7 Ideas for Organizing a Laundry Space in RVs That Maximize Every Inch
Transform your tiny RV laundry space with 7 smart organization ideas! Discover vertical storage, folding stations, and drying solutions to maximize every inch.
Why it matters: RV laundry spaces typically measure just 2-3 square feet, making efficient organization critical for full-time travelers and weekend warriors alike.
The challenge: You’re dealing with limited storage, awkward dimensions, and the constant need to maximize every inch while keeping essentials accessible during travel.
What’s ahead: These seven proven strategies will transform your cramped laundry area into a functional workspace that handles everything from sorting dirty clothes to storing cleaning supplies without sacrificing precious RV real estate.
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Maximize Vertical Space With Stackable Storage Solutions
Your RV’s vertical space is pure gold when it comes to laundry organization. Most RV owners focus on floor space but miss the untapped storage potential above their heads.
Install Wall-Mounted Shelving Units
Organize your space with this durable 5-tier metal shelf. It features adjustable leveling feet and a wall fixing kit for exceptional stability, supporting up to 1,000 lbs.
Wall-mounted shelves transform dead wall space into practical storage for detergent pods and fabric softener sheets. You’ll want brackets rated for RV travel vibration – standard home brackets often fail on the road.
Position shelves 12-15 inches apart to accommodate tall bottles and still reach everything easily. Choose lightweight materials like aluminum or bamboo to avoid adding unnecessary weight to your rig.
Use Over-The-Door Organizers
Maximize your storage space with this durable over-the-door organizer. Featuring 5 large pockets with clear windows and 10 mesh side pockets, it keeps items visible and easily accessible.
Over-the-door organizers turn your laundry room door into instant storage without drilling holes. These mesh or fabric pockets hold cleaning supplies dryer sheets and even small garments awaiting repair.
Look for organizers with adjustable hooks that accommodate different door thicknesses. The best ones have reinforced stitching and won’t sag under the weight of spray bottles and stain removers.
Add Magnetic Storage Containers
Organize your pantry with this 24-piece airtight container set. The stackable, BPA-free canisters keep food fresh and include reusable labels for easy identification.
Magnetic containers stick to your washer and dryer sides creating hidden storage pockets. You can store clothespins lint rollers and even quarters for laundromats without cluttering your limited counter space.
Choose containers with strong neodymium magnets that won’t slide during travel. Clear containers let you see contents at a glance while weatherproof versions handle humidity from washing cycles.
Create A Compact Folding Station With Multi-Purpose Surfaces
You’ll need a dedicated surface for folding clothes in your RV’s cramped quarters. Smart folding stations transform vertical wall space into functional workspace when needed.
Install A Fold-Down Countertop
Mount a fold-down table directly to your laundry room wall using heavy-duty hinges rated for 30+ pounds. Choose a 24-inch wide surface that creates enough space for folding jeans and towels without overwhelming your narrow corridor.
Position the hinges 32 inches from the floor for comfortable standing height. Marine-grade plywood works best since it handles RV humidity and vibration better than particle board alternatives.
Use The Washer Or Dryer Top As Workspace
Your washer and dryer tops offer 4-6 square feet of instant folding space that’s already at perfect working height. Place a non-slip mat or towel on the surface to prevent clothes from sliding during travel.
Front-loading machines provide the most stable workspace since their tops don’t vibrate during operation. Keep a small basket nearby to catch folded items before transferring them to storage areas.
Add A Pull-Out Cutting Board Extension
This double-sided cutting board features a pure titanium side for meats and a wheat straw PP side for fruits and vegetables. It's easy to clean, resists odors, and includes a juice groove and garlic grinding area for added convenience.
Install a pull-out cutting board drawer beneath your fold-down countertop for extra surface area when tackling large loads. Standard 18-inch kitchen drawer slides support up to 75 pounds and extend your workspace by 50%.
Mount the extension 6 inches below your main surface to create a two-tier system. This setup lets you sort clothes on the lower level while folding on the upper surface simultaneously.
Utilize Hidden Storage Compartments For Cleaning Supplies
Your RV’s laundry area contains untapped storage goldmines that most travelers never discover. These hidden compartments can triple your cleaning supply storage without sacrificing any floor space.
Install Under-Cabinet Drawers
Under-cabinet drawers transform wasted space into accessible storage for your laundry essentials. You’ll find 8-12 inches of vertical clearance beneath most RV cabinets that’s perfect for slim pull-out drawers.
Install drawer slides rated for 50+ pounds to handle detergent bottles and fabric softeners. Choose drawers with 2-inch clearance – they’ll hold standard-sized cleaning bottles while maximizing your vertical space utilization.
Create Storage Behind Removable Panels
Behind your RV’s wall panels lies valuable storage space that’s completely hidden from view. Remove panels near your laundry area to create custom cubbies for backup supplies and seasonal items.
Cut access panels using a multi-tool and secure them with magnetic catches for easy removal. You’ll gain 4-6 inches of depth – enough space for storing extra detergent pods, dryer sheets, and stain removers without cluttering visible areas.
Use Hollow Bench Seating For Storage
This adjustable weight bench provides a sturdy and versatile platform for full-body workouts. Quickly adjust between incline, decline, and flat positions with its 7 back, 4 seat, and 3 leg adjustments, and easily fold it for compact storage.
Hollow bench seating doubles as hidden storage while providing a convenient folding surface for your laundry routine. Build or retrofit existing seating with lift-up tops to store bulky items like fabric softener jugs.
Add piano hinges and soft-close mechanisms to prevent slamming – your stored cleaning supplies will stay secure during travel. The 12-15 inch depth accommodates large containers while keeping them completely out of sight.
Implement A Hanging System For Air-Drying Clothes
Your RV’s limited space doesn’t mean you can’t efficiently air-dry clothes. Smart hanging systems maximize vertical space while keeping wet items off precious counter surfaces.
Install Retractable Clotheslines
This portable clothesline simplifies laundry on the go. It features a retractable, stretchy rope with 12 clips and anti-skid beads to keep clothes secure indoors or outdoors.
Retractable clotheslines give you instant drying space that disappears when not needed. Mount them between cabinet faces or across shower stalls for maximum versatility.
I’ve found the Household Essentials Retractable Clothesline works perfectly in most RV layouts. It extends up to 12 feet and holds 40 pounds of wet laundry. Install mounting brackets at opposing walls or use the shower rod as one anchor point.
Position lines at different heights to accommodate various garment lengths without overlap.
Add Fold-Away Drying Racks
Wall-mounted fold-away racks provide dedicated drying space without permanent footprint. These units swing out when needed and fold flat against walls when stored.
The Greenway Stainless Steel Drying Rack mounts to any wall surface and supports up to 22 pounds. Its accordion design expands to 24 inches wide with multiple hanging bars for shirts, pants, and delicates.
Mount racks inside bedroom closets or bathroom spaces where they won’t interfere with daily movement patterns.
Use Ceiling-Mounted Pulley Systems
Ceiling pulley systems utilize overhead space that’s typically wasted in RV laundry areas. These old-school solutions work exceptionally well in compact spaces with standard ceiling heights.
Install a simple pulley system using marine-grade hardware from your local boat supply store. Run paracord through pulleys mounted to ceiling joists, creating an adjustable clothesline you can raise and lower as needed.
This system works particularly well above washer-dryer combos where you need temporary drying space without blocking access to appliances.
Organize Laundry Supplies With Portable Caddies And Baskets
Portable storage solutions work better than fixed installations in RVs because they adapt to your changing needs and travel demands. You’ll appreciate being able to grab your entire cleaning arsenal and move it wherever the mess happens to be.
Choose Stackable Laundry Baskets
Stackable baskets maximize your floor-to-ceiling potential while keeping dirty clothes sorted. Choose rectangular baskets over round ones – they use corner space more efficiently and stack without wobbling. Look for baskets with integrated handles and ventilation holes to prevent moisture buildup during travel. I recommend keeping one basket for darks, one for lights, and a smaller one for delicates or hand-wash items.
Use Rolling Carts For Mobility
Rolling carts transform your laundry supplies into a mobile command center. A three-tier rolling cart fits perfectly beside most RV washers and holds detergent, fabric softener, stain removers, and cleaning cloths on separate levels. Choose carts with locking wheels to prevent rolling during travel and select narrow profiles (12-15 inches wide) that fit through RV doorways without catching.
Install Pull-Out Drawer Systems
Pull-out drawers bring supplies within easy reach without requiring you to dig through deep cabinets. Install soft-close drawer slides rated for RV movement and vibration – standard home hardware won’t survive the road. Use drawer dividers to separate different products and prevent bottles from sliding around. Mount these systems under existing countertops or inside lower cabinets where you can access them while loading the washer.
Design A Sorting System For Dirty And Clean Laundry
An effective sorting system prevents your RV laundry space from becoming a chaotic mess of mixed clothes. Without proper organization, you’ll waste precious time searching for clean items while dirty clothes contaminate your limited storage areas.
Create Separate Hamper Compartments
Dual-compartment hampers maximize your sorting efficiency in tight RV spaces. Look for slim hampers with removable fabric bags that fit between your washer and dryer. The Sterilite 2-Section Laundry Sorter works perfectly in most RV configurations, measuring just 12 inches wide.
Position one compartment for lights and another for darks to streamline your washing routine. Choose hampers with wheels so you can easily roll them outside during nice weather for sorting and folding.
Use Color-Coded Laundry Bags
Mesh laundry bags in different colors eliminate guesswork when handling family laundry. Assign specific colors to each family member – blue for dad, pink for mom, green for kids. This system prevents mix-ups and makes putting away clean clothes faster.
Choose drawstring mesh bags that compress when empty to save storage space. The Simple Houseware Mesh Laundry Bags come in multiple colors and fold completely flat when not in use.
Install A Tiered Sorting Station
A three-tier sorting station transforms vertical wall space into an organized laundry command center. Mount wire baskets at different heights – top for delicates, middle for everyday items, bottom for heavily soiled clothes. This keeps everything visible and accessible.
Use Command strips or removable mounting hardware to avoid permanent modifications to your RV. The mDesign Wire Storage Baskets work well and can be repositioned as your needs change throughout different seasons.
Optimize Lighting And Ventilation For Functionality
Poor lighting and inadequate airflow turn RV laundry spaces into humid, dimly-lit caves where you’ll struggle to see stains or properly sort clothes. Smart lighting and ventilation upgrades transform these cramped areas into functional workspaces.
Add LED Strip Lighting Under Cabinets
LED strips mounted beneath cabinets eliminate shadows that standard overhead lighting creates in compact laundry areas. You’ll see fabric details clearly when sorting clothes or checking for stains before washing.
Install battery-powered LED strips like the Brilliant Evolution Wireless models to avoid complex wiring in your RV’s electrical system. These 12-inch strips provide 200 lumens of bright white light and stick directly to cabinet undersides with included adhesive backing.
Install Exhaust Fans For Moisture Control
Moisture from washing machines and drying clothes creates mold problems in sealed RV environments within days. A 12-volt exhaust fan like the Fantastic Fan 6000R removes humid air before condensation damages your RV’s interior.
Mount the fan in your laundry area’s ceiling or upper wall to pull moisture outside immediately. You’ll prevent water damage to surrounding cabinets and eliminate the musty odors that develop in poorly ventilated spaces.
Use Motion-Sensor Lighting
Motion-activated lights automatically illuminate your laundry space when you enter with full arms of dirty clothes. You won’t fumble for light switches while carrying heavy laundry baskets through narrow RV hallways.
Battery-powered motion sensors like the Mr. Beams MB726 provide 200 lumens for 20 seconds per activation. Mount them inside laundry closets or above washer-dryer combos where traditional switches are difficult to reach.
Conclusion
Your RV laundry space doesn’t have to be a source of frustration. With these seven organizational strategies you’ll transform even the smallest area into a highly functional workspace that rivals any home laundry room.
The key is thinking creatively about every available inch. Whether you’re implementing vertical storage solutions or creating hidden compartments these approaches work together to maximize your space’s potential.
Remember that organization in RVs is about adaptability. Start with one or two solutions that address your biggest challenges then gradually add more elements as you discover what works best for your specific needs and travel style.
Your organized laundry space will save you time reduce stress and make life on the road more enjoyable for everyone aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a typical RV laundry area have?
Most RV laundry spaces are extremely compact, measuring only 2-3 square feet. This limited space creates unique challenges for RV travelers who need to maximize every inch while keeping laundry essentials accessible. The small dimensions and awkward layout make efficient organization crucial for maintaining a functional workspace.
What are the best vertical storage solutions for RV laundries?
Wall-mounted shelving units work excellently for storing detergent and fabric softeners above appliances. Over-the-door organizers maximize unused door space, while magnetic storage containers can attach to washer/dryer sides for hidden storage. These solutions help utilize vertical space without taking up valuable floor area.
How can I create a folding station in my small RV laundry area?
Install a fold-down countertop mounted to the wall that can be stored flat when not needed. Use the tops of your washer and dryer as instant workspace, and consider adding a pull-out cutting board extension for extra surface area. These solutions provide functional folding space without permanent modifications.
What are some hidden storage ideas for RV laundry supplies?
Install under-cabinet drawers to transform wasted space into accessible storage. Create storage compartments behind removable panels for backup supplies, and utilize hollow bench seating for additional hidden storage. These solutions maximize storage capacity while keeping supplies organized and easily accessible.
How can I air-dry clothes in my RV’s limited space?
Install retractable clotheslines between cabinet faces or across shower stalls for versatile drying options. Add wall-mounted fold-away drying racks that store flat against walls when not in use. Consider ceiling-mounted pulley systems to utilize overhead space without obstructing access to appliances.
What portable storage solutions work best for RV laundries?
Stackable laundry baskets with rectangular shapes maximize space utilization for sorting dirty clothes. Rolling carts with narrow profiles and locking wheels serve as mobile command centers for supplies. Pull-out drawer systems keep supplies accessible while preventing clutter during travel.
How do I organize dirty and clean laundry in my RV?
Use dual-compartment hampers like the Sterilite 2-Section Laundry Sorter to separate different types of laundry. Implement color-coded laundry bags assigned to each family member for easy identification. Create tiered sorting stations using wire baskets mounted at different heights on walls.
What lighting and ventilation improvements should I make?
Add LED strip lighting under cabinets to eliminate shadows and improve visibility when sorting clothes. Install battery-powered LED strips for easy installation without complex wiring. Add exhaust fans to remove humid air and prevent mold, plus motion-sensor lighting for hands-free convenience.
