The Last RV Organization Guide You'll Ever Read

Or at least, the last one you’ll ever need. 

RV organization isn’t just a skill or a convenience, it’s an art form, an expression of who you are, and the key to really making your RV feel like home. No matter how many miles you and your rig have traveled together, we’re confident that our insights will help you unlock the full potential of your home on wheels. 

Today we’ll share expert tips and tricks for decluttering, optimizing storage, and making your RV more livable. Here at Lightning Ranch RV Park, we’ve got years of experience helping RVers get the most out of their rigs and their journey on the open road. 

How Do I Declutter My RV? 

When it comes to RV living, less really is more. Learning to embrace the less-is-more mindset can work wonders for your overall comfort and organization in your RV. This approach means paring down your possessions to the essentials, reducing clutter, and focusing on what truly enhances your RV lifestyle. 

Tips for Reducing Clutter & Unnecessary Items 

Decluttering your RV is usually an important first step towards creating the perfectly organized, optimized, and awesome space you’ll be proud to call home, no matter where you park it. 

Decluttering your RV can seem like a daunting task. We recommend breaking this process up by area in your RV to make it feel more manageable. 

Take Everything Out 

Begin by emptying each cabinet, drawer, and storage space in your RV. This step may seem overwhelming, but it's the most effective way to see what you have and assess its necessity.

Categorize Your Belongings

Once your items are spread out before you, categorize them. Sort your belongings into categories like clothing, kitchenware, electronics, outdoor gear, and so on. This makes it easier to evaluate and decide what to keep or discard.

Set Clear Criteria

Establish specific criteria for what stays and what goes. Ask yourself questions like:

• Have I used this item in the past six months or on my last trip?
• Is it a duplicate of something else I already have?
• Do I have something else that serves the same purpose?
• Does it serve a practical purpose in my RV lifestyle?
• Can I live without it during my travels?

Be Ruthless but Thoughtful

Forming attachments to belongings is natural, but remember that every item you keep takes up valuable space. Be ruthless in your decisions, but also consider the impact on your comfort and convenience.

Organize What Remains

With your pared-down inventory, it's time to organize your remaining items efficiently. Use storage solutions like bins, shelves, and hooks to keep things in their designated places.

Keep in mind that minimalism is a personal journey, and what works for one RVer might not work for another. We’re not suggesting that you Marie-Kondo yourself out of every item you enjoy. 

The key is to find the right balance that suits your lifestyle and ensures a clutter-free and enjoyable RV adventure. By embracing the less-is-more mindset, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your rig and making your journey smoother. 

RV Organization & Storage

Alright, you’ve embraced the less-is-more mentality and effectively decluttered your RV. It’s time to make the most of your space with smart storage solutions. 

Maximizing storage is not just about having more cabinets; it’s about using them effectively. Here are some strategies to help you optimize your RV’s space: 

Utilize Vertical Space

Overhead Compartments

RVs are equipped with overhead compartments for a reason. These spaces are perfect for storing lightweight items like bedding, clothing, or non-breakable kitchen items. Invest in stackable containers to make the most of these spaces, and use clear bins to easily identify contents.

Shoe Organizers

Hang shoe organizers on the back of cabinet doors and closets. These small pockets are fantastic for storing small items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, pantry items, or – you guessed it – shoes. 

Hanging Shelves

Install hanging shelves in closets or other unused vertical spaces. They’re perfect for storing folded clothes, towels, and larger pantry items. By using vertical space, you’re freeing up precious drawer, floor, and counter space. 

Under-Bed Storage

Roll-Out Drawers

If your RV has space under the bed, use it wisely. By installing roll-out drawers, you’ll gain extra space to organize and store various items that you might not use more than once a day. 

Vacuum Storage Bags

Compress bulky bedding or clothing using vacuum storage bags. Much like your roll-out drawers (or in lieu of them, depending on your setup and budget), these bags are perfect for storing items that you only need occasionally, like seasonal clothing or extra blankets. 

Slide-Out Tubs 

Another way to utilize under-bed space is with slide-out tubs. They’re an efficient way to store shoes, outdoor gear, and other necessary but lesser-used items. 

The Best RV Organizational Items

While every rig and RVer is unique, each with different needs and preferences, we’ve found that there are some items that are universally useful. While our list certainly doesn’t cover every useful item that’ll help you organize your RV, these are just some of our favorites that we consider absolutely essential. 

• Tension rods 
• Magazine organizers 
• Spice racks 
• 3M Command Strips 
• Mason jars 
• Deli containers
• Magnets
• Baskets
• Shoe organizers
• RV shelves 
• Over the door hooks 
• Museum wax
• Velcro
• Non-slip shelf liners 
• Packing cubes 
• Bungee cords 
• Clear plastic bins 
• Floating shelves

How Do I Keep Things in Place in an RV? 

One of the biggest challenges of RV organization is keeping items securely in place while you’re on the move. Cabinet and closet avalanches can be deadly to organization systems that took hours to build – especially when they occur at the end of very long days on the road. Here are our tips to help you keep everything in its place. 

Tension rods

See? We told you they were essential. While you’re getting ready to roll out, arrange everything in your cabinets, closets, and fridge as close to the back as you can. Place the smallest items in the back and create a wall with the largest items in the front. Then, use a tension rod to keep everything pressed in place. Bundle up a towel or loose clothing to kill any remaining dead space for extra protection. 

Non-Slip Liners and Shelf Organizers

Line your cabinet shelves with non-slip liners to prevent items from sliding around. These liners grip your dishes, pots, and pans, helping them to stay in place. With a secure foundation in place, use shelf organizers and small bins to turn one large empty space into several smaller spaces. Items can’t roll around if there’s no dead space. 

Secure All Doors

The only thing worse than a cabinet avalanche is a travel-day tornado. If your cabinets or closets manage to open themselves while you’re on the road, odds are pretty good your rig will look like a tornado ripped through it by the time you park for the night. 

To prevent this issue, add an extra level of security to your doors and cabinets. Simple solutions like Velcro, bungee cords, and rubber bands can go a long way in keeping your RV tornado-free. If you want to go the extra mile, consider installing a lip at the edge of your cabinets that will catch any items intent on battering the doors open during transit.

Use Your Clothes

Your t-shirts, towels, and other loose clothing are perfect for travel days. Use your clothes to protect glassware and other fragile belongings from hours of bumps, turns, and maybe an unexpected break or two. 

Use Your Bed 

For heavier, bulkier items that don’t fit in your closet or cabinets, wrap them up and lay them down on the bed. Most of the time, the item’s weight and the sink of your mattress will keep the item from rolling or sliding around during travel. 

How Do I Make My RV More Livable? 

Making your space feel cozy and comfortable is just as important as keeping it functional. The whole reason you work so hard to keep your RV organized is to make it feel like home. 

There are plenty of ways to combine comfort and function in your RV, and it starts with functional décor. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

Fold Down Tables

These can serve as dining areas, workspaces, or additional counter space in the kitchen. Since they’re easily tucked away when you’re not using them, they make your RV feel more open and spacious. 

Wall-Mounted Organizers

Wall-mounted organizers like floating shelves help keep your frequently used items within reach without cluttering your counters or drawers. Floating shelves are also the best place for decorative items in your RV. 

Mirrors

Mirrors can make your RV feel more spacious and they reflect natural light, making them both functional and decorative. 

Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds offer privacy and help you control the amount of light entering your RV. Choosing curtains and blinds that reflect your personal style adds both comfort and practicality to your space. 

Lighting

Upgrading the lighting in your rig makes a huge difference in the ambiance of your home on wheels. Consider LED lights with adjustable brightness and warm or cool color temperatures for a customizable and cozy atmosphere. 

Incorporate Storage into Décor 

The multi-purpose rule we talked about earlier applies to everything from kitchen items to décor. Efficient RV organization often involves merging storage solutions with your décor. Here are a few creative ways to do that: 

Under-Bed Storage 

We talked about this one earlier, but it’s worth touching on again. If you have an elevated bed, make sure you’re taking full advantage of the space underneath. 

Seating with Hidden Storage 

Look for seating options like sofas and benches with storage compartments underneath. This is a great place for bedding, extra clothing, outdoor gear, etc. 

Decorative Baskets and Bins

There’s no reason storage can’t be stylish. Decorative baskets and bins in your living areas are great for blankets, pillows, toys, or other frequently used items. 

Make Yourself at Home

Whether you’re on the road for weeks on end or just the weekends, your RV is your home. Adding personalized touches to your living space will make your rig feel more inviting while making you feel at home and comfortable. 

Here are a few ways to add that personal touch to your space: 

Photo Collages 

Create photo collages or galleries on your RV walls. Use adhesive hooks or strips to hang your favorite memories, making your space more personal. 

Throw Pillows and Blankets 

Add colorful throw pillows and blankets to your seating areas. These not only enhance comfort but also inject personality into your décor. 

Art and Keepsakes

Bring along art pieces or keepsakes that hold sentimental value. In our opinion, the strict rules of eliminating unneeded items don’t apply to souvenirs and keepsakes. Reminders of your amazing RV adventures should always have space in your RV.   

Stop By Lightning Ranch RV Park

There you have it, everything you need in order to create the perfect organizational system in your RV. Now that your rig is dialed in, it’s time to hit the road. When you’re ready to explore the vast beauty of the Texas Hill Country, make sure you stop and stay at Lightning Ranch RV Park. 

We’re located in beautiful Pipe Creek, Texas, just outside the Cowboy Capital of the world and close to San Antonio. We have everything you need to make your stay comfortable from spacious RV sites with full hookups to unmatched scenic surroundings. 

Book your stay today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Texas Hill Country. We can’t wait to welcome you and be a small part of your next RV adventure. See you on the road!