Living in an RV comes with space limitations, so organization and storage solutions are key. The kitchen is one of the most crucial spaces that needs proper storage methods. Having your cooking utensils, dishes, pots and pans stored efficiently will make meal prep and clean up much easier. This article will provide tips on how to best store all your kitchenware in your RV.
Assess What You Have
The first step is taking inventory. Make a list of everything you need to store in the kitchen. This includes dishes, glassware, pots, pans, baking sheets, utensils, knives, spices, food storage containers, etc. Knowing exactly what you need space for will help you come up with the best storage solutions.
Only keep the essentials. Be very choosy about what makes the cut. Look for ways to consolidate and minimize. For example, switch from a set of plates to just two plates per person. Use multifunctional tools instead of unitaskers. Opt for non-breakable drinkware instead of glassware. Get creative about what you can eliminate to free up precious space.
Maximize Cabinet Space
The existing cabinets are your first storage option. Remove any bulky shelving and replace with storage-savvy inserts designed for RVs. Here are some great space-saving ideas:
- Invest in slide-out cabinet organizers. These make the most of vertical room and corral all those small items like spices.
- Try over-the-cabinet clear plastic bins for things like baking sheets. Hang them from racks to utilize air space.
- Use tall, thin storage containers that take advantage of all the height in the cabinets.
- Install shallow pull-out drawers which are great for utensils and cutting boards.
- Use hanging racks on the cabinet doors for commonly used items like pots and pans.
- Use space-saving organizers inside drawers for everything from silverware to kitchen tools.
Optimizing the existing storage is a good first step. But you’ll likely need more solutions for all your kitchenware.
Sturdy Shelving
Extra shelving is a must for any RV kitchen. Free-standing shelving can provide the additional storage you need. Look for shelving units that are sturdy enough for the motion of an RV, but still lightweight.
For dishes and glassware, open wire shelving works well and allows you to see everything easily. Enclosed shelving with doors is good for food items that need protection. You can find RV-specific shelving options, or look for standard shelving made with durable, lightweight materials. Measure carefully so the shelving fits properly within the space. Secure it safely in place with anchors or anti-slip pads.
Drawers Under Appliances
Many RVs have unused space under appliances that presents an ideal storage spot. You can have custom drawers built to fit under the oven, stovetop, refrigerator, sink, or any other fixed appliances. These handy drawers become the perfect place for pots and pans or small appliances. If DIY construction isn’t an option, look for premade drawer inserts made specifically for RV appliances.
Plastic Storage Containers
Plastic bins and storage containers are invaluable RV organizing tools. Look for stackable types with secure lids that can contain everything from dry goods to extra kitchen supplies. Labeled clear containers help you instantly see contents. Uniform container sizes allow you to stack and access them easily.
Be sure to invest in sturdy bins made from thick, durable plastic that won’t easily crack or buckle. The containers need to be able to handle the motion and bouncing that comes with traveling in an RV. Store bins in cabinets, closets, under beds or secured on counter tops.
Alternative Dish Storage
Storing dishes upright in a typical dish cabinet may waste space. Look for unconventional storage solutions for your dishes and glasses. Under-bed pull-out drawers or slide-out shelving can take advantage of hidden nooks. Store plates vertically in slotted racks. Hang mugs or bowls from hooks or specialized hangers. A hanging dish drainer tucked away until needed can even double as dish storage.
hooks
The key to maximizing space is to take advantage of vertical storage. Hooks on walls, cabinet doors or ceilings provide places to hang frequently used items like colanders, utensil crocks, paper towel holders and hot pads. Choose sturdy hooks rated for the weight of the item and designed not to come loose with RV motion. Arrange items neatly for easy access.
Magnetic Strips & Peel/Stick Organizers
Another great vertical storage method is using magnetic strips or peel/stick organizers. Look for magnetic strips made of durable materials that can firmly hold knives and other metal utensils. Peel/stick wall racks, ledges and pockets are strong enough to hold everything from spices to pot lids. Arrange them conveniently in unused spaces.
Multi-use Appliances
Finding storage in an RV kitchen often means getting creative and making appliances multitask. Here are some examples:
- Use the top of the microwave or range hood for additional storage.
- Find cooktop or stovetop covers that create a flush surface for more space.
- Look for collapsible or folding dish drainers that tuck away neatly.
- Make sure shelves above the fridge are utilized for storage.
- Find a rack or shelf insert that hangs pots and pans from the oven door.
- Use any empty wall space around or between appliances to hang storage items.
The idea is to take advantage of the appliance footprint and build storage directly into and around it. This utilizes dead space and keeps items right where you need them.
Under Utilize Space
The space under sinks, stoves, counters and tables is wasted real estate in most RVs. Add rolling shelves, trays or bins underneath to instantly create storage. You can find many RV-specific under-space storage products designed to roll in and out and stay securely in place.
Make sure plumbing, propane lines or moving parts are not obstructed. Containers with higher sides help corral small items. Wheels or rollers should be heavy-duty and able to handle the extra weight. Take measurements to find pieces that perfectly fit the available under-space.
Table for Dual Purpose
An RV dinette table can serve a dual purpose by providing additional kitchen storage. Look for tables with leaves that drop down or removable tops. This allows you to stand pots, pans and bakeware upright inside the table base. Some RV dinette benches have storage space inside them as well.
You can also stow kitchen items in tables fields temporarily when extra counter space is needed for food prep. Just be sure to only store lightweight items that won’t compromise table stability and use securing straps to keep things from sliding around. Return table items to their regular storage spot after use.
Temporary Storage Methods
Sometimes you just need a little extra storage space temporarily. Here are some ideas for versatility:
- Use sturdy spring-loaded or sectioned curtain rods across windows for drying racks, extra hanging storage or additional counter space.
- Securely hang collapsible drying racks for temporary extra space.
- Utilize sturdy but removable over-sink shelves.
- Find cupboard door racks that can be taken on and off as needed.
- Use portable shelving units like utility carts for flexibility.
- Invest in stow-able step stools to reach high storage spaces.
The key is choosing durable, safe temporary storage items that can be quickly deployed when needed and neatly stowed away when not in use.
Rethink Where You Store Things
To truly maximize space, you need to rethink where you store certain kitchen items. Stow things where it makes sense functionally, not just in the traditional kitchen locations. Here are some tips:
- Store lesser-used items or overflow in bedroom closets, under beds or in outside storage compartments.
- Hang utensils near the dinette for easy access during meals.
- Keep cooking oils and wine close to the kitchen in a closet.
- Use the bathroom for spare kitchen towels, cleaning supplies or electric appliances.
- Put overflow dishes or extra food in the bedroom closet.
- Use vertical wall space in hallways for high-mounted shelving.
Don’t limit yourself to just the kitchen. Find wasted space anywhere inside or outside the RV that could be better utilized.
Specialty Storage Items
RV retailers offer all kinds of specially designed storage items for kitchens. Here are some to look for:
- Slide-out pantry units for dry goods, cans or baking items.
- Pots and pan organizers that mount below cabinets.
- Vertical holders for cutting boards, cookie sheets and baking pans.
- Spice racks that mount inside cabinets.
- Tension curtain rods for instant extra pantry space.
- Dish storage units with 224 pegs to hang plates or bowls.
- Sheet pan organizers that hang vertically from shelves.
- Magnetic wall-mounted knife bars for safe blade storage.
Specialized RV storage items allow you to make the most of every inch of space. Invest wisely in a few key items that will make a big difference in keeping your kitchen organized.
Creative Use of Space
When storage space is limited, you need to get creative. Here are some unique tips for packing a lot into a small kitchen:
- Use popsicle sticks, paint stirrers or dowels to create custom spice racks.
- Hang a paper towel holder and cooking utensils from drawer pulls.
- Use the inside of cabinet doors to store foil, plastic wrap and bags.
- Magnetize cans for metals shelves or sidewalls of appliances.
- Adhere small baskets, ledges or shelves to walls for instant storage.
- Mount an old rain gutter on the wall to hold utensils.
Think outside the box to come up with clever ways to add storage anywhere you can. Repurposing common household items for storage can save space and money.
Keep Things Accessible
Carefully planning where everything goes based on how often you use it will make your RV kitchen highly functional. Keep most commonly used items readily accessible. Stow lesser used items in more distant storage.
Keep primary prep and cooking tools within easy reach of the areas you use them. Mount utensil holders or shelves above the stove for handy access. Place oils and seasonings you use while cooking near the stove in slide out racks or ledges.
Keep everyday dishes, pots and pans in cabinets closest to the sink. Store specialty baking pans or extra kitchen tools in harder to reach spaces since they are used less often. Organize rationally based on convenience and accessibility.
Secure For Travel
RV living means your kitchen items need to be safely secured inside cabinets or drawers while traveling. Use velcro straps, shelf dividers, non-slip mats, latches, and other methods to keep contents stable on the move. Stow glassware or dishes in low secure cabinets rather than overhead.
Try to store heavier pots and pans low as well. Use sliding shelves and trays to prevent contents from shifting on the road. Make sure cabinet doors latch securely. Install child safety locks if needed. Take your RV on short test drives and open cabinets afterward to check for shifting issues.
RV Kitchen Storage Solutions
Here is a summary of the key storage solutions for optimizing kitchen organization in your RV:
| Solution | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Slide-out organizers | Maximize existing cabinet vertical space |
| Wall-mounted shelving | Provide extra storage using vertical space |
| Space-saving dish storage | Creative use of under or over spaces for dishes |
| Multi-use appliances | Use appliance tops or fronts for storage space |
| Under-space containers | Utilize wasted space under counters and appliances |
| Specialty RV organizers | Items designed to organize kitchens in tight spaces |
| Secure latches | Keep kitchen items safely contained during travel |
Conclusion
The innovative storage ideas in this article will help you conquer even the most compact RV kitchen. A little clever planning and selective purchasing of space-saving tools can keep everything organized. The key is creatively using every inch, both vertically and horizontally. Stow items based on frequency of use for optimal convenience. Take full advantage of all the interior, exterior and even under-used spaces. With some practice, you can master keeping your RV kitchen tidy, even with minimal square footage to work with. Proper storage is attainable, allowing you to enjoy cooking delicious meals from your home on wheels.
