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After nine years of living in an RV, I’ve finally perfected the art of RV kitchen organization. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered the best products and hacks to make my small travel trailer kitchen both functional and tidy.
Here, I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks that have transformed my kitchen into an efficient space ready for life on the road. Let’s dive into the details!
Contents
Organizing Cups and Dishes
The upper cabinets in my RV are the foundation of my kitchen organization. To keep my cups and dishes secure and easy to access, I use pegboard organizers. These pegboards are ideal for RV living because:
- Secure Storage: The pegs hold everything firmly in place, preventing movement during travel days.
- Customizable Layout: Since the pegs aren’t glued down, they can be adjusted to accommodate new or differently sized dishes and cups.
To make the pegboards even more secure, I applied a small amount of museum putty to the bottom of each one. This ensures they don’t slide around while the RV is in motion. When we arrive at a new campsite, everything stays clean, organized, and in its place.
Organizing Utensils
In the same upper cabinets, I’ve added two magnetic utensil holders. These came with adhesive-backed magnets that attach to the bottom of the cabinet. During travel days, the magnets keep the containers in place, so there’s no risk of spills. When parked, I simply pull them down and set them next to the stove for easy access.
I also use a clear storage bin to hold our spoons and forks, which are too short for the magnetic utensil holders. Another clear container holds miscellaneous items like grill lighters, drink huggers, and other small essentials. These clear containers make it simple to see what I need without rummaging around.
For knife storage, I use an in-drawer knife holder that keeps knives securely in place and off the countertop, preventing accidents during travel.
Organizing Cookware
The cabinet below the sink, where our knives are stored, is also where I keep all my cookware and larger kitchen items. Here’s how I’ve organized this space:
Nested Bowls and Measuring Cups: I found a set that includes a large mixing bowl, colander, sieve, small mixing bowl, and nested measuring cups. This set saves space and ensures I have all the essentials in one compact unit.
Stacked Cookware Set: My compact cookware includes:
- A griddle pan
- A frying pan
- A Large 5-quart pot
- Two interchangeable lids
What makes this set even more RV-friendly is the removable handle that works with all the pieces. Everything stacks neatly, saving valuable cabinet space.
In the extra space behind and beside the bowls and cookware, I store my Tupperware containers, foil, and sandwich bags.
Organizing the Pantry

Our small RV has a narrow cabinet below the TV that we’ve repurposed as a pantry. To maximize this space, I use tall, clear containers. Here’s why they work so well:
- Height Efficiency: The containers are tall enough to hold bottles of oil and other pantry staples, keeping them upright and secure.
- Visibility: Being clear, they allow me to see exactly what’s inside, making it easy to find what I need without shuffling items around.
This setup has transformed our pantry into a well-organized, accessible space.
Key Tips for RV Kitchen Organization
After years of trial and error, these are my top tips for organizing a small RV kitchen:
- Prioritize Multi-Functional Items: Look for products that serve multiple purposes, like nested bowls with measuring cups or cookware with interchangeable lids.
- Use Secure Storage Solutions: Pegboards, magnetic holders, and museum putty are lifesavers for keeping items in place during travel days.
- Maximize Vertical Space: Stackable containers and organizers help make the most of every inch of your cabinets and pantry.
- Stay Flexible: Choose storage solutions that can adapt as your needs change. Adjustable pegboards and clear containers are great examples.
Organizing a small RV kitchen may seem challenging at first, but with the right tools and a little creativity, it’s entirely possible to create a functional and tidy space. From pegboards to nested cookware, every product and hack I’ve shared has made my RV kitchen a joy to use.
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or just hitting the road for a weekend adventure, I hope these tips inspire you to tackle your own kitchen organization project.
Happy Camping!

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.