Living in an RV changes your relationship with space. You start eyeing every drawer like it owes you rent. Suddenly, a cabinet isn’t just a cabinet—it’s potential. If you’ve ever dropped a stack of plates because they had nowhere to go, welcome. You’re among your people now.
Let’s talk about organizing your RV kitchen like a tiny, wheeled boss.
1. Use Vertical Space Like It’s Prime Real Estate
In an RV, the floor doesn’t matter as much as the walls. Those suckers are pure gold.
Stick-on hooks, tension rods, magnetic spice racks—they’re not just hacks; they’re lifelines. Hang cutting boards, colanders, or that one pan you always use but never know where to put. You’ll be shocked at how much fits when you think upwards instead of outwards.
And yeah, a command hook above the stove holding a ladle might not be glamorous, but it’s genius-level. You’ve basically just invented RV gravity-defying storage.
2. Collapsible Everything (Seriously, EVERYTHING)
If you haven’t fallen in love with a silicone collapsible bowl, do you even RV?
Bowls, colanders, measuring cups, dish racks—grab them all in collapsible form. When you’re done? Poof. They disappear like your willpower near a campfire s’more.
One day, you’ll be like, “Why did I even own a rigid salad spinner?” and you’ll feel smugly evolved. Welcome to peak RV kitchen minimalism.
3. Stackable Storage Bins for Your Pantry or Cupboards
Regular kitchens laugh at stacking. But in RVs? Stacking is life.
Clear plastic bins (with handles, always handles) are the unsung MVPs. Label ’em. Stack ’em. Slide ’em out like little treasure chests of pasta and instant oatmeal glory.
Bonus tip? Use ones with slightly sloped sides so you can see what’s inside without pulling it out. Trust me. No more surprise half-used bag of dried lentils from last spring. We don’t live like that anymore.
4. Drawer Dividers—Tiny Warriors of Order
Drawer chaos is real. Spoons here. Twist ties over there. One rogue battery living its best life.
Enter: adjustable drawer dividers.
They don’t just create order—they defend it. Suddenly, your silverware isn’t doing the Macarena with your garlic press. You open the drawer and things stay put. It’s…emotional, really.
Also, try bamboo ones if you’re feelin’ fancy.
5. Over-the-Cabinet Organizers for the Win
Why do doors get all the glory?
The back of a cabinet door is a wide-open frontier. Hang an over-the-door organizer for things like pot lids, dish soap, or foil rolls. That clattery pile of plastic lids? It now lives on a wire rack like a civilized citizen.
You’re reclaiming unused space and calming your brain. That’s therapy without the co-pay.
6. Magnet Magic on the Fridge or Backsplash
Don’t overlook magnets. They’re like little space-saving wizards.
Stick magnetic strips on the backsplash to hold knives, spice jars, or even metal measuring spoons. No drawer rummaging, just instant grab-and-go. Also makes you feel like a professional chef who just happens to cook while parked near a canyon.
And if your fridge side is metal? Magnetic shelves are your new best friends. Line up olive oil, hot sauce, or your secret candy stash (no judgment).
7. Lazy Susans in Cabinets—Yes, Really
They sound like something from your grandma’s kitchen, but Lazy Susans are clutch in tight cabinets.
A quick spin reveals all your sauces, syrups, or random jars of jam you forgot you had. No more pulling out five things to get to one. Just spin, pick, and go.
The smaller versions are perfect for corner cabinets or under the sink, too. There’s something very satisfying about not knocking over a soy sauce bottle to reach the salt.
8. Double Duty Kitchen Tools (Because Space is Tight and Dreams are Big)
Every tool you own should do two jobs—minimum.
A pot that’s also a steamer? Yes. A cutting board that doubles as a strainer lid? Take my money. Look for nesting bowls with lids or utensils that double as tongs and servers.
Because honestly, do you really need three ladles? Probably not. One good one and a soup spoon are the ride-or-die combo here.
9. Hanging Fruit Baskets Aren’t Just for Aesthetics
You’ve probably seen those cute, boho-chic hanging baskets filled with bananas and lemons on Instagram. And yeah—they do look nice.
But more importantly? They keep your counters clear. Fruits and veggies don’t get bruised at the bottom of a drawer. You create air circulation and visual charm all in one.
Install them with a hook in a ceiling beam or beneath a cabinet. Just don’t go full jungle-vine or you’ll headbutt a grapefruit every time you make toast.
10. The Sacred “First In, First Out” Basket
This is going to sound dramatic, but every RV kitchen needs a basket labeled Use Me First.
Why? Because food hides. Especially in those deep cabinets with awkward angles. And when food hides, it dies.
This magical basket contains all the things that are closest to expiring. A rogue tortilla. An open snack pouch. That weird can of soup you swore you’d try. You’ll waste less, and your groceries will stretch further.
You’re basically creating a mini grocery rotation system… with one little bin. That’s wizardry, my friend.
11. Use Velcro to Stick Spices or Small Containers to Cabinet Doors
This one’s kinda sneaky. You slap some Velcro tape on lightweight spice jars or mini Tupperware lids and stick them onto the inside of cabinet doors.
Boom. Floating condiments. Secret sugar stash. Salt that’s literally stuck to the door. It’s not pretty—but it’s so smart, it hurts a little.
Just make sure it’s industrial-strength Velcro, or you’ll be sweeping cumin off the floor mid-turnpike.
12. Create a “Dish Drying Drawer” with a Dish Mat
A drying rack hogs counter space. But what if… hear me out… you throw a microfiber drying mat into a deep drawer?
Now you’ve got a hidden drying zone. Pop dishes in after washing, slide the drawer shut. Out of sight. No more “wet dishes on display” situation.
It feels weird at first. Then it just feels genius.
13. Magnetic Knife Block Inside a Drawer
Knives floating in a drawer? Nope. That’s an RV horror story.
Grab a magnetic strip and mount it inside a drawer. Lay your knives flat but locked in place. No more blade-bouncing or finger-dodging.
You keep your fingers intact. Your knives stay sharp. Your RV remains drama-free.
14. Dedicated “Meal Kit” Bins
You ever plan a meal and then forget what ingredients go with it?
Make a bin or basket for each meal plan—label it “Taco Night,” “Pasta Party,” whatever. Toss in all the dry or non-perishables needed for that recipe. Grab one and you’re halfway to dinner without playing pantry Jenga.
It’s kind of like being your own prep cook. Fancy, huh?
15. Install Pegboards Inside Deep Cabinets
Nobody talks about pegboards enough. They’re not just for garages or Pinterest moms.
Cut one to size and mount it inside a deep cabinet. Hang utensils, pot lids, or tiny pans on it. You’ll cry the first time you open the door and everything’s not a pile.
Add some clips and baskets for small stuff. Pure gold.
16. Fold-Down Counter Extensions (Pop-Up Style)
More counter space is a unicorn in an RV. So build it yourself.
Install a fold-down wooden slab on the side of a counter or cabinet. When you need prep space—pop it up. Done? Drop it flat. It’s like a kitchen island… if a kitchen island had commitment issues.
Even better with locking hinges so it doesn’t go rogue while chopping onions.
17. The “Oops I Bought That Twice” Inventory List
Tape a mini whiteboard or chalkboard inside a cabinet door and track your staples.
Sugar? Check. Olive oil? Got it. Chili powder? Ah, that’s why you have three.
Update it as you go. It’s low-tech, kinda nerdy, and saves real money when you’re parked 60 miles from a store with no WiFi.
18. Suction Cup Hooks on the Underside of Shelves
You don’t need to drill or glue or summon divine hardware wisdom.
Grab suction cup hooks and stick them under shelves. Use ’em for mugs, utensils, or even hanging bagged snacks. They hold surprisingly well and come off without a tantrum when it’s time to move stuff around.
Bonus? It looks all floaty and cool.
19. Nesting Cookware Sets (But Like, Really Nesting)
Not just “this bowl fits in that one” kind of nesting. I mean super-engineered, lid-snapping, pot-inside-pan-inside-pot sets.
Brands like Magma or Caraway make these for boats, but they’re PERFECT for RVs.
You store 10 items in the space of 1.5. It’s science. Or witchcraft. Either way, your cabinets will bow to you.
20. Create a “Coffee & Morning Stuff” Nook
You wake up. You want coffee. You don’t wanna dig through six bins and knock over the salt to get to the French press.
Make a little tray or caddy with everything: coffee, filters, sweetener, tea, maybe a secret biscotti. Pull it out every morning and go.
It’s a vibe. A ritual. A bit of daily RV sanity. Even if everything else is chaos, this tray makes sense.
Alright. So that was the Big 20. But let’s not stop there. Want some extra-spicy bonus tips? Of course, you do.
Bonus Idea: Keep a “Grab & Go” Basket
Throw some snacks, instant coffee sachets, utensils, and napkins into a small handled basket. When you’re heading outside for a hike or a beach chill day—boom. Snatch and go.
It sounds silly, but it’ll save you six trips and probably your patience.
Bonus Bonus: Install a Paper Towel Rod Under the Cabinet
Not on the counter. Not jammed behind the stove. Under the cabinet.
It keeps towels dry, out of the way, and easily accessible. It’s one of those changes that takes ten minutes and makes you feel smarter for a month.
Bonus x3: Stash a Mini Fire Extinguisher Where It Makes Sense
This ain’t about saving space. It’s about saving your bacon—literally. Have a small one mounted in or near the kitchen area, and make sure it’s the kind for grease fires.
Not glamorous. Very smart. You’ll thank yourself.
Living in an RV is a constant dance with space. You learn to fold your life smaller, tighter, neater… but never duller.
The kitchen especially becomes this tiny universe where creativity meets practicality. You might not have ten drawers and a walk-in pantry—but you’ve got tension rods, collapsible bowls, and a magnetic spice rack that deserves applause.
And once you finally organize it just right? Cooking in your RV feels like a kind of magic. There’s joy in knowing exactly where the garlic press lives. There’s peace in not having to dig for that bag of rice you swear you bought last week.
More than that—it feels like your space. Your mobile, beautiful, tiny kingdom of flavor.
So hang that ladle. Label those bins. Let your fruit swing proudly in its hammock. You’re not just making meals; you’re making a little order in a wild, wonderful, wheeled life.
Now go boil some pasta. Or microwave it. Whatever works.
FAQs
What are the best space-saving tools for an RV kitchen?
Collapsible items, magnetic strips, stackable bins, and pegboards are top tools for saving space.
How do I organize spices in a small RV kitchen?
Use Velcro strips, magnetic containers, or door-mounted racks to keep spices tidy and accessible.
What’s the smartest way to store knives in an RV?
Install a magnetic strip inside a drawer to safely hold knives flat and secure.
How can I make more counter space in my RV?
Add a fold-down countertop extension or use sink covers for instant prep space.
What’s a “Use Me First” basket and why is it helpful?
It stores food items closest to expiring so you waste less and stay organized.
Are Lazy Susans really useful in RV kitchens?
Yes—they make hard-to-reach cabinets instantly accessible with a simple spin.
How do I keep dishes from sliding around while driving?
Use tension rods, non-slip mats, or drying mats in drawers to hold them steady.
What’s a good way to store fresh produce in an RV?
Hanging baskets keep fruits off counters and prevent bruising while saving space.
How can I reduce clutter in kitchen drawers?
Adjustable drawer dividers or utensil trays keep everything in its own lane.
What’s the easiest way to prep meals in a small kitchen?
Create labeled meal-kit bins so all ingredients are grouped and ready to go.
Emma is a passionate home decor enthusiast and the voice behind Home Evoke. With a keen eye for design and a love for transforming spaces, she shares her expertise and creative ideas to help others create beautiful, functional homes. Through her blog, Emma inspires readers with practical tips, trend insights, and DIY projects that make home styling effortless and enjoyable.