How We Reconfigured Our RV Closet for Better Storage

Simple RV closet organization ideas that made a small space work better for real life

We lived with our RV closet setup for two full camping seasons before finally deciding something had to change. Even though the closet looked fairly spacious, it never actually functioned well for the way we camped. Every trip seemed to involve digging through piles, reorganizing shifted items, and getting frustrated trying to keep the space under control. Instead of making camping easier, the closet became one of those small everyday annoyances we kept putting off—until we finally decided to completely rethink the layout.

For more in depth posts on our renovated RV, check out:

What We Love Most About Our Renovated RV

Our Exact RV Renovation Products List: The Paint, Flooring & Fixtures We Used

DIY Fifth Wheel Renovation: Budget Breakdown & Lessons Learned

What Wasn’t Working in Our Original RV Closet

The biggest issue was that the closet had far more hanging space than we realistically needed, but almost no functional shelving. We tried using hanging cubbies for folded clothes, but during travel, items shifted around or fell out entirely, leaving the closet messy after almost every drive. The bottom section also became a dumping ground for shoes and loose items, wasting valuable storage space. Overall, the layout simply wasn’t designed for how we actually used the RV day to day.

Our Goals Before Rebuilding the Closet

Before making any changes, we had a few clear goals in mind for the space. We wanted to maximize the vertical storage and make better use of the full depth of the closet instead of wasting so much usable room. At the same time, we needed the layout to keep everyday items easily accessible, whether that meant having a broom hanging neatly on the side or using pull-out bins that could be reached without unloading half the closet first. Creating a proper shoe storage area was also a priority so dirt, mud, and leaves wouldn’t constantly end up scattered throughout the RV. Since we didn’t want to invest in expensive custom cabinetry, we focused on simple DIY solutions that were budget-friendly, lightweight, and practical for travel. Most importantly, we wanted a system that would actually stay organized while driving and be easy to maintain throughout the camping season instead of turning into another cluttered catch-all space after every trip.

The RV Closet Dimensions

Before planning the new layout, we measured the entire closet to make sure we could maximize every inch of usable space. The main interior dimensions are approximately 25 inches wide, 23 inches deep, and 54.5 inches tall. Like many RV storage spaces, though, the closet has a few awkward areas that made planning a little trickier. There’s roughly an extra inch of space hidden past the door hinges on each side, along with about 4 inches of additional vertical space above the top of the closet doors. While these areas aren’t the easiest to access, we still tried to account for them as much as possible when designing the shelving and overall layout.

How We Reconfigured the Space

Added Shelving

To make the closet more functional, we decided to replace a large portion of the hanging space with fixed shelving. We planned the shelf spacing around the dimensions of cube type IKEA storage bins, which measure roughly 13" x 13" x 15", allowing us to use storage bins and organizers we already owned while maximizing every inch of space. For the shelving material, we chose melamine since it’s relatively lightweight, easy to clean, and budget-friendly for a DIY RV project. Rather than using adjustable shelves, we opted for fixed shelves to provide better stability during travel and reduce shifting or movement on the road. In the end, shelving simply made far more sense for the way we actually use the RV. Folded clothing, bins, and everyday items could be contained much more effectively, and we quickly realized we didn’t need nearly as much hanging space as the original closet design provided.

Created a Shoe Storage Area

We also wanted to finally create a dedicated space for shoes instead of letting them pile up loosely at the bottom of the closet. Since the lower section already made the most sense for heavier or dirtier items, we kept the shoe storage area there but added a waterproof, easy-to-clean wallpaper to help contain mud, leaves, and dust tracked in from outside. This should make cleanup much easier throughout the camping season and help prevent dirt from spreading through the rest of the RV.

Kept Part of the Closet for Hanging Clothes

Even though we removed most of the original hanging space, we still wanted to keep a small section for clothing that doesn’t fold as easily. In the end, we dedicated just enough room for a short hanging rod, although we actually lost about 1.5 inches more than originally planned after needing to add reinforcement on both sides for stability. Thankfully, we realized we didn’t need much hanging storage after all. The remaining space comfortably fits about four or five items, which is enough for a jacket each plus the occasional dress shirt or outfit for dinners out or slightly more dressed-up occasions while traveling.

Used Bins or Containers to Separate Categories

To be honest, we’re still figuring out exactly what will live where long term. Because the original closet setup functioned so poorly, we barely used most of the space for the past two camping seasons. We mainly relied on the hanging rod for jackets and used our nightstands for folded clothing instead. Now that the closet is actually functional, we’ll need a few trips to settle into a system and decide which bins and categories make the most sense for everyday use. This part of the organization process is definitely still evolving.

What We Spent

One of the best parts about this project was how inexpensive it ended up being. We already had enough melamine left over from previous projects to build the shelving, along with rod holders and a large wooden dowel to use for the hanging rod. We also used paint we already had on hand, which helped keep costs even lower. The waterproof liner for the bottom shoe section is wallpaper we had leftovers from my IKEA nightstand makeover ( DIY IKEA Malm Nightstand Makeover: Transform Plain Furniture Into Chic, Custom Pieces ). The only other purchase we made specifically for this project was three storage bins from IKEA for about $6 each. Overall, this ended up being a very budget-friendly DIY upgrade that made a huge difference in how functional the closet feels.

What Worked Best After Using It

After using the new setup, the biggest difference was how much easier the closet became to keep tidy and clean. Instead of constantly shifting piles around or digging through overstuffed hanging organizers, everything now has a more defined place and stays contained much better during travel. Packing for trips also feels noticeably faster since we can actually access items without unloading half the closet first. The shelving created far more usable storage than the original layout ever provided, and for the first time, we’re able to comfortably keep more of our camping essentials stored in the RV full time instead of packing and unpacking them before every trip. Overall, the space feels far more functional and much less frustrating to use day to day.

At the end of the day, this project wasn’t about creating a picture-perfect RV closet — it was about making the space function better for the way we actually camp. If you’re thinking about reorganizing your own RV, my biggest advice is to start simple and work with what you already have whenever possible. You don’t need expensive custom cabinetry or a fully finished makeover right away to make a huge improvement in how your space works. Focusing on accessibility and practical storage systems made a much bigger difference for us than aesthetics ever could. Paint, trim, and finishing touches can always be added later, but creating a layout that’s easy to use every day is what truly makes RV living feel less stressful and more enjoyable.