Organization and storage tips for RVers: Using the “zone method”

It seems there’s never enough storage space in an RV. Of course, you don’t want to overload your rig, but some items are essential. To identify usable and convenient storage space, check out the following storage tips for RVers: The “zone RV organization method.”

Zone?

First, a definition. A “zone” is a dedicated area identified by its function or task. You may already use a zone method of organizing your RV. For example, you store pots and pans near the stovetop where they’ll most likely be put to use. The real trick is to maximize each zone so that it accommodates the items you need on a regular basis. As you establish zones, pay attention so that individual zones do not overlap in a way that reduces productivity. Read on and you’ll see what I mean.

Kitchen zones

• Refrigerator. If possible, organize your RV fridge by zones. For example, designate a leftover zone. For us, this is the right side on the bottom shelf. Leftovers are boxed up and placed in that designated zone. All condiments go on the left inside door of the fridge. Fruit stays in the right, lower drawer. You get the idea. It’s important that every person who camps with you knows the location and purpose of each zone so that they can return items to their rightful space. Bonus: You no longer need to search for that jar of special mustard—or last night’s BBQ leftovers—and your fridge will work more efficiently, too.
• Cooking. A cupboard nearest the stovetop houses our most frequently used pots, pans, and lids for a cooking zone. Extra cookware, like our stock pot, stays in our underbed storage because we only occasionally use it. Same goes for some cooking appliances. If you use your Instant Pot regularly, try to store it somewhere in the kitchen. If not, move it to a different location to conserve space for your more regularly used items.
• Grilling. We used to store grilling equipment (metal spatulas, etc.) in a drawer under our RV oven. The problem? My husband needed to access items for grilling at the same time I needed that zone to cook side dishes. Thinking with a “zone” mentality, we decided to move the grilling things into a box in the RV basement, and it works much better for both of us.
• Tableware. Our plates, cups, silverware, etc., used to “live” in a cupboard beside the stovetop. This meant a veritable “cha-cha” dance between the cook and the person who wanted to set the table. Moving the tableware closer to the dinette space (away from the cooking zone) increased the efficiency of our limited space.

Cleaning

When I was a child, our family’s cleaning supplies resided under the kitchen sink. I continued the tradition until I learned about the zone method. Now, I put cleaning products that I use in the RV bathroom in the bathroom. Same goes for other areas in the RV. Stovetop cleaner, stainless wipes, trashcan liners, and dish soap are the only items under our RV’s kitchen sink. That freed up space for our blender, which is used regularly—as opposed to furniture polish and floor cleaner, which are not. Those found a home in a cupboard elsewhere because they are used infrequently.

Bedroom zones

RV bedrooms generally have very little in the way of space. How do you even find an RV organization “zone” here? Here are some suggestions:

• Drawers. I feel extremely fortunate to have a few drawers for clothes. One drawer holds underwear, belts, and short-sleeved tops. The other drawer holds shorts and jeans. Keeping the clothing I wear most often in one zone makes getting dressed easy and quick.
• Closet. My husband’s clothes are organized like mine except he uses these bins that stack inside our small closet. With a zone arrangement in our bedroom, we can both get ready for our day at the same time without reaching over/under one another to access clothing.

Living area

We mainly use the living area for reading and viewing television. One drawer is specifically designated for the remotes. A storage ottoman holds magazines and books we are currently reading. When I take hobbies along, they rest inside a designated cabinet until I’m ready to work on them.

Benefits of zone RV organization

There are several benefits to using zone organization inside your RV. Here are just a few. Zone organization:

• Makes the most of small RV storage spaces because lesser-used items are stored elsewhere in the RV or are eliminated from the RV altogether.
• Enables two or more people to work simultaneously and efficiently because zones are thoughtfully planned and have limited overlap.
• RV interior remains clutter-free when everything has its place or zone.

Zone organization

If you are by nature an organized person, you may already have discovered the zone method of organizing—naturally. For those RVers who struggle to make everything fit, or waste precious time continually searching for items, try zone organization. It’s worked well for me, and I’ll bet it works for you, too!

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