RV kitchens are notoriously tight on space. Finding clever ways to organize utensils, food, and cooking gear can make the difference between a frustrating cooking experience and a pleasant one.
Here are some organization ideas that can revolutionize any RV kitchen, no matter how small.
1. Install Slide Out Cabinet Racks
Getting to items stored in the back of deep cabinets can feel like an archaeological dig. Slide out racks solve this problem instantly.
These pull out systems transform difficult to reach spaces into easily accessible storage. They work especially well under sinks and stoves where cabinets tend to be deeper. Some models even allow you to attach the cabinet door directly to the sliding rack for a streamlined appearance.
2. Wall-Mounted Pot Racks
Pots and pans take up enormous amounts of cabinet space. Moving them to overhead hanging racks frees up that valuable storage for other items.
A simple ceiling or wall mounted rack can hold multiple pots and pans while keeping them within easy reach. Just remember to add a securing system for travel days to prevent them from swinging around while your RV is in motion.
3. Take Advantage Of Unused Wall Space
Small sections of unused wall are storage gold in an RV. That narrow strip of wall beside your refrigerator or next to a doorway can become valuable real estate.
Install narrow shelves or racks to hold spice jars, canned goods, or cooking utensils. Even a small two foot section of wall can accommodate enough storage to make meal preparation easier and more organized.
4. Food Storage With Universal Lids
The chaotic jumble of mismatched containers and lids is a space waster in any kitchen, but especially in an RV. Switching to a single container system with universal lids is a game changer.
Clear containers in various sizes that all use the same size lid create an organized pantry while eliminating the frustrating search for matching pieces. They work perfectly for storing dry goods or leftovers and stack neatly when not in use.
5. Take Advantage Of Space Underneath Shelves
The empty air beneath shelves represents wasted space in a compact kitchen. Hanging storage turns this unused area into functional storage.
Cup holders that slide under shelves can hold mugs or glasses. Under shelf baskets work for fruits, vegetables, or packaged goods. Wine glass racks, K cup holders, and paper plate organizers can all be attached to shelf undersides, significantly expanding your storage options.
6. Get Some Drawer Dividers Or Sliding Organizers
RV drawers quickly become jumbled messes without proper organization, especially when traveling down bumpy roads. Dividers keep everything in its place.
Standard dividers separate utensils and cooking tools, while sliding organizers with multiple levels make use of the vertical space in deeper drawers. Look for adjustable dividers that can be customized to fit your specific needs and drawer dimensions.
7. Stop Ignoring The Top Of Cabinets
The top inside area of cabinets often goes completely unused. This overlooked space offers surprising storage potential.
Install hooks on cabinet ceilings to hang measuring cups, mugs, or pot lids. This keeps these items accessible without stacking them, making each piece easy to grab when needed. It also prevents pot lids from rattling around during travel.
8. Store Your Pans Vertically
Stacking pans creates an avalanche waiting to happen. Storing them vertically solves this problem while taking up less space.
Special dividers allow you to slot baking sheets, cutting boards, and frying pans side by side rather than on top of each other. This arrangement makes it easy to slide out exactly what you need without disturbing other items.
9. Store Cabinet Items Side By Side
RV cabinets tend to be tall but not always well divided. Without proper organization, items get stacked on top of each other, making it difficult to reach what you need.
Instead of this inefficient stacking, arrange items side by side using the full height of cabinets. This approach allows you to access any item without removing everything on top of it first, saving time and reducing frustration.
10. Make Your Own Pantry!
Many RVs have small sections of unused wall space that can be transformed into valuable storage. These hidden opportunities often go unnoticed.
Create a custom pantry by installing shelves and adding a simple door. An unused corner or narrow wall section between appliances can become a surprising amount of storage space with a little creativity and basic carpentry skills.
11. Install Storage On The Inside Of Cabinet Doors
Cabinet doors provide hidden storage spaces that many RV owners overlook. The inside of these doors can hold numerous kitchen essentials.
Install wire racks, hooks, or small baskets on door interiors to store lids, cutting boards, foil, plastic wrap, or cleaning supplies. Just be sure to measure carefully before purchasing organizers, as some over door options may be too large for RV cabinet doors.
12. Cork Board
Finding small kitchen tools quickly can be challenging. A simple cork board installation offers an elegant solution.
Attach cork tiles to the inside of cabinet doors to create a spot for hanging measuring spoons, measuring cups, or other lightweight kitchen tools. This keeps frequently used items visible and prevents them from getting lost in crowded drawers.
13. Stackable Shelves
Standard RV cabinets often have too much space between shelves, resulting in inefficient storage. Adding intermediate shelves solves this problem.
Standalone stacking shelves create additional levels inside existing cabinets. These helpers double or triple your storage capacity without any permanent modifications. Look for folding versions that can be stored away when not needed.
14. Tension Organization Methods
Items shifting during travel is a constant concern in RV kitchens. Simple securing methods prevent frustrating messes and potential damage.
Tension rods placed strategically in cabinets keep stored items from moving around. They come in different lengths and even in wood grain finishes to match cabinet interiors. For countertop items, velcro strips or bungee cords provide added security during travel days.
15. Make More Cabinet Shelves
Tall cabinets with only one shelf waste a significant amount of space. Adding extra shelves transforms these inefficient spaces.
Install additional shelves using simple wire options from discount stores or create custom shelves from scrap wood. This basic addition can double or triple storage capacity by utilizing wasted vertical space between existing shelves.
16. Magnetic Storage
RVs typically include several metal surfaces that can become instant storage areas. These surfaces provide storage without taking up any additional space.
Refrigerators, vent hoods, and microwaves can hold magnetic spice tins, knife strips, utensil holders, or magnetic hooks. This approach keeps frequently used items easily accessible while freeing up drawer and counter space.
17. Stackable Storage Bins
Loose items sliding around cabinets creates chaos in an RV kitchen. Containment is key to maintaining organization.
Invest in multi purpose bins that can be used for various storage needs. Stackable containers with clear sides allow you to see contents at a glance while preventing smaller items from getting lost. These bins create organized zones within cabinets and can be pulled out as needed.
