12 Incredible RV Storage Hacks for Campers with Kids
If you haven’t figured this out yet, I’ll break the news to you now: Even with all its freedom, the RV life requires a few hefty sacrifices at the outset. And the most immediate sacrifice is space. Now, if you are embarking on your first RV adventure with kids, you may be asking, “How in the world will we fit all these toys and play things into that?” The facts are that, depending on your rig, you’re looking at one child’s bedroom of space. Maybe two. And, if you are a seasoned parent, you know the flow of toys never really stops. Toy acquisition starts as a slow drip and turns into a steady hydrant. So, while periodic purging is always necessary, you’ll also want to consider clearing up more space with clever RV storage hacks for kids and their stuff.
As an experienced RV mom, I’m happy to oblige. Here are 12 resourceful, fun, and tasteful RV storage hacks that can free some extra space for the stuff your kids bring along.
Reimagining Your Space
Now, before we redefine your storage space, try to remember that no space is too small. One of the most satisfying aspects of this life is learning what you can do with so little. Space is no different. You just have to rethink, reimagine, and reorganize.
- Rethink. (Hack No. 1) When I look at small spaces, I like to think vertically. There are so many spaces that go un utilized simply because we aren’t used to using vertical space for storage.
- Reimagine. (Hack No. 2) OK, so you can’t pack that 14-foot trampoline into the RV. (What an actual relief!) But you can easily pack this portable ninja warrior hanging obstacle course slack line.
- Reorganize. (Hack No. 3) Often, you don’t actually need more storage. You just need to reorganize your things in a way that fosters functionality. You don’t have to have a separate drawer for shorts and one for pants. Try putting their shorts and pants in the same drawer, separated with an expandable drawer divider. This is great for underwear, socks, and bathing suits. They don’t all have to have their own drawer.
Targeting Empty Wall Space
When most people look at a wall, they see a sad empty place where a picture should be. I, on the other hand, see infinite opportunities for storage. In an RV, you may be hesitant to drill holes or install anchors into those precious walls. (I don’t blame you there!) But in this day and age, tape has undergone some massive improvements. There is two-way tape out there that is stronger than nails. Here are just a few storage hacks that can go straight onto your walls.
- Wall storage bags. (Hack No. 4) These can be easily taken off the wall with Velcro! I can think of a million ways to use wall storage bags. But they seem most fitting in a kids area next to a top or bottom bunk. You can put toys, books, night lights, and so much more in here.
- Wall pockets. (Hack No. 5) Another way to utilize wall space in your rig. Tastefully arrange and decorate wall pockets to make your RV feel like home.
- Towel bars and baskets. (Hack No. 6) Just because it’s a towel bar doesn’t mean you have to hang a towel from it. I have bars installed all over my RV. From them, I hang small baskets to store various items. There are plenty of tasteful towel bars out there that don’t feel like a bathroom accessory at all. This idea does work great in bathrooms however, especially for storing kids items. I like to utilize this hack in the kids’ craft area for pencils and art supplies.
Attracting More Magnets
Among RV storage hacks for kids, magnets offer some of the most clever and resourceful alternatives.
- Earth magnets. (Hack No. 7) Earth magnets, plus clever magnetic storage bags, equal storage anywhere you want on any wall surface. The bags are originally designed to go on the side of a car or a refrigerator. But you can replicate that magnetic surface with hefty neodymium magnets that have strong two way tape on the bag. Don’t be fooled: The neodymium magnets are tougher and stronger than they look. They can hold a lot of weight, especially the bigger ones.
- Magnetic hooks. (Hack No. 8) You can play around with different removable magnetic surfaces — and you don’t need a magnetic bag to hang from it. You can use strong magnetic hooks to hang just about anything.
- Magnetic strips. (Hack No. 9) These are a great way to hang kids’ art projects. Pair the magnetic strips with earth magnets to hang art or photographs.
- Magnetic wall plates. (Hack No. 10) Do your kids like Magna-Tiles? (Who am I kidding: Everyone’s kids love these.) Of all the toys we own, Magna-Tiles have offered my kids more hours of playtime than anything else. But a basket full of magnet tiles can take up precious storage space in an RV. Here is how we like to store them: magnetic wall plates installed on the wall with nails. (Or heavy duty two-way tape offers the perfect place to store and play with magnet tiles on the wall.) It adds tasteful decor, storage, and a great place to display your kids’ Magna-Tile design creations.
Keeping the Ceiling in Play
We are so used to storing our things on the floor that we forget that the ceiling technically offers the same amount of storage space. (We just have to be a little more thoughtful in how we use it.)
- Toy hammocks. (Hack No. 11) I’ll be honest: I can’t think of anything that takes up more space than stuffed animals. (But how can we deprive them of all those adorable little snuggle things?) Toy hammocks are a great way to get the stuffy clutter off the floors and beds.
- Ceiling-mounted storage bins. (Hack No. 12) That’s right. Storage bins can live on the ceiling too. The clever sliding mechanism allows ceiling-mounted storage bins to slide in and out of the rack. Depending on the height of your rig, this might be most appropriately used in the passthrough storage of your RV.
Making Room for What Matters
As parents, we are all by now very well aware who those toys are really for. They are for us. You and me. They afford us 10 to 15 minutes of God-given peace and quiet — so we can take a shower, go to the bathroom, or make dinner. Of all the sacrifices we make to live this life, your 10 minutes of peace and quiet shouldn’t be one of them. And now, thanks to these RV storage hacks for kids, it doesn’t have to be. No space is too small to store your family’s essential items. It just needs to be reimagined.
Olivia de Soria
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