6 Best Closet Organization Kits for RVs That Maximize Every Inch
Transform tight RV closets with the 6 best organization kits. This guide covers adaptable solutions, from hanging shelves to modular bins, to maximize space.
That deep, dark RV closet can feel like a black hole where clothes, gear, and good intentions go to disappear. You know the one—it has a single, high shelf and a flimsy rod, a design that guarantees a chaotic pile on the floor after your first travel day. The right organization system isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about making a tiny space feel functional, spacious, and stress-free.
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Key Features in an RV-Friendly Closet System
The first rule of RV modifications is to always consider weight. Your rig has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and every pound counts. Heavy, residential-style closet systems made of particleboard are an absolute non-starter. Look for systems made from lightweight materials like aluminum, wire mesh, plastic, or fabric.
Modularity is your best friend in a space that was never built square. RV closets have weird angles, shallow depths, and often have to accommodate plumbing or wheel wells. A system with adjustable shelves, stackable components, or a customizable track layout will allow you to work with your space, not against it. Fixed-dimension shelving units are almost guaranteed to waste precious inches.
Finally, think about how it will hold up while bouncing down the highway. Any system that gets screwed into the wall must be anchored securely to the RV’s wall studs, which can be aluminum or small wood strips and are often hard to find. Freestanding units need to be secured with straps or tension rods before you move. Durability isn’t just about longevity; it’s about safety on the road.
Rubbermaid Configurations: Ultimate Adjustability
Organize your closet with the Rubbermaid Configurations Kit. This adjustable system fits 4-8 ft closets and features durable, rust-resistant shelving with telescoping rods for customizable storage.
Rubbermaid’s track-based systems are a fantastic starting point for a semi-permanent RV closet overhaul. The concept is simple: you mount vertical tracks to the wall, and then brackets, shelves, and rods snap into those tracks. This means you can change your closet layout in minutes without drilling a single new hole.
The real advantage for an RVer is the ability to adapt. Did you decide to trade bulky sweaters for hiking gear? Just lower a shelf and raise a hanging rod. The metal tracks and brackets can be cut to size with a simple hacksaw to fit the odd dimensions of your closet perfectly. While the components are metal, they are surprisingly lightweight compared to wood shelving.
The biggest challenge is installation. You absolutely must locate and anchor the vertical tracks into the wall studs. Mounting them to the thin interior luan paneling is a recipe for disaster on the first bumpy road. A good stud finder and the right size screws (short enough not to pierce your exterior wall!) are non-negotiable for this job.
SONGMICS Cube Organizer: Lightweight & Modular
Organize your space with this modular cube storage system. Easy to assemble and customize, each cube holds up to 22 lbs, perfect for clothing, books, and more.
If you want maximum flexibility with minimal installation, a modular cube organizer is the answer. These systems consist of plastic or wire grid panels that connect with plastic corner pieces. You can literally build them into any shape you can imagine, making them perfect for fitting around wheel wells or inside oddly-shaped cabinets. They are also incredibly lightweight, adding negligible weight to your rig.
This is the ultimate solution for someone who doesn’t want to drill holes. You can assemble the unit to fit snugly inside your closet, and its own tension fit will often hold it in place. For travel, a single bungee cord or tension rod across the front is usually enough to keep everything contained. It’s a great way to create dozens of small cubbies for folded clothes, shoes, or pantry items.
Be realistic about their strength, however. These are not designed for heavy items. Canned goods, heavy tools, or a stack of books will cause the plastic panels to bow or the connectors to fail. They are perfect for t-shirts, socks, towels, and other lightweight goods, but look elsewhere for your heavy-duty storage needs.
Simple Houseware Hanging Shelf: Instant Storage
Maximize closet space with this 6-shelf hanging organizer. It features durable fabric shelves and convenient side mesh pockets for easy storage and access.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. A hanging fabric shelf is the definition of an instant upgrade. It requires zero tools and zero installation—you just hang it from your existing closet rod. In less than 30 seconds, you can convert a section of unusable hanging space into a stack of functional shelves.
This is my go-to recommendation for people in rental RVs or for those who aren’t ready to commit to a permanent system. It’s ideal for creating vertical storage for folded items like sweaters, jeans, and t-shirts. When you need the long-hanging space back for a winter coat, you can just fold it up and put it away.
The limitations are directly tied to its strengths. Its entire weight is supported by your RV’s closet rod, which may not be the sturdiest. Be mindful of the weight capacity and avoid loading it down with heavy items. They can also swing during travel, so it’s best to pack the closet full enough that things don’t shift, or use a tension rod in front of the shelves to hold them back.
IRIS USA Drawer Cart: For Small Item Control
Deep RV closets often become a jumbled mess, especially with small items. A freestanding plastic drawer cart is the perfect tool for taming the chaos of socks, underwear, charging cables, and toiletries. Instead of digging through a deep bin, you get organized, accessible drawers.
These units can be placed directly on the floor of a larger closet, instantly creating a functional dresser where there was once just empty space. Look for models with clear drawers so you can see the contents at a glance. They slide easily, making it simple to grab what you need without unpacking half the closet.
The critical consideration here is securing it for travel. The last thing you want is for all your drawers to slide open and dump their contents on the floor after a sharp turn. A simple bungee cord wrapped around the entire unit or a tension rod placed between the cart and the closet door is an easy and effective way to keep everything contained while you’re on the move.
ClosetMaid ShelfTrack: A Customizable Classic
Organize your closet with this adjustable ClosetMaid system, creating up to 96 inches of hanging space and 144 inches of shelving. The ShelfTrack design configures to fit closets 4-6 feet wide and features a SuperSlide hang rod for easy hanger movement.
ClosetMaid’s ShelfTrack system is another excellent track-based option, very similar in concept to the Rubbermaid system. It uses the same vertical track and bracket design but is most commonly paired with coated wire shelving. This is a classic for a reason: it’s affordable, widely available, and highly effective.
The primary advantage of the wire shelving in an RV context is its low weight and excellent airflow. Good ventilation is crucial in a small space to prevent moisture buildup and musty smells, and wire shelves are far superior to solid shelves in this regard. Just like other track systems, you can cut the shelves and tracks to fit your non-standard closet dimensions.
The main tradeoff with wire shelving is that small items can fall through the gaps. This is easily solved by using shelf liners or, even better, placing small bins and baskets on the shelves. As with any wall-mounted system, a proper, stud-based installation is essential for it to withstand the rigors of the road.
The Container Store Elfa: A Premium Solution
Securely mount items to drywall or plaster walls with these reliable anchors. Designed for closets and other organizational projects, they provide a strong hold.
If you’re a full-timer or simply want the best-in-class solution, The Container Store’s Elfa system is the gold standard. It’s a track-based system, but the build quality, variety of components, and smooth functionality are a significant step up from what you’ll find at a big-box hardware store. The gliding drawers are especially impressive and can transform a basic closet into a high-end wardrobe.
Elfa offers an unparalleled range of specialized accessories, from shoe racks and pant trolleys to jewelry trays and custom drawer dividers. This allows for a truly bespoke organization system tailored to your exact needs. If you’re building a "no compromises" rig and want a storage solution that feels residential and will last a lifetime, Elfa is a serious contender.
This premium quality comes with two significant tradeoffs for an RVer: weight and cost. Elfa components, particularly the solid shelving and drawer units, are considerably heavier and more expensive than their wire-based counterparts. You must carefully weigh the benefits against your RV’s cargo carrying capacity and your budget. For many, it’s overkill, but for the right person, it’s the ultimate closet solution.
How to Measure and Install Your RV Closet Kit
Before you buy anything, measure everything. RVs are notoriously out-of-square, so measure the width and depth at the top, middle, and bottom of the closet. Make a simple sketch and note the location of any intrusions like pipes, wiring chases, or the curve of the wall. These details will determine which system will actually fit.
Finding solid mounting points is the most critical step for any wall-mounted system. RV walls are thin, and you cannot anchor a shelf system to the interior paneling alone. Use a high-quality electronic stud finder to locate the aluminum or wood studs in the wall. Mark them clearly. Your entire system’s stability depends on hitting these studs.
When installing, use screws that are long enough to bite into the stud but short enough that they don’t risk piercing the exterior skin of your RV. Pre-drilling a small pilot hole can prevent the wall paneling from splitting. For heavy-duty applications, consider first mounting a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the wall, screwing it into multiple studs. Then you can mount your closet system tracks to the plywood, which distributes the load much more effectively.
Ultimately, the best closet kit is the one that fits your RV, your budget, and your travel style. There is no single right answer, only a series of smart tradeoffs. By prioritizing lightweight, modular, and secure solutions, you can transform that chaotic closet into a highly efficient storage space that makes life on the road just a little bit easier.
