Some models even have shelves on top for extra storage.

We’ve seen people use them in all sorts of creative ways – like in the shower for drying clothes, or across cabinets for hanging cookware. Why not?

Just check your measurements and the rod’s weight limit before you buy. With a little planning, you can double your closet space in minutes.

8) Velcro Strap Organizers

Velcro strap organizers really change the game for RV closet storage. They’re versatile and easy to use, which is probably why we keep reaching for them.

You can attach these straps to almost any surface in your RV closet. We often use Velcro straps to hang shoes, bags, and accessories on closet doors or walls.

This frees up precious floor space and keeps everything in order. In small RV closets, every inch really matters.

Another trick: bundle clothes together. Roll up t-shirts or pants, then secure them with Velcro straps.

That way, you can stack them neatly in drawers or on shelves without the pile toppling over. For cords and cables, these straps are a lifesaver.

Wrap them around chargers, headphones, or other electronics to stop the tangles before they start. Your gadget drawer will thank you.

You can even use Velcro straps to keep things in place while traveling. Strap closet doors shut or secure items on shelves so nothing flies around on the road.

They’re affordable and reusable, which is a relief. Move them around as your storage needs change – no fuss, no waste.

9) Clip-On Hanger Hooks

Clip-on hanger hooks make a big difference in RV closet storage. These little gadgets can instantly double our hanging space.

They’re simple to use – just clip them onto your existing hangers. Suddenly, you can hang multiple garments vertically, which is perfect when closet height is limited.

Pants, skirts, or even lightweight jackets all fit on a single hanger. For everyday clothes, clip-on hooks beat out vacuum storage bags for convenience.

They keep clothes wrinkle-free and easy to grab. We sometimes organize by outfit, which makes mornings less chaotic.

Just make sure to pick sturdy hooks that can hold the weight. No one wants a pile of clothes on the closet floor after a bumpy drive.

10) Mini Storage Cubbies

Mini storage cubbies are a solid way to squeeze every bit of space from your RV closet. They are super adaptable for different needs.

You can find wire storage shelves with built-in cubbies that fit right in. These give you plenty of options for sorting things out.

We use mini cubbies for socks, underwear, and those small clothing items that always seem to disappear. They’re also handy for accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats.

If you’re into DIY, try making your own cubbies from fabric or cardboard boxes. That way, you can customize the size and shape to fit your closet perfectly.

There’s also the space on your closet door. Some RVers use over-the-door organizers with small pockets as mini cubbies for jewelry, makeup, or other tiny essentials.

Maximizing Vertical Space

RV closets often have vertical space that goes unused. With a little creativity, we can turn that empty area into valuable storage.

Using Shelf Organizers

We like using shelf organizers to make the most of vertical space. These units can double or even triple your storage capacity.

Adjustable shelves let you customize the setup. Place them close together for small items or farther apart for bigger things.

Hanging shelf organizers attach to the closet rod and give you instant shelving. They’re good for folded clothes, shoes, or accessories.

Corner shelf organizers fit snugly into those awkward spaces. You get extra room for stuff that usually doesn’t have a home.

Install Tension Rods

Tension rods are another favorite for RV closet storage. You can install them without tools and without damaging the walls.

We use them to create extra hanging space. Place rods at different heights to hang shirts above and pants below.

They’re also useful for shoes. Install a rod near the floor and hang shoes by their heels to keep them off the ground.

For small items like scarves or belts, use short tension rods with hooks. Accessories stay tidy and easy to reach.

Tension rods are removable, so you can switch things up whenever you need to. No commitment required.

Creative Use of Doors

RV doors are an often-overlooked spot for storage. We’ve found a couple of ways to make the most of them: over-the-door organizers and hanging shoe holders.

These simple additions can really free up floor and closet space. Sometimes the best storage ideas are right in front of you.

Over-the-Door Organizers

We like over-the-door organizers for small stuff like socks, underwear, or accessories. Clear pockets make it easy to see what’s inside.

Some have deep pockets for bulkier things. We stash toiletries, cleaning supplies, and snacks in these.

Cabinet doors work too. Mini organizers are great for spices, measuring cups, or other kitchen gadgets.

Hanging Shoe Holders

Hanging shoe holders do more than just hold shoes. Try storing rolled-up t-shirts, tank tops, or shorts in the pockets.

In the bathroom, they’re handy for toiletries and towels. For kids, they’re perfect for toys and art supplies.

We even use them in the kitchen for packaged foods and utensils. Look for sturdy fabric holders – plastic ones tend to rip.

Some shoe holders have extra-large pockets, which work well for sweaters or jackets. It’s all about finding what fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

RV closet storage can get tricky. But there are plenty of clever ways to make the most of a small space. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about organizing and maximizing RV closets.

How can I organize a small RV closet effectively?

We suggest using collapsible storage bins to keep things tidy. They fold flat when not in use, which is a huge plus in an RV.

Hanging organizers with pockets help with small items. Rolling clothes instead of folding them also saves space and lets you fit more in drawers and bins.

What are some creative DIY storage solutions for RV closets?

Try adding extra rods for hanging clothes. Tension rods or command hooks work well for lightweight items.

You can make your own drawer dividers from cardboard. It’s cheap and helps keep small things sorted.

How do I make the most of the space in my RV closet with drawers?

We use drawer organizers to separate items. These come in different sizes to fit all kinds of drawers.

Vacuum storage bags are excellent for bulky things like blankets or winter coats. They shrink down and save a lot of space.

What closet organizers are recommended for maximizing storage in an RV?

Over-the-door shoe organizers are really versatile. They’re useful for shoes and also for toiletries, accessories, and more.

Hanging wardrobe organizers with shelves are another smart pick. They add vertical storage without taking up floor space.

Are there any convenient hanging storage options for RV closets?

Absolutely! Hanging laundry bags are handy for dirty clothes. They don’t take up much room and are easy to grab on laundry day.

Multi-tiered hangers are great too. You can hang several items in the space of one hanger, which really helps in a tight closet.

How can wire baskets be used to improve RV closet storage?

Wire baskets work well for storing rolled towels or clothes. They let air move around, which helps keep musty smells away.

We usually mount wire baskets on closet doors or even right on the wall. It’s a simple way to use vertical space that would otherwise just sit empty.