17 Clever RV Clothes Storage Ideas To Maximize Your Space

Living in an RV means making the most of every square inch. When it comes to storing clothes, the challenge gets even bigger. Regular closets and dressers just don’t fit in most RVs, so you need creative solutions that work in tight spaces.

The good news is that there are plenty of smart ways to store your clothes without feeling cramped. These RV clothes storage ideas will help you keep everything organized while saving precious space. Whether you have a tiny popup camper or a large motorhome, these tips can work for your situation. Many full-time RVers have tested these methods and found them to be game changers for their daily routines.

Before diving into specific solutions, take a moment to think about what you need most. Are you struggling with hanging clothes, folded items, or dirty laundry? Maybe you have plenty of hanging space but nowhere to put socks and underwear. Knowing your biggest challenge will help you pick the best RV clothes storage idea for your needs. Also consider how many people you’re storing clothes for and what types of clothes you wear most often.

1. Pack Smart with Packing Cubes

Packing cubes aren’t just for airplane travel. These zippered fabric containers work great in RVs too. You can sort different types of clothes into separate cubes, making it easy to find what you need without digging through everything else.

The cubes fit perfectly in closets, under beds, or in cabinets. They also compress your clothes slightly, giving you more room than just tossing items loose into spaces. Many people use different colored cubes for each family member, which makes sorting laundry much easier. Some cubes even have mesh tops so you can see what’s inside without opening them.

When choosing packing cubes, look for ones made from lightweight but durable materials. You’ll want different sizes to fit various spaces in your RV. Medium-sized cubes work well for most clothing items, while smaller ones are perfect for underwear and socks.

2. Take Advantage of Magnetic Storage

Most RVs have metal surfaces that people forget about. The side of your refrigerator, metal cabinet doors, and other steel surfaces can hold magnetic hooks and strips. This often untapped storage space can make a big difference in small RVs.

These hooks work perfectly for lightweight items like belts, scarves, hats, or thin jackets. The best part is that you can move them around whenever you want without drilling holes or leaving marks. Some magnetic hooks are strong enough to hold multiple items at once.

Look for neodymium magnets, which are much stronger than regular magnets. You can find magnetic hooks at most hardware stores or online. Test them first to make sure they’ll stick well to your RV’s metal surfaces, as some RVs have painted or coated metal that doesn’t work as well with magnets.

3. Install a Hanging Closet Organizer

A hanging shelf system can double your closet storage space. These fabric organizers hang from your closet rod and give you several shelves for folded clothes. They work especially well for items that wrinkle easily when stuffed into tight spaces.

Look for organizers that are about 12 inches wide, since most RV closets are narrow. They work great for sweaters, t-shirts, and other items that don’t need to be hung up. Just make sure to measure your closet height before buying one. Some organizers come with adjustable shelves that you can customize to fit your needs.

The fabric construction makes these organizers much lighter than adding wooden shelves. They also won’t slide around while you’re driving like some plastic storage options might. Many have reinforced edges to keep their shape even when fully loaded.

4. Master the Art of Compact Folding

Learning to fold clothes smaller can free up surprising amounts of space. The KonMari method teaches you to fold clothes so they stand upright in drawers like little soldiers. This technique lets you see everything at once instead of having clothes stacked on top of each other.

This technique takes a bit more time at first, but you’ll fit much more in the same space. It also makes it easier to see all your clothes at once instead of digging through piles. The method works especially well for t-shirts, pants, and underwear.

Start by practicing with just one type of clothing until you get the hang of it. Once you master the technique, you can fold a whole load of laundry this way. Many people find their clothes actually have fewer wrinkles when folded this way compared to traditional folding methods.

5. Choose a Space-Efficient Hamper

Dirty clothes need a home too, and regular hampers are often too bulky for RV living. A slim laundry hamper can fit in tight spaces like bathroom corners or next to the toilet. Some hampers are designed to be extra narrow so they don’t take up much floor space.

Look for collapsible options that fold flat when not in use. This RV clothes storage idea keeps dirty clothes contained while taking up minimal room in your living space. Some hampers even have handles that make them easy to carry to laundromats.

Consider hampers with multiple compartments so you can sort lights and darks as you go. This saves time when you get to the laundromat. Mesh hampers allow air circulation, which helps prevent odors from building up in your small space.

6. Maximize Your Bedroom Door Space

The back of your bedroom door is valuable real estate that often goes unused. Over-the-door organizers with clear pockets can hold socks, underwear, and small folded items. This vertical storage doesn’t interfere with walking space or other furniture.

You can see everything at a glance, and the organizer doesn’t take up any floor or shelf space. Some people even use these for toiletries and accessories, making them super versatile. The clear pockets make it easy to grab what you need quickly, which is especially helpful in cramped quarters.

Choose organizers with reinforced hanging hardware that can handle the weight of clothes. Some have additional hooks or straps that help distribute weight evenly. Make sure the pockets are deep enough to hold your items securely while driving.

7. Compress with Vacuum Storage

Vacuum storage bags can shrink bulky items like winter coats and thick sweaters to a fraction of their normal size. These bags remove all the air, making clothes take up much less space. They’re perfect for seasonal items you only need occasionally.

Store the compressed bags under your bed, in cabinets, or anywhere you have room. Many vacuum bags come with hand pumps, so you don’t need to find an electrical outlet to compress them. Some even work with regular vacuum cleaners for faster compression.

The key is only using these bags for items you won’t need for a while, since clothes can wrinkle when compressed for long periods. Label each bag clearly so you know what’s inside without having to open them. Double-check that the bags are completely sealed to prevent air from getting back in.

8. Select Furniture That Doubles as Storage

Ottoman seats, storage benches, and beds with built-in drawers can hide lots of clothes while serving other purposes. This RV clothes storage idea works especially well for items you don’t need every day, like extra bedding or seasonal clothes.

Look for furniture pieces that match your RV’s style while providing hidden storage space. Some ottomans can hold several weeks’ worth of clothes while giving you extra seating. Storage benches work great at the foot of beds or in dinette areas.

When shopping for dual-purpose furniture, consider the weight since you’ll need to move it occasionally. Also think about how easy it is to access the storage compartment. Some pieces have lids that lift up, while others have drawers that slide out.

9. Invest in Space-Saving Hangers

Regular hangers eat up closet rod space quickly, especially in narrow RV closets. Special hangers can help you hang more clothes in the same area without crowding everything together. S-shaped pants hangers let you hang multiple pairs of pants on one hanger.

Cascading hangers connect together, allowing you to hang several shirts vertically instead of horizontally. These simple switches can double your hanging space. Velvet hangers are also thinner than plastic ones and help prevent clothes from slipping off.

Consider the weight capacity of your closet rod before loading it up with specialty hangers. Some RV closet rods aren’t designed to hold as much weight as home closets. Space out heavy items and don’t overload any single section of the rod.

10. Implement a Seasonal Clothing Strategy

You don’t need access to all your clothes all the time, especially if you travel with the seasons. Keep only current season clothes easy to reach. Store off-season items in vacuum bags or hard-to-reach places like high cabinets or under-bed storage.

This strategy can effectively double your usable closet space. When seasons change, just swap out what you have accessible. It’s one of the most effective long-term RV clothes storage ideas. Many full-timers do this swap every few months as they move to different climates.

Create a simple system for your seasonal rotation. Use clear bins or bags so you can see what’s stored without opening everything. Keep a list of what’s in long-term storage so you don’t forget about items you might need unexpectedly.

11. Hide Clothes Inside Pillowcases

This clever trick lets you store extra sheets and clothes inside your pillowcases without anyone knowing. It’s completely hidden storage that doesn’t require buying anything new or taking up additional space.

Your pillow might feel a bit different, but it’s a great way to store items you only use occasionally. Some people even skip bringing regular pillows and just stuff pillowcases with clothes. This works especially well for soft items like pajamas or extra underwear.

Choose items that won’t create uncomfortable lumps or hard spots in your pillow. Fold clothes as flat as possible before stuffing them in. You can even use different pillowcases for different types of items to keep them organized.

12. Repurpose a Shoe Organizer

Hanging shoe organizers with multiple pockets work for much more than shoes. The clear pockets are perfect for socks, underwear, and small clothing items. Each pocket keeps items separated so you can find what you need quickly.

Hang one on your closet door or bedroom door. You can even cut the organizer into smaller sections and attach them under your bed frame for additional storage. The versatility makes this solution work in many different spaces.

Look for organizers with reinforced pockets that won’t tear easily. Some have mesh pockets that allow air circulation, while others have solid pockets that keep items completely contained. Consider how much weight each pocket can hold before filling them up.

13. Add Soft Storage Containers to Closets

Fabric cubes and soft storage boxes fit perfectly in RV closets and other odd-shaped spaces. They’re flexible enough to squeeze into areas where rigid containers won’t fit and can hold folded clothes that don’t need hanging.

These containers are much lighter than plastic drawers and won’t slide around while driving. They come in different sizes to fit various spaces in your RV. Many have handles that make them easy to pull out when you need something from the bottom.

Choose containers with reinforced bottoms that can handle the weight of clothes. Some fold flat when empty, which is helpful if you need to store them when not in use. Look for ones with clear windows or labels so you can identify contents easily.

14. Create Extra Hanging Space with Tension Rods

If your closet rod is full, add a tension rod with S-hooks for extra hanging space. Tension rods don’t require drilling and can go almost anywhere you have two surfaces to brace against. They’re perfect for temporary solutions or trying out new storage arrangements.

You can install them in corners, across cabinet openings, or even in your shower area for temporary clothes drying. This RV clothes storage idea gives you flexibility without permanent changes. Some people use them to create separate sections for different family members.

Make sure to get tension rods that are strong enough to hold clothes without sagging. Test the installation before loading it with clothes to ensure it will stay in place while driving. Adjust the tension regularly as the rod may loosen over time.

15. Consider a Compact Drawer System

Small plastic drawer units can work like mini dressers in RVs. Look for units that are about 12 inches wide and can fit in closets or on countertops. These give you the organization of a dresser without taking up as much space.

Some units have wheels, making them easy to move around as needed. In popup campers, you can even lay them flat on the floor when traveling and set them up when camping. The drawer design keeps clothes organized and prevents them from getting mixed up.

Choose units with smooth-operating drawers that won’t stick or fall out while driving. Clear drawers let you see what’s inside without opening them. Stack multiple units if you have the vertical space, but secure them together so they don’t tip over.

16. Add a Fold-Out Hanging Rod

Folding clothes rods mount to walls or doors and extend when you need extra hanging space. When not in use, they fold flat against the wall and barely take up any space. They’re perfect for temporary hanging needs or guest clothes.

These work great for temporary hanging space or drying clothes. You can install them in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any area where you need occasional hanging space. Some models extend quite far out, giving you substantial hanging room when needed.

Consider where you’ll mount the rod and how much clearance you need when it’s extended. Make sure the mounting hardware is strong enough for the weight you plan to hang. Some rods have stops that prevent them from extending too far and hitting walls or furniture.

17. Organize Drawers with Divider Baskets

If you have any drawers in your RV, divider baskets keep everything organized and prevent small items from becoming a jumbled mess. Instead of throwing all your socks and underwear together, separate them into different sections.

This makes it much easier to find what you need quickly. The baskets prevent small items from getting mixed up when you’re driving down bumpy roads. You can remove individual baskets to access items underneath or to reorganize as needed.

Look for baskets that fit well in your specific drawers without wasting space. Some are adjustable or stackable to maximize your drawer space. Choose materials that won’t scratch your drawers or make noise while driving.