How to effectively organise and maximise space in your RV

When diving into the exciting, liberating world of RV trips, it soon becomes apparent that space is not one of the luxuries the lifestyle allows. But with some inventive, resourceful ideas to help make the most of every possible nook and cranny, you can soon learn how to effectively organise and maximise space in your RV.

Here at RV Parts Express, we know the frustrations of insufficient storage for everything you think you might want or need on a road trip all too well. So, we decided to put together a guide to organising your RV based on our collective years of experience as a company. Here are the top tips and suggestions we came up with:

Get organised

There’s no real way to get around it, if you want to make the most of the space in your RV and carry/access everything you need easily, you’re going to have to be organised. At least at first. But don’t despair if that’s not your style, as an organised RV will enhance your camping experience and reduce levels of stress and frustration when you are on the road. There is nothing more satisfying than needing a particular item, knowing exactly where it lives, and finding it immediately. But before we even get to some clever ways to store your items, it is important to address what they are first.

Assess your items

It's all too easy to become overwhelmed with 'essential' objects and potentially useful items when packing for your trip. To get a better idea of what you have, layout or list the items you would ideally like to have with you on your trip. If that seems daunting, tackle one area of the RV at a time and think about what equipment or supplies you need in there. Envisage a typical day on the road and any things you might like to take to enhance the experience. Try to separate the items into 3 piles:

• Essential
• Useful
• Not sure but might come in handy

Once you have your separate piles, start with the essentials and methodically find places for everything, perhaps using some of the suggestions we have added below. Once the essential pile is empty, start work on the useful one and keep at it until you have put everything into the RV. Eventually, the piles will be gone or you will have reached the point where there is no obvious room for anything else. Hopefully, that point does not come before all the essential items are fully loaded or you may need to reassess your definitions and start over.

When you are honestly assessing each item, ask yourself these questions:

• When was the last time I used it? 
• Was I glad to have it at the time? 
• Would I be able to purchase it on the road if I decided I desperately needed one?
• Are there other objects on board that can do the same job if necessary? 
• Is it too bulky to warrant the amount of space it will take up?
• Would it be worth investing in a camping-specific version?

Consider camping-specific objects

The most useful, unobtrusive way to add things to your RV is if they are cleverly designed with a focus on minimising space and maximising multiple uses and options. Whether they are foldable, stackable, clipped to the walls, hung up, or rolled and slid in otherwise unused crevices, camping-specific items are always going to be advantageous to have on board.

Everything from pots and pans with folding handles that fit inside each other to hanging storage compartments, collapsible fire-pits and nets to hold things against the walls. The sheer range of bespoke items for camping these days is mind-boggling and we have an enormous number of them to choose from at RV Parts Express.

A place for everything and everything in its place

Once you have finalised your objects and proven that they will all fit into the RV while still allowing you to get inside, it’s time to make some notes. Obviously, you won’t need to make a note reminding you that the shower gel is in the shower organiser hanging in the bathroom. But when you’re searching for something less obvious like a flashlight or specific tool, it might be extremely handy to have a list telling you where it is. Or maybe you’re one of those people who can immediately put your hand on any object you want without a moment’s hesitation? No, we didn’t think so.

If you want to go one step further, you can label certain drawers, cupboards, and storage boxes to make finding things even easier, especially for those unfamiliar with your system.

Carry lots of clips and fasteners

Simple metallic clips like the ones you find holding reams of paper together can come in exceptionally handy at times, even if you can’t think what those times might be beforehand. They take up no space and can be clipped in places that have no other potential use like sun-visors or the tops of curtain rings when not being used. Any other fasteners, from pegs to pieces of string you think might come in useful are worth carrying and shouldn’t impact your packing plan too much.

Other tips and tricks

• Utilise wall space
• Put extra dividers inside drawers
• Hang slender items inside cabinet doors
• Use magnetic strips for kitchen items where appropriate
• Store delicate items under the bed to protect them from dirt and dust
• Try to bring items that serve multiple functions
• Remove unnecessary outer packaging from food items

Contact us

We hope you found this guide to organising your RV useful and it has given you the impetus to get out there and find the best way to organise your own things. At RV Parts Express, we carry an incredible range of clever storage ideas and solutions for your RV that can really improve your experience and make life so much easier.

Please feel free to contact us and ask any questions as our experienced advisors are RV/camping enthusiasts themselves and will gladly share their knowledge with you.