6 best bathroom storage solutions for small RVs Nomads Swear By
Explore 6 top bathroom storage solutions for small RVs. These nomad-approved tips help you maximize vertical space and keep essentials neatly organized.
You open your tiny RV bathroom cabinet and an avalanche of half-empty shampoo bottles and tangled charging cords tumbles out. We’ve all been there. In a space that’s often no bigger than a closet, every square inch is precious real estate, and clutter can make it feel completely unusable. The right storage solutions aren’t just about tidiness; they’re about making your small mobile space feel functional, calm, and livable day in and day out.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Smart Storage Strategies for Tiny RV Bathrooms
The first rule of RV bathroom storage is to think vertically. Floor space is practically nonexistent, so your walls, corners, and the back of your door are your best friends. These surfaces are often overlooked, but they represent a massive opportunity for organization if you use the right tools.
The second rule is to account for motion. Unlike a stationary home, everything in your RV will be shaken, rattled, and rolled down the highway. Any storage solution you choose must be secure. This means prioritizing things that lock, latch, or can be easily stowed before you hit the road.
Finally, remember the humidity. RV bathrooms are ground zero for moisture, which can lead to mildew and damage. Choose materials that are waterproof or water-resistant, like plastic, stainless steel, and coated metals. Proper ventilation is key, but your storage choices play a huge role in keeping things dry and clean.
simplehuman Tension Caddy: Vertical Corner Storage
This tension pole shower caddy offers a secure, tool-free installation with its reinforced pole and spring mechanism. Adjustable shelves accommodate tall bottles, while convenient hooks and upside-down storage options enhance organization.
A tension pole caddy is a non-negotiable for most RV wet baths or small showers. It uses a spring-loaded pole that wedges between the floor (or tub ledge) and the ceiling, requiring zero drilling. This is a massive win in an RV, where piercing your shower surround is asking for leaks and wall damage.
The simplehuman model stands out for its rust-proof stainless steel construction and sturdy, adjustable shelves. You can position the baskets exactly where you need them to accommodate tall bottles or small soap bars. This single item can hold all your shower essentials, completely freeing up the tiny ledges and floor space that are magnets for clutter.
The main tradeoff is that it occupies a corner of your already small shower. However, the vertical organization it provides is almost always worth the sacrifice. Just be sure to check the tension periodically, especially after significant temperature swings, as the pole can sometimes loosen slightly during travel. A quick twist to tighten it is all it takes to keep it secure.
Command Bath Organizer for Damage-Free Wall Use
Organize your bathroom damage-free with this satin nickel shower caddy. Its water-resistant Command Strips hold up to 6.5 lbs securely on various surfaces, removing cleanly without residue.
Command strips are a full-timer’s secret weapon, and their bathroom-specific line is perfect for RVs. The water-resistant adhesive holds strong in humid, wet conditions but removes cleanly without leaving residue or damaging delicate RV wall panels. This lets you experiment with placement without committing to a permanent hole.
Forget just using them for hooks. Command makes a variety of caddies, soap dishes, and organizers that can stick directly to your shower surround or bathroom walls. Use a small caddy next to the sink for your toothbrush and toothpaste, or place a couple inside the shower for razors and washcloths. Their weight limits are modest, so they aren’t for your giant Costco-sized shampoo, but they are perfect for decanted liquids and smaller daily-use items.
The key is preparation. You must clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the strip, and you have to let it cure for the recommended time before hanging the organizer and adding weight. Skipping this step is the number one reason these fail. When used correctly, they are incredibly reliable for lightweight organization.
Simple Houseware Over-the-Door Pocket Organizer
Organize shoes and more with this over-the-door organizer. It features 24 clear pockets and easily hangs on standard doors, protecting items from dust and damage.
The back of the bathroom door is the most underutilized storage space in any small rig. An over-the-door pocket organizer transforms this dead space into a powerhouse of organization. It’s lightweight, requires no installation, and offers an incredible amount of storage for its footprint.
This isn’t just for shoes. In an RV bathroom, these pockets are ideal for sorting first-aid supplies, medications, hairbrushes, sunscreen, bug spray, and backup toiletries. Using clear pockets allows you to see everything at a glance, so you’re not digging around in a deep cabinet.
The only real downside is that items can rattle or even bounce out during travel. The fix is simple: either choose an organizer with elastic-topped pockets or simply take it down and lay it on the bed on travel days. For a more permanent solution, a few well-placed Command hooks at the bottom can secure it against the door and stop it from swinging.
HASKO Suction Cup Baskets for Shower Essentials
Organize your bathroom essentials with this durable stainless steel shower caddy. Its powerful suction cup ensures secure mounting on smooth surfaces, while included 3M discs offer an alternative for textured walls.
Forget the cheap, flimsy suction cups you remember from your childhood. Modern suction cup technology, like that used by brands like HASKO, is incredibly strong and reliable. These systems use a vacuum-lock mechanism—you press the cup firmly against a smooth, non-porous surface and then flip a lever or twist a knob to create a powerful seal.
These are fantastic for fiberglass or acrylic shower surrounds where you don’t want to drill. A couple of well-placed baskets can hold heavy shampoo and conditioner bottles with ease, keeping them off the floor of the shower. They are also easy to reposition if you decide to rearrange things.
The critical factor for success is the surface. Suction cups will not work on textured or porous surfaces. They need a perfectly smooth, clean wall to create a vacuum. Over time, the seal can weaken, so it’s a good habit to "re-suck" them to the wall every month or so to ensure they stay put.
mDesign Under-Sink Drawers for Hidden Toiletries
Organize your bathroom with this stackable 3-drawer organizer. Its pull-out drawers provide easy access to makeup, towels, and more, fitting neatly under sinks or in cabinets.
The cabinet under the bathroom sink is often a deep, dark cavern where toiletries go to be forgotten. A simple set of stackable, sliding drawers completely changes the game. Instead of having to get on your hands and knees to find the extra toothpaste, you can just slide a drawer out.
Products from mDesign or similar brands offer modular plastic drawer systems that are lightweight and rust-proof. They create vertical structure within the cabinet, effectively doubling or tripling your usable storage space. You can dedicate one drawer to cleaning supplies, another to backup toiletries, and another to first-aid items.
Before buying, measure your cabinet interior carefully—height, width, and depth. You also need to account for the plumbing P-trap that often snakes through the middle of the space. To keep the unit from sliding around during travel, use some strong double-sided tape or a small tension rod wedged in front of it.
MyGift Wall-Mounted Rack for Towel Organization
Enhance your bathroom or kitchen with this rustic, burnt wood towel rack. Its 28-inch metal rod offers versatile hanging storage, perfect for towels or other MyGift modular organizers.
Wet towels are a persistent problem in a compact RV. Dropping them on the bed or draping them over a door is a recipe for a damp, mildewy rig. A dedicated, wall-mounted towel rack provides a proper place for towels to air out, which is crucial for hygiene and comfort.
Look for a rack with multiple bars or hooks that allows air to circulate around each towel. Some designs even include a top shelf for storing folded, dry towels, combining two functions in one. This gets your towels off the floor and out of the way, making the entire bathroom feel larger and more orderly.
Installation is the most important consideration here. RV walls are thin, so you can’t just use any old drywall anchor. You need to either locate a wall stud (which can be tricky) or use specialty hollow-wall anchors designed for thin paneling. Always check what’s behind the wall before you drill to avoid hitting wiring or plumbing.
Combining Systems for a Clutter-Free Washroom
The best-organized RV bathrooms don’t rely on a single magic product. Instead, they use a layered strategy, combining several different systems to create a place for everything. No single solution can solve every storage challenge, but together, they create a cohesive and highly functional space.
Imagine this setup: A tension caddy holds all the bottles in the corner of your shower. A couple of HASKO suction baskets are on the shower wall for soap and razors. On the back of the door, a pocket organizer holds all your small, miscellaneous items. Under the sink, a two-tier drawer system keeps backup supplies neat and accessible. Finally, a wall-mounted rack holds your towels.
This approach ensures that every type of item has a dedicated home. It leverages vertical space, wall space, and hidden space, leaving your precious countertop and floor clear. By thoughtfully combining these nomad-approved solutions, you can transform a cramped, chaotic bathroom into a surprisingly efficient and pleasant part of your mobile home.
Ultimately, mastering your RV bathroom is about being intentional with your choices. By strategically using walls, corners, and doors with reliable, road-tested products, you can create a space that feels surprisingly spacious and works for you, not against you. This frees you up to focus less on clutter and more on the adventure ahead.
